SME News Southern Enterprise Awards 2024/ 44 Cattery of the Year 2024 - South East For almost a decade, the small, family-run Mayfield Cattery has been providing a luxury service to feline customers – well aware that cats have staff, not owners! This unique business started out as little more than a dream, with Debbie Poland imagining what she could do with the empty space at the bottom of the garden in her family home. Nine years later, the cattery is looking back on a journey of continuous growth and celebrating its upcoming move to a bigger location, where it will be able to offer more space for the approximately 3000 clients it sees every year. Located in Five Ashes, East Sussex, Mayfield Cattery truly embodies what it means to be a family business. Thought up by Debbie Poland, who is now the owner, the cattery itself was built by Debbie’s husband, who runs his own construction company. Both of the couples’ adult daughters today work here part time around their own children, and even Debbie’s mum, who is now 82 years old, spends her weekday mornings here, knitting the cats toys and stockings for the upcoming festive period. “It really is a lovely, family-run business and I’m so proud of all of it”, beams Debbie. “When you first open a business it’s really nerveracking and you are never quite sure if it will take off, so we are just thrilled and extremely grateful for our success.” Debbie has always had a love for animals, and prior to opening her cattery on the 1st of July 2015, she received a Level 3 National Diploma in animal psychology, as well as the relevant cat-care courses and pet firstaid qualifications. The business itself also has its fair share of certifications, including membership to the Pet Industry Federation and a five-star licence from the local Wealden District Council. These accreditations may be impressive, but it is the luxury touches which truly distinguish Mayfield Cattery. Be it the Classic FM radio station that is played 24 hours a day soothe, the specialist oval food bowls that prevent whiskers being caught, or the softest cat litter that is like walking on smooth sand, every element of the experience at Mayfield Cattery has been meticulously mapped out. Fountains of fresh water line CCTV-fitted spaces which are air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, all of the food is premium, and the team here even offer a cat taxi service, reducing the stress of transportation for the owner. Quality service such as this has resulted in the cattery being in high demand all-year round, and it had to turn away more than 600 customers in August this year alone. However, as touched on at the beginning, Mayfield Cattery has recently purchased a new and bigger location, and it is only a minute away from the old one. Boasting 24 rooms and an isolation unit, as well as customer parking and toilets, this property is like a five-star hotel for cats. Since this location is almost double the size of the old one, Mayfield Cattery’s new home will be able to hold up to 60 cats a time, with every room offering amazing views of the encompassing woodland and farm, something that only adds to the stay of every cat. Although the location will soon change, one thing that will remain steadfast is the quality of the service inherent across this business. Whether clients are leaving their cats with Debbie and the team for a week whilst they are away on holiday, or just for the day as they explore the beautiful seaside locations this region has to offer, those who entrust Debbie and co. with their cats can guarantee that their care will never be taken lightly. “Leaving your cat in our care is like leaving your child at nursery. You need to feel happy with not only the environment but also the people who work in it. We strive to reassure owners by keeping in contact and letting them know how their cats are throughout their stay with us. We treat all cats lovingly as if they are our own and our customers trust us.” With countless testimonials corroborating its excellence, it is remarkable that it has been almost six years since Mayfield Cattery last won an industry award. Just a few short weeks removed from the opening of this new venue, it is our absolute pleasure to recognise Debbie and her family with this much-deserved accolade, and we wish them all the best for the move and the future of their spectacular cattery. Contact: Debbie Poland Company: Mayfield Cattery Web Address: www.mayfieldcattery.co.uk
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