Chorley microentrepreneur wins national award

Chorley-based Brett’s Pets has won Young Microentrepreneur of the year at the Citi Microentrepreneur Awards 2017.

Brett’s Pets was nominated by Lancashire Community Finance, the responsible lender which provided the company with a Start-up Loan in 2013.

Brett has had a keen interest in animals, specifically exotic animals since an early age. After volunteering in both a pet shop and veterinary surgery he developed an ambition to one day open his own store.

The business had an excellent start, but saw growth level off in year three, and Brett realised the current premises was limiting the amount of stock he could hold, which in turn was limiting his sales. In early 2016, he moved into new larger premises, still within the main shopping district of Chorley. The move enabled the business to stock an even bigger range of animals and products, and also to set up a dedicated veterinary surgery within the store, Chorley Vets.

“Though this growth is excellent, Brett has no plans to stop here. He believes the business will grow even further within the Chorley area, after which his sights are firmly set on expansion into areas further afield.

Brett’s Pets and Chorley Vets currently employ 14 paid staff and also have over 10 work experience students from local colleges completing placements. Jennifer Tankard, chief executive of awards sponsir Responsible Finance, said: “It is inspiring to see Brett’s success and his passion for creating and growing his business. The judges were impressed by how Brett has created jobs and work experience placements for young people in Chorley. The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards celebrate the innovation and drive of entrepreneurs like Brett, the stars behind local economic growth."