A POPULAR new pet store in Bidford specialising in horse products could create four or more jobs by next spring.

Bidford Pet Co on the Bidavon Industrial Estate on Waterloo Road opened during the Covid-19 lockdown in July.

The pet shop and farm feed retailer welcomes customers in store but will also take phone orders and can deliver bulky purchases locally.

Business partners Kelly-Louise Burrows and Ashleigh Taylor, who previously worked together in a dog-grooming business, launched the pet shop after seeing a gap in the market.

Ms Burrows said: “Things have been really good since we opened, with takings growing much faster than we thought, especially given the current economic conditions.

“It’s the personal order and delivery service that has proved so successful because people just aren’t enjoying shopping themselves following Covid-19.”

The new shop is already employing Ms Burrows and Ms Taylor, with part time help from Ms Taylor’s mother, and it could employ two shop workers in 2021 if the early success continues.

Ms Burrows added: “The equine side of the business is popular as there’s nowhere else around here, and so horse-owners are really pleased to have somewhere local for what they need.”

Redditch property agency John Truslove helped the company find their new home at the industrial estate. Ben Truslove, joint managing director at John Truslove, said: “This is a bright, new pet shop and equine supplies company, and Kelly and Ashleigh’s enthusiasm shines through in both the exterior signage and the interior design and lay-out.

“It’s great to have popular shops like this on the industrial estate where there’s great visibility to passing trade and plenty of parking available.”