Lee Parker of Craigcrest VIP Dog Boarding Wins Inspirational Women in Business Award 2026

Lee Parker, founder of Craigcrest VIP Dog Boarding, has been awarded the Inspirational Women in Business – Luxury Dog Boarding 2026 award, recognising her dedication to providing personalised, home-from-home care for dogs while building a successful business inspired by family life.

Lee’s journey into business was driven by a desire to create a lifestyle that allowed her to spend more time with her young daughter, Lucy. After working in the corporate world, which required frequent travel and time away from home, she chose to take a different path.

“I wanted to be at home more with my young daughter rather than working in the corporate world travelling and staying away from home,” Lee explains. “I set out to think of something that suited our lifestyle.”

With a lifelong love of dogs and a countryside home with a secure garden, Lee recognised the perfect opportunity to create a luxury dog boarding service. What began as an idea quickly developed into Craigcrest VIP Dog Boarding, a trusted and welcoming environment where dogs receive attentive, personalised care.

“Treating every doggy and their owner as individuals and catering for their differing needs and wants is so important,” she says.

Her commitment to communication and customer care has helped build strong, lasting relationships. “Customers know that I’m only a call or a message away and I treat them all equally as special.”

Like any entrepreneurial journey, challenges have been part of the process. Lee attributes her success to maintaining a calm and professional approach, supported by clear and fair policies. “Being warm but polite and firm and ensuring you have good policies in place that are reasonable and transparent makes a big difference,” she explains.

When faced with difficult moments, she always returns to her purpose. “I remind myself this is exactly what I love doing, and cuddles are always a win.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is sharing the experience with her daughter. “Having my daughter involved and her getting to learn the business in the best environment with all our lovely doggies that board is something I truly love.”

She also finds great fulfilment in reassuring nervous pet owners. “When I send new customers pictures or videos of their doggy that they were so nervous to leave, and they are so delighted, that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Looking back, Lee is most proud of building her business independently. “To start a business myself with no help or assistance and see it grow how it has is truly amazing.”

Giving up, she says, was never an option. “No, never. It’s not in my nature.”

Her advice to others is simple, “Go for it. Follow your dreams and aspirations and learn and adapt what works and doesn’t.”

Winning the Inspirational Women in Business award has further strengthened her motivation and long-term vision. “It has made me even more determined to carry on teaching my daughter the business side so she can carry it on in years to come.”

For Lee, her daughter remains her greatest inspiration. “My biggest influence and motivation has always been my little girl.”

Looking ahead, she plans to continue growing Craigcrest VIP Dog Boarding while maintaining the personal care that defines the business. “My goal is to carry on giving the best care and attention to our doggies and their owners who, once they have been, I’m proud to say always come back.”

Through dedication, compassion, and a strong family foundation, Lee Parker has created not just a successful business, but a true home-away-from-home for dogs and their owners.

Contact Craigcrest VIP Dog Boarding

Website: https://craigcrestvipdoggyboarding.co.uk
Telephone: 07487 831668
Email: stay@craigcrestvipdoggyboarding.co.uk