A STUDENT has won a top regional award for entrepreneurship after setting up her own business while still an undergraduate.
Sunderland University student Laura Dawson was inspired to name her dog clothing boutique Ziggy Chews after her 18-month-old Jack Russell terrier Ziggy, who is renowned for chewing shoes, and as a play on the name of designer footwear brand Jimmy Choos.
The 20-year-old from Whitley Bay, who is studying business management, came up with the draft idea as part of her course. She received help from North Tyneside’s the Business Factory to get the concept off the drawing board and has now scooped the enterprise agency’s Flying Sparks Award after making a presentation to a group of entrepreneurs.
Dawson said: “I’ve always wanted really stylish collars, leads and jackets for Ziggy, but you can’t always buy these from pet stores and I had to look to the internet for products.
“I started looking into how viable this type of shop would be as a business as part of my university project and by the time I had finished my research I recognised that this was a niche market that would attract pet owners from across the region.
“The Business Factory has been very supportive and has helped me expand my initial concept, refine my business plan and make this a reality for me.”
She and her advisor decided the best place to locate the shop would be near the beach, which is popular with dog walkers. Dawson also received help on sourcing suppliers and buying stock for the shop.
“I’m now working with a range of internet-based stores to bring the products, such as holistic treats, diamante collars and doggy vests, into the shop – saving my customers the hassle of trawling the internet and paying for postage and packaging,” she said.
“They can also bring their dogs into the shop and enjoy the experience of trying on products with their pet.
“Having my own shop is a real challenge, especially while I still have my dissertation to write, but at least I know that at the end of my degree I’ll have a job and will be putting my university course to good use.
“Who knows, this might be the start of a Ziggy Chews chain of shops.”
Her prize for winning the Flying Sparks competition was a ‘Business in a Box’ from Tedco, which runs The Business Factory. The prize included a NetBook, business cards and marketing and research advice.
