A dog training service has been shortlisted for a business award following two years of growth and success.

Withmax, which aims to create a positive life for pups by giving owners proper training, has been nominated for the best start-up at the Southeast StartUp awards.

The Lancing-based business’s founder Tessa Luke said they were “overwhelmed” by the news and was pleased for the recognition in the category.

She said: : “I am completely overwhelmed and proud to have been shortlisted for this award out of the thousands of people who applied.

“Working with dogs has been an incredible journey for me so far and it has made me realise how much of a huge difference can be made to a dog and an owner’s life by helping them to understand each other.

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“I hope that, with this opportunity to spread our message further by being an award finalist and our work recognised, more dogs will be helped and less will be involved in accidents, attacks and left at rescue centres.

"Dogs are the most incredible animals but are also hugely misunderstood.

“We want to do everything we can to ensure that as many dogs as possible live a happy and fulfilled life.”

Withmax was set up in 2021 and has been shortlisted as one of the top five businesses in the South East.

Start-up companies have grown dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic, with some 800,000 new businesses set up since 2021 alone.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards, said: “Start-up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and in supporting communities in every nation and region across the UK.

“All of the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created an amazing new business that is creating real impact in its sector.”

The StartUp award winners will be announced at the awards ceremony set to be held on June 1.