A YOUNG woman has set up her own pet supply business despite being on benefits and getting no financial support.
Holly Lloyd launched Lloyd’s Supplies in premises in Coedpoeth last week after managing to secure materials, goods and money through a variety of sources, including friends and family.
Before that the 20-year-old had been claiming benefits for a year, with attempts to secure loans through banks and grant aid proving unsuccessful.
In the end, thanks to the kindness of a veterinary surgery, her friends, and a lot of persistence on her own part, she was able to get off the ground.
Mum Deborah said: “She went to the bank to see a business adviser and it was just a case of how many brick walls she could hit.
“All she needed to get the business up and running was £2,000 – we thought she would be able to get a grant, but it wasn’t to be.”
Instead of giving up, Holly wrote off to different firms – and was given a huge boost when Wrexham Veterinary Care, on Caia Road, agreed to loan her £600 to buy supplies.
She received further good news when dad Colin was able to set up a trade account at DIY store Magnet on Ruabon Road, which enabled him to get hold of materials such as plasterboard and timber to renovate the store.
Shelves were donated by a model shop in Porthmadog and friends and relatives of Holly also gave cash, including her grandmother.
The premises, based on the Beehive Courtyard, just off Coedpoeth High Street, were renovated and opened for business last Wednesday.
As a big animal lover Holly is helped out on the premises by her trusty pet labrador Scout.
Holly said: “I decided to do it and just went for it. It shows that if people really want to open a business they can, no matter how much money they have to do it.”