THE owner of a Wee County dog grooming business this month celebrated after receiving an award, having launched the venture just before the pandemic struck.

Laura Smith launched her business Smiths Short Bark and Sides in Alloa in August 2019 and was just getting herself going when she had to close shop for months.

However, she has steered the business through Covid-19 and was voted Best Pet Groomer for Stirling and Falkirk at the Scotland Business Awards this month.

Nominated by customers, she was subject to visits from mystery shoppers and interviews and was blown away when she was handed the accolade.

Laura, whose business is based on Tullibody Road in the town, told the Advertiser she was humbled that a client would go out of their way to nominate her business.

Speaking of the awards ceremony, which went ahead at Stirling Court Hotel on October 1, she said: "It was really good, nerve wrecking but really good.

"I was totally not expecting it, we were nominated and then you had to go through various stages – there was an interview, various mystery shoppers and then we got to the final.

"I was not expecting to win because there were some big names up there."

At Smiths Short Bark and Sides, Laura offers a selection of services to pamper pooches in a luxury salon.

Speaking about the months she was forced to close, she added: "It was difficult but I'm lucky I've got a good customer base and everybody was really supportive."

Giving a nod of appreciation, Laura wanted to thank all her customers for the "lovely" support since starting out.