A business owner from Lymm has been shortlisted for a prestigious national pet industry award.

Rachel Spencer, 48, launched Sunnyside Cottage, a dog-friendly holiday retreat in Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, and has been named a finalist for New Business of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards.

Rachel, who opened the two-bedroom cottage in June 2023, created it to be the ultimate getaway for adventurous dogs and their owners.

She said: “I wanted to make sure the cottage provides everything our doggy guests need, and I do go a little overboard to make sure they have a holiday to remember.

“We have welcome packs, a toybox, Dogrobes for drying off after beach walks, bowls, a lead station, and unlike many cottages, dogs are welcome on the furniture and even in the beds.

“Dogs are part of the family, and our guests really appreciate how welcome we make them feel. When I applied for the award, I never imagined we’d make the shortlist.

(Image: Supplied)

“The PIF Awards are like the Oscars of the pet industry, so to be shortlisted alongside huge businesses with teams of people is amazing, and it’s lovely to have this recognition.”

The awards will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Stoke on November 7 at a black-tie gala, with omore than 300 pet businesses expected to attend.

Other finalists for New Business of the Year include Pets 2 Places pet taxi service, EasyEat feeding bowls, Help! My Dogtraining, Petlearnia online pet care, Play9 LTD dog toys, The Dog Trainer School, and The Muzzle Movement.

Nigel Baker, chief executive of PIF, said: “The calibre of entries this year was exceptionally high, with some categories being oversubscribed.

"Every finalist deserves heartfelt congratulations, and we look forward to announcing the winners at the PIF Awards this November.”