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CONTENTS
A
s the new year gets underway, we catch up with experts from the world of grooming to get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions put to them by students. We also find out the latest news on grooming apprenticeships and discover the challenges ahead this year for Groom Team England. There’s also lots of news and advice to help groomers maximise their salon opportunities. Keep your ideas coming. Contact: editor@totalgroomingmagazine. co.uk
Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
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Groomers’ frequently asked questions, answered by the experts
Contents 04 News 06 News 08 News
On the cover: Kerbl UK Limited Tel: 01572 722558 E-mail: enquiries@kerbl.co.uk www.kerbl.co.uk
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk FEBRUARY 2022
10 News
26 BIGA update
12 News
28 Crufts is back – a show preview
16 Cat grooming and the feline microchip revolution
32 Advice on reviewing salon pricing
18 Groomers’ frequently asked questions, answered by the experts
34 Groom Team England – the latest news
24 Latest news on grooming apprenticeships
Editor
Design and Production
Sue Corfield – editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
Grant Waters – grant@cimltd.co.uk James Taylor – james@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509108
Commercial Director Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110
Account Manager Louie Barnes – louie@tgmpublishing.co.uk
32
Advice on reviewing salon pricing
Credit Facilities Manager Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103
36 Grooming through the ages – the second instalment on keeping healthy practices in the salon © 2022 TGM Publishing Limited, 1st Floor, Saphir House 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.
Total Grooming Magazine | 3
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News and Product Round-up High Demand from Students Entering the World of Grooming
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t’s 2022, and many people are looking to make a brand new start after a tough two pandemic years. And Brighton’s Bone Idol Grooming Academy has seen a surge in applications, as people decide to follow their dreams and become a dog groomer. The academy trains would-be groomers to pass the Ofqual regulated iPET Network courses, and this gives them all the skills that they need to set up their own grooming businesses. Which is good news, because Brighton was recently named in a survey by Legal and General as the lockdown puppy capital of the UK, meaning there will be more dogs than ever needing to be groomed for health reasons. Bone Idol co-founder Scott Learmouth said: “It is now more important than ever that the Sussex area and the UK in general meet demand, and that there are plenty of qualified dog groomers to offer care and attention to all of these extra dogs. “We have been so pleased to see so many people applying for our courses, as dog grooming really is one of the best professions out there. You can be your own boss, and work with animals which for many is a dream career. “The pandemic has led many people to put their lives and current career balance into sharp focus, and many people are choosing a brand new start in the grooming world, and fulfilling their lifelong ambitions.” Carola Copland, 53, from Littlehampton Sussex did just that, and is now loving life as a dog groomer. Carola worked in a manager role for a global IT corporate before she moved with her husband and children back home from Europe.
4 | www.technogroom.co.uk
Carola Copland has started a new career in grooming
She went freelance working for big corporations in the computer industry, and raised her children Cäcilia, 20 and Jeremy, 17. To relax after a day in her highpowered role Carola had always groomed her dogs. She was completely self taught, and she always used to joke with friends and family that ‘one day I will become fully qualified’. But she never really had the confidence as grooming involves much more than “just cuddling puppies”. But during the second lockdown in 2020, Carola decided that it was ‘now or never’ and says that she is over the moon that she dared to take the plunge
Scott added: “Many people reach a certain age and think that this is their life, and that it is too late to change their focus or their career. “Some people struggle with confidence, thinking that our classrooms will be filled with people who are fresh out of school. That is simply not the case, and our tutor groups are made up of a wonderful mix of ages and experiences. “But our grooming trainees consistently show that there is no ideal age to switch careers, and we are so proud of all of them.” To find out more please go to www. boneidol.co.uk
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Can You Cut It? Christies Direct search for their newest brand ambassadors.
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icking 2022 off with a bark, leading dog grooming suppliers Christies Direct are looking to appoint their newest brand ambassadors to represent them in the global pet industry. Wanting to be inclusive of all areas of expertise and influence, Christies Direct have created different roles to ensure there are a variety of options for groomers to get involved in educating their audience and growing the global grooming community. Christies Direct are searching for an Elite Brand Ambassador, a Digital Content Creator and Chief Product Reviewers. Colin Christie, CEO of Christies Direct, has been an industry leader in animal grooming for over thirty years. He says, “We are looking for brand ambassadors that shine in all areas of content creation and live performance. The successful applicants will be exciting, skilled groomers, with excellent product knowledge and a passion for pet grooming and our brands” The Elite Brand Ambassador role has been created for innovative and creative grooming experts across the globe. The company initially plan to appoint a groomer for this role who is based in the UK or Ireland but will be expanding this into other territories. This role requires expert knowledge of products and techniques, great presentation skills, confidence on and off camera and the ability to produce excellent written content. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy travel, networking, giving product reviews, and creating content. The role also includes supporting new product development at Christies Direct. The Christies Direct Brand Ambassador 2021, Kayla Harrison will be helping to judge applicants. She adds, “Don’t be afraid to show off your technical prowess and highlight your 6 | www.technogroom.co.uk
Kayla Harrison (Brand Ambassador 2021)
creativity and any areas of innovation. As groomers we are passionate about our creativity and creating content that stands out. Share this in your application and it will definitely set you apart from other applicants.” Christies Direct are also looking for a digitally savvy groomer to come into their brand ambassador team as a Christies Direct Creator. The successful applicant will be an influential groomer with a great online following who is visually minded and confident in content creation. Christies Direct also hope to collaborate with passionate groomers to provide product reviews. This role would be ideal for busy groomers who may not have the time to commit to one of the other roles but who are
passionate, opinionated, and articulate. In stage one groomers are asked to share their experience, knowledge, and the reasons why they think they can cut it as a Christies Direct Brand Ambassador, alongside a brief introduction video where they share their favourite Groom Professional product. The judging panel, Colin Christie (CEO), Matt McCallum (Marketing Manager) and Kayla Harrison (Brand Ambassador 2021) will review the applications and shortlist the top candidates to move on to Stage 2. To learn more about the roles on offer or to apply, click bit.ly/Ambassadors22 to become the new Brand Ambassador for Europe’s number one pet grooming supplier.
