Kennels business blooms with Yorkshire Bank funding

3rd April 2012

A Cheshire-based kennels and cattery business has diversified into animal physiotherapy after securing funding from Yorkshire Bank for a new hydrotherapy pool.

Blossoms Kennels and Cattery, based in Woodford, has invested £160,000 in the new facility which will help dogs, cats and other small mammals in their rehabilitation from injury.

Its new 35m2 warm-water pool, which is fully-enclosed in a purpose-built building with reception area and adjoining physiotherapy room, creates a new revenue stream for the business.

Yorkshire Bank has provided loan funding for the new facility under its Investing for Growth initiative.

Simon King, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s Manchester Financial Solutions Centre, which provided the funding, said: “Blossoms Kennels and Cattery is an excellent example of a business that has spotted an opportunity to diversify by offering a new service. The business has made a significant investment in a quality facility that will secure future growth.”

Phil Housley, who runs the business with his wife Deborah, said: “This new purpose-built facility gives us the largest animal hydrotherapy pool in the Cheshire region and, having a fully qualified animal physiotherapist, means we can offer an excellent service to the region’s dog and cat owners. The support we have received from Yorkshire Bank has been vital to securing this opportunity to grow the business.”

Unlike many animal hydrotherapy pools that are prefabricated, the pool at Blossom Kennels is built into the ground which means no hoists and harnesses are required to get the animals in and out of the water, reducing the risk of further injury.

Blossoms Kennels and Cattery, set in eight acres of grounds, has been operating as a boarding facility for over 40 years.

The business was bought by Phil and Deborah Housley in 2009 and the couple have invested significantly in the site which has capacity for 100 dogs and 200 cats. It has five full-time employees and up to 14 staff during busy holiday periods.