Top-selling brand Billy + Margot first came to prominence when founder Marie Jones appeared on the BBC TV hit programme Dragons’ Den where she secured investment from Deborah Meadon. The brand, now owned by Australian firm Real Pet Food Company, is now relaunching in the UK with an exciting range of new products.

Canine nutritionist Marie, who is still involved in Billy + Margot, talks exclusively about her remarkable journey with the brand since first launching seven years ago.

It has been a remarkable journey for Billy + Margot, are you amazed at how far the brand has come?

It has been an incredible journey for Billy + Margot and for me personally. Seeing the brand sold in so many countries around the world now is amazing. I had envisioned that one day the brand would become global, but I never thought it would happen so quickly and on such a big scale. Of course, along the way there has been a lot of help from my first investor, Deborah Meaden, and now with the RPFC Group. But global expansion was in my original business plan. So my dream has come true which is incredible.

You’re still remembered for winning an investment in the Dragons’ Den, is that a good or bad thing?

I was aware that Dragons’ Den had its risks but for me the experience and the involvement from Deborah were both very positive. Not only did it give the brand instant recognition but the TV exposure and the association with the show opened doors that would have otherwise taken longer to open. People often ask me if I would do it again and the answer is Yes - although I have to say the hour and a half I spent in the Den was a terrifying experience that I would not necessarily wish to repeat!

When you started out was it always your intention to extend the range beyond the original product?

It was clear that an iced treat, especially in the UK where the weather is not always hot, would have a short selling window - April to September at best. So yes it was always my intention to add other treats to the range and I also had plans to include food. Deborah and I were particularly keen to include a raw food range and it is only this year that the brand will launch its first range of raw food. But the work started in 2014. In our various markets – UK, US and Australia – Billy + Margot is the only brand to sell all formats of food: dry, wet, fresh and raw.

You’re now firmly established as an international brand, how many countries are you sold in?

To date we sell in the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, China and in smaller markets like the UAE, Singapore and a few countries around Europe. We are launching this year in Canada and we have plans to expand into the EU.

Has the growth of the brand been accelerated by being part of a larger company?

There is absolutely no doubt that without the financial investment, production facilities and expertise that the RPFC Group has brought, Billy + Margot would not be where it is today. I launched it in 2012 and the company is worth over $15 million today.

How involved do you get in the development of new products?

I work closely with our production teams in Australia, and I still put together all the recipes for our food and treats. I am very specific when it comes to the ingredients and the mix of ingredients that go into our products and I am lucky that the RPFC Group allow me such involvement. It is important for the brand to retain its authenticity as it’s what resonates with our customers. Although Billy + Margot is now part of a big group, it is still that small brand that people love and trust. There are no plans to change that!

Tell us about your relaunch and new products.

It’s really exciting to relaunch in the UK, the home country of the brand. We are introducing a range of dry food – one that includes 3 SKUs of single proteins. Our product will only contain one protein and the matching fat. So our Lamb and Salmon products do not have any poultry in them, which will help customers who are looking to avoid poultry for their dogs. We are also introducing a range of small wet pouches and new ‘wild’ flavours in our wet tins. We are also launching a superb range of raw food suitable for paleo diets. Our venison treats stay the same as they are still very popular and of such high quality.

When will you go public with your new look and new products?

The new range will be sold for the first time in Pets At Home stores from the end of June (Wet and Dry Dog Food, and Dog Treats ranges). We will also continue supporting all independent retailers - products are available through Pedigree Wholesale, as well as direct with Billy + Margot. Customers can also buy through Ocado and Fetch. For more information we can be contacted on 02392 633855.