Dog trainer's success expands disability charity

Scott Allen's charity, which trains assistance dogs, has expanded thanks to the success of his business

Scott Allen, from Cannock, realised how life-changing assistance dogs could be when he trained his own dog, May, when she was 18 months old.

He has damaged nerves in his spine, and the three year-old pup now helps him with daily tasks, like picking up dropped items or fetching his phone when he needs medical assistance.

A dog trainer by trade, he started a charity to help others like him - Access Disability Services - which provides subsidised assistance dog training to help disabled people live more independently.

The charity will now move to a new, bigger unit, thanks to profits from the success of Mr Allen's business, Scamp's School of Dog Training.

Based at Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre - designed by Staffordshire Country Council to help small businesses grow - both ventures will move to a new two-story unit on the site, just 18 months on from signing his first lease.

Mr Allen said the charity's work was vital, and the demand for services had been surprising.

"May is an absolute lifesaver for me. Assistance dogs change people's lives," he said.

"That is just the best part of the business.

"When you see people who've got the confidence to go out because they know, if something goes wrong, their dog will negate their disability, it makes it all worthwhile," he added.

Mr Allen said moving to Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre had been "game-changing"

He said his Scamps' success, and therefore the growth of the charity, was down to moving to the enterprise centre.

"No ridiculously long-term leases to get tied into, friendly and helpful management staff, modern well-kept units, and being situated right on the edge of Cannock Chase made it a no-brainer," said Mr Allen.

"We moved in and never looked back."

Before he moved in to the unit, his office was in his living room, which he said made it hard to switch off.

He also spent more time on the road than he did with the dogs.

"Not having to travel so much meant my time was more effectively spent and so productivity increased, profits went up and I had more free time," he said of moving to the centre."

"My lounge once again became a space to relax and unwind after a busy day," he said.

'Meaningful support'

"Scott's story is a brilliant example of how our enterprise centres help local entrepreneurs, not only build successful businesses but also make a real social impact," said Martin Murray, the county council's deputy leader.

"The growth of Scamp's School of Dog Training shows what's possible when businesses have access to the right facilities and flexibility.

"It's fantastic to see that success translating into such meaningful support for disabled people through his charity work."