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WENDY IS IN THE SADDLE WITH HER OWN BUSINESS

A horse lover from Northumberland is off and running with a new business – repairing horse-riding equipment.

Bridles, Buttons & Breeches was started by Wendy Duffin 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. 

After working in the textile industry for 23 years Wendy decided she wanted to be able to combine her love of horses with her business expertise. She volunteered at a local stables and completed a higher national diploma in equine management before setting up her first company.

The mum-of-one is now raring to go with Bridles, Buttons and Breeches. Wendy is running the business 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.

She said: “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. 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 wish her every success in her new venture.”

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