Case Study : Mares and Mutts - Dianne Todd

Through Mares and Mutts Dianne is able to offer a variety of services to people with pets. Some of the services are: dog walking, pet sitting, and a pet taxi.

Dianne, 39, said: “It was three years ago that I first thought about running my own business, after a horse riding accident left me unable to walk for nine months.

“But it was five months ago when I was made redundant that I decided to make a go of it. Losing my job pushed me to pursue something that I am truly passionate about and really enjoy, it’s a dream come true.”

Be Enterprising is committed to helping people in the unemployment hotspots of County Durham to realise their potential as entrepreneurs and was created to inspire enterprise and bring about positive and measurable changes. 

Dianne said: “Be Enterprising has been fantastic, I was awarded a £1408.27 grant that helped me cover start-up costs and it also helped to pay for equipment.”

From small to large Dianne works with pets as small as hamsters to as large as horses.
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With over 30 years’ experience with horses Dianne is well equipped with the knowledge and know-how of what help horse owners may require. She said: “I have owned horses for 30 years and have worked in riding schools, hunting and racing yards.

“I offer various services for horse owners such as, horse and pony exercising for those who like to keep their horses fit for competition at the weekends. Horse and pony clipping, I take horses for breaking and training, and have a stallion at stud.”
Dianne who has three dogs and three horses of her own, knows that sometimes people need a helping hand. She said: “Instead of kennels I offer dog boarding in my home for animals that need the personal touch, warmth and security of a family environment.”
Dianne who lives locally was aware of Be Enterprising through riding in the area but approached them after seeing an advertisement.

Joan Dowson, Diane’s Be Enterprising coach, said: “Dianne’s passion for what she does clearly shines through and is reflected in how hard working and dedicated she is to the business.

“Be Enterprising is committed to helping people in County Durham to start their own business and encouraging enterprise. Starting your own business is a great way to get back into work after a period of unemployment or redundancy.

For more information please visit http://www.maresandmutts.co.uk

Anyone living in County Durham who would like support making their business idea a reality may be eligible for support from Be Enterprising. For more information call 0800 030 4134 or visit www.be-enterprising.biz.