Fiona Shaw tells us how she created Invictus Squad – a ‘safe haven’ for dogs – with a little help from Launchpad

Tell us all about your company!

Invictus Squad is a bit like a youth club for dogs! We’re a business in Swinton, Rotherham that specialises in supporting owners to train their pets with a range of discipline.

We began work on a sole-use dog park in April this year after I secured land for the park and filled it with agility equipment, a rain shelter – and plenty of treats!

As a dog trainer and behaviourist, I support clients whose dogs make walking difficult – some react aggressively, can’t go off their leads and have no recall skills.

It’s a safe haven for their dogs. We often help people with mobility issues who can’t physically walk their dog – so they can sit down whilst the dog gets some exercise.

When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?

I was already a dog trainer, but spied a gap in the market after I realised there wasn’t any secure space for the dogs to practice their training.

I was giving people the tools to further their dogs’ progress, but they didn’t have the right area to be able to do that, and I felt like I wasn’t helping them as much as I could’ve been.

Initially, the park was only open to my clients, but as word spread, we opened it to the public.

We began hosting Socialisation Saturdays, aimed towards friendlier dogs and puppies with limited social interaction. The park caters to various classes and sizes as it’s important for some breeds to stay social.

How has Launchpad helped you?

Launchpad helped me to successfully apply for a UKSE Kickstart Grant to develop the business, but I also found the ongoing support equally beneficial.

I’m much more of a dog person than a people person! And I had exact ideas about what I wanted for them, so I found the marketing workshops helped to really put my ideas into play for the business.

What do you think of the Sheffield City Region as a place to start a business?

With schemes like Launchpad available, I saw my business grow from an idea to reality – starting up on your own is daunting but they really helped to provide me with the right training to put me on the right track.

We’ve had some great feedback from clients as well, especially because there’s nowhere in Rotherham like it.

What are your hope and aims for the business?

I’m hoping to expand Invictus Squad in the future, by branching out into other areas, and accommodating larger breeds.

I’ve also recently qualified as a Hoopers instructor, which is a low-impact agility sport designed for larger dogs. The next big thing is to start a team and start training, eventually entering competitions.

I’d love to start home boarding, particularly for larger breeds. Most registered kennels only accommodate small dogs and I’d love to fill that niche.

Launchpad advisor Darren McDool said: “With a clear idea of who her customers are and what they are looking for, Fiona has put together a great offer for local dog owners.

“During our discussions it soon became clear that she had a fantastic depth of experience over a number of years working with dogs and their owners on behavioural issues.  This knowledge and experience coupled with her obvious passion for animal welfare and the brilliant facility she now has give her every chance of building something special.

“Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created.  Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.

“Stop dreaming and do it.  Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.”