Horse lover draws in the reins on new career

Nov 18 2009 By The Journal

A HORSE lover from Northumberland has given up a career in the textile industry to plough her own furrow with a new business repairing riding equipment.

Wendy Duffin wanted a new challenge that would combine her skills in crafting cloth with her lifelong devotion to all things equine.

The mother-of-one volunteered at a local stables and completed a higher national diploma in equine management before setting up her first company Bridles, Buttons & Breeches.

She is now up and running with the business which she runs from her home, in Stakeford, after converting the garage to a workshop where she repairs a wide range of equestrian items, including saddles, bridles and jodhpurs.

"It was a total career change for me but I’m so pleased I did it. Starting my own business means I can choose the hours I work and fit my days around my family," she said.

She started the firm with the help of a grant from Go Wansbeck’s Flexible Fund which supports both new and expanding businesses. The grant paid for the start-up costs of the company and for her to go on two training courses. 

Ms Duffin added: "It wasn’t something I initially set out to do but with the help of Go Wansbeck I realised it was possible. I got the qualifications I needed and the backing to set up the company. Their help was fantastic, I couldn’t have done it without them."

Keith Raine, Go Wansbeck programme manager, said: "We’re very pleased to be able support Bridles, Buttons & Breeches. Wendy has come up with a brilliant idea for her business. It is great to see Wendy combining her talent for business with her love of horses and we wish her every success in her new venture."

Wansbeck has been named the most enterprising place in the North East in the Enterprising Britain competition. The area is currently in the national finals of the competition, which are due to be held on November 30, 2009.