Oban dog grooming business expand into larger premises

Scotland’s only Internationally Certified Master Groomer, Nichola MacGillivray IMCG, has successfully expanded into larger premises and is going on to introduce a dog grooming training school with the support of Business Gateway.

17th January 2024

About the business

First launched in 2017, Nikki’s Canine Sassoon offers a variety of professional dog grooming services, including canine massage, hand stripping, breed specific styling, ultrasound teeth cleaning and teddy-bear style grooms.  

Business Gateway has played an invaluable role in not only finding funding for my business, but also by giving me a lot of good business advice. I would like to thank them for believing in me and supporting my vision and goals.

How Business Gateway has helped

Nikki had already built a strong customer base for Nikki’s Canine Sassoon, with repeated business from customers who praised her professionalism and attention to detail.   

Having gone on to qualify with her IMCG accreditation, and on a mission to provide certified training to dog groomers, Nikki approached Business Gateway in Argyll and Bute for help to expand her business’ service offering.  

Nikki accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s growth-business services, including 1:1 support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on routes to funding. This funding was essential for supporting the growth of the business and the move into larger premises, with more space needed for the training school.  

Through Business Gateway, Nikki also benefitted from specialist marketing support, which helped her learn about the appropriate techniques to help advertise her new dog grooming school.  

Since launching, Nikki has seen an increased number of customers looking for fully qualified groomers, and now employs three members of staff in order to keep up with customer demand. 

Nikki has also successfully competed in several dog grooming competitions, securing second place at the Irish Grooming Championships in both hand strip and hand scissor classes. She has also received the award for Designer Mutt Stylist of the Year.  

Passionate about the dog grooming world becoming regulated, Nikki plans to work alongside the relevant professionals and governing bodies to ensure this becomes a reality.   

Nikki MacGillivray, Owner of Nikki’s Canine Sassoon, said: “Business Gateway has played an invaluable role in not only finding funding for my business, but also by giving me a lot of good business advice. I would like to thank them for believing in me and supporting my vision and goals.” 