Spotlight on:
Dewkes
An Innovative Petshop and Doggy Snacks Supplier based in Mumbles and Sketty
Innovation and Excellence in Wales
Overcoming the hurdles of starting during the pandemic, they’ve grown from a single pet shop to a brand synonymous with transforming dog-friendly spaces into welcoming havens.
Their flagship product, Dewkes Snacks for Dogs, alongside their commitment to sustainability and community, showcases their dedication to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. Join us in exploring the inspiring journey and future ambitions of this dynamic enterprise.
Key Facts
Business Name: Dewkes Limited
Founder/Owner Name(s): James & Jane Bygate
Location: Mumbles and Sketty, South Wales
Year Established: 2020
Introduction
Dewkes Healthy Snacks
Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Duke” is the inspiration behind our business. However when we went to register the legal name of “Dukes” it was rejected by due to it containing a royal title. Rather than seek the appropriate permissions from the Home Office, we changed the name to “Dewkes”, simpler and definitely more unique.
Our first pet shop opened in the middle of the global Covid-19 pandemic; we were in full lock down! We able to open being a “essential retail” business and our dog loving community pet shop grew from there! Funnily enough given face masks were a requirement for months after the rules were relaxed we recognised the dogs and not the owners!!
Products & Services
Each tray has four lovingly crafted, grain-free, and hypoallergenic treats to suit every canine dietary need. From a crunchy snack that cleans teeth to a long-lasting chew that keeps your pooch occupied while you relax and enjoy your coffee/beer, every treat is designed with a dog’s health and enjoyment in mind.
Target Audience and Customer Experience
Our hospitality range serves dual benefits: it opens new revenue channels for stockists while enhancing customer loyalty and extending dwell times, all the while focusing on canine well-being.
Having traditional bricks and mortar stores as well as a wholesale business means we have developed a large community of doggy customers. Unfortunately, we are not open on a Sunday, but the dogs don’t realise this…We are often recipients of social media videos of dogs refusing to move past our front door as they really want their complimentary treat!
Operations and Team
We are a small team of 7, and have all bases covered!
- James Bygate – CEO
- Jane Bygate – Head of Operations
- Gemma Hosking – Business Development Manager
- Jacky Alder – National Accounts Manager
- Angharad Williams – Retail Manager
- Skye Hocking – Grooming Manager
- Sally-Ann Stevens – Grooming Assistant
- Sarah Cooper – Finance
- Owen Mcintire – Marketing Executive
All our products are packaged by hand in South Wales.
As a small team we are all very close, which means we get plenty of opportunities to socialise with each other.
Dewkes Founders James and Jane Bygate
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
In the shops we regularly collect and donate to support the local animal charities.
Marketing and Growth
2024 will see us starting to work with a number of new outlets and wholesalers which will provide a greater opportunity and reach for our products.
We are proud to be in partnership with Red Funnel Ferries and are stocked across their fleet of ferries in their dog friendly lounges. They were the first Dog Friendly transport company we have worked with, and it has been a huge success amongst dog owners travelling to the Isle of Wight.
Along side Dewkes Snacks for Dogs we also have our own brand of Dog Food which is now the most popular brand of food sold from the Dewkes retail outlets. Our food is 50% protein mix, hypoallergenic and grain free. We are now getting several enquiries about stocking this food and have seen some excellent results amongst the fussier eaters!
Advice and Insights
Running a business is not easy, its tough but put all the effort in and the rewards are amazing!
Talking to people is key, as well as reading weekly trade publication emails and attending trade shows. Get out there and learn.
CONTACT
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