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Get Chip Ready
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et professionals are being urged to add microchipping to the list of services they offer, as new rules are set to lead to a surge in demand for the procedure. In December the Government announced new pet microchipping rules for cats, in a bid to crack down on stray or missing felines. The new rules say that every kitten has to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks, otherwise breeders and owners could face a £500 fine. Qualification providers iPET Network, say that pet microchipping is a skill which existing businesses could easily add as a service, and that 2022 is the year to get qualified, as demand is set to be higher than ever. Nationally more people brought home a new pet during the pandemic, with 59% of households now owning a pet up from 45% before Covid-19 lockdowns struck. And with these new rules arriving with regard to cats, iPET Network bosses say that adding in microchipping should be a no-brainer for many businesses. Sarah Mackay, co-director of iPET Network, said: “With these new regulations coming in for cats, the time to add in microchipping as a service has never been better. “The qualification is inexpensive, and then you are up and running to start helping more people than ever be reunited with their precious pets.” The iPET Network microchipping course is regulated by Ofqual and DEFRA approved, and teaches learners how to carry out the procedure which is common in dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, and after they qualify they and their clients will have access to the Track Your Paws service, which includes a 24/7 manned phone line, assistance from pet detectives and ongoing efforts from the service to stamp out national loopholes which
8 | www.technogroom.co.uk
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty
The iPET Network microchipping course is regulated by Ofqual and DEFRA approved,
could put pets and owners at risk. After the course participants are all registered and ready to operate as Track Your Paws implanters, and get unlimited free microchips to give their business a flying start. Fern Gresty of iPET Network, said: “Getting this qualification will be a no-brainer for many existing pet businesses, and for some individuals it could be a brilliant revenue stream in a
growth industry. Equally it will lighten the burden on overwhelmed veterinary services and ensure more animals are chipped. “Being qualified gives a mark of quality, and as a nation of pet parents and pet lovers, that is what customers demand.” To find out more about iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
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Lucky Find
Chris Joyce reunited with Lucky
A
scared dog has been reunited with her owner after being stolen over a year ago, thanks to Battersea. Jack Russell, Lucky, was stolen from her owners in August 2020 while she was out on a walk. After months and months of searching, her family thought they’d never see their muchloved pet again. However, in December 2021 aptly named Lucky found herself in the care of the iconic charity after being found as a stray in Wandsworth. Upon her arrival, Battersea staff swiftly checked Lucky’s microchip and soon discovered that she had been cruelly stolen from her owners last year and it wasn’t long before she was back where she belonged. Lucky’s owner, Chris Joyce, said of the reunion: “Hearing that Lucky had been found and was safe and unharmed was such an emotional experience. With her being missing for so long I never thought I’d see her again, so to
10 | www.technogroom.co.uk
have her back with me is amazing. I’m forever grateful to Battersea for being able to reunite us.” Battersea has been running its Lost Dogs & Cats Line for over 20 years, with their first call being taken in November 1998. At the end of November 2021, the service had received reports of nearly 3,000 missing pets since the start of the year: up from just 1,902 for the whole of last year. Steve Craddock, Centre Manager at Battersea said: “Knowing that we were able to reunite Chris and Lucky is really rewarding. Our Lost Dogs & Cats Line has reunited thousands of animals throughout the years, and we continue to be here for every dog, cat and person who needs to use our services. “We saw an increase in pets being reported as missing in 2021, which could be as a result of the pandemic and the increased population of dogs and cats. If your pet has gone missing, please do get in touch with us and we
will do all that we can to reunite you and your pet.” Luckily Battersea were able to contact Chris as a result of Lucky’s microchip, but if she didn’t have this implanted this wouldn’t have been possible. Microchipping of dogs has been compulsory in Great Britain since 2016, and in Northern Ireland since 2012, yet worryingly just 26% of dogs taken in by Local Authority dog wardens in 2021 had a microchip with accurate details. Steve continues: “Microchipping is a painless and simple procedure for dogs and cats, and I’d urge everyone to ensure that their pet’s microchip details are correct and up to date- this could be the difference between never seeing your pet again or being reunited should they ever go missing.” If you have a missing dog or cat, or to make a donation to Battersea, please visit www.battersea.org.uk.
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New Arena for Canine Studies Students
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brand-new Animal Assisted Activity Area designed to further enhance the student learning experience and facilitate canine research opportunities has officially opened for use. Located within Hartpury Equine, the £730,000 activity area consists of a covered 60m x 30m arena finished with an Andrews Bowen Pro Wax Surface. A 22m-diameter round pen completes a contemporary learning environment for Hartpury University and Hartpury College students enrolled on equine, human-animal interaction and canine diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. In line with Hartpury’s commitment to sustainability, the covered indoor arena has been built with an Equaflow base in order to attenuate rainfall from the roof that can later be released via controlled discharge into the existing site drainage. Manufactured from recycled material, Equaflow provides a sound subbase for the Andrew Bowen’s ProWax surface that is consistent with
12 | www.technogroom.co.uk
the existing surfaces used on site. Several organisations, charitable trusts and foundations backed the development. Aleksandra Lipinska, Animal Collection Manager at Hartpury, said: “The EAAAA will provide an invaluable space to work with our dogs, not just for agility and training purposes, but also for the many canine research projects carried out by staff and students alike. The arena and round-pen are beautifully constructed and we’re all immensely grateful to everyone who came together to create such a dynamic and multi-purpose facility.” The EAAA will prove particularly useful for Hartpury University students enrolled on a variety of animal training, behaviour and humananimal interaction programmes. These include BSc (Hons) Canine Training and Performance, BSc (Hons) Animal Training and Performance, BSc (Hons) Human Animal Interaction, and BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare.
Hartpury University students studying equine sports coaching or equestrian sports science programmes will benefit from an additional arena for coaching practice, and those enrolled on courses such as the BSc (Hons) Equine Performance and Rehabilitation will be able to use the space for horse assessment and therapy support. Postgraduate students will also benefit from the facility. Learn more about Hartpury University’s new postgraduate degrees for 2022. Hartpury University made a strong debut in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, ranking highly in areas including Teaching Quality and Student Experience. Hartpury, which was granted university status just three years ago, also achieved excellent graduate employability figures in the 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey released by HESA, with 96% of 2019 Hartpury graduates progressing into employment or other purposeful activity.
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How much do you know about cold pressed dog food?
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ost of us have spotted the term ‘cold pressed’ on a few items when out shopping; a vitamin-packed fruit smoothie or a great olive oil. But are you familiar with cold pressed dry dog food? We caught up with Devonian dog food makers Forthglade to learn more about the benefits of feeding this increasingly popular food to our dogs.
What exactly is ‘cold pressed’? Cold pressed dog food is where bite-sized pieces of food are made by pressing the ingredients together under pressure for a short time at a low temperature.
Why is cold pressed often referred to as being ‘more natural’ than other dry dog foods? Extruded Kibble is produced by using long times and high temperatures which reduces the nutritional value of the ingredients and may result in using additives to provide taste, colour and preservatives. The gentler cold pressing process preserves the ingredient’s nutrients better, which avoids the use of unnecessary additives.
What are the main benefits of feeding cold pressed natural dry dog food? Forthglade’s cold pressed natural dry dog food is made by taking lots of tasty ingredients and basically doing as little to them as possible during the pressing process. The unique process means that each bite-sized piece retains the natural flavour, aroma and goodness of the ingredients. The recipes also include vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and oils. The short time and low temperature used during cold pressing produces a heavier but softer kibble compared to an 14 | Total Grooming Magazine
extruded kibble. They absorb moisture and fall apart easier when consumed, which makes it easier for the dog to digest, whilst also helping to maximise the absorption of the nutrients. This highly digestible dog food can also help to reduce the likelihood of a dog’s stomach bloating.
Is cold pressed more expensive than standard dry dog food? Obviously, this depends on the quality of the ‘standard’ food fed, but in principle it’s no more expensive than any other good quality diet. As cold pressed is nutritionally denser a dog requires less per portion.
Is it easy to switch from a standard kibble diet to cold pressed? As with switching any dog’s diet, a change should be done gradually introducing the new food to the original food bit by bit over a period of at least five days to avoid any unnecessary tummy upset. It is also important to ensure that your dog has access to adequate fresh drinking water throughout the day.
