On Thursday 24 November, Year 10 Business students enjoyed a visit from Stella Norman, co-owner of Milnthorpe Kennels and Cattery. She spent time with four different Year 10 classes, answering their questions about the market research they have used as a business to help them to understand customer needs and their competitors – key topics in the first term of the GCSE Business course.
Amongst other things, students learnt about the importance of the business’ membership of the Pet Industry Federation and the value of talking to and getting to know customers and their pets.
Stella also explained why Milnthorpe Kennels and Cattery need to charge more to look after rabbits than guinea pigs, and the research they are doing, with the help of South Lakeland District Council, into switching to infra-red heating to reduce their carbon emissions.
Milnthorpe Kennels and Cattery provide boarding and day care facilities for dogs, cats and other small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens and work with the RSPCA as a pet rescue centre. They also have an onsite shop selling pet food and accessories.
Stella and her husband Chris are parents to three former Dallam students. We are grateful for her time and insights into running a business to provide our GCSE students with real-world examples and an opportunity to ask questions to a real business owner. If you are a business interested in working with our Business students or careers guidance programme contact Mr Blyth (r.blyth@dallamschool.co.uk) to discuss further.