iPET Network News

 

This was the venue for this year's Business Growth Wales event, where we met other award finalists nervously checking in.  Covering a range of categories and sectors, IPET Network were finalists in 4 categories including Business Service Excellence, Rising Star, Pet Product & Service and Innovation awards in the North and Mid Wales category.  Although iPET Network is not based in Wales, we have strong Welsh roots with a number of Training Providers in the country. In 2024 we received a grant from Qualifications Wales to translate several of our qualifications into Welsh and open opportunity for those learning new skills including lifesaving Canine First Aid skills to learn in their native tongue. Our story of growth and focus on the Welsh market inspired us to enter the awards, including nominating our own Welsh leading lady, Sarah Mackay.  Sarah grew up in Wales and lived in North Wales until only a few months ago. Her commitment to the country is strong and driven by the knowledge that the animal care sector is one of the top 10 employment sectors in Wales.  This means our work is more important than ever to the Welsh market as the country focuses its strategy to support the large employment industries be the best that they can be.

 

As we entered the awards event, we (Fern & Sarah) hugged our prosecco welcome drink and took in the room.  It was a black-tie event, and everyone was dressed in their best with glitz and glamour.  We opted for a little black dress each to fit the dress code, along with heels and some bling.  Finding our table on the plan, we counted 27 tables of 10 people...270 people attending the event! Taking to the table we met the other finalists from North Wales, including an IT company, a vegetable company and a dentistry group!  The diversity was surprising and we all did something quite unique and different.

 

The schedule for the evening was to announce a few awards before starters were served, another few awards and then main course and final awards before dessert with the overall winner announced after puddings.

 

The evening proceeded and our first category was announced Pet Product & Service.  We were up against some strong brands and although disappointed we didn't take the trophy, we couldn't argue when the winner was announced as Burns Dog Feeds.  Based in Wales we have previously visited their HQ and know their services go above and beyond for customers. Congratulations Burns!!

 

Next up for us was the Business Service Excellence. The presenter read that the judges chose their winner 'based on their outstanding reviews and customer feedback.  The business serves a multitude of other businesses and provides growth across a sector, improving the opportunity for Welsh students to enhance their skills'. And the winner is...iPET Network!!!  We couldn't believe it and grinned our way to the stage as we collected a beautiful glass award and a bottle of bubbles. Walking back to our chairs was difficult with jelly legs following the rush of adrenalin!  We have no idea what exactly we said during our 'thank you speech' although the table said it was good!

 

The next few awards passed in a blur before the next category we were in was announced - Rising Star.  Sarah was nominated in this category for her Welsh work and was up against some amazing competition. The winner was a new childcare business, and the owner was making waves on social media.  A very worthy winner (although Sarah is always ours!)

 

Finally, after a chocolate pudding dessert we reach the final award of our night, Innovation. Up against those who have developed new technology and services we were not expecting much in this category.  We know the innovation across the whole of the UK is outstanding with so many SME's doing amazing things.  Drum roll please... WE WON!!! The bilingual qualification suite was very well received by judges who say the advantage in learners being given options with their study and the promotion of the Welsh Language as one of the governments key strategies.  Another trip to the stage and more glassware to bring home!  We were over the moon!!  The evening was round up with drinking and dancing as we took our prizes back to our room and kicked off our heels!

 

Oh what a night!  iPET Network winning 2 out of 4 categories was outstanding.  We were 1 of only 2 organisations to win more than 1 award and the feedback from our peers was elating.

 

Thank you to the organisers for such an incredible event that flowed seamlessly.  Our team are thrilled with the result and look forward to 2026!