What is the shelf life and how should it be stored? Our cold pressed has a shelf life of 18 months. It should be stored either in the bag or a loose-lid container and kept in a cool and dry place.
Can puppies eat your cold pressed recipes? Absolutely. It’s suitable for puppies from the ages of 2 months+. The small pieces can also be mixed with a little warm water to soften it further for young pups, if required.
Forthglade’s award-wining cold pressed recipes Forthglade offer three delicious grain free recipes, choose from turkey, chicken or duck, each with a tasty mix of fibre-rich vegetables. As with all Forthglade recipes, the ingredients included in our cold pressed recipes offer natural goodness. Bag sizes available range from 1kg through to 16kg and cost from £6.75. Contact trade@forthglade.com for stockist detail.
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Cat Grooming Training Matters
2
021 was a big year for iPET Network, and it saw the launch of the UK’s first ever dedicated portfolio of cat grooming qualifications. Previously the only industry qualifications available were add-ons to dog grooming courses. But with the upsurge in demand for grooming of all kinds, and key differences in the core skills required to be a cat groomer, we decided that cats needed their own qualifications too. Leading industry experts helped us develop the qualification to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the Cat Grooming Industry and the continued growth and development of the sector. The qualification is a balance of theoretical and practical learning to ensure that vocational skills lead the qualification with underpinned knowledge developed throughout. The practical training is now delivered at several approved iPET Network Training Providers around the country, offering the iPET Network Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Cat Grooming, iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling, iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management and the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Feline Emergency First Aid. Because iPET Network is run by groomers, the courses move with the times too and you are learning from people who know all about the industry and all about animals. According to PDSA figures 24% of the UK adult population have a cat, with 10.9 million pet cats being cared for in this country. And with an ever more discerning
16 | Total Grooming Magazine
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty iPET Network
customer base, which are increasingly demanding to see a qualified groomer, we believe the industry needs to level up, and get its existing skills recognised too. This year, there is also a chance for existing grooming businesses to not only expand their offer with cat grooming, but with microchipping felines too. In December the Government announced new pet microchipping rules for cats, in a bit to crack down on stray or missing felines. The new rules say that every kitten has to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks, otherwise breeders and owners could face a £500 fine. Pet microchipping is a skill which existing businesses could easily add as a service, and that 2022 is the year to get qualified, as demand is set to be higher than ever. With these new regulations coming in for cats, the time to add in microchipping as a service has never
been better. The qualification is inexpensive, and then you are up and running to start helping more people than ever be reunited with their precious pets. The iPET Network microchipping course is regulated by Ofqual, and teaches learners how to carry out the procedure on dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, and after they qualify they and their clients will have access to the Track Your Paws service, which includes a 24/7 manned phone line, assistance from pet detectives and ongoing efforts from the service to stamp out national loopholes which could put pets and owners at risk. After the course participants are all registered and ready to operate as Track Your Paws implanters, and get unlimited free microchips to give their business a flying start. By Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty To find out more about the iPET Network’s range of cat grooming courses go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
Barking Bags are the perfect and stylish accessory for dog groomers
B
arking Bags are fast becoming an essential companion for dog walkers, dog groomers and animal behaviourists. Their fashionable and multifunctional design allows the wearer the flexibility to use them cross body or as a bum bag, allowing you to carry everything you need without compromising on style. They are weatherproof and suitable for any climate or environment and absolutely perfect for dog groomers to keep brushes, scissors and grooming products in particularly when on the go. They were recently featured on BBC One Dragon’s Den. We have a range of high quality, water resistant, unisex fabrics and also high end luxury leather bags to choose from, but in response to customer demand, we also produce a vegan friendly range as well Inspired by young British designers, their ingenious designs have mesh pockets for to carry everything you need whilst on the go. Some models have reflective strips for added safety when walking in the dark and Barking Bags sell police approved panic alarms that can be clipped onto the bags. Choose from our Diddy, Luxury or Original Bags. There is a six week turnaround on some bags so pre order now. 100% 5 star reviews on Google RRP Prices start from £20 upwards depending on the fabric and style. Barking Bags were recent winners at the Pet Industry Federation Awards (PIF) and were finalists in the both the PetQuip and PIF Awards across six categories. For further information please visit: www.barkingbags.co.uk
Total Grooming Magazine | 17
Thinking of Getting into Grooming… Grooming experts, Heidi Anderton and Joanne Angus highlight some of the most frequently asked questions put to them by groomers and share their answers.
J
oanne Angus Chair of the Committee with Groom Team England, Director of Summit Groomer Training Group and Look North Grooming and Training Centre has been a major player in the grooming industry for over 30 years and was the recipient of the Industry awarded Liz Paul Lifetime Achievement Award at The Grooming Conference in November 21. Joanne shares the most frequent questions asked during training:
Q. How do I know if I’ll be good enough? A. The only way to find out is to do it! I highly recommend a visit to a potential training school in an effort to get some hands on experience, even if it’s a couple of hours, before committing to a full training course. Your tutor should give you constructive honest feedback throughout your training and teach you to develop your skills in a manner that suits your learning style.
Q. What if a dog doesn’t behave? A. Not all dogs stand still to be groomed and some are positively uncomfortable with the process. Study and learn how to read the subtle signals a dog is giving you through its behaviour and body language. Heavily restraining a dog is not necessarily the answer. Unfortunately it is part of the job that you may occasionally be snapped at but learn to read the dog and handle it sympathetically to build a 18 | Total Grooming Magazine
Joanne Angus bond for grooming.
Q. I’ll never be quick enough, how can I increase my speed? A. Routine and method are the way to increase your timing. Always stick to a pattern of work e.g. complete your clipper work, blend, start at the feet trim the legs on one side then the other and finish with tail and head. This way you’ll not only be able to increase your time but will know exactly where you have got to if you have to break off for any reason. Don’t be in a rush to trim too many dogs in one day, which is when accidents happen. Two dogs a day is enough for a new groomer to cope with.
Q. Where do I get all my equipment from? A. There are many grooming suppliers and each training school probably have their personal favourites that they will recommend. Most suppliers offer student rates or starter kits for learner groomers. Don’t be afraid to ask! Alternatively, there can be items offered on sale through social media selling sites. Always check the authenticity and quality of a product before you buy. Good equipment is not cheap but buying quality should ensure its longevity. Visit looknorth.net for more information on their courses.
Heidi Anderton is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, with over 30 years in the business, she is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert as well as an awardwinning groomer, former Groom Team England member and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association(BIGA). Heidi shares questions and answers most commonly posed from someone looking for a grooming course: Q: What is dog grooming like? A: Dog grooming is a continual learning experience. Dogs are funny, loving, and Quirky. They all have their own characters, dispositions, histories, health, and behavioural tendencies as well as their independent owners making them a very complex but interesting pet to groom. When dog grooming you need to keep an open mind and an open heart. No dog is the same and they all require individual care which makes every groom different, a continual learning experience and an interesting job.
Q: What will the future bring me if I complete a dog grooming course? A: In today’s day and age, dog grooming is a career rather than a 20 | Total Grooming Magazine
Heidi Anderton
hobby. Once you have learned the basics skills of dog grooming you can go on to pursue specialist areas such as the techniques of scissoring or hand stripping. Or you may go down the behaviourist road in dog grooming, working with dogs which are very sensitive to noise or touch and require more time spent on them. Others choose the competition field to show off their artistic flair and knowledge of the breed standards to spectators and other competitors with the high level of finish that they can achieve.
