70 Years of Herbal Pet Care
Welcome to our special webpage to celebrate our 70 year anniversary. It is incredible to think seven decades ago my grandparents Murray & Dorothy Ellis were pulling together their initial ideas for a business. Their passion for both herbs and health planted the seeds to create Dorwest and the development of those unique herbal formulations, some of which we still use today.
In some ways, it could be thought quite radical in that era of Britain to be creating herbal treatments and supplements, but of course the knowledge of the benefits of plants for health conditions is actually the basis of all modern medicine. It wasn’t until the 1960’s and 70’s when Dorwest really came into its own and starting specialising in the veterinary market. This injection of energy, knowledge and passion came from my parents Mary & Tony Boughton. They transformed Dorwest Herbs and grew it into the company we all know and love today.
It is clear to see how important ethics and honesty were to my grandfather at the very beginning and I am proud those threads of honesty, quality and trust still run through the core of everything we do. From ingredient sourcing right through to our customer service, it is this which I believe has ensured Dorwest has stood the test of time.
My husband, Ben, and I have found delving through the archives such a humbling experience and are pleased we can share this with you over the next few pages and hope you enjoy it! You can also find more about our heritage on our website in our special 70th Birthday area.
As the third generation I am proud to stand alongside Ben and the rest of our incredible team and continue doing what we always have done and to quote my grandfather Murray Ellis,
‘No gimmicky advertising or jumping on bandwagons – just quality herbs and a business built on friendly foundations’
Here’s to the next 70 years!
1948
THE DREAM TEAM
In the late 60’s Mary met her future husband Tony, and a few years later they decided to combine their passions for both herbs and dogs. By specialising this way and entering new markets they created the Dorwest we all recognise today.
THE 1970’s – 1980’s
During this period Tony ensured that Dorwest became a front runner in the Show Dog scene, 1973 marks the first Dorwest trade stand at Crufts (Then held at Olympia, London) and soon attending every championship dog show in UK’. Mary ran the mail-order and administrative part of the business and also worked on the legislation. It was in the early 70’s that our Medicine Licences were issued by the VMD after many years of hard work!
THE 1980’s – 1990’s
This period was a hive of activity, Tony was busy on the show scene with the able help of some others along the way such as Arthur, Clair and Sandy. Followed by Brian & Carmel who went on and ran the trade stand for many years. New products were launched such as Keepers Mix, Valerian Compound and even a Secret Jollop!
An important change during this time was the creation of Dorwest’s own GMP licensed production facility with Heather & Brian Bishop at the helm!
THE 2000’s
Tony & Mary’s son Roly joined Dorwest just before the new millennium, with daughter Jo joining a few years later. Both helped to support their parents as the business expanded and reached into new markets including veterinary practices, wholesalers and export. Mary was awarded an MBE for her services to business in 2005.
2010 – 2017
Such exciting things happened during this period, most notably was the company rebrand which was completed with ultimate respect for our heritage whilst giving us a much needed facelift! Kyle Cadmore became the new Show Manager and a face we have all come to recognise on the trade stand. Jo was appointed Managing Director in 2011, Mary & Tony having now taken a back seat in the running of the business and Roly deciding to take his career in a new direction. Jo’s husband Ben joined in 2015 and now they manage and run Dorwest together ensuring Dorwest remains a family owned and run business.
NOW AND THE FUTURE
Dorwest have an incredibly strong team committed to ensuring our customers and their pets continue to receive the very best products and service. This year is also our 45th year at Crufts Show and we are thrilled that this marks the launch of The Dorwest Foundation, our commitment to giving back to charity. We could not have done any of this without our loyal customers who really do drive us forward.
