WCF Pet & Equestrian

WCF Pet and Equestrian have 10 stores across the north of England and the south of Scotland.

At WCF Pet & Equestrian we are passionate about our pets and stock an extensive range of pet, equestrian, smallholding and wild bird food, bedding, supplements, and accessories (collars, leads, toys and much more), with friendly trained staff on hand to offer expert help and advice on product selection and animal health. Footwear (especially wellies and country boots) and gardening ranges are also featured in most stores, with frequent price promotions in all departments.

WCF Pet & Equestrian is renowned for excellent customer service with the vast majority of our staff animal owners and countryside lovers. We are extremely proud of our business and believe that within our stores we offer a unique, relaxed shopping experience with expert advice always available but never imposed.

Why not come and visit us now – both two and four legged customers are welcome!

Find out more at http://www.wcfpetandequestrian.co.uk

Key People

Kevin Sharp-Dixon

General Manager - Commercial, WCF Pet & Equestrian

Started working for WCF on the 11th October 2004 as Retail Operations Manager based in Wigton. Three years later he became Product and Marketing Manager. He has been integral to the current evolution to our Pet & Equestrian store concept. More recently taking on the role of General Manager – Commercial. Outside of work he is involved in the world of dogs, showing, breeding and judging at open and championship show level here and abroad.

Alan Smith

General Manager - Facilities and Finance, WCF Pet & Equestrian

Alan started working for WCF back in 1986 as an assistant accountant for the NW Regional Supplies Division, based at Rosehill, Carlisle. Over the years he has worked in several of the WCF locations undertaking a variety of roles, but is currently based in Wigton with our Pet & Equestrian business. Outside of work he is married with 3 children and 3 grandchildren. His weekends are taken up by his passion for Rugby Union and he is heavily involved with Wigton RUFC.

Jade Earley

WCF Pet and Equestrian Area Manager

Jade joined the business in 2018 as WCF's Pet and Equestrian Area Manager. Before that she has worked in multiple retail chains including Tesco, as well as creating her own independent retailer No.19 Menswear in 2011. In her spare time you will find her walking the sunny beaches of Blackpool with her sausage dog, Lord Arnold.

Chris Wills

Operations Manager and Store Manager (Penrith)

Chris has worked for WCF for over 6 years. Previously he worked for Sainsburys and ASDA as Security Manager where he was instrumental in achieving a 37% reduction in accidents against a target of 30% by identifying poor working practices. He became Deputy Manager for Pets At Home in Carlisle when they opened a new store in 2006. Alongside his operational responsibilities Chris also manages our largest store in Penrith.

Anna Nielsen

Store Manager, Castle Douglas

Anna started with WCF in 1993 as a full-time sales assistant and has seen many changes over the years as the business progressed from its animal medicine and farming input days through to the pet and equestrian business we are now. She became manager of the Castle Douglas store in 2006 and is fortunate enough to have been in the role long enough to see the full refurbishment of the store during 2017. In her spare time she competes in the sport of dog agility with her 2 black Labradors and also enjoys horse riding when she has time. Her passion is animals, especially dogs, and she has been encouraged to develop this through WCF. Anna is currently expanding her knowledge in the field of dog behaviour and fitness.

Carole Sharrock

Store Manager, Ulverston

I have worked for WCF for 16 years, starting at the Lindal site, before relocating to the new Ulverston branch and becoming Deputy Manager before taking on the Manager role in 2017. I have one little girl who I spend most of my spare time doing activities with. I have lived on our family farm all my life, but now have downsized it to a smallholding with sheep and poultry. I am an Advisory member for the Furness Young Farmers club, who enter competitions all around Cumbria.

Helen Whiteside

Store Manager, Claughton

I started working at WCF in 1974 after leaving school at the age of 16 as a junior office clerk at our Ellel branch near Lancaster. After 9 1/2 years I left to have my 2 children, but returned in 1987 and moved with the company in 1990 to their current site at Claughton. I have been manager here for over 15 years. When I’m not at work I love looking after my 2 grandchildren, walking the family dog and cycling.

Laura Clissold

Store Manager, Skipton

Laura started with WCF back in 2010 as a part times sales assistant only working Saturday’s. As the years went on she slowly worked her way up to being full time. In September 2013 she left the business to go and work on a pig farm in Canada for 6 months. Having no previous animal experience apart from owning cats and small animals, it was the experience of a lifetime. Working on a farm with over 400 large black pigs through the worst winter they have had in 30 years! She returned to WCF in March 2014 as Assistant Manager and became Manager in July of the same year. After having her little girl Queenie in September last year, Laura has returned to work part time and hopes to return full time in the near future as she loves her store and is very passionate about both her job and animals!

Rebecca Ostle

Store Manager, Wigton

I started working for WCF in 2006 after studying horse management at Newton Rigg College and became manager in 2014. I spend my free time riding and competing my horses and volunteer for British Eventing.

Nicky Mason

Store Manager, Rosehill (Carlisle)

Nicky Mason is the Manager at the Rosehill store, having previously managed the Kendal and Penrith stores. Prior to that she worked for 21 years in the Wines and Spirits industry as a Business Development Advisor. Outside of work Nicky competes at Agility, Canicross, Flyball and Obedience with her 3 Working Sheepdogs.

Stephanie Stott

Store Manager, Alnwick

Although I have only been with WCF Pet & Equestrian for just over a year, I have worked with dogs and other pets in one way or another for the last 20 years including dog grooming and dog hydrotherapy. I have a keen interest in & studied canine behaviour and pet nutrition. I have worked for several other pet stores from small local independent stores to larger chains. Outside of work I love nothing more than spending time being out and about with my family and dogs. I am also a member of North Northumberland/Scottish Borders support group for Canine Partners charity.

Anne-Marie Crozier

Store Manager, Cockermouth

Anne-Marie has been with the company for 4 years, having previously worked in hospitality for 8 years. She started off on a part time basis in Cockermouth, and worked her way up to Deputy manager at Penrith. She has recently been promoted to Manager at Cockermouth. Anne-Marie grew up with a variety of different pets over the years, ranging from horses to guinea pigs. Her current pet is a Border Collie who she regularly enjoys fell walking with. For the past 11 years she has also been a volunteer jump judge for British eventing horse trials.

Tracy Hodgson

Store Manager, Kendal

Tracy started her WCF journey in 2014 as a part time retail assistant, before taking on the role of manager in December 2017. She was born on a dairy/ sheep farm in the beautiful valley of Den and, in 2014 moved in with her partner on to a beef and sheep farm. Together they have 3 children, who all help on the farm. Tracy has always been an active member of young farmers, having held various positions including district chairman. In her spare time you’ll find her at shows, either watching or competing in Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. Last year she purchased a driving pony and now enjoys going out in the evenings with her partner.