Emily Thomas MIRVAP (ICH)

Since starting K9 Trail Time in 2012 as a hobby business, I have been fortunate enough to be able to expand the company and now have 3 part time employees, with a further 3 local representatives who are trained in all the product lines we stock to be able to offer help and to advise people who are looking to get active with their dogs.
As Company Director I oversee every aspect of the business and have developed a very personal approach to retailing the dog sports products through my own… Show more

Since starting K9 Trail Time in 2012 as a hobby business, I have been fortunate enough to be able to expand the company and now have 3 part time employees, with a further 3 local representatives who are trained in all the product lines we stock to be able to offer help and to advise people who are looking to get active with their dogs.
As Company Director I oversee every aspect of the business and have developed a very personal approach to retailing the dog sports products through my own experiences. Customers of K9 Trail Time can expect an exceptional level of customer service and anyone looking to purchase any equipment through the K9 Trail Time website can contact me or any of the K9 Trail Time representatives for an individual consultation where products will be recommended based on years of knowledge.
In 2021 I set up the K9 Trail Time Canicross Foundations Course to give people new to the sport an introduction to running safely with their dog based on my dog-centred approach. My experience in helping to get people started canicrossing is now being converted into courses which are independently accredited by the CPD Standards Office, to ensure people get quality advice and information approved by professionals. Show less

At the Canactive Hydrotherapy Centre, as a qualified canine hydrotherapist, with my background in dog sports, I work with our centre staff to create specific training or rehabilitation plans for every dog, tailored to meet the needs of the individual activities they take part in or conditions they have.
My hydrotherapy qualification was gained at one of the top hydrotherapy centres in the UK and my gold star training there, combined with my unique knowledge of active dogs, means I can… Show more

At the Canactive Hydrotherapy Centre, as a qualified canine hydrotherapist, with my background in dog sports, I work with our centre staff to create specific training or rehabilitation plans for every dog, tailored to meet the needs of the individual activities they take part in or conditions they have.
My hydrotherapy qualification was gained at one of the top hydrotherapy centres in the UK and my gold star training there, combined with my unique knowledge of active dogs, means I can provide the best possible experience for every canine who comes to our centre with our small but growing team.
I continually undertake further training and research within the fields of canine hydrotherapy, canine conditioning, dog anatomy and physiology and work with other qualified canine professionals to ensure the services provided at the Canactive Hydrotherapy Centre are not only up to date but that we are also leading the field in terms of underwater treadmill programmes for canine athletes. Show less

In 2021 I set up Canicross Coach Ltd with another successful canicross business owner to provide a dog-centred approach to canicross training. We amalgamated our experience to create the Canicross Coach course for anyone wanting to teach others to canicross safely, putting the needs of the dog first.
The Canicross Coach course covers everything from risk assessment, insurance, setting up your business & running your classes, to first aid, behaviour, equipment fitting based on the anatomy and… Show more

In 2021 I set up Canicross Coach Ltd with another successful canicross business owner to provide a dog-centred approach to canicross training. We amalgamated our experience to create the Canicross Coach course for anyone wanting to teach others to canicross safely, putting the needs of the dog first.
The Canicross Coach course covers everything from risk assessment, insurance, setting up your business & running your classes, to first aid, behaviour, equipment fitting based on the anatomy and physiology of the dog and even incorporates further training on nutrition, canine conditioning and more.
I deliver the training for the Canicross Coach course with a small team of experienced and motivated individuals who have also all been involved in the sport of running with dogs for a number of years.
Our focus with the Canicross Coach course is to ensure, not only does everyone who participates in the course leave feeling confident, but they are also supported every step of the way with their own canicross business and we do this through our own experience of running successful businesses.

In 2022 myself, the small team at Canicross Coach and iPET Network launched the first-ever Ofqual regulated qualification in Canicross Coaching - the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canicross Coaching which aims to bring excellence and safety to the sport.

In 2023 we are providing a new Run-Leader course to support small canicross clubs who need more safety and structure in their group runs. This course will again focus on our dog-centred approach with the key skills canicross run leaders need to keep the dogs and their humans in the group safe whilst providing them with the fun and bonding that canicross brings. Show less

K9 Trail Time was set up as an online retail store with products promoting the philosophy that an active dog is a happy dog. With my background in dog sports I selected the best quality equipment to allow my customers to enjoy various activities with their dog. I believe strongly in a holistic approach - that dogs are happiest when both their body and mind is kept active and healthy and I also endorse products which use positive reinforcement in training.

Following the economic downturn and my redundancy from Knight Frank, I took the position of Office Manager with this specialised Recruitment Consultancy. My role involved:
All administrative duties for the consultants, resourcers and Managing Director
Responsibility for all budgets and accounts including bank reconciliations
Reviewing and revising budgets with the Managing Director
Responsible for all aspects of HR within the company including induction and training of new… Show more

Following the economic downturn and my redundancy from Knight Frank, I took the position of Office Manager with this specialised Recruitment Consultancy. My role involved:
All administrative duties for the consultants, resourcers and Managing Director
Responsibility for all budgets and accounts including bank reconciliations
Reviewing and revising budgets with the Managing Director
Responsible for all aspects of HR within the company including induction and training of new staff
Sourcing and agreeing suitable marketing opportunities
Facilities management for the two Digby Morris offices Show less

I worked for Knight Frank in the role of Applicant Manager for the Cirencester Office. My position involved:
Managing the database of purchasers looking to buy property in the area
Helping to co-ordinate sales and appointments with purchasers and vendors
Training my regional counterparts in order to maintain customer care service standards
Regularly reviewing and updating the standards with best practice to achieve realistic goals
Reporting weekly and monthly on potential… Show more

I worked for Knight Frank in the role of Applicant Manager for the Cirencester Office. My position involved:
Managing the database of purchasers looking to buy property in the area
Helping to co-ordinate sales and appointments with purchasers and vendors
Training my regional counterparts in order to maintain customer care service standards
Regularly reviewing and updating the standards with best practice to achieve realistic goals
Reporting weekly and monthly on potential business opportunities and providing follow up reports to monitor progress
Providing statistics to enable the company to effectively advertise our successes
Show less

After my redundancy from Lane Fox due to company re-structuring I took the role of Customer Service Manager at Watson Petroleum. My role involved:
Dealing with customer queries and complaints efficiently and effectively
Joint responsibility for the company’s insurances
Communicating with 30 different depots on a daily basis
Responsibility for all initial customer contact with regard to debt collection

I joined Lane Fox in order to develop my accountancy and administrative skills. My achievements included:
Sole responsibility for managing 300 client accounts
Liaising successfully with three regional offices to achieve goals
Consistently producing thorough and comprehensive financial reports for clients
Working to strict deadlines and meeting all targets set
Accurate and organised book keeping

I undertook the role of Accountancy Officer on a temporary contract to challenge myself in a different direction. My role involved:
Sole responsibility for the Council's cash flow and insurances in the absence of the Principal Accountant Use of Excel and Agresso financial systems
Maintenance of the Council’s financial system
Responsibility for monthly and yearly reconciliations
General administrative duties

I joined Waitrose in order to develop my management skills and during my time there I achieved a number of successes, including:
Cultivating an adaptable management style
Developing detailed knowledge of the legal aspects of running a supermarket, including labour and health and safety laws
Effective staff management and training including setting specific targets for staff
Exceptional customer service at all times

After completing my full time education in 2002, I fulfilled a personal ambition by spending a year working for the Blue Cross animal charity as part of a team responsible for the welfare of approximately 60 horses. I learnt more about the value of teamwork and made an impact in many challenging and difficult situations.