News

Wendy Payton wins a Treasure-Trove from generous suppliers at MasterGroom 2017

BIGA congratulations to Wendy Payton, who is the first-ever recipient of ‘The BIGA Box’.

“The prizes were unbelievably generous of all the stands and suppliers [at MasterGroom 2017], and I would like to say a massive huge Thank You for their contribution to the first BIGA Box! Aesculap also gave me a clipper with blades and combs,” said Wendy. “All in all, it was a day I will never forget.”

The BIGA Box is a newly-created initiative to support its members with the opportunity of winning door-prizes at competitions and events, such as seminars and workshops, thereby encouraging participation.

“We really want BIGA to be an interactive experience for all members. Come to the shows. Attend workshops and seminars. Meet other groomers. Be a part of a ‘biga’ community,” says Colin Taylor, one of BIGA’s founder-directors, and the creator of MasterGroom.

“I urge other groomers to get involved in this wonderful association and its support of its members, for which I’m so proud to be a part of,” said Wendy.

With a retail value in the hundreds of pounds, the BIGA Box was a treasure-trove of goodies for the professional groomer, provided by the following generous suppliers:

Aesculap, Hownd Shampoo, Secret Weapon, The Pawfume Shop, Redcape, Kebukai, Purple Paws, Canine Design, Groomers, Colin Taylor Accessories and Precious Shampoos and Fragrances, Mutneys, Total Grooming Magazine and Dogs & Horses.

BIGA congratulations to BIGA member Bryony Mehigan at opening of your new salon K9DivineGrooming in Framlingham.

More info: www.k9divinegrooming.com

BIGA Congratulations to BIGA member, Amy Manser, who took home the coveted prize of Best In Show at MasterGroom 2017.

For more of the story and all the results, follow this link on the ProGroomer website > click here

congratulations BIGA members, Bow Wow London, on the opening of your new salon in Central London.

News of the event was picked up by The Pet Gazette - read all it about it here:

Pet Gazette article

Congratulations BIGA members (and future members, ahem)

You've been nominated Best Non-Profit in this year's Liz Paul Awards (thanks everyone for the nomination - truly an honour for all members)!

To vote: click here

But please do so urgently because time is running out. Now, read this to discover the shocking claim about BIGA (don't skip to the bottom right away, you have to read thru this to get it..)

Why vote for BIGA?

We could say vote for BIGA because it's the first non-profit pet groomers' association to acknowledge and publicly feature the generation of professionals who have contributed so much to this industry - and continue to do so - with the Honorary Members list.

That would be plenty of reason for most. High time this sort of thing happened. It's nice to see. It's well earned. And our Honorary Members are, truly, to be honoured and respected.

But if you need more reasons than that, well, how about the fact that BIGA (which launched just under a year ago), is the first non-profit pet groomers' association to create an interactive membership website for the sharing of knowledge among members and is actively creating a community support network of like-minded professionals?

All of that is taking place on the members' website - forums, downloadable resources, a searchable member directory so we can do things like communicate with each other. That's kinda cool isn't it? A safe space for asking questions, answering questions without judgement. Just support and good ol' fashioned friendly advice.

Are those reasons enough yet?

How about the fact that BIGA is the first non-profit to create a public pet-owners' website featuring image boards of pet styles, a searchable directory of member businesses plus provides pet owner advice to raise awareness and educate the pet owner about everything that goes into regular pet grooming?

That's radical isn't it? A website for the pet owner! With images of different pet styles!

Sheesh. Is there more that BIGA could be doing? Of course there is. You're part of it and you're making it happen. But BIGA needs your vote.

If all this hasn't convinced you though, how about this:

BIGA is pleased to announce its first official Honorary Members in recognition of their contributions to the professional pet grooming industry in the British Isles.

Each Honouree is distinguished by their exceptional commitment to, and generosity in, the sharing of  their knowledge and hard-won expertise with other pet grooming professionals.

To see our list of Honourees, please click here.

Established Covent Garden Dog Shop, BOW WOW London, is looking to appoint a Head Dog Groomer for our new Central London Salon, opening soon. The candidate must have at least 2 years Dog Grooming experience.

We are looking for a dynamic, creative person who will help develop this new venture and expand our client base.

Competitive salary offered.

For further details please email administrator@bowwowlondon.org

Independent business develops National Dog Grooming Qualification

BIGA members Four Paws Groom School in Northwich, Cheshire has worked alongside Open College Network West Midlands to develop The Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming.  This new qualification is regulated by Ofqual and is recognised in the UK’s national education system at level 3 (A Level Equivalent).

After starting the business 8 years ago, Fern Gresty Director says “pets are more popular than ever and the public want to be assured that their companions are being cared for by trained, qualified professionals and they are going to leave a grooming salon happy, and looking great! I launched the Groom School after failing to employ a dog groomer who matched my expectations.  Working with other professionals, we went on to design a course that ensured we delivered dog grooming training to the highest standard.”

Sarah Mackay (Regional Grooming Manager) joined Four Paws in 2015 and focused on quality assurance, to developing the existing course alongside Open College Network West Midlands into a qualification that is regulated by Ofqual (who oversee all qualifications in the UK). Sarah’s great success has led to her becoming a Business Partner and Director at Four Paws Groom School. Together, Fern and Sarah hope to inspire students into following their dreams to work with animals whilst raising industry standards.

Sarah says “before this there was only one other UK qualification relating to dog grooming which requires students to complete exams and a level 2 qualification first. We wanted to be mindful of the cost to students and so our course does not require a pre-entry qualification and may appeal to more adult learners who have been out of education for some time.”  

Four Paws Groom School deliver the course training over 25 days with additional time allowed for students to research and learn from others in the industry.  The dates are flexible and enable students to learn around their other commitments. The Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is assessed through coursework and ongoing appraisal from your tutor meaning no scary exams! This comprehensive, holistic approach has been welcomed by Four Paws students and is receiving great reviews.  A fast-track option is also available for experienced groomers seeking a formal qualification to confirm their skill level.

To find out more about us visit www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk or http://www.opencollnet.org.uk/qualifications/all-qualifications/dog-grooming.

Four Paws Groom School

Suite 1, The Rushes, Norley Road, Cuddington, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2TB

 Tel: 01606 889022

BIGA is excited to announce that we've reached a milestone of 100 new members since our launch at MasterGroom at the end of April.

In just little over a month, 100 new members have joined the professional pet grooming trade association and community support network.

"This is incredible momentum and it thrills me that groomers are hungry to be part of a wider, supportive community of like-minded professionals," said Colin Taylor, one of BIGA's Founder Directors.

BIGA has already rolled out discounted tailor-made insurance for its members. But the most exciting element has been the members' website, mybiga.org, which encourages interaction and participation in getting to know each other better. Features include a member directory, a Jobs board, online forums (including a social forum), profile pages that can be personalised, news and events as well as the ability to message other members from within the member site.

BIGA's introductory half-price sign-up special continues through the month of June. Membership is open to all - whether you are an aspiring groomer, student, retired, business owner, supplier, magazine - just take a look at the Member Levels page on mybiga.org to learn more.