A family-owned dog grooming salon in Bradford has been named as the best in West Yorkshire.

It is 30 years since Joanne Barraclough-Nothers set up Animal Magic Dog Grooming Ltd in her garage.

Now based at a salon in Wyke, the animal lover has been recognised at a special ceremony for England’s Business Awards 2023. 

She took to the stage with her daughter Ebony Nothers - who followed in her mother’s footsteps - and colleague Crystal Tattersall-Walton.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Freshly groomed pooches at Animal Magic Dog Grooming Ltd Freshly groomed pooches at Animal Magic Dog Grooming Ltd (Image: UGC)

It sparked a moment for Joanne to reflect on her success story so far.

“I used to do it from home and then I got busier and busier,” Joanne said.

“More people got to know me and it fit in with school times and dropping my daughters off at school. Eventually everybody in Wyke started using me. It really blew up.

“When my daughter got to about 14, as soon as she finished school she came straight in and she was helping me. I trained her up. She absolutely loves dog grooming.

“It’s a passion, it’s not just a job.

“You get a photo shoot, that’s just something we’ve always done and window displays when it’s Halloween, Christmas. We take a lot of pride in work and we always have done.

“We’ve worked hard from a garage to getting our premises.”

The salon has become so popular with her fluffy-tailed clientele that one customer always tries to go inside on his walks.

Joanne, who owns dogs herself, often recognises her freshly-groomed pooches on walks around the village.

She added: “I’m a proper animal lover, I always have been right from being small and my daughter has. When I started originally it wasn’t as popular as it is now.

“You get a lot of satisfaction out of it. They come in all smelly and they come out smelling beautiful. There’s some lovely dogs, they’re so lovable. 

“I’ve had dogs that come in from puppies and when they’re 16 years old they don’t have the same life span as us. They [customers] ring you and say, he’s passed away. That’s the only upsetting part.”

Describing how it felt to win the award, the 53-year-old said: “It’s a privilege really.

“It was fantastic. All the tables cheered, it was nice. We got the recognition after 30 years. 

“We’re actually up against the nationals, it would be nice if we could win that.”