Future bright for Stretton’s Dog Co. after lockdown launch

Dog Co. was launched in lockdown, bringing together decades of design knowledge and experience to celebrate everything brilliant about Britain.

Its vision is to offer Great British design and manufacturing, while ensuring that materials used are sustainably British made or British sourced.

It was founded by interior designer Caroline Bate and inspired by her four-legged family of miniature wirehair daschund Ottilie Lettuce and labrador Hunter.

“It has been a tough year and launching a business in the middle of lockdown wasn’t easy, but it was essential for us to keep moving forwards,” Caroline said.

“The concept for Dog Co. came about from listening to our clients for sister company Hugo and Otto, which simply loved our products, but they were too expensive for them.

Caroline with miniature wirehair daschund Ottilie Lettuce and labrador Hunter

“So, we wanted to take all that we had learned and create something still beautiful, but more affordable.”

It took six months to take Dog Co. from concept to comprehensive plan, remaining true to the British manufacturing techniques and style, as well as ensuring a quality product while remaining at an affordable price.

The coronavirus pandemic played its part in delaying the launch process as fabric production ceased.

During this time, Caroline applied for discretionary business grants in line with the Government guidance and was awarded two allocations of funding.

The first allowed Dog Co. to purchase essential equipment for the business, and the second enabled Caroline to launch and market the products.

“I spoke to the amazing team at Cheshire West and Chester Council, who listened to my case and were able to award me enough to replace my very-ill computer, without which I wouldn’t have been able to run any business at all,” Caroline continued.

One of the products available from Dog Co.

“After that, I checked that I had registered with the right people so that I heard of any further support being offered.

“In the summer, I put in for a further grant for small business marketing and was awarded this to be able to launch Dog Co.

“We could not have launched without the support of our friends over coffee and Zoom, alongside the discretionary grants from the council, which allowed us to get other small local businesses involved in beginning our business journey.

“We are delighted with the reception Dog Co. has received and look forward to working together in a positive year ahead.”

To explore the full range of products, visit dogco.uk