Fast growing pet food company Nutriment, based in Camberley, Surrey, is planning to buy a second factory to keep up with the growing demand for its RAW products.

The pet food provider began life two years ago with 10,000 square feet of factory space, one well-grounded founder, 10 high-spirited staff and a disturbing mound of personal debt. 

Today the business stands tall as a leading light within the independent pet food manufacturing fraternity, producing in excess of 160 tonnes of RAW products each month to meet the needs of loyal customers and a growing network of retailers.

Before launching Nutriment, co-founder Suzanne Brock's career included stints as an army officer, a high-flying city operative and a project manager. She'd also worked alongside her brother in the early days of his own fledgling pet food business.

Here Suzanne (pictured above with sales director and partner Peter Nicholas) explains to Pet Trade Xtra the reasons behind Nutriment's success and reveals some of the lessons she has learned along the way.

Why did you launch Nutriment?
I hadn’t run my own business before Nutriment as this hadn’t been a burning ambition of mine. Nutriment’s success stems from my team’s shared affinity for our four-legged friends. In my case a lifetime of owning dogs and being around in-the-know dog breeders, made me appreciate the far-reaching dissatisfaction felt by many dog lovers who believed that the leading ‘complete’ offerings in the marketplace were underwhelming. I backed myself to do better but took some all-important thinking time to fathom out the marketplace in which I intended joining.

How hard has it been to launch into the pet food sector?
When I started Nutriment I was under the impression that banks were championing small businesses courtesy of a much vaunted government scheme to guarantee 75% of the loan back should the business fail. The initial noises made by our local bank were certainly encouraging, so both my mother and I put in the exact amount we wanted to borrow from the bank. At the 11th hour, the bank chose to turn its back on us, even refusing to provide us with an overdraft. A few ‘squeaky seat’ days ensued since we were only a couple of days from signing the lease on our premises, had recruited a skeleton crew and even had a couple of large pieces of machinery trundling down the motorway. There was little option but to muddle on, manage what funds we’d raised ourselves whilst taking a further mortgage out on my house to survive.



Was it all worth it?
I won’t lie, there were moments in the early days when I wondered what on earth had I got bound-up in, be that being let down by some opportunistic suppliers or having to deal with one local rival who has tried to undermine and discredit us at every possible turn even though the ponds big enough for us both to succeed. We’ve resurrected an old business premise that had stood idle for 10 years, we employ 17 full-time staff and provide opportunities for self-starting apprentices to learn on the job whilst sponsoring their ambitions to secure NVQs in skills as diverse as warehousing, customer service, production and business management. We’ve enjoyed glowing endorsements from industry-respected figures like urban dog trainer/behaviourist, Louise Glazebrook, We have won local business community accolades for small business success and acumen and were even recognized by Crufts (New Exhibitor of the Year) in our inaugural outing to the UK’s premier dog show.

What have been your proudest moments?
There have been many noteworthy moments, however, I think we first realised we were onto something special when we became the first raw dog food producer to be awarded 5/5 by whichdogfood.co.uk        (now allaboutdogs.co.uk). I love the fact that we’re a close knit team that still gets a real buzz every time we uncrate a box of new pack sleeves, or receive some warm words from yet another satisfied customer. We also enjoy giving back to the community in which we operate, which is why we were chuffed to sponsor this year’s Journalist of the Year award at Pawscars.

What key things have you learned along the way?
As a single mother and fledgling business owner I’ve discovered the joy of working alongside friends, family to make things happen. Our initial financial situation meant that we needed to get the company trading quickly in order to survive and it’s in these moments you truly learn who your real friends are. As a mother of two very patient and understanding teenagers I’ve learnt to work at doing everything possible to keep work and family time separate. I haven’t always succeeded but know the importance of keeping my work life in perspective. Taking my son and daughter to their various lessons and parties is still my top priority, as is taking time out of every day just to chat, laugh and be on hand to talk through any problems they might have. In short give everything your best shot but keep everything in perspective.

What plans have you got for the future?
We are currently looking at purchasing a second factory premises to keep up with the growing demand for our constantly evolving product portfolio and also intend adding some much needed impetus to top-notch pet treats.

For more information visit http://www.nutriment.co/

 The Nutriment team celebrate the company's second birthday.