Online pet shop based in Horsham recognised in friendly business award

Big Dog World, based on the Church Lane estate, has made the finals of a national competition to find Britain’s friendliest business.

Even though Big Dog World is an online pet shop, owner Neil Stanton tries to deliver orders in person with his dog Elvis.

Neil likes to catch up on how his customers’ dogs are doing and offers free pet advice.

The business is now one of just 20 finalists still in the running to be named Britain’s Friendliest Business, and a cash prize of £10,000, in the competition sponsored by Liberis, a nationwide provider of small business funding.

Paul Mildenstein, CEO of Liberis, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the quality of entries and the obvious passion and devotion that Britain’s small businesses give to make sure their customers get the very best service.

“They should all be celebrated, but Big Dog World really stood out. ”

The competition’s judges particularly liked the company’s customer ethos.

The company says ‘customer service is our absolute priority and we are one of the highest-rated online pet shops on Trustpilot. We provide food and accessories suitable for large and giant breeds at online prices, but with the personal service of a local pet shop’.

Each finalist has to get as many Facebook ‘Likes’ as possible as part of the final stage of the competition.

The winner and two runners up of Britain’s Friendliest Business will be announced at the end of February.