Mumpreneur takes '¨lead to strike balance

Nicki Fillingham left a role in human resources at Wolseley in Ripon to have children, but despite now juggling childcare with supporting her husband’s business, still wanted a challenge of her own.

She has found the answer in GoDog, the new dog-walking, puppy-care and home petcare service she has just launched from her home in Kirkby Malzeard.

She said: “Wanting to care for my own children meant going back to a career wasn’t an option. I have considered setting up an online retail business but my heart wasn’t in it.

“I had to look at the prospects surrounding me. I live in a rural village with access to so many varied walks, I have a passion for animals, having always grown up with dogs, and I love keeping fit and just being outdoors.

“It can be hard for a pet at home when owners are working or unable to exercise them. I want to give the pets I care for the best possible experience.”

Pet-sitting and dog-walking is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, according to the National Association of Pet-Sitters and Dog-Walkers, or NarpsUK.