A READING MP has given an award to a business providing support to some of the town’s canine residents.
Matt Rodda presented Toni Ilsley, founder of Charlie’s Dog Place, with a Small Business Award which recognises the contributions of home-grown companies to the town.
Charlie’s Dog Place provides a range of care services for dogs, including boarding, daycare, and grooming, and was set up to honour the memory of her son, Charlie, who died of cancer in 2020 at the age of 13.
It is the latest of a number of awards garnered by the business, and is voted for by members of the public to decide the winner.
Matt Rodda said: “Small businesses play a really important role in our community and it’s important to recognise them.
“They create jobs and provide opportunities and small businesses play a vital role in attracting shoppers to high streets and making them interesting places to visit.
“The small business awards I organise give local residents the chance to show their support for small businesses.
He explained: “The small businesses are nominated by the public and people vote to decide the winners ”
“It was wonderful to meet Toni and to visit her business, which provides an important service to dog owners.
“I also found it very moving to hear about how Charlie loved dogs and to see how the business helps Toni remember him.”
More information about Charlie’s Dog Place is available via: charliesdogplace.co.uk
