It’s a proud (but equally uncomfortable!) thing to talk about, but Ginger and Tails has been shortlisted for a national Small Awards 2026 award. Specifically, the At Your Service Award, which recognises service-led small businesses across the UK. There were thousands of entries from across the country, and just eight businesses have been shortlisted in this category. Eight. And I was one of them, that’s crazy!
The Small Awards is now in its 10th year and is a nationwide search for the UK’s greatest small firms (across all sectors). It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions and supports the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses.
When I started Ginger and Tails in 2022, there was never a grand plan about making it massive, I only ever wanted to do something that I loved and be able to pay my bills at the same time.
It was always about building something that put animals first, that kept small so I could give everyone the love and attention they deserved, and that never cut corners or made compromises because it was easier.
I never set out with big ambitions, I just wanted to build something I could be proud of, and proud because every animal got what they needed. Something where I got to know all of the pets I cared for properly – not just their names, but every little detail about them. Like what their likes and dislikes are, what makes them anxious or happy, what each bit of body language means for them, and what I can do to help give them the best lives possible. That was always the point of it.
To have that approach recognised like this, on a national level, and in a pool of thousands of small businesses, it’s kind of a lot to take in! I mean I’m proud, of course I am, but I’m also feeling a little awkward about it, because it’s being recognised for something that I just genuinely love doing – feels a bit fraudulent!
I think importantly though, this isn’t really just about me, it’s about every client who trusts me with their pets, and every animal that’s come into my care and made me fall in love with them.
It’s also a bit of a reminder that doing things properly still matters, even in an unregulated industry. Just because there’s no set standard of care, doesn’t mean you can’t set high expectations.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on the 21st May. I’m putting my big brave girl pants on (and a dress and make-up!) and attending. I don’t think for the slightest moment that I’ll win my category (I’m up against some amazing people and businesses), but to be one of eight finalists out of thousands, I already feel like a winner.
