Mandy Davies, Dicky Bag

A mum of four who is taking part in Cornwall Enterprising Women’s Growth programme is helping to alleviate a worldwide problem for dog owners in a stylish and fragrant fashion.

Mandy Davies of Newquay-based Dicky Bag intends for her and husband Barry’s business to put a stop to the unpleasant job of what do to with man’s best friend’s ‘business’ when out on a walk and nowhere near a dog bin.

Mandy said: “The idea for the business was a real ‘eureka’ moment. While out walking our dogs I often had to carry a pooh bag for miles until it could be disposed of properly, but I realised this wasn't just my problem after one dog walk when I saw four other people poop scoop and then search in vain for a dog bin. I suddenly realised that having a small holdall in which to place the used pooh bag, with space for fresh pooh bags and a renewable air freshener to mask any unpleasant smells, would mean I could enjoy taking my dog out on long romps even more.”

Following an unproductive search on the internet for said product the couple took the plunge and launched Dicky Bag, producing an innovate yet discreet neoprene pouch designed to attach to a belt hook or bag, and solve those dog walking nightmares.

“My husband and I upped sticks from London, giving up well-paid careers, to give our four children a better quality of life, and moved to Newquay, which is where we were inspired by wetsuits to use neoprene for our product. We sought advice and took our ideas to a local neoprene factory and were greeted with a sideways glance and a chuckle. They thought we had lost our marbles.”

As the company is now investing in other neoprene products to solve issues such as what to do with used ‘real’ nappies when on the beach, Mandy wanted to enhance the couple’s plans to grow the business, including rebranding with a new name, Duck Soup (UK).

For Mandy, being accepted for the Growth Programme, which is delivered in association with Truro and Penwith College’s Empowering Smart Women project through ESF Convergence funding, has proven to be instrumental to her aspirations for the firm’s future.

Mandy said: “The Growth programme has given me vital information to move forward with developing new product ranges and look to start exporting our goods.” “I adore being my own boss as I can use all my own strengths while continuing to learn and the Growth Programme has definitely helped me to do that.”

Visit www.dickybag.com or call 01637 874849 for more details.