A Warwickshire online pet food company has achieved a remarkable growth in sales thanks to the support it received from a local business incubator.
Petshop.co.uk: from start-up to success
Petshop.co.uk is an online subscription service that delivers pet food and treats to customers across the UK. The company was founded in 2012 by Adam Taylor and his wife Lexi, who wanted to provide a convenient and affordable way to feed their pets.
The couple started their business from their home in Warwick, with only £5,000 in savings and a passion for animals. They faced many challenges and scepticism from others, but they did not give up on their vision.
They joined the Ignite programme, which is operated by the University of Warwick Science Park. Ignite offers low-cost, flexible office space and access to specialist support for start-ups and small businesses.
Through Ignite, Petshop.co.uk received mentoring, advice, networking opportunities and funding assistance from the Science Park team. They also benefited from the facilities and resources available at the Warwick Innovation District.
How Ignite helped Petshop.co.uk grow
Adam Taylor said that Ignite was the catalyst for their success, as it gave them the confidence and guidance they needed to scale up their business.
He said: “I am so grateful for the help we had in those early days and, not only that, the encouragement. When we told people about our idea to sell pet food and treats online as a subscription service, some raised their eyebrows and said it wouldn’t work. Dirk Schafer, from the Science Park, really believed in us and being part of Ignite really was the catalyst for success. And, long after we left, he’s continued to support us and match us up with useful contacts and give us crucial input to help us grow.”
Petshop.co.uk moved out of Ignite in 2014, after securing a £1 million investment from venture capitalists. The company now operates from a 50,000 sq ft warehouse in Stratford-upon-Avon, employs 100 people and has a turnover of more than £25 million. It expects to reach £35 million in sales in 2024.
The company has also expanded its product range to include toys, accessories, grooming products and veterinary services. It has over 300,000 customers and delivers more than 10,000 orders per day.
Ignite Alumni Network: sharing stories and insights
Adam Taylor was one of the speakers at the second meeting of the Ignite Alumni Network, which took place at the Junction building in the Warwick Innovation District on October 16, 2023.
The network is a platform for former Ignite tenants to share their stories, insights and challenges with each other and with current Ignite businesses. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with the Science Park team and access ongoing support and resources.
The event also featured Chris Golby, of employee experience company Lumien, who also praised Ignite for helping him pivot his business and grow his customer base.
The network is supported by University of Warwick Science Park partners PLMR Advent, MB Group and Edwards Chartered Accountants.
Sara Ahmad, of Warwick Innovation District, said: “We were very pleased to welcome the Ignite Alumni network to the Junction building and it was great to hear from so many interesting businesses and organisations.”