Q: Where can I offer dog grooming to my new clients? A: Some groomers work from a van, some from home and others in a shop. You may groom a couple of dogs a week and that’s all they want to do. Others will groom a couple of dogs a day. If you dream big you may want to have a fleet of vans or a shop or two where you may employ staff to meet the high volume of pets you receive. This is becoming more common as
people transition from other industries.
Q: What do I need to learn? A: There is a vast amount of knowledge to learn. Formal course content will teach you all the basics that you need to start out in pet grooming. Breed recognition, first aid, legislations, basic dog behaviour, health and safety, equipment and how to use, store and maintain it are some of the areas covered as well as clipping and scissoring patterns and much more. For me the main areas to learn are the safety and wellbeing of the dogs during grooming and the safe use of tools. It is essential to learn this on a dog grooming course.
Q: Can I complete refresher days as a practicing dog groomer? A: All dog groomers need to continue their professional development. This is so important as trends change. Equipment improves and so do techniques, this can take time off
your grooms, make the grooming easier for the dogs and the long-term health implications for the groomer, so it is imperative to continually update skills. Everything that makes the process easier for the dog and the groomers are essential to put in place.
Q: Can I fast track if I’m already a practising dog groomer? A: There are fast track options available for practising dog groomers. I asked the groomer to send me before and after pictures of their clip and scissor work. I can usually tell from a picture where the groomer needs to improve, but there is only so much information you can gain from a picture, so an assessment day is really helpful to gain a complete overview to plan forward and is hugely beneficial for the groomer to selfevaluate.
Q: Do you teach cat grooming? A: We can groom 30 cats a week in our grooming salon. We have been teaching cat grooming for a considerable amount of time now, but recently have become an iPET Network Centre offering the formal iPET Cat Grooming Qualifications which sit on the national qualification framework. Our first course is in May 2022. These are fantastic courses as cat grooming is a great addition for dog groomers as well as a niche area for exclusive cat groomers. I am passionate about cat grooming as there aren’t enough cat groomers out there and generally cats are pretty neglected when it comes to coat care.
Q: How many students are there in a class at one time? A: Class sizes and ratios of students to dogs will differ from school to school. The ratios will depend on how many teachers and support workers there are available and how big the school or college is. We have small classrooms where learners are following an individual program so don’t have many at any one time. Some colleges have 25 students on a course. 22 | Total Grooming Magazine
Q: How many dogs will I actually groom on my course? A: Each student generally grooms two dogs per day. That may be 44 dogs or 64 dogs depending on the course that is taken. Sometimes we will offer demonstrations to the students, this is a very rewarding learning process as the learners have time to discuss and ask questions as well as watch the techniques and the skills being carried out by a professional and viewing the whole groom from start to finish. We are professional groomers who run a professional grooming salon of over 28 years. Not only are we teaching our students the qualification syllabus, but also the tricks of the trade that we have learned over the years.
Q: Will I be supported after my course? A: We offer a private Facebook group that our students can join after their course. On this group they can ask any questions, however silly they may seem, as well as putting pictures up of dogs they’ve groomed, and any difficulties they may have encountered. Our students know that they can come back and receive support and advice at any time in their grooming career as we’ve been in the grooming industry for over 30 years and have a wealth of experience from home grooming to running a busy salon. Visit absolutelyanimals.biz for more information on their courses.
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Total Grooming Magazine | 23
Grooming Apprenticeships Launched We are now able to provide the latest news on grooming apprenticeships thanks to Joanne Angus. Joanne is Chair of the Committee with Groom Team England, Director of Summit Groomer Training Group and Look North Grooming and Training Centre. She has been a major player in the grooming industry for over 30 years and she and her colleagues have worked tirelessly to deliver the first official apprenticeships to the grooming sector. Joanne explains:
F
inally last September the long-awaited Dog Grooming Apprenticeship Standard was approved. Following a lengthy process (and nearly giving up!), the trailblazer group led brilliantly by Michelle Fielder (Pets At Home) and Vicky Skinner (National Pet College), pushed through the red tape and protocols set by the Institute For Apprenticeship and Technical education (IFATE) to enable our industry to have a recognised apprenticeship. This now sets a pathway of dedicated training to meet industry standards to a Level 2 role. The apprenticeship covers all areas from customer services and 24 | Total Grooming Magazine
professionalism to bathing, drying and health checks to breed recognition and basic trimming. The apprenticeship end goal is not as a stylist but a well-trained assistant. An apprentice is required to carry out 20% off the job training alongside the training they receive in their workplace and will complete a minimum of 12 months on the scheme before assessment can take place. There are stringent procedures for assessment which is carried out at the end of the apprenticeship and typically lasting for 3 months. This is delivered by End Point Assessment Organisations such as Vetskill, for who
I am part of the highly skilled team developing the assessment material and a Lead End Point Assessor. My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship role or an employer considering taking on an apprentice is to go for it! I’m looking forward to seeing the industry progress through long term training and can’t wait to begin the assessments later this year. For full details of the apprenticeship content please visit: https://www. instituteforapprenticeships.org/ apprenticeship-standards/doggroomer-v1-0
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Total Grooming Magazine | 25
BIGA Boots
Trade association appoints new Head of Operations
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he directors at the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), are excited to welcome Carolyn Furber as its newly appointed Operations Manager. Carolyn takes on the role overseeing BIGA’s operations and membership management. With a background across Finance and dog grooming Carolyn brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to help ensure ‘the BIGA promise’. “The BIGA promise,” explains Chairman Kristian Maris, “is to continue our development as the grassroots trade association and community support network of pet grooming businesses across the UK. Lifting standards in our professionalism and business practices, our grooming, and the welfare of pets in our care. I congratulate Carolyn, I am looking forward to working with her, and I especially welcome her experience and candour to help ensure BIGA delivers on this very special commitment.” Established in 2016, BIGA is also an associate member of The Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) and actively participates in discussions around the proposed future licensing of pet groomers, among other related pet welfare issues. BIGA also regularly consulted with the CFSG during the national lockdowns related to Covid, ensuring the concerns of its members were heard, and that groomers received timely communications as the government navigated its response to Covid. “I am excited by this BIGA opportunity” said Carolyn, “it will enable me to use my financial experience along with my relationship skills and knowledge of dog grooming, but the best part is that I will be working with BIGA. “Over the last six years, BIGA has demonstrated staying power, and
26 | Total Grooming Magazine
Carolyn Furber
it is really making a difference” she explains. “The foundations are there for us now to take things further. Covid has affected us all in the last couple of years but, as we move towards a new normal, there is plenty for BIGA to be getting on with. Of course, we will continue to advocate for regulation of the industry. This will come before time, and BIGA will be reaching out to help our grooming business members get ‘regulation-ready’. It’s
an ambitious challenge. But it’s driven by a meaningful purpose. Ultimately: the highest standards in the welfare of our pets. So, I am keen to get on and help make a BIGA difference and look forward to meeting many new people across this industry who share the same conviction that there is a better way, a BIGA way.” To find out more about the British Isles Grooming Association, please visit www. mybiga.org
Crufts 2022
The World’s Greatest Celebration of Dogs Returns from 10-13 March 2022 at Birmingham’s NEC • Dogs and owners will take part in numerous competitions and for the ultimate Best in Show prize • One incredible four-legged friend will receive The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, and the winner of the country’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts, will be crowned • The show will be broadcast on Channel 4 and live streamed on the Crufts YouTube channel Tickets are now on sale for Crufts, the world’s greatest celebration of dogs, which is returning to the NEC in Birmingham from 10 – 13 March 2022. The four-day event, which in 2020 attracted more than 150,000 people and over 27,000 dogs, boasts a diverse programme of dog competitions in different categories and levels, including the finale of the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award (formerly the Friends for Life competition) which 28 | Total Grooming Magazine
recognises unsung canine heroes, and a celebration of crossbreeds with the Scruffts final. There will also be opportunities to meet and greet around 200 different breeds in the Discover Dogs area, shop for doggie delights at the many specialist trade stands, and enjoy the full arena show with all its displays and competitions. Show-goers have the opportunity to follow the Best in Show journey beginning with the Working and Pastoral group on Thursday 10 March, Terrier and Hound groups on Friday 11 March, Utility and Toy groups on Saturday 12 and the Gundog group on Sunday 13 March. The event culminates with the announcement of the public vote for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, followed by climax of the show, the exciting Best in Show finale on Sunday evening. Three breeds will also be making history at Crufts 2022. The
Young Kennel Club Groomer of the Year The YKCGOTY competition will be held in Hall 1 on Sunday 13th March. This is the event for aspiring young groomers to test their mettle in a competitive situation. We will have more details in the next issue of TGM.
