Fetch Cambridge dog-walking service is finalist in startup awards

Cambridge-based startup Fetch Cambridge has been named as a finalist ahead of the East of England StartUp Awards 2023 Final.

The StartUp Awards were launched in 2022 to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the 2019 pandemic. Over 800,000 new businesses were founded in the UK since 2021, a 4.3 per cent increase from the year before.

A record number of businesses applied to this year’s StartUp Awards, with 1,100 firms shortlisted across 10 UK regions. The contribution of these firms – all were started in the last three years – is significant, having created over 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £584million.

The awards are supported nationally by Starling Bank, British Business Bank, BT, Creative Ideaz, GS1 UK, Jeeves, Join Talent, ScoreApp and The Purposeful Project.

Fetch Cambridge, a professional dog walking service founded by Mell Holgate in 2021, has been shortlisted for the Consumer Services StartUp of the Year Award. In less than two years the business has grown from a one man band to a team of four walkers, and has worked with more than 70 dogs across Cambridge.

Founder Mell, who moved to Cambridge from her native Australia seven years ago and last month took up British citizenship, said: “Being shortlisted for the StartUp Awards is an incredible validation of the hard work and dedication put into our business to provide exceptional care for our furry clients. It’s an honour to be recognised among other innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs.

“We’re thrilled to be growing and making a positive impact on the pet care industry and look forward to seeing where this journey will take Fetch Cambridge next.”

In collaboration with other dog walkers, Fetch Cambridge has also thrown its support behind the pet industry and has donated more than £3,000 to dog rehoming charities.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, the creator of the StartUp Awards, said: “Startup businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and in supporting communities in every nation and region across the UK. All of the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through sheer hard work, talent and perseverance have created an amazing new business.”

The winners will be announced in Peterborough on June 29.