When the opportunity arose to buy a mobile dog-grooming unit, South Shields mum-of-two Michele Longmore knew it was exactly what she was looking for to get back into work. And now, with help from Jobcentre Plus and Broker North East, Michele is fulfilling her lifetime ambition of working with animals.

Single mum Michele, 40, had been out of work for 3 years due to ill health.  Her previous job as a buyer for an engineering company meant long hours and lots of travelling, which didn’t help a long-term heart problem she has. It also meant it was difficult to fit work around looking after her two young children.

A friend of Michele’s had bought the dog grooming unit, hoping to set up in business in Tenerife but the venture never got off the ground. Michele had gained a little bit of experience straight after leaving school at her aunt’s dog grooming business. When her friend moved back to the North East - and brought the unit with her - Michele saw the chance to get back into work and approached Jobcentre Plus for help.
 
Broker North East adviser, June Amundsen, arranged for Michele to go on a training course to brush up on the latest dog grooming techniques. June also helped towards the cost of the unit as well as the cost of equipment and insurance. Broker North East is part of the Jobcentre Plus network and helps people with health problems or disabilities get back into work.
 
Michele says she is really happy to be running her own business, and although it can be hard work, she thinks it’s definitely worth it. She said:“I’ve got a much better quality of life now as I can choose what hours I work and can fit the business around our family life. I was amazed by how much help was available and I’m grateful to Jobcentre Plus and Broker North East for all of the support I’ve had.”

Michele’s business, VIP Pets, covers a wide area across South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead, as well as parts of Newcastle. The service is proving to be very popular with the pampered pooches in the region - so much so that Michele is now considering taking someone on to help out.

Broker North East adviser June Amundsen is pleased with how well Michele’s business is going. She said: “It’s great to see Michele doing so well and I’m pleased I was able to help her. We work on a one-to-one basis with people who want to return to work after a spell on incapacity benefits and understand the issues they might face.”

People who want to find out more about the help the Broker North East can offer should call 0800 389 7036.