Pets Choice embarks on ambitious growth plan

Blackburn-based Pets Choice looks to recruit 50 new employees following significant expansion.

The company previously operated out of two sites, a mile and a half apart. When an adjacent property became available to purchase, managing director John Walgate saw the opportunity to expand the company further.

John turned to Andy Kay and Simon Howard at NatWest for financial backing and together they came up with a funding plan, backed by the government’s Funding for Lending Scheme. The funds from NatWest have helped support the businesses growth with the purchase of a larger factory space, giving the company the capacity to increase production of existing products, as well as widening the product lines.

Simon Howard of NatWest said: “We were able to offer Pets Choice a reduced rate loan of £2.2m with the Funding for Lending Scheme. We share the ambitions of the management team and this investment will help the business to improve its manufacturing operations giving them stronger foundations to expand further going forward. It’s been great working with John and his team to help support a well known company in the area.” Pets Choice was established in 1980 following the amalgamation of several national pet businesses. The company has seen substantial growth since then and is one of the largest employers in Blackburn as well as having a strong client base which includes the likes of Asda and Morrisons.