Hungarian Pumi will have its own classes for the first time; the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog will make their debut at the show; and the historic Harrier will be making its first appearance in the Crufts breed ring since 1898! Elsewhere, stands and areas offer an opportunity to learn more about other Kennel Club activities, including work that is done into canine health. Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations will be showcasing their hard work and successes in rehoming breed rescue dogs on The Kennel Club stand, where visitors can find out about rescue dogs looking for their forever home. With a huge increase in dog ownership during the pandemic, doglovers at Crufts can also enjoy the ultimate shopping experience with over 350 stands selling all sorts of doggy delights, including dog food, toys and beds, as well as outdoor clothing and other equipment. Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, said: “We’re delighted Crufts is returning in 2022, bringing together thousands of dogs and dog lovers and celebrating the unique relationship humans have with our four-legged friends. “This year we are very excited to be welcoming for the first time a royal gundog display in the main arena,
Hunter McDonald YKCGOTY 2020
commemorating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as well as displays by Guide Dogs to mark the 90th anniversary of the charity and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary after forming at Crufts in 1982. Of course the highlight will always be Best in
Show on the last night and we are excited to see who will take this crown for 2022.” More information and tickets for the event are available at crufts.org.uk. Please note that tickets are only available through our official ticketing partner Ticket Factory.
About The Kennel Club The Kennel Club is the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training. Its objective is to ensure that dogs live healthy, happy lives with responsible owners. It runs the country’s largest registration database for both pedigree and crossbreed dogs and the Petlog database, which is one of the UK’s biggest reunification service for microchipped animals. The Kennel Club is accredited by UKAS to certify members of its Assured Breeders scheme, which is the only scheme in
30 | Total Grooming Magazine
the UK that monitors breeders in order to protect the welfare of puppies and breeding bitches. It also runs the UK’s largest dog training programme, The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme and accredits dog trainers and behaviourists through The Kennel Club Accredited Instructors scheme. It licenses shows and clubs across a wide range of activities, which help dog owners to bond and enjoy life with their dogs. The Kennel Club runs the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, and the Discover Dogs event at ExCeL
London, which is a fun family day out that educates people about how to buy responsibly and care for their dog. The Kennel Club invests in welfare campaigns, dog training and education programmes and The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which supports research into dog diseases and dog welfare charities, including The Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations that re-home dogs throughout the UK. The Kennel Club jointly runs health screening schemes with the British Veterinary Association.
Are you charging enough? There’s no point in being a ‘busy fool’ you are in business to make a living, so it is important that you charge enough for your services. However, what is a fair price for various levels of grooming? We have some advice from the experts.
C
olin Taylor warns against price-calling other salons. He suggests checking out competitors’ websites for general interest but working out your own pricing. He said: “I find it helpful to start with an ‘hourly’ guide price. For example only: £30 per hour. I make bookings with the assumption that a medium sized dog will generally take 1.5 hours, so my ‘guide price’ for an average dog would be £45. “This assumes that the groomer can comfortably manage six dogs in an eight hour day allowing time for lunch and coffee breaks. So, if that’s my ‘median’ price for a medium dog, I adjust the scale for small dogs, large dogs and extra large dogs. “I then work out a rate for just a bath and dry. A higher rate for scissoring/ styling. Another rate for shave-off and a separate rate for hand-stripping. “I always make sure I have a minimum price. Doesn’t matter what breed or how small. If the customer has made a booking, there will be a minimum charge. My minimum will be £35 so that’s what I will charge, even if it only took an hour to groom the dog.” * Debby Knight of The Bristles Dog Grooming and Training Salon - an Assessment Centre under Summit Groomer Training Group says: “Be brave, review your grooming prices. This is the time of year your tax return has to be in, so if you need an
32 | Total Grooming Magazine
excuse to raise the prices this is it. Your overheads have gone up so your prices need to do the same. “If you had increased your prices in line with inflation over the last 15 years you should be charging double what you were probably charging in 2000. For example, 15 years ago I charged £21 for a Westie so I should be charging £42 today . I recommend you increase any prices under £30 by £2 and anything else an additional £1.50
per £10. If you have a customer that is paying well below market rate and you have plenty of business, put their price up to the going rate of the other customers.” However, you will know the dynamics of what the market can stand in your area and it is equally important to consider what you feel your customers are willing and able to pay and what your competitors are charging. *Source: What Would Colin Do?
