Meet the team!!

Christine Anderton

Poodle

Hi I'm Christine and I represent the Poodle class for GTE.

I have been involved in grooming since the age of 3 following my mum's footsteps.

I am proud to be the only second family member to represent the country at international level - my mum was Poodle representive in 2011!!

I am the manager and tutor at Absolutely Animlas Ltd in London and hold my City & Guilds Level 3 in dog grooming and am qualified in teaching and assessing.

I have successfully competed both at home and abroad with Poodles and own two of my own, Etti and Kendra.

I'm looking forward to the journey!

Nancy Brincat

Pure Breed Scissor

Hi I’m Nancy Brincat and I represent the Pure Breed Scissor class for GTE

I began grooming by completing a 1 year apprenticeship with a basic Level 2 in Animal Care with a dog grooming pathway. During this time I heard of ICMG, and this is where my story really begins...

Almost 8 years since my apprenticeship, I have completed my ICMG with masters marks on all exams and, for the last 6 years, I have run my successful business from my home cabin in Romford.

I have won multiple awards competing and achieved Best In Show at Premier Groom 2022. I have receieved a nomination for the Liz Paul Achievement Awards for Groomer of the Year in 2022.

I adore my job and think every dog deserves to look its best. I am obsessed with all things Bedlington Terrier! After seven years of waiting I finally have a Bedlington of my own, her name is Aya. She is my first show dog and will be featuring in the competition circuit and fingers crossed coming to the worlds with me in 2024!

I have achieved so much in 8 years at the age of just 26 and cant wait to see what the future holds for my grooming and the many Bedlingtons I hope to own!

Jo Silk-Smith

Spaniel & Setter

Hi I’m Jo Silk-Smith and I represent the Spaniel and Setter class for GTE

I began my grooming career by chance in 2011 working for the talented Mike Wildman, who has also represented GTE in the Spaniel and Setter class! I grew up surrounded by German Shepherds as a very small child then English Cocker Spaniels shown by my mum and sometimes myself. My nan also used to show and breed Mini Longhaired Dachshunds so the love of dogs is in my blood!

I now have a salon of my own based near to Chester. I have one employee called Taya who I can't imagine being without!

I love grooming all breeds but my favourite has to be the English Cocker. I love how they can start off looking homeless and scruffy and end up looking sleek and beautiful! I also love the variety of colours and how each one has a slightly different coat that requires a considered approach in the quest to make it look the best it possibly can!

I have three dogs of my own, a Frenchie, a Standard Poodle and of course an English Cocker! I occasionally show my Cocker at dog shows but grooming is my passion so you will regularly find me at grooming competitions.

Julia Fox

Handstrip

Hi I am Julia Fox, I am honoured to be representing the Handstrip class for Groom Team England.

I began my grooming journey when I was 15yrs old, now I have a salon in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk called Fur Fabulous. My favourite breeds to groom are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Poodles.

I own several dogs at home including two Dandies. I show at Championship show level and achieved everyone’s dream by winning Best of Breed at Crufts 2022 with my dog Hoodwink!

Our success has continued in grooming competitions with some big wins. I won best all rounder at The Grooming Show and Reserve Best In Show at the Great British Groom Off.

I like to mix it up to keep those creative juices flowing by successfully competing in Poodles, Workshop, Asian fusion and the creative class. I have been awarded many placings including Reserve Best In Show with an extreme creative groom.

Lia Jayne Godding

Team Captain

Hi I'm Lia and I am proud to be the Captain for the 2023/2024 Team.

I have been grooming for over 16 years and am a Level 3 qualified , multi- award wining groomer. I had my own salon for 9 years but recently sold it to concentrate more on grooming work for TV, photo shoots etc, I absolutely love it! I've done some really cool shoots with big names such as Prada and Gucci with my own dogs being the superstar models.

I have a huge passion and creative mind for the industry and love to help groomers where I can.

I am very honoured that the Committee think so highly of me to give me this role.
I'll do my very best to help and support the team in every way I can. GO TEAM !!