TWO animal-loving entrepreneurs are hoping a Boost will help to realise their ambitions.

Darwen-based dog groomer Jane Ferguson-Grime and businesswoman Jayne Beckingham-Burgess have combined their expertise to create Animal Herbology, which supplies natural pet products.

The business which works with retailers, specialist outlets, online businesses, dog groomers and doggy care centres was recommended to the Boost Growth Support programme.

They are selling about 280 products a month and have ambitions to grow this to 1,000 in the next two years, as well as taking on a member of staff.

Jayne underwent a business support review which led to the company being paired with Enterprise4all business advisor Amir Shafiq.

She said: “Attending the Boost programme was a breath of fresh air. It has allowed us to create an effective strategy on how we will grow our business over the next three years. We are planning to attend several markets this year alone and have just bought display equipment including a six-foot stand up banner.

“In the next three years we would like to employ someone to help with despatching stock and selling our products at shows. We have received a lot of help from Amir, along with 1-2-1 coaching on our marketing needs from Michaela Barker. Also, we have gone on many courses including: Business Growth, Grow on Google, and Make a Shop on Facebook.

“As a result, we have learned how to promote our business and manage our finances more effectively, and Amir has also facilitated contacts with several doggy day care businesses, one of which now stocks our products. We will continue meeting with Amir because his input has made a massive difference to us.”

Amir added: “Jayne and Jane will carry on benefitting from business support by attending Grow How Masterclasses as well as attending networking events across Lancashire. In addition, the 1-2-1 coaching on marketing and finance they have received will enabled them to manage their business with greater confidence.”