Gemma Cardwell, from Gemma & Jodi’s Pet Services in Warwickshire, has been named one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain.
Gemma, who founded the multi award-winning pet care business in 2021, is being profiled among 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the country, as part of the ‘f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100’ campaign, which aims to celebrate the achievements of women running businesses in the UK today.
Gemma & Jodi’s offers a range of bespoke services, including dog walking, pet sitting, socialisation classes, and live-in care. In 2024, Gemma was named Dog Walker of the year by the Animal Star awards, Most Community Focus pet business by the Lux Life Magazine and, more recently, Silver Winner at the Best Business Women Awards.
The ‘f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100’ campaign, created in 2017 by Small Business Britain, showcases trailblazing female founders who lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support. The campaign offers a range of events, training, and networking opportunities to boost skills, capability, and confidence.
On being featured in the line-up, Gemma said: “We’re beyond thrilled to be part of such an inspiring group of female entrepreneurs.
“After a successful 2024, this recognition feels especially meaningful. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, building the business with Jodi, my life partner, while raising our beautiful daughter. Balancing motherhood with our work at GJPS makes every milestone even more special. It’s proof that with passion, purpose, and the right support, you can achieve anything.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, added: “It is vital that we recognise the impressive contribution of the UK’s female business owners and do all we can to support and encourage them throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from start-up to scale-up. As well as making a huge economic contribution to the UK, female entrepreneurs also create a wider positive impact that ripples across society and local communities too.”
