OWNERS of a dog day care centre in Radcliffe have told how their business is going from strength to strength after opening six months ago.

Luke Millington, 24, and Jason Morgan, 32, who both live in Radcliffe, opened Stay ‘n’ Play Doggy Day Care, in Dale Industrial Estate, Phoenix Way, last September.

The centre provides a safe, stimulating and caring environment for dogs and other pets while their owners are at work or unable to care for them.

With the support of a start-up loan by Business Finance Solutions (BFS), the centre has been able to provide a high level of service and has been able to take on more staff since it opened.

Mr Millington said: “Thanks to the loan from BFS we have been able to launch our business as a high-quality destination that offers something really different to dog owners locally.

“Without their help we would certainly still be saving now so we are very grateful for everything that they have done for us.”

BFS is the North West delivery partner of the government’s national £310million Start Up Loans programme and a lending partner of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The company provides a professional service focused on alternative finance options for businesses that have been unable to obtain funding through a mainstream lender.

John Cannon, loan manager from BFS, said: “Like many of the entrepreneurs we work with, Luke and Jason spotted the potential for a new business that offered longer hours and a wider variety of services to fit the demands of busy dog owners.

“They have used their loan to get the business off the ground quickly and their state-of-the-art facilities enable them to offer a top class and competitive canine care service in north Manchester. With 25 per cent of households in the UK now owning at least one dog, there is great potential for the Stay N Play business to grow and expand for years to come.”

Starting with three staff in September, the centre now employs eight full-time staff with further expansion forecast in the future.

Mr Milligan added: “Our expert day care, grooming and behavioural training is delivered by a really dedicated team here. Our number one priority is the happiness and wellbeing of the animals we care for.” The centre opens from 7am to 7pm from Monday to Friday. Coaches offer puppy classes and basic obedience classes for more mature dogs.

For more information, visit www.staynplaydoggydaycare.co.uk or call 07716928281.