Who said being an entrepreneur was a dog's life?

Some good news! The brilliantly-named Daisy’s Dog Deli has won a unique and really worthwhile competition to unearth the next generation of independent retail talent.

Lisa Gosling’s pet bakery business, which sells nutritious, freshly-baked dog treats using only natural ingredients, proved the pick of 22 finalists who were given the chance to try out their business idea at a busy shopping centre.

The competition run by Make Your Mark, RBS, The Bright Ideas Trust and The Mall was launched in a bid to unlock the UK’s enterprise potential and offer practical support to new retailers.

Daisy’s Dog Deli traded in The Mall Bexleyheath in February and fought off stiff competition to win six months' free trade in her local Mall, a business mentor from RBS, and a place at the prestigious Oxford Keble College Retail Summer School.

Lisa impressed customers and judges with her unique and innovative products, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Top selling treats included ‘Get Well Soon Muffins - low fat treat good for sensitive tummies and poorly pooches’; ‘Liver Brownie – hound heaven with organic eggs and garlic’ and ‘Cat Chasers – a low fat feline shaped cream cheese biscuit’.

“Dogs and food are my passion and I saw a gap in the ever expanding pet market for wholesome healthy treats and food and went for it,” said Lisa.

Tim Campbell, one of the judges and founder of The Bright Ideas Trust, added: “Lisa’s success over the competition period plus her obvious passion for her business made her a worthy winner.

“It is thrilling to imagine how the support from The Mall and RBS will transform her business from just being a local initiative to potentially a national brand. Lisa is living proof that hard work and a Bright Idea can get you anywhere!”

Well done to Lisa and kudos to the sponsors for trying something different and with real value to all the finalists.