Well, this is a nice surprise!

Ginger and Tails has been named as a finalist in the Customer Care category at The Small Business Awards 2026.

There are 15 finalists from across the UK in my category, which recognises businesses that prioritise exceptional customer care and the processes behind delivering great service.

The Small Business Awards are dedicated specifically to entrepreneurs, micro businesses and small businesses. Their mission is to champion the people behind small businesses and create a space where smaller organisations feel seen, recognised and supported.

As a one-person business, awards feel a little strange to write about. I spend most of my time covered in animal hair, talking to dogs, texting owners about poo and obsessing over weather forecasts. A bit of a contrast to the glamour of awards!

It’s really special to have made the finalists of another national awards in recognition of my customer care. I’ve always believed that caring for people’s pets means caring for the people attached to them as well. Handing someone the keys to your home or trusting them with an animal you love isn’t a small thing, it requires total trust, and trust has to be earned and maintained.

Since starting Ginger and Tails back in 2022, I’ve tried to build a business that puts animal welfare first, stays small enough to provide genuinely personal care, and treats every client and pet as an individual. There are no shortcuts to that. It comes from getting to know every animal properly, understanding their quirks, routines and needs, and being the sort of person clients know they can rely on, and their animals can love! So whilst I don’t know what will happen next, I’m genuinely proud to have reached the finalist stage.

As always, this recognition doesn’t just belong to me. It belongs to every client who has trusted me with their pets and every dog, cat, small furry, bird, reptile…you name it…who has become part of my family along the way.

Each category will have two winners, one chosen by a judging panel and one chosen by public vote. The public vote opens at the beginning of August so keep your eyes peeled as I’ll of course be asking for people’s support.

Winners are announced at a ceremony in November – wish me luck!