As we look back over the years, one thing is certain – we couldn’t have made it here without all your amazing support. So first up we want to thank you and your pets for trusting (and loving) Dorwest.
We are proud that after 75 years Dorwest is still family owned and run, enabling us to continue the values and passion upon which the business was built.
It is incredible to think over 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.
It’s these 75 years that have given us the experience to provide and develop the highest quality and standard herbal products for your pets. We have lots planned to celebrate, so watch this space!
1948
THE EARLY YEARS
Murray & Dorothy Ellis founded Dorwest Herbs and sadly a few years later Dorothy died leaving Murray to run and develop the business alone whilst raising their two children James & Mary. He grew plants and seeds and formulated many of the products we still produce today. By the late 1960's Mary had come back to assist Murray with the business following a period of ill health.
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 - 2018
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! Jo was appointed Managing Director in 2011 and Jo's husband Ben joined in 2015. They now manage and run Dorwest together, ensuring Dorwest remains a family owned and run business. In 2018 The Dorwest Foundation was launched, their commitment to giving back to charity. Dorwest also moved to their new premises in Poundbury, Dorchester.
2019-2023
Dorwest now has an incredibly strong team, committed to ensuring customers and their pets continue to receive the very best products and service. Through this time Dorwest navigated a global pandemic, strengthened their supply and manufacturing chain, and launched some exciting new products (while improving the formula of some firm favourites!). Dorwest also won "Supplier of the Year" in 2021 and in 2022 at the PIF Awards, as well as "Best Multichannel Campaign" at the 2022 Ecommerce Awards.
