LEADING business owners Alan and Carole White are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Alan s Ark this week. They believe the success of the business is due to their emphasis on customer service over the last decade. Their first shop at Crow Hall Farm, Soh

LEADING business owners Alan and Carole White are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Alan's Ark this week.

They believe the success of the business is due to their emphasis on customer service over the last decade.

Their first shop at Crow Hall Farm, Soham, opened in 1997 and four years later they expanded by taking over another shop in Fulbourn and they also offers a vast range of products for horse enthusiasts at Alan's Equestrian.

Now, across the two sites, they can offer a one-stop-shop for customers with their combination of feed stores and tack shops.

They say their "greatest asset" is their friendly, trained staff who can offer essential nutritional advice.

Carole said: "We encourage our staff to take the training and nutritional exams run by all the major feed manufacturers.

"This training allows us to offer knowledgeable, unbiased practical advice. It's our policy never to promote a particular product. Our aim is to match the customer with their needs."

Alan has a background in agriculture and his involvement in the pet trade began in 1988 when he was a partner in the original Alan and Piers Pet Foods which twice won the Best Pet Shop in the UK award.

Carole has a life-long love of horses, working in the thoroughbred racing, stud and veterinary industries.

Alan's Ark stocks the largest range of pet, animal, stock and wild bird feeds and accessories in the area.

All well-known brands are available and prices are considered lower than other shops in the area. By using the loyalty cards, customers can save another 2.5 per cent.

The newest addition to the business is the tack shops, Alan's Equestrian, stocking everything for the horse and rider. They have been voted Top of the Shops by Your Horse magazine.

Equestrian clothing for competition, leisure riding and fashion are offered along with the largest stock of riding hats, jodhpurs and boots in the area.

Alan said: "It's the start of the next 10 years now and we are just going to carry on doing what we have done for the last 10 years - to offer our customers the best deals possible. We are also constantly updating our range of products to give customers the best choice around."

INFORMATION: Alan's Ark is Crow Hall Farm, Northfield Road, Soham. Tel: 01353 722833. Ark Equestrian 01353 722224. www.alansark.co.uk