Carina Evans, chief executive of Podium Pet Products, has completed the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme (10KSB).
The programme is designed to provide business education and support services to help small businesses grow and create jobs in their communities. Only a small group of UK entrepreneurs have completed the scheme, and Evans credits the programme’s expert teaching and mentoring in giving her and her team fresh ideas and new confidence to grow the business.
Evans started Podium Pet Products from her kitchen table in Dorset by handcrafting natural solutions for pets. The business now operates from a 2,500 sq ft warehouse, with award-winning brands such as Dog Rocks and BeLoved Wellness.
Evans said: “We’re incredibly proud that our journey started at the kitchen table and has led us to a thriving business supporting rural communities.
“I reimagined recipes I found in my grandmother’s books I found after she died, into the products in the BeLoved range. Our rural roots inspire everything we do, from sourcing natural ingredients to supporting local suppliers and giving back to our community.
“The support and expertise I received through the programme have been invaluable,” she added. “It’s helped me connect with other business owners facing similar challenges, and together we’re building a network that benefits our communities. The mental well-being aspect, knowing you’re not alone as a business leader, has been especially important.”
