MANXMAN Juan Kniveton, his American wife Kim and their two children have returned from the USA to run a popular boarding cattery business in the north of the island.
The family had been living in Salt Lake City for more than six years.
‘We’ve moved 5,000 miles from Utah to the north of the island, where my mother’s family are from originally, and it’s been simply wonderful,’ said Juan.
Boodee Beg Boarding Cattery was opened in 2006 by Chrissy Lewis. It was built and currently operates to exacting standards with 24 extra large chalets including four family chalets which can accommodate up to four cats from the same family.
Juan said: ‘We are very lucky to be able to take over Boodee Beg. Chrissy built a wonderful business. We call it ‘‘an idyllic country retreat for cats’’, as your pet deserves a holiday while you have yours.’
Juan, 51, is the son of former MHK and MLC Ray Kniveton, who died last October. He worked for many years with his father at Tours (Isle of Man) before joining Manx Airlines, where he stayed with the company through its various identity changes.
Juan said his father knew of their plans to return from America and was fully supportive.
‘He was excited by the whole thing and had been looking forward to us coming to live and work back in the island,’ said Juan.
The family have been so busy since arriving about two months ago and they have still not finished unpacking all their belongings.
‘This is our business but it is also our home and we thank everyone who has made us so welcome,’ said Juan.
Children Iain, nine, and Hannah, who is almost eight, are going to Sulby School. Kim said: ‘We are huge cat lovers and once we saw the cattery, we knew this would be the business for us as we returned to the island. We are also very excited to be adding a new collection and delivery service for our customers. We realise that sometimes it may be difficult to bring your cat to the cattery. Either you live outside of the north, maybe don’t have transportation or just need a helping hand while you are getting ready to go away.’
In addition, Juan and Kim are continuing with two other businesses but stress the cattery is their main focus of attention.
l Juan owns Great Plate Mate, which is bringing the American idea of sports merchandising number plate surrounds, or frames, to Europe. Great Plate Mate has also relocated to Boodee Beg, and offers a choice of more than 50 number plate surrounds from.greatplatemate.com
l While in Utah, Kim ran her own business, Ascent Coaching and Consulting (www.ascentcoach.com), and this has transferred over here too.
