Independent pet retailer Pickles Pet Pantry is celebrating after receiving two accolades at the National SME Business Awards.
The store in Olney, Buckinghamshire, qualified for the event after winning two gold awards at the regional SME Awards for the Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire area earlier this year. At the National Awards, the store was given a silver award in the Best New Business category, while owner Katie Parker was also awarded silver in the Business Leader (Small Business) category, a result of a public vote.
Katie and her family, as well as service dog Mac, were joined at the event, held in the Bobby Moore Suite at Wembley Stadium, by representatives from businesses that have supported her journey, including GA Pet Foods, The Pet Industry Federation, and Tropiclean.
Katie said: “It still hasn’t quite sunk in! When I started Pickles Pet Pantry, I never imagined I’d be standing here with two national awards. This recognition is a true testament to the hard work and support from my family and the local community.
“I’m beyond proud of all we have achieved. If you’re unsure of what to do next in your career, feeling unhappy, or dreaming wild dreams, remember, there’s never a right time – taking the plunge might just be the chance you’ve been waiting for. None of this would have been possible without my business partners Pam Parker, David Parker, and Jack Avery.”
