North Lanarkshire Pet Stores Sees Further Growth

A Motherwell pet store has seen a 150% increase in turnover after the business owners’ accessed support from Business Gateway.

Ruben’s Pet Store, run by sisters Julie Clifford and Frances Pinkowski, has achieved significant growth after receiving £17,500 from the North Lanarkshire Business Growth Fund, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which enabled them to move into a bigger premises and open their own dog day care.

Ruben’s Pet Store specialises in natural raw dog food, natural treats, health products and accessories.

Julie and Frances were inspired to start their own business in 2017 after seeing the life-changing benefits of a raw diet on Julie’s dog, Ruben.

Starting out in Frances’ garage, the sisters, supported by husbands Sean and Steven, initially ran the business in evenings and weekends after work. Buoyed by strong local support, Julie and Frances took the plunge to run Ruben’s Pet Store full time, expanding their team and moving into new premises as they refurbished a disused barn into a top-class pet store and dog day-care facility.

Like many other small businesses, the Ruben’s Pet Store team has been supported on its journey by its local Business Gateway team, with advisers, Jim Fagan, and Gemma Barrett, proving to be an integral part in supporting the business’ recent endeavours.

Jim and Gemma have provided one-to-one support, including advice across financial and business planning, HR and funding support, which has enabled Ruben’s Pet Store’s growth and expansion.

The team also benefitted from marketing consultancy support, giving them the confidence to upgrade the business’ digital footprint and increase engagement across its community through improving the website, implementing a dedicated social media strategy and customer targeting through targeted posts and advertising.

Earlier this year, the team was named Independent Pet Shop of the Year 2024 for North Lanarkshire, Falkirk, Fife and Edinburgh at the Local Pet Awards Scotland. Riding on the wave of this success, the team plan further expansion to the business by the end of the year and the current forecast is for it to double its turnover again over the next two years.

Julie Clifford, Co-Founder of Ruben’s Pet Store, said: “Business Gateway’s advice and guidance has been instrumental in helping us navigate our expansion and moving to the new premises."

“Jim (Fagan) and Gemma (Barrett) have been brilliant in offering their expertise, support and connections which have been crucial in gaining grant funding and taking our business to the next stage.”

Gemma Barrett, Business Gateway adviser said: “Julie, Frances and the rest of the team at Ruben’s Pet Store have had a fantastic year, it’s brilliant to see all their hard work and dedication paying off."

“They have been a joy to work with and really taken on board our advice and guidance. We’re delighted to have assisted them in expanding their business and look forward to supporting the next exciting steps in their journey.”