Into the Spotlight, sponsored by Huddersfield-based Scriba PR, is a weekly business feature – online every Thursday – which highlights businesses that often go under the radar. Here we highlight Dragonfly Products in Slaithwaite.
A company which specialises in natural dog treat products has grown significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic and is expanding into larger premises.
Dragonfly Products was set up in Slaithwaite in 2018 by dog owner Laura Lambert.
The company was born out of a desire to offer the best treats to the family’s beloved Cavapoo Dolly.
When Laura couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for she set out to source them herself – and quickly realised she had struck on a successful business venture.
Dragonfly has operated from Upper Mills but has now outgrown the premises and the business will move the short distance to Kiln Hill Industrial Estate.
Mum-of-two Laura, 39, said: “Covid-19 has had a positive impact on our business as more people have got dogs during the pandemic and we’ve been able to trade online and stay open as essential retailers so it’s been a perfect storm, in a way.
“We have had a period of rapid growth and we’ve gone from 100 sq ft of premises to a warehouse of 6,000 sq ft in two-and-a-half years, which is amazing and something we are very proud of.”
When Laura, married to golf professional Richard, 43, first set up the business she ran it single-handedly.
In August last year Richard made a big career change and joined the business as finance director. The company now employs 18 people.
The business all started with the pet delicacy pigs’ ears. Laura invested a lot of her savings into buying pigs’ ears and they sold in no time on Amazon and she realised she had a business.
The company prides itself on its product knowledge and customer service and it has tapped into a trend where people want the best for their pets.
Extensive building work has taken place at the new premises and Dragonfly will close at Upper Mills on May 26 and re-open the following day at Kiln Hill.
While Dolly remains chief taster she has been joined by her brother Reggie who is learning the ropes.
Dragonfly source products from the UK and EU and now instead of bringing in pallets they are bringing in container loads.
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In future Laura plans to develop a supplements range and add more raw food brands. A holistic vet will also hold clinics at the store and there will be a harness fitting room.
“My vision is for us to become a specialist dog shop, a one-stop shop,” said Laura. “It’s an exciting time and we can’t wait for the next stage of our growth.”
