Clayton interviews Neil Taylor, the founder of Baker and Bray, a premium dog bed company that has garnered accolades for its quality and sustainability. Neil shares his extensive background in the pet industry, detailing his journey from printing for Pets at Home to launching his own brand focused on creating durable, eco-friendly products. The conversation delves into the challenges of competing in a price-driven market, the importance of customer service in a direct-to-consumer model, and the evolving perception of pet ownership. Neil emphasizes the need for high-quality, long-lasting products that cater to the modern pet owner, while also discussing the significance of personal connections in business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Background in the Pet Industry: Neil Taylor has over 25 years of experience in the pet industry, starting with printing for Pets at Home and evolving into product development and publishing before founding Baker and Bray.

Focus on Quality and Sustainability: Baker and Bray emphasizes creating high-quality, sustainable dog beds made from recycled materials, specifically using an average of 40 recycled plastic bottles in each bed. 

Challenges of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales: DTC businesses face challenges such as customer acquisition costs and the need for exceptional customer service. 

Market Trends: There is a growing consumer preference for durable, sustainable products over disposable items. 

BEST MOMENTS

"I kind of feel our generation has been quite wasteful... there has to be a better way of doing it." - Neil 

"You can't afford to lose three months of product on water. It's madness." - Neil 

"People's pets... they want the best for their dogs as well." - Neil 

"I think people are looking for better quality, better value." - Clayton

HOST BIO

Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. 

Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica).

As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/

https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors

https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors