SPONSORED BY
NATURAL, ECO FRIENDLY, HAND MADE PET PRODUCTS. “PROPER PAMPERING FROM PALM TO PAW”
Paws for thought... Paws for thought finds out more about the iPET Network and its groomer training courses including the latest ‘fast track’ courses for experienced groomers:
R
ecently celebrating signing up 40 training providers and a partnership with Animal Courses Direct, the ‘by groomers for groomers’ Awarding Organisation iPET Network has secured its standing and reputation in the world of education and grooming. Sarah Mackay, who together with business partner Fern Gresty set up iPET Network with a dream of creating qualifications for the Canine and Feline industry. In turn creating a network of accessible and friendly Training Providers for the UK’s army of existing and would-be groomers to deliver the qualifications. They spoke to Total Grooming about their business, and why they believe training and qualifications are so important. A lifelong dog lover, Sarah had groomed dogs as a teenager, but then stepped into a corporate career in HR, quality and training and left the grooming world behind. But five years ago Sarah decided to ditch the corporate life to transfer her skills in grooming and training and was offered a Dog Grooming Tutor role at Four Paws Groom School, which was run by Fern. The pair hit it off, iPET Network was formed and their idea to design and offer Dog Grooming qualifications created by groomers for groomers was born. This allowed new or experienced learners to have choice when searching for qualifications knowing that iPET Network are upping the standards and creating qualifications that really work for the industry, the learners and pets that deserve the best care. This ethos has been praised and
26 | www.podiumpetproducts.com
Sarah Mackay, who together with business partner Fern Gresty set up iPET Network
championed by leading industry lights Stuart Simons and Colin Taylor. Colin said: “This is different because it’s not just a qualification, it’s designed with thought behind it by dog people, and that for me is really important.” Sarah, speaking about starting the business and realising their dream, said: “Fern had advertised for a tutor and I ended up coming on board as a partner to develop the business. That was four years ago and it’s gone from strength to strength from there. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think it would be as big as it is, and from an employment point of view that
has been great too because we have been able to hire local people in the areas that we cover. “People have really resonated with our ethos which is all about doing it right and maintaining the quality, the feedback from our training providers and learners is that they can see the difference between ours and other training, because the support and roundness of the qualification adds value the whole way through. That is really important to us, and we have been able to expand in a way which never compromises that.” The grooming industry is as-yet