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A
s a leading dog health and wellbeing company at The Dog Doctors we offer an exciting range of grooming products designed to support a dog’s paws, skin and coat. Using our experience from within the pet industry and investing in high quality 100% natural ingredients which are cruelty free, veterinary grade and BRC Certified, there are shampoos, conditioners and balms to suit all breeds and hair lengths. The Dog Doctors’ Paw Balm will moisturise a pet’s paws and help avoid cracked and painful skin conditions that can occur. It is infused with nourishing sweet almond oil, olive wax and lavender essential oils. The balm is designed to absorb quickly to leave dry areas feeling smooth and moisturised. Use post walks for maximum happiness! Our new Coconut Wash Dry Shampoo is a hassle free way of keeping a coat clean. It is a fantastic alternative for those in a rush and needing a quick freshen up for their dogs without the hassle of the bath or bucket! Our luxurious handmade Shampoo Bar contains a blend of essential oils, scented with peppermint, tea tree, citronella, lavender and neem oil for a shiny coat. The Sensitive Skin Natural Shampoo is a natural blend of aloe vera & chamomile and is formulated to provide a deep cleansing, moisturising & nourishing experience for the dog. Combine this with our multi-purpose Tangle Tamer Natural Conditioning Spray for the perfect results. It contains
spearmint & sweet orange for a fresh smell. Finally our mild, fresh ‘Scents of Summer’ Dog Cologne fragrance spray will refresh condition and nourish a dog’s coat. Infused with bergamot, clementine and fresh floral notes that will last for days. The Dog Doctors also offer a range of health supplements, calming and training aids. Check out the website for more information. For further information on any of the Dog Doctor’s range visit: www.thedogdoctors.co.uk for trade enquiries Email:daniel@thedogdoctors.co.uk
Total Grooming Magazine | 33
Groom Team England – The World Challenge Joanne Angus on Groom Team England. Joanne is Chair of the Committee with Groom Team England and has been a past member of the team:
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022 is an exciting year for Groom Team England. The World Team Championships are scheduled for 25th September at Groomania in Belgium and we are working hard behind the scenes to get our team prepared for the challenge. We are keeping everything crossed that the event will go ahead this year as we are ready to take the title! Being reliant on sponsorship, we have different levels of packages available. From ‘friend of the team’ to ‘gold sponsor’, every donation helps to send the team to represent the country on the largest stage in the grooming calendar. For more detail on sponsorship opportunities please contact The Committee at mailto:groomteamengland@gmail.com, groomteamengland@gmail.com. As part of our fundraising we have launched our ‘Feedback Frenzy’ where the team will give personalised feedback on your grooms and we are attending most grooming events with merchandise and raffles. The start of the year means a new season of grooming contests throughout the UK. Points are awarded to competitors from the breed standard classes which will be accumulated over the year in order to select members for Groom Team England in 2023. Full points tables and event dates are available to view on our website www.groomteamengland.com
34 | Total Grooming Magazine
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Grooming Through the Ages Sally Hart of Tailwaggers looks at how groomers can prepare themselves for the ageing process:
A
s, we covered the ageing of our dog clients and how best we can cater for their varying needs, last month, I thought we should have a look at ourselves this month. Don’t worry, I am not suggesting the mirror straight away, after all, Christmas was not that long ago.
Part 2 Groomers I can just about cast my memory back to when I was a freshly trained dog groomer - 19 and so much more supple. So many things have changed since then, including my ease of movement. So many improvements, and this is even more noticeable for me as I started out my grooming career in South Africa.
Now don’t feel too sorry for me We had electric, even back then, and I had the most up to date clippers and blaster. For those of you who were grooming 20 odd years ago, you will likely remember (and used) the Oster Golden A5. Brilliant clippers, in fact they don’t make them like that anymore. Mine are still going! My trusty back ups. For newer groomers who may not know, these clippers were fantastic and never stopped, as long as you changed the brushes! But heavy, oh so heavy compared to today’s clippers. Nowhere near as fast, and boy did they get hot. Singed fingers were an almost daily consequence. What hasn’t changed, is that this is 36 | Total Grooming Magazine
still a physical job, some clients still don’t book their dogs as regularly as they should and, if we are going to have a long career, we are going to age! It is up to us to ensure we look after ourselves and take the correct
precautions and care. It is imperative to take care of our bodies and there is now much more emphasis on our tools and equipment being less wearing on our bodies.
In The Beginning When you are starting out, the best way to help maintain your physical health and well-being is to invest in labour saving equipment and protective kit.
Choosing the right equipment Tables Tables (and baths) that we can adjust the height of are indispensable, in my opinion. Hours, days and years working at the wrong height can put so much unnecessary strain on your back. Electric and hydraulic tables (and baths) can also be lowered to assist lifting larger breeds Clippers Clippers are very personal, and you need work out what suits you best. Fasters clippers may be heavier, but the benefit is you could be finished with them quicker. The availability of wide blades and wide comb attachments has aided us considerably in speeding up, and as such, means a reduced negative impact. Scissors Ensuring you use the correct scissors for each job helps to minimise strain. Maintaining your scissors, keeping them clean, oiled and sharp means you are not using more pressure than necessary and also practising good scissoring technique, will go a long way to preventing Repetitive Strain injuries. Small Tools Using the most effective brushes, combs and other small tools, again, will mean less strain. The more effective your tool, the better the job it will do with minimised effort. Products Having products that aid our work is invaluable. Shampoos that prepare dogs coats to the specific needs for that breed or style, can lessen the work. And products that help with prep work, for instance, detangling sprays, scissoring sprays, chalks, to name a few, are other advantageous resources. By taking the time and investing 38 | Total Grooming Magazine
in the products and tools that best suit you, from the start, will go a long way to prolonging your health and ultimately your grooming career.
Mid Life (No) Crisis As with our four legged visitors, this will hopefully be the stage with the greatest number of years and the most steady. Look after yourself Yes, this sounds obvious, but we often take our abilities for granted and this can have a detrimental on us in years to come. Equipment We have touched on this above, and the considerations remain the same. As long as we have given thought to how best to preserve our bodies, from the start, it really should become routine to regularly assess how everything works for us, and make improvements based on our increasing skill levels, industry and product advancements and the requirements of our growing businesses. Physical Health At this point we should be feeling physically fine and able, and this is the time to think about the impact of what we do, so we can ensure we remain in
the best shape. Eating well, and making sure we keep hydrated (and this does not include wine, gin or cocktails, until after work), really does go a long way to keeping us well. Hydration is not just about having a drink, keeping hydrated means our skin does not dry out (dry skin is far more prone to issues, like cracking, leaving it open to many issues). Hydration is also vital to our joint health, and general well-being. Mental Health Looking after our mental welfare is, far too often, an overlooked aspect of our well-being. Maintaining an organised and optimised diary can really be the key to having the work/relax balance that we need. Mental exhaustion can be devastating on us, our families, and our businesses. Financial Health And this definitely is the least spoken about subject, but in fact is the one that has the most impact on all the others. Financial Health is not just Profit & Loss, but more about stability and long term. Healthy Financials means better equipment kept in better shape, less worry, and not having to over work yourself. And ultimately, this means you can provide the best service to your clients. By paying close attention to all
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Total Grooming Magazine | 39
your needs and keeping on top of them, you should aim to enjoy this portion of your grooming life, after all, it is a business we get into because we love it, not because it is easy! . . . Years Later For the more established and mature groomer there usually comes a time when we have to take stock and adapt some of the ways we work. Whilst we can do our utmost to protect and preserve our bodies, time will eventually take its toll. Is this the end? Nope, not necessarily! There are a number of actions we can take, and these will depend on individual factors. We all have different circumstances, so we need to evaluate and find what will suit us and our business.
A few solutions Workload Reducing our workload might be the most obvious answer, but it is always the simplest. The reduction in our earnings might not be plausible, so then we need to decided if we can supplement that income. Other services There are a few ways to add or increase supplementary services to our businesses. Options that have a physical impact are, retail, spa treatments, dental care, DIY station, day boarding, education, and more. Limitations By limiting to perhaps smaller pets, or not doing hand stripping, you can reduce the wear and tear to your body. Extra Staff Employing groomers to help reduce your workload or to take on services you no longer offer, I.e. large breed, handstripping, etc. Renting salon space or days is another option that can work for some salons. Being adaptable in your business will go a long way to helping you keep working. Exercise and diet will help and regular visits to chiropractors, 40 | Total Grooming Magazine
osteopaths and physiotherapists can make a huge improvement to mobility and suppleness.
