Rachel and Theo
Rachel Spencer, 46, supports small businesses who care for and create products for animals, helping them raise their profiles and win press coverage.
She won Dragon’s Den star Theo’s Small Business Sunday award on Valentine’s Day and was presented with her certificate on Friday (25th February).
She said: “The pet industry is thriving so it’s really important small business owners are able to promote themselves effectively so they stand out from the competition and let more people know about their products and services.
“Getting press coverage helps small businesses reach thousands and even millions of people in one go and I show people how to do this for free in my five day challenges and on the podcast.
“Over the last three years there has been hundreds of stories about people in the pet industry making a difference so it’s amazing to have my hard work recognised by Theo.”
Rachel, from Gosforth, publishes the Publicity for Pet Businesses podcast and runs training programmes so business owners can learn how to do their own PR, celebrated with her clients at the ICC in Birmingham at the weekend.
During the pandemic, the dog population went from 9.5 million to 12.5 million and the cat population rose from 7.5 million to 12.2 million according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.
Research by Statista found £6.2 billion was spent on pets in 2021, with £2.9 billion on food, £2.1 on vet care, £900 million on accessories and £300 million on grooming.
Small Business Sunday is weekly initiative set up by Theo Paphitis in 2010 and it now has more than 3,000 winners within its supportive community.
Theo said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK.
“My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings.
“The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Rachel and Publicity for Pet Businesses every success.”
Find out more about Rachel on her website: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk/.
