In this solo episode, Bill Betts encourages pet grooming business owners to take a step back and reflect on how December really went. After the hustle of the holiday season, now’s the time to ask: What worked? What didn’t? What would I do differently next time?

Bill shares practical advice on how to learn from last year’s challenges – including weather issues, burnout, and overloaded booking schedules – and how to turn those lessons into better boundaries, clearer plans, and more professional systems moving forward.

He also talks about the power of taking time off without guilt, the importance of setting up savings pots, and why defining what you want from your business is key to long-term happiness.

Whether December went smoothly or left you feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you start the new year with clarity, confidence, and control.

1. Reflecting on the past year helps you improve your business strategies going forward.
2. Clear boundaries are essential for maintaining professionalism and avoiding burnout.
3. Taking planned time off improves your energy, decision-making, and customer service.
4. Setting up savings pots can help you create financial breathing space during quieter periods.
5. Knowing exactly what you want from your business helps you make better decisions and build a business that fits your life.
6. Learn from what didn’t go well – so you’re not repeating the same patterns next December!

As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn!

You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500, where listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions!

And of course, if you feel like you could benefit from Bill's business programs for the Pet Grooming industry, visit our website: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/

In this episode, Bill Betts is joined once again by Vicky from The Pet Accountants to reflect on the recent success of the Pet Pro Expo and share exciting updates about the upcoming 2026 event in Birmingham on October 3rd.

Vicky gives us an insider’s look at what made this year’s event such a hit – from the overwhelmingly positive feedback (with 99.9% of attendees rating it as excellent!) to the practical suggestions they’ve already taken on board to improve next year’s experience.

They discuss plans for longer networking breaks, fewer but more impactful speakers, and the possibility of turning the event into a two-day experience. Most importantly, the conversation reinforces why events like this are essential – they bridge the gap between grooming skills and business success, helping pet professionals grow not just as stylists, but as entrepreneurs.

1. Pet Pro Expo 2026 takes place on October 3rd in Birmingham. It’s set to be the biggest and best yet.
2. Feedback from the 2025 event was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the atmosphere, speakers, and organisation.
3. Plans for 2026 include longer networking breaks and a streamlined speaker lineup to allow more time for valuable conversations.
4. There’s talk of expanding to a two-day event in future based on attendee interest and logistics.
5. The event is designed to help pet professionals improve their business knowledge, not just their grooming techniques.
6. Tickets are already being snapped up – so if you’re thinking of attending, don’t hang around!

As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn!

You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500, where listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions!

And of course, if you feel like you could benefit from Bill's business programs for the Pet Grooming industry, visit our website: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/

In this episode, Bill is joined by Poppy, owner of K9 Groom School, to talk all about training and apprenticeships in the pet grooming industry.

Poppy shares her experience running a busy training school and explains why structured, high-quality training is so important for both new groomers and the businesses that employ them. She talks about the challenges that can come with apprenticeships – like setting clear expectations and making sure both the apprentice and the employer have a positive experience – as well as the huge rewards that come from getting it right.

Bill and Poppy also explore how City & Guilds qualifications are now part of the apprenticeship system, and how this is helping to raise standards across the industry.

This episode is a must-listen for any grooming business owner who wants to grow their team the right way – or anyone thinking about starting their career through an apprenticeship.

• Apprenticeships work best with clear communication. Both sides need to know what to expect.
• Training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Good training adapts to the needs of each individual apprentice.
• Growing your own team can solve staffing issues. Apprenticeships are a great way to build skilled, loyal employees.
• Qualifications matter. City & Guilds Level 2 is now part of the apprenticeship route – helping raise industry standards.
• Investing in people pays off. A well-trained apprentice can become a long-term asset to your business.
• The future of grooming depends on training. A strong workforce starts with proper education and support.

As always, I'd like to thank the podcast sponsor, Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps you keep more of the money you earn!

You can find out more and sign up for Lopay here: https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/PETPASSION2500, where listeners of this podcast get £2500 of fee-free transactions!

And of course, if you feel like you could benefit from Bill's business programs for the Pet Grooming industry, visit our website: https://petpassiontoprofit.com/