Care worker sees potential in local pet supplies business

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Buying a Business - Success Stories

A former care worker has seized the opportunity to change careers

Former care worker Toni Moss often visited Buddies Pet Supplies in Bedlington as a child and recalls buying supplies for the family’s pets and booking horse riding lessons.

Looking for a change of career, after working in the care sector for more than 20 years, Toni saw Buddies Pet Supplies for sale through Hilton Smythe and jumped at the chance to try her hand at something new.

Originally established in 1985, Buddies Pet Supplies is a well-established business that is well known in the local area, selling a generous amount of stock for all kinds of pets.  It offers general pet supplies, including accessories and food, stocking raw and natural food for dogs from well-known brands such as Dr John and Harrington’s.  The shop stocks a wide variety of wild bird seeds, too.

Hilton Smythe has seen a surge of potential entrepreneurs during the lockdown searching for businesses to buy once life returns to normal. Several buyers have used the time to consider new careers, including becoming their own boss.

Buying a pet shop

Toni Moss said: “I worked in care homes for more than 20 years and fancied taking on a new challenge but wasn’t sure what it was I wanted to do. By chance I saw that Buddies Pet Supplies was up for sale and something just clicked and I thought to myself – that’s for me.


“Although I’ve been around animals all my life and often visited to the shop to buy supplies for the family’s pets as a child, this is the first business I’ve ever owned so was a little daunted by the prospect.

“That being said, my Hilton Smythe advisor, Karen Currie was great in answering all my questions and helping close the deal.  Since I took over, I’m absolutely loving being on the other side of the counter.”

Karen Currie, Senior Sales Progressor, said: “Small businesses like Buddies Pet Supplies are the fabric of local communities and as such receive a high amount of loyal repeat trade.

“This is a well-established business, well known in the local area with huge potential.  The previous owner thoroughly enjoyed running the store and I’m sure it’s new owner will be the same. 

“Everyone at Hilton Smythe wishes Toni the very best of luck in her new endeavour.”

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