Working with dogs helped Richie Womersley to turn his life around.

Taken into care at the age of eight to escape a troubled family life, Richie was determined not to end up on drugs or in jail like many of his peers and found work in kennels, which gave him hope and a sense of purpose.

He is now looking forward to recognition in The Press Business Awards as he bids for the Small Business of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year titles.

He founded The Dog Walker in January 2006. Having worked in a number of kennels in Yorkshire, Richie realised there had to be a better way of looking after much-loved family pets, as he had seen many dogs get upset and stressed, constantly howling and barking.

He says: "I decided the best place for pets was at home, in familiar surroundings, and so set about providing fully insured and registered care from the stress-free environment of their own homes.

‘‘Offering unconditional love, pets are an important part of our lives and with many owners working longer hours, there's a huge demand for services which outstrips supply."

To meet this growing demand, Richie trademarked The Dog Walker brand in 2009 and set up a network of franchises around Leeds and York. It is now Yorkshire's largest pet care and well-being specialist, employing 11 people with six franchises, some of whom had been made redundant but who have found a new and worthwhile career through The Dog Walker.

Managing director Richie sees this as a great achievement and is looking to expand that element further in addition to rolling out franchises across the whole of the UK.

As well as dog walks, the company offers cat care and a home boarding service, pet-sitting in a fully insured home-from-home while customers go about their busy lives.

A "pet taxi" service is also available for events such as weddings as well as vet visits and trips to the seaside.