Pet shop owner Katie Parker will go up against her mother Pam in a prestigious Business Leader Award next week.

Katie runs Pickles Pet Pantry, a popular pet shop in the local market town of Olney, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Business Leader Award at the SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2025, alongside Pam, Managing Director of PPSGB.

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday at Stadium MK, where the pair will compete head-to-head for the coveted title.

Pam has over 50 years business leadership experience, and now runs PPSGB, a Milton Keynes-based company specialising in the design and manufacture of protective equipment for the nuclear, pharmaceutical, and civil resilience industries. PPSGB is recognised as a leading UK manufacturer delivering bespoke solutions to hazard-prone industries. Pam’s leadership has driven growth and innovation, securing the company’s reputation both nationally and internationally.

Katie, following her own entrepreneurial path, runs Pickles Pet Pantry, known for its wide range of high-quality pet supplies and excellent customer service.

The SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate the achievements of hardworking and enterprising SMEs across the region. Winning an award is a mark of business excellence, offering valuable PR opportunities and enhancing credibility among peers and customers.

Pam and Katie’s dual nominations make for a unique and exciting family rivalry, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the Parker family. As they await the results, both women remain proud of their contributions to their respective industries and the communities they serve.