Stylish Furniture For Dogs And Cats Launched In Warwickshire

Stylish furniture for dogs and cats is to be launched in Warwickshire after receiving funding to help with its development.

PetNest®, PetProtector® and PupPillow® have been developed by Mark Nicholls, who is the founder of Pup & Kit®, at the Minerva Mill Innovation Centre in Station Road, Alcester.

During the prototype process, Mark and his wife, Gemma, became the owners of two black and tan dachshunds, Woody and Monty, who have proved to be perfect in testing out the products.

Mark contacted the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub looking for support to develop the prototype of the new products.

Linda Savitri from the Growth Hub referred him to Coventry University Enterprise’s Proof of Concept Fund, which is match funded at a rate of 40% by the European Regional Development Fund, and arranged a meeting with business delivery manager Ilektra Fronista.

Following the meeting, Ilektra and her team supported Mark with completing the application form and he was successfully awarded a grant of £6,061.16 to add to his £15,000 investment into one of the products, PetNest®.

Mark said he was looking forward to the three products reaching the market – particularly since Woody and Monty’s reaction has been so positive!

He said: “I started working on Pup & Kit in 2022 because I thought there was a gap in the market for high-quality, innovative furniture for dogs and cats.

“PetNest® will be our core product, which is a stylish pet bed for dogs and cats that can be put on top of our bedside stand at night-time – similar to how a bedside crib works for babies. With 55% of pet parents having their pet in their bedroom at night, I felt there was a big gap in the market for a product like PetNest®.

“As our focus is to design stylish and innovative products that blend seamlessly into the home, the materials we use is paramount. PetNest® is made from recycled polyester felt which is thermomoulded into a more rigid material. This makes it durable yet lightweight and portable which means it is ideal for holidays and overnight stays.

“The Proof of Concept funding helped with developing the prototypes for the PetNest® which really gave me confidence having that extra support and took away a financial barrier.”

Despite not having dogs at the time of Pup & Kit’s inception, this didn’t hold Mark back.

He added: “I started Pup & Kit® before we got Woody and Monty, which was a benefit in helping to develop the brand. It gave me a fresh perspective and forced me to thoroughly research the market. Since then, of course, having two loving Dachshund’s has been wonderful and has allowed me to see products from an owner’s perspective.

“I am really grateful to the help and support of the Growth Hub and Coventry University Enterprises, since I’m now in a position to launch the business and I’m really excited about its future.”

Linda Savitri, account manager at CWLEP Growth Hub, said Pup & Kit was a perfect example of the kind of businesses that the Growth Hub is here to support.

“Whether a business is at the prototype stage such as Pup & Kit® or is established, we have the expertise to help business owners access funding which can make a real difference,” she said.

“Mark has completed all the necessary Intellectual Property due diligence and the products developed by Pup & Kit look really smart.”

Ilektra Fronista, business delivery manager at Coventry University Enterprises, said: “With the Proof of Concept grant programme, we aim to support SMEs in Coventry & Warwickshire and Greater Birmingham & Solihull area with their pre-commercialisation projects and early stage development of new technologies and innovative ideas.

“Pup & Kit has come up with the new concept of their PetNest® product and accessing the ‘Proof of Concept’ ERDF grant has enabled them to develop and test their prototypes as well as make sure the necessary compliance required and factory standards are met before production.

“The grant support has allowed them to access the right resources, move forward faster and reduce the financial risk at the early stage of the project which can be very crucial for a small company.”

Caption: From the left, Linda Savitri (CWLEP Growth Hub), Mark Nicholls (Pup & Kit®) and Elena Diordieva (Coventry University Enterprises) with Monty the dog

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Find Out More

Looking for work, or have vacancies to fill?

CW Employment Solutions offers a service for job seekers and employers, recruiters and education leavers, to connect, find jobs, post vacancies and access the wealth of support measures that have been implemented across the region.

Click Here to Find out More

News

Growth in the pipeline as Coventry company makes move

The importance of building long-term growth opportunities for businesses

Key promotions made at University of Warwick Science Park as it focuses on growth

Remember to bring your photo ID to vote

New chair of Local Business Forum for the north of Warwickshire

Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,