We are the current volunteer directors & committees

Paula Bryan is the New driving force behind the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA) and a passionate advocate for raising standards within the dog grooming industry. With over 35 years of experience in the pet care sector, Paula has worked across grooming, retail, education, and brand development—giving her a unique, 360-degree understanding of what groomers need to succeed.

As a qualified professional and experienced businesswoman, Paula has dedicated her career to supporting groomers with practical solutions, expert guidance, and industry recognition. She is known for her hands-on, real-world approach, and for championing safe handling, career progression, and business support for both new and experienced groomers.

Her leadership is shaping BIGA into a credible, inclusive association that prioritises education, accreditation, and professional development—while also building stronger relationships between groomers, vets, and pet owners.

Heidi Anderton has now retired from her active role within BIGA, leaving behind a legacy of passion, professionalism, and dedication to the grooming industry.

Founder of Absolutely Animals and the London School of Pet Grooming, Heidi has spent decades delivering City & Guilds Qualifications at Levels 2, 3, and 4, helping to shape the careers of countless groomers across the UK.

Since starting her grooming journey in 1986, Heidi has become an International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG), a qualified tutor, assessor, and Internal Quality Assurer, and was a proud member of Groom Team England in 2010/11.

Now honoured as a BIGA Honorary Member, Heidi’s contribution continues to inspire the next generation of groomers.

"I hope we can take BIGA on to be the voice of the industry and a central place of information for new groomers coming into the industry." – Heidi Anderton

Thank you, Heidi, for your incredible service to the grooming community. 🐾✨

Andrew Hale BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac is a Certified Canine Behaviourist. He is the behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy, an expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and the British Isles Grooming Association, and is a Kids Around Dogs Trainer. He also acts as a consultant to many dog welfare and rescue organisation. He runs the successful Dog Centred Care platform, transforming the perceptions and language around dog training and behaviour.

With a background in Human Psychology, Andrew is passionate about exploring the emotional experience that lies behind behaviour, both in dogs and the humans around them.

Andrew runs a support service for animal care professionals called Your Safe Space, which offers mentoring, counselling, coaching and supervision.

Andrew has played a leading role in the UK Dog training and behaviour community, having been the chair of the Association of INTODogs, and was the driving force behind the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.

Andrew's group on Facebook - Dog Centred Care : https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc
Andrew's YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/c/dogcentredcare

Catherine Clark- My main role is as an External Quality Assurer (EQA), where I work closely with colleges and training centres (mainly with City & Guilds) to make sure students are getting high-quality, recognised qualifications. I’ve been doing this for 18 years, and I still find it incredibly rewarding.
I’m also involved in writing and marking the Level 3 written exam for City & Guilds, and over the years, I’ve helped develop several qualifications in dog grooming and animal care for different awarding bodies. Supporting other professionals is something I really value, which is why I also work as a lead moderator for Level 2 and Level 3 Animal Management, guiding other moderators through the process.

Zoe Duffy - Zoe is a founder member of Groom Team England and brings with her an extraordinary career in dog grooming, spanning decades of judging, educating, and promoting excellence. As a presenter of The Bichon Frise and The Clipped Long Legged Terrier Styling Academy DVDs, and co-author of What Every Professional Groomer Should Know, Zoe’s contributions to the grooming industry are both broad and deep.
Her qualifications include:
City & Guilds 775 Level 3 in Dog Grooming
City & Guilds 730 Teaching Certificate
City & Guilds Level 4 Licentiateship (LCGI)
Pet Care Trade Association Higher Diploma in Grooming
First Aid at Work Accredited
Zoe has proudly served as a member of the Guild of Master Groomers for over 20 years and continues to champion industry standards.
Among her many accolades, Zoe was named Groomer of the Year in both 1994 and 2005, earned a Gold Medal at Intergroom USA, and was crowned European Grand Champion in 2008. In 2019, she was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her impact on the grooming world.

Sarah Le Tocq - Sarah Le Tocq is a highly qualified, experienced groomer and respected BIGA committee member, whose dedication to education, excellence, and professional ethics shines through her salon in Milton Keynes. She combines top-tier industry accreditation with hands-on experience, and fosters a friendly, expert-led grooming environment at Divine Dog Groomers.