L-R – Jonah Fitzharris, Charles Briggs and Patricia Briggs

A thriving local pet and animal supplies business is celebrating after expanding into new premises and welcoming new apprenticeships at Bogston Industrial Estate in Greenock.

The Petshop Postie has enjoyed continual growth over the past two years, enabling the company to expand from its existing location at Bogston Lane into a neighbouring unit.

Launched in 2004, The Petshop Postie is owned and run by Kilmacolm couple Charles and Patricia Briggs, who bought the business in 2014 and moved to its existing base in 2020.

The business provides an invaluable service to pet owners who enjoy the convenience of a home delivery service, catering for a wide variety of family favourites including dogs, cats, birds, and horses.

As well as shipping its products across the UK, The Petshop Postie also carries out a personal delivery service to pet owners in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, and Glasgow.

The Petshop Postie has also been able to secure funding support from Inverclyde Council’s Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Programme by employing Jonah Fitzharris, aged 18 from Greenock as a Warehouse Apprentice.

In addition, two part-time employees have been added to the office and admin support team, taking the total number of employees to six.

The Petshop Postie

Reflecting on the latest expansion of the business, co-owner Charles Briggs said:

“It is terrific to have secured the larger premises, and this enables us a much larger showroom and warehouse for the next stage of our growth.

“We have received great support from Inverclyde Council through its Apprentice Subsidy scheme, and it enables us to continue to develop the business over the new two years.”

The latest expansion has seen The Petshop Postie more than double its floorspace, with the business now occupying 3,650 square feet adjacent to the A8 road into Greenock.

Bogston Industrial Estate at Port Glasgow Road is owned by Inverclyde businessmen Sandy and James Easdales’ Dalglen Property Investments.

Co-owner Patricia Briggs added:

“We have built up a healthy book of business with many loyal as well as new clients who enjoy the range of products and personal touch that The Petshop Postie provides.

“The new premises are ideal, and its location and accessibility from the A8 for clients are perfect for those headed to and from work or the nearby retail park.”

“We would also like to thank Bowman Rebecchi for their continued support over the past few years and for supporting our integration into the larger premises.”

The latest expansion is a further successful letting for Inverclyde property firm and ICC Member, Bowman Rebecchi, who acted as the agent for the landlords.

Andrew Bowman, Director of Bowman Rebecchi, said:

“We are delighted to continue to support The Petshop Postie with its ongoing growth and the expansion into the newly vacant unit is an excellent fit for the next stage of development.

“To see the business also being able to offer employment opportunities to locals is a further boost and testament to how well the business has been managed throughout a difficult period for small businesses and enterprise.

“We would like to wish Charles and Patricia continued success with their plans for The Petshop Postie.”

The Petshop Postie is now open for collections and deliveries. For more details, click here.