Meet the team...
Introducing Groom Team England's current team for year 2023/2024!
Get to know your countries team members HERE and let's get England behind our girls to bring back the trophy for the SECOND year in a row!

Kirsty Hunt
Poodle
I'm Kirsty and I represent the "Poodle" class for Groom Team England. I began my grooming career as a child helping my mum with her show Poodles. I have a successful grooming salon and training school based in South Shields, near Newcastle upon Tyne. I love learning and sharing my knowledge with others.
I own 4 Poodles and I am an active exhibitor of the breed having owned champions and also judge all 3 sizes at championship level.
2022 was an exceptional year for me, being part of the fantastic Groom Team England team to win GOLD at the 2022 World Championships held in Belgium, in which we won an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2022 International Industry Awards, along with winning the prestigious Grand Champion Groomer of the Year catagory.
2023 begins my journey into becoming an EGA judge and am very much looking forward ro helping our next generation of groomers.
My motto is has always been; Keep Grooming - Dream Big - Make it Happen!

Cheryl Howard
Purebred Scissor
Hi I’m Cheryl Howard and I represent the Pure Breed Scissor division of Groom Team England trimming the Kerry Blue terrier.
I started my grooming career back in 1997 working and training on the job for a busy salon in Surrey , I then later opened my own grooming salon Le Chien in South London in 2005 which is extremely successful.
I have had a very successful Grooming Career having started the competition side later in life. In 2014 I entered my 1st ever competition and have since gone on to win Multiple Best in shows in the UK & Europe and my Proudest Moment to date was being Part of the 2022 Groom Team and winning the Prestigious Gold World Champion title along with my team mates Amy Manser , Costin Stoica and Kirsty Hunt.
Whilst I specialise in Kerry Blue terriers I also enjoy grooming all scissored breeds and own a standard poodle & a Kerry blue terrier who I actively show . When I’m not grooming and showing dogs I mostly enjoy spending time with my family relaxing at the coast.

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 often find me at a grooming comp.

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, achieving everyone’s dream and my dog Hoodwink winning Best of breed at Crufts 2022!
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 mix it up to keep those creative juices flowing having been awarded placements in poodles, workshop, Asian fusion and the creative class including Reserve Best In Show with an extreme creative groom.

Hannah Bowles
Team Reserve
Hi I’m Hannah, I’m the reserve member for the team. I’m a breed specialist in English cocker spaniels and a best in show winner. I’ve owned my business Pooches Grooming Studio in Essex for 17 years to which I’ve taken and grown the business from a double garage to a big industrial unit where I employ 5 staff! I pride myself on being a multi award winning groomer. I own 2 cocker spaniels and a little cross breed! I would really like to compete internationally to gain more expertise and knowledge! I’m extremely proud to be apart of the team!
