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KAREN LEADS THE WAY THANKS TO GO WANSBECK

A local dog lover has turned her passion for pets into a dream business venture with help from Go Wansbeck.

Karen Turner decided to set up Walkies! after realising she wanted more from life than her administrative job at a local school could provide. She approached Go Wansbeck for business support and advice. Now she has a business plan, a solid start to her new company and loves her new life.

Karen, from Newbiggin-on-Sea, looks after dogs while people are away on holiday and walks dogs for elderly people who struggle to get out themselves. She also takes them for basic training and is looking to go on more courses herself to extend the range of training she can give. Karen also offers a full door-to-door service, picking the pets up and dropping them off again.

She said: “I never thought I’d be able to say I get up every morning looking forward to work. I spend my day doing something I love and make a living from it.

“It is hard work - I get up at 5am every day - but I couldn’t be happier. If it wasn’t for the help I got from Go Wansbeck’s business coaches I wouldn’t be doing this now. Hopefully the business will thrive. I think people will realise that I put a lot of love and care in, and it’s not just a regular kennel service.”

Karen’s success is the latest in a long line of new companies that have received help from Go Wansbeck – more than 400 new businesses have been seen by the enterprise coaches since the programme began.

Keith Raine, programme manager of Go Wansbeck, said: “Karen’s success shows there are other options and career paths available to people facing a change in circumstances or looking for a new challenge.

“I’m delighted that Go Wansbeck has been able to support Walkies! and wish the business every success in the future.”

For further information on Walkies! Contact Karen Turner on 01670 815117 or 07882159778 or e-mail her on 4walkies@gmail.com.

For further information, contact Go Wansbeck’s Business Support Office on 01670 842 888 or visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk

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