Welcoming Zoe Duffy to the BIGA Committee

The British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA) is proud to announce the appointment of Zoe Duffy as one of our newest committee members. A true trailblazer in the grooming industry, Zoe brings with her a legacy of excellence, experience, and dedication to professional standards.

Championing Grooming Education and College Accreditation

Zoe is a founder member of Groom Team England and has been a cornerstone of the grooming community for many years. Her impressive achievements include:

• Groomer of the Year (1994 & 2005)

• Gold Medal Winner – Intergroom USA

• European Grand Champion – 2008

• Lifetime Achievement Award – 2019

In addition to her competitive success, Zoe has inspired thousands through her judging roles, seminars, and educational resources. She is the presenter of The Bichon Frise and The Clipped Long Legged Terrier Styling Academy DVDs and co-author of What Every Professional Groomer Should Know. With over 20 years as a member of the Guild of Master Groomers, Zoe consistently promotes qualified grooming and industry excellence.

Zoe has proudly served as a member of the Guild of Master Groomers for over 20 years.

A Focus on Education: Raising the Standard

As part of the BIGA committee, Zoe is now working closely with fellow committee member Catherine Clark—Education Advisor for City & Guilds and a respected voice in vocational training. Together, Zoe and Catherine are spearheading BIGA’s initiative to develop an accreditation and quality assurance framework for grooming colleges and training providers across the UK.

The goal? To establish clear and credible criteria for colleges to be recognised as BIGA Accredited Training Schools, ensuring:

• Students receive structured, professional-standard education

• Zoe has proudly served as a member of the Guild of Master Groomers for over 20 yearsColleges meet minimum tutor qualifications.

• Training environments reflect real-world grooming practice

• Employers and learners can trust the quality of education provided

With Zoe’s industry insight and Catherine’s expertise in qualification delivery and educational strategy, this collaboration promises to bring a new level of trust and transparency to grooming education.

BIGA believes that accreditation is not just about a badge—it’s about building a recognised route to excellence for students, educators, and grooming professionals alike. By formalising criteria for grooming schools, we aim to support continuous improvement, highlight outstanding providers, and ultimately raise standards throughout the industry.

Supporting the Future of Grooming

Zoe’s passion for grooming education is matched only by her commitment to the next generation of professionals. As a holder of the City & Guilds 775 Level 3 in Dog Grooming, 730 Teaching Certificate, Level 4 Licentiateship (LCGI), and the PCTA Higher Diploma, Zoe understands the importance of strong educational foundations for long-term career success in grooming.

At home, Zoe lives with her two dogs—Cole the Poochon and Zuri the Ridgeback—and remains as dedicated as ever to inspiring others to achieve grooming excellence.

We’re honoured to welcome Zoe to the BIGA committee and excited for the work ahead as we continue to strengthen the voice, visibility, and credibility of professional dog grooming in the British Isles.

Interested in becoming a BIGA Accredited Training School?

Stay tuned for more information coming soon as we roll out the official accreditation criteria.