Family-run businesses Pickles Pet Pantry and Pickles Cani Running Club attended the MK Inspiration Awards as finalists in a four categories, and headed home with two prestigious awards.

Jack Avery was crowned Inspiring Athlete of the Year, while Katie Parker was named Upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year.

For the Olney-based team, the recognition represents far more than personal achievement. It is a celebration of independent business, community spirit, rescue dogs and the belief that success can still be built through passion, honesty and hard work.

The MK Inspiration Awards celebrate individuals, organisations and businesses making a positive impact across Milton Keynes and the surrounding region, recognising excellence, innovation and contribution to the wider community.

Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes City Council, Keith McLean, who attended the awards ceremony, praised the achievement, saying: “I was delighted to witness two winners from Olney. The first was Jack Avery as the Most Inspiring Sports Person and the second was Katie Parker as the Upcoming Entrepreneur. Apart from their awards they were also nominated in the Business of the Year Award as the owners of Pickles Pet Pantry located in Olney. A great evening for a wonderful husband and wife team!”

When Pickles Pet Pantry opened its doors in November 2022, the vision was simple. Create a pet store built around honest advice, evidence-based nutrition and genuine care for animals.

Since then, the business has grown from a single independent pet shop into an award-winning brand and community hub for pet owners across the region.

In 2024, the team launched their own pet food brand, Only in Olney, developed with the same philosophy that had guided the business from day one: feed every customer’s pet as if it were your own.

Then in January 2025, Pickles Cani Running Club was born. What began as a handful of people and dogs meeting to run together has grown into one of the area’s fastest-growing Canicross communities, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to competitive athletes, nervous rescue dogs to seasoned sporting partners. Today, more than 60 people and their dogs form part of the Pickles Canicross family.

The club provides free borrow-kit to newcomers, ensuring cost is never a barrier to entry, and has become known for its welcoming ethos.

Visit www.picklespetpantry.co.uk, explore Pickles Cani Running Club, or pop into the store on Olney High Street to discover how the team can help you and your pet.