A quick word to the ladies . . . menopause! For some this may come early, and others later, but it is important to be aware of how it can affect us. HRT can be a lifesaver for some, and can dramatically reduce the impact of menopause. If you are riding it out and pulling up your big girl pants, (although you may want to get those thongs on, hot flushes can be an inferno), be prepared for a variety of annoying
symptoms. Drinking plenty of water really does help. For the gentlemen . . . menopause! You may not actually have it, but if you work in a salon with the ladies, well you will experience the symptoms. Secondhand it may be, but the intensity of your experience could be unexpected. Drinking might be your only salvation! You are the one person in the best position to take care of yourself! You owe this to yourself, and your clients, both 2 legged and 4!
SPA Treatments for the New Year This month Heidi Anderton shares some ideas to create extra income from your business and improve the image. Heidi is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, with over 30 years in the business, she is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert as well as an award-winning groomer, former Groom Team England member and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA).
I
hope you all had a fantastic seasonal holiday break. Now we are all back in the full swing of work it’s time to think of any extra additions we can make to the business to generate further income. At Christmas a few years ago, Absolutely Animals introduced a Spa package which was bought as an extra by nearly all our customers. As it was so well received, we are extending it to mirror all seasonal and holiday events. Some of the contents for our Christmas spa package included an exfoliating and refreshing facial and a beautiful Christmas bow and scent – which was a mulled wine and orange scent – really Christmassy; I loved it and so did my customers! But this got me thinking! What other add-on’s and spa packages could I offer? We seem to always focus on the hairstyling and not the bathing. It seems like we are missing out here! I for one shall be working more on spa packages and add-on services in the coming year, but I have realised this is also where marketing is so important and how we introduce these services to our clients. Here are some ideas.
Skin and body care spa services can include: • Facials and body exfoliation that may involve the use of de-greasers, deep 42 | Total Grooming Magazine
cleaning shampoos, colour enhancing shampoos, flea repellent shampoos, brighteners. • Massages that include various styles of full body massage, facial massage, and ear or paw massages and treatments. • Nagayu Co2 Skin Therapy Treatment, increases blood circulation and oxygen
absorption. Deep Cleaning, odour removing. Improves skin and coat condition Protect pH level and aids healing. Cleany Teeth - Teeth cleaning using ultrasound only. A fantastic add on which can double your sale. • Hydrotherapy treatments, such as whirlpool baths and water
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treatments You could also extend this to: • Pet portraits and pictures • Bows, fascinators and bandannas • Creative styling – like Mohawks and spiral trims etc. • Colouring – chalking, blow pens and stick on jewels. • Doggy Day Care
Consider what equipment you need to buy You will want to assess the cost of the equipment needed to offer a particular service against the potential for profit. Some services, like hydrotherapy, may require a significant investment, particularly if you need to upgrade your infrastructure (such as installing plumbing lines and running electrical) as well as the cost of the equipment itself. You may find yourself deciding to limit the initial services you offer until your spa has reached a specific threshold of clients, cash-flow and savings to make the additional investment worthwhile. However, if you look at the above list, the outlay for the many is not significant and in fact you might find you are already offering the services without charging for them. With some good marketing strategies, you could increase your revenue.
Decide on the audience you want to attract While luxury day spas have traditionally been seen as a service that primarily appeals only to people, a number of successful pet grooming salons are increasingly designing their services to appeal to pet owners who want more Spa Treatments for their precious pets. You can easily do the same as more people want to pamper their pets and give them the best things in life. As pet grooming is now seen as a necessary regular expense for our best friends that often sleep in our bed! It is only right that they have the best experience possible with a choice of relevant, quality products to enhance the beauty and condition of their pet. 44 | Total Grooming Magazine
Decide on what products you’ll sell A happy, relaxed customer is more likely to be in the mood to want to buy products that can remind them of their pet’s spa experience. That’s why it’s important to offer high-quality products that reinforce the image you are creating for your luxury spa services.
strategies you wish to employ Like any retail business, to design a great user experience you will need to employ a variety of tactics to ensure a steady stream of customers, both new and repeat. This can involve things like creating a website to attract new clients and streamline your booking process, offering monthly or weekly specials, discount cards and creating a preferred client email list where you regularly stay in touch with your best customers.
Design a website that is both useful and visually appealing Your website will likely serve as the first encounter your potential customer has with your spa. That’s why it’s important to make sure your website has the right tone, one that is consistent with your services and spa. This means that you need to invest
not just in good photography, great design, and strong signage, but you will also want to make it easy for web visitors to learn about your services and book appointments.
Arrange your merchandising to enhance sales Offer products that reinforce the elegant image you are creating for your spa. These products will likely have both great scents and wonderful packaging making them a joy to own and use.
Set the right mood with a nice smell and ambiance. A nice smell when the customer first arrives works very well and straight away gives a welcoming and inviting reception – much better than a musty doggie smell. I use a Scentsy Burner in the reception which warms wax and gives off scrumptious welcoming smells. You also want to set the tone of gentle music and a quiet soothing atmosphere rather than dogs barking, chaos ensuing. To further enhance this effect, review appointment times, staffing issues, handling techniques and business image Keep inspired, motivated, informed and updated and be happier in your life Heidi Anderton LCGI ICMG www.absolutelyanimals.biz
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What Expenses can you Claim when Self-Employed? A large number of groomers are self-employed and a level of confusion surrounds expenses. In this issue, we attempt to clarify what can and can’t be claimed for:
W
ith many taxpayers classed as self-employed, there are a wide range of commonly-forgotten business expenses which can be claimed as tax relief but are often missed due to a lack of awareness on what can and cannot be claimed as a legitimate business expense. David Redfern, tax preparation specialist and Managing Director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, explains the categories of business expenses which can be used to offset tax liabilities for self-employed taxpayers. Self-employed taxpayers running
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their own business operations will incur a wide range of expenses, depending on the nature of the business. Redfern stated “When looking at which expenses should be included on a tax return, most taxpayers in selfemployment will remember those expenses which directly relate to running their business or continuing to trade, such as premises, tools and equipment, staff costs where applicable and any stock they might require and these can be quite sizeable in certain types of business. Many taxpayers will consider their list of expenses to
end there - however, there are many hidden business expenses which HMRC consider to be legitimate business expenses and ensuring that these are factored into your Self Assessment tax return is a vital part of running a financially viable business”. Business expenses will be offset against tax liabilities on the Self Assessment tax return. Easily overlooked expenses include professional fees that the taxpayer may incur, such as legal fees, accountancy costs and insurance fees. Redfern added “Many self-employed taxpayers
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Total Grooming Magazine | 47
will also pick up advertising costs and bank charges, as well as potentially requiring a professional subscription in order to trade. These expenses may also include essential training that you are required to undertake in order to be able to continue your profession. Another area of hidden expenses can be home administration costs - where the taxpayer is providing business administration services from a home office, including the costs of running a home computer and postage services for providing invoices to customers and so on. These costs on their own may seem insubstantial but will soon mount up when collated”. Telephone costs may also be allowable, providing they are for business purposes only. Home broadband costs are a more contentious area as HMRC considers these to be general household costs although a dedicated business broadband contract would be considered to be an allowable 48 | Total Grooming Magazine
business expense. Where self-employed taxpayers are required to undertake travel as a part of running their business, such expenses can be included on a Self Assessment tax return. Redfern explained “Where the business travel is solely for business, rather than leisure, purposes, these costs are tax-deductible. This includes the cost of any accommodation and includes public transport costs as well as additional expenses such as parking. However, costs relating to such things as parking tickets would not be allowable - similarly, any legal fees relating to personal criminal wrongdoing. HMRC would consider these to be totally avoidable expenses”. Mileage costs of up to 45p per mile can be claimed. All business expenses are expected to have been incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. In addition, the actual expense should have
been incurred and HMRC may request to see receipts and invoices to prove that the expense was actually acquired. Redfern added “Where an expense is incurred for dual purposes, such as a mobile phone contract that is used half for business purposes and half for personal use, only the proportion of the cost which relates to business can be included on your tax return. Additionally, you cannot include any costs which are just part and parcel of daily life, such as everyday clothing or accommodation costs - we all need clothes and somewhere to live so these are not legitimate business expenses”. Taxpayers who are required to submit a Self Assessment tax return but are not classed as self-employed, such as those subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge or who have work-related expenses of over £2,500, have a more limited range of allowable expenses which they are entitled to claim as tax relief.
