MULTIPLE West Somerset pet businesses owner Zoe Heard has been shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the UK Small Business Awards.

Twenty-six-year-old Ms Heard runs three pet-related businesses, Posh Paws Dog Grooming, Posh Paws Dog Training, and natural pet products firm Natri-Pet, based in Timberscombe.

She is a City and Guilds Level two and three qualified dog groomer and an NDTA and CPD-certified dog trainer, specialising in one-to-one grooming and outdoor, real-life dog training.

Ms Heard’s grooming skills are already award-winning, as she has earned best in show (intermediate) and best hand-stripped gundog at Master Groom 2025.

Clients travel to Timberscombe from all over the Westcountry for her show cocker spaniel grooms.

Ms Heard has also appeared on the ITV television programme ‘This Morning’ with her show dog Kali, who is qualified for Crufts 2026.

Her natural pet product company, Natri-Pet, is growing rapidly and will soon be supplying local businesses and pet shops, with a dedicated website launching shortly.

Ms Heard, who is also a qualified canine first aider, said: “I have always had a lifelong passion for animals.

“Since starting my successful dog grooming business and showing career, I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience with dogs and enrolled myself into a dog training course.

“I am happy to announce that after a lot of hard work and practical training, I have been awarded my certification.

“Running three businesses and continually developing my skills has taken a lot of dedication.

“Being shortlisted for this award is a great acknowledgment of that work.”

Ms Heard said her training sessions ran over six weeks covering essential skills for both owners and puppies, including eye contact, recall, and lead walking, as well as some fun activities.

She said: “Consistency is key when training dogs, so it is important to reinforce what you learn in our sessions.”