A MORAY ENTERPRISE that was first set up as a hobby eleven years ago is in line for a national business award.
Margaret Reynolds recognised the potential of a coat for dogs designed to quickly dry them off – before they had shaken dirty water all over their homes!
Based just outside Keith, Margaret took on ‘Dogrobes’ from Anne Playle in 2012 – Anna had created the unique product as a hobby and Margaret thought she would continue producing the robes in the same manner.
However, she soon recognised it had much greater potential and expanded the operation into a business that has taken her from sewing her own product to employing a manufacturer.
She has developed an eye-catching brand, a revamped website with easy ordering system – and has retailers who stock her product.
Now Dogrobes has been shortlisted for an Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB) award as the most Enterprising Business of the Year.
“It’s lovely to be recognised for what we’ve achieved,” Margaret said, adding: “I’m very grateful for the support of a great team of people who work with me.
“Ultimately, it’s thanks to our customers, who continue to be the best brand ambassadors and spread the word about the effectiveness of Dogrobes.”
Margaret saw turnover double in the first year of the business – and by the time she had reached the second year production was five times greater than when she started out. Now the 48-year-old is looking to international markets as word of the effectiveness of Dogrobes spreads far and wide.
She will learn in September if the business has won the award when a ceremony is held in Glasgow.