Taking the lead: award-winning pet store celebrates 15 years of pet care

Local pet specialists PetShed celebrated their landmark birthday this month with generous discounts for customers.

Since opening its doors in 2003 the family-run business has gone on to win multiple awards including Best Independent Pet Retailer in the UK, and Best Pet Shop in Swindon. PetShed manager Sarah Wells said: "Biggest doesn't always mean best - in this industry you have to have a passion for animals, and we all do. It's down to training and our knowledge."

Over 15 years Petshed has grown from two employees to its current 12. For their birthday celebrations the team offered special prices on their products, as well as tickets to visit Studley Grange. Due to the works on Junction 16, PetShed made the active decision not to hold a huge birthday bash as the road works have caused major delays to customers' journeys. Sarah said: "People could be queuing for 20 to 45 minutes to cross the roundabout, so they didn't come. The last 18 months have been hard, but we're still the cheapest around. "The birthday was all about telling people we're still here - if there's something that you need which we haven't got, we will go the extra mile. We will sell you a product because it's right for you and your pet - we're training our family to look after yours. There's nothing better than knowing you've helped somebody. We pride ourselves on doing our best." 15 years down the line and still growing, the pet store have launched their own pet food brand Borders. Currently selling just dog food, PetShed will shortly be launching cat food as well to sell to their customers. Since May Junction 16 has been reopened and is fully functional, enabling faster access to Swindon's PetShed. For further information visit www.petshedonline.co.uk