Two former British Airways employees have turned their part-time dog grooming salon in a converted garage into a thriving pet retailing business house in a new purpose built building in just five years…

 Martin Mawson and Lee Hollingworth have seen their Furst Class Lounge become a leading example of a high-quality professional dog grooming, retail and educational centre. 

 “Five years ago we were both working at the cutting edge of world class customer service as pursers for British Airways,” said Martin.

 “We noticed that a long-established industry serving millions of dogs in the UK was in need of a serious shake up, certainly in comparison to the US & China market!

 “So we decided to do something about it, and after 24 years in the aviation industry we chose to have a massive career change.”

 Lee added: “It wasn’t long before we were invited to give a seminar at the Kennel Club Building on 'The Business of Grooming' and came runner up in grooming business of the year in 2012 at The Pet Industry Federation Awards. Since then our feet haven’t left the ground.

 “With continued hard work and dedication to the industry we now run a very successful Salon Spa and Boutique stocking top names such as Mutts & Hounds, Oscar & Hooch, Dogs & Horses, Natural Instinct, Pure Pet Foods, and Crate Ideas, plus many other designer brands.”

 “The business is really taking off now and we are looking for more new and exciting products to add to our boutique range,” said Martin. “Naturally we will be visiting PATS again this year looking for new business opportunities.”

 Martin and Lee’s vision  took shape after receiving the appropriate animal care training and gaining qualifications. They soon outgrew their converted garage and relocated to new purpose built premises in Chesterfield, Derbyshire in November 2013. 

 “The future is very bright for future UK professional groomers who approach the industry in the right way,” said Martin. “We hope to be guiding many more new businesses forward in developing a quality UK grooming industry and reputation for animal care, in partnership with other industry leading organisations. We’ll also be offering job and apprenticeship opportunities at Furst Class Lounge.”

 To find out more about Furst Class Lounge click here