CONNECTIONS Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment
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Animal Aiders Animal Aiders provides high quality and affordable dog first aid courses all over England, ideal for dog professionals, including groomers. T: 01284 811192 or 07758 739332 E: info@animalaiders.co.uk W: www.animalaiders.co.uk
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Grooming Supplies Mutneys Made by groomers, for groomers, Mutneys Professional Pet Care have been manufacturing and supplying professional dog grooming shampoo, fragrances and equipment for 20 years. T: 01948 841 470 T: 08454 68 64 67 E: sales@mutneys.com W: www.mutneys.com
Training and Education Capel Manor College Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds. Bullsmoor Lane, Waltham Cross, Enfield EN1 4RQ T: 0303 003 1234 E: study@capel.ac.uk W: www.capel.ac.uk Facebook: /capelmanorcollege Twitter: @capelmanor Instagram: @capelmanor
Natural Food SmartBarf SmartBarf vegetable and herb mix for dogs on a raw fed or home prepared diet provides valuable extra vitamins and minerals for a more complete meal. E: info@SmartBarf.co.uk W: www.SmartBarf.co.uk Facebook: /SmartBarf
Natural Pet Treats Monty’s Wholesale Looking for extra income? Give our Natural treats, foods & supplements a new brand! Wholesale with white label service & UK manufactured products. T: 0203 797 6308 W: www.montystreats.co.uk
Wound Care Animus Surgical Ltd For the repair of small cuts, our popular skin glue is recommended by and available from Amazon or direct from our website. PO Box 1260, Yateley, GU47 7GH T: 01252 845988 E: info@animussurgical.com W: www.animussurgical.com
Total Grooming Magazine | 49
Going Mobile…
Winner
Grooming Van of the Year
The Portable Palace Created from our Revolutionary insulated panel, the Palace provides groomers with unrivalled benefits never seen before in the industry! This amazing new concept was born due to our lining's incredible lifespan - they often out live the vans they were placed in - so we created a demountable pod where your business can be moved on to the next chassis easily when needed - or if you no longer wish to be mobile, you can demount the pod and work from your garden!
• • • • • • • •
As the chassis ages, the Palace can be removed and placed onto a brand new chassis - resulting in a much cheaper cost than having to buy a whole new van and conversion with next to no downtime If the chassis is involved in an accident or breaks down you can simply remove the body, place it on the ground and work from your driveway whilst you wait for it to be repaired. The lining will not out live the vehicle like so often seen with used van conversions. You then have to sell the van & conversion and then buy a new van and conversion and wait whilst it is converted. Whereas with the Palace, you can keep the pod forever and change the chassis as you need to. Once you choose to retire from mobile grooming you can remove the Palace, sell the chassis and work from the Palace in your garden instead of having to buy a parlour or convert a room in your house. When you choose to move home, you can take the pod with you and this portability combined with the size means they will not normally require planning permission in your garden. You never need to buy a Brand new chassis that can depreciate - simply buy used a chassis and then swap them out as they get too old. Smaller than its LWB Van equivalent but provides a more workable space inside that is highly customisable as there are no van strutts or vehicle constraints Can be driven on a normal car driving license Say goodbye to having to buy a whole new van and conversion every few years - simply move your Palace from one chassis to another with zero down time and when the time comes and you no longer want to be mobile, simply
Wet Pet Conversions
01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk
Going Mobile…
Winner
Grooming Van of the Year
Discover your dream work place today
G;Rooms
Our fantastic portable grooming Pods allow you to groom from the comfort of your own garden in a fully waterproof, insulated & professional environment. They are completely self contained - for electric you simply plug the cable provided into your house, for water in you simply attach your garden hose and this is piped straight to your Hydrobath. Waste water is held inside the bath and piped out to a location of your choice. The Pods do not normally ever require planning permission and they can be delivered to even the hardest to reach locations. And if you move house? our Pods move with you! Each pod is fully portable and can be moved an unlimited amount of times. Choose from an unlimited amount of interior & exterior options with fully customisable packages to perfectly suit your budget and design with ever Pod and conversion available on finance from as little as £20+vat per wk!
Trailers
Made from our Revolutionary insulated panel, our VCA Approved Grooming trailers provide the perfect solution if you would like to work from home and be mobile without the running costs associated with a van - with no tax or MOT required with trailers! You can leave the trailer on your drive way or hitch up with your vehicle when ever you need to. And when you have finished being mobile you can permanently demount the trailer from the axels and use it as a Garden Pod!
Vans
Our industry leading dog grooming vans provide unrivalled levels of luxury combined with practicality. Choose from new or used vans or supply your own, we work with you to create the perfect package for your business. Complete with a 10 year lining warranty our conversions outlive and out perform all in their class with a build quality that is second to none. Unlimited optional extras and packages are available including sign writing and free delivery back to you.
New vans Available fully converted from just £68+vat per wk! Portable Palace
Your parlour for life. Our new revolutionary demountable Palace offers benefits never seen before in the industry. Once your chassis reaches the end of its life or is involved in an accident, you simply demount your Palace and work from home or swap it onto a new chassis. If you no longer want to be mobile you can demount the pod and use it as a parlour in your Garden. The palace’s can be driven on a standard UK driving License and are often smaller than their van based equivalent whilst giving you more usable space. Available in a wide range of sizes with unlimited conversion configurations. Available on finance
Wet Pet Conversions
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NATURALLY BETTER
Treat little stinkers kindly!
If you prefer your 'natural' shampoo pure, without chemical scents or artificial colour, give this one a go! Enriched with essential oils to super hydrate and deeply nourish the coat and skin, what's not to like?
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Showpride PURE Shampoo simpsons-online.co.uk/breeds 1 Litre £ 12 Ref: 4071–144 5 Litres £ 30 Ref: 4071–143