A 10-year-old schoolboy, who started his own business making neckerchiefs and bow ties for dogs, has secured a deal to sell his products in a leading pet supplies store.

Budding entrepreneur Rory Fricker has reached an agreement with Rosebourne Weyhill in Hampshire for the garden centre complex to his stock bow ties and bandanas, plus a range of shampoo, cologne and travel sets.

Rory and his Fox Red Labrador Hattie Bean were invited to the grand opening of Rosebourne Weyhill’s new undercover extension last Friday (August 5) where he was able to see the range of products on the shelves of the pet department.

As a student of Brockhurst & Marlston House school in Berkshire, Rory learned to sew in an art lesson.

“I wanted to make a few different things outside of the classroom and convinced my mum to buy a sewing machine so I could carry on at home,” he said.

“I had an idea to make my Labrador Hattie Bean a neckerchief and a bow tie, and they turned out rather well, so I made a few more and a few more.

“I then decided to sell these to pay off my sewing machine debt and make some pocket money. I also wanted to raise some money for animal charities.”

He set up Rory & Bean as an online business and is now branching out as Rosebourne becomes the first bricks-and-mortar retailer to stock the products. 

For more information visit www.roryandbean.co.uk or email info@roryandbean.co.uk

Pictured (top): Rory and Bean with Rosebourne’s Stuart Whalley and Carol Paris.