Matthew Wiggins, a celebrity dog trainer known for supplying highly trained dogs to high-profile clients, has been awarded over £5 million in compensation due to the forced closure of his business, WKD Trained Dogs Ltd, for the HS2 rail project.
After relocating his operation to Brookhouse Farm in 2012, Wiggins developed a high-end training facility. However, in 2019, the Department for Transport targeted the location for demolition to facilitate the £100 billion railway project. Wiggins sought more than £8 million in compensation, citing the negative impact of the compulsory purchase on his business and staff morale.
The tribunal awarded approximately £4.9 million, acknowledging that the threat of business closure disrupted Wiggins’ focus and affected his company’s performance and productivity. The compensation covered both “shadow losses” incurred during the uncertainty leading up to the closure and the Extinguishment of the business itself.
Wiggins’ niche business specialized in sourcing and training dogs for specific needs, including the sale of ready-trained dogs to both individuals and organizations. The tribunal found that changes in sourcing dogs due to the impending acquisition contributed to a decline in training success rates and overall business performance, ultimately leading to the business’s dissolution.
In addition to compensation, the Department for Transport will also cover Wiggins’ legal costs incurred until a settlement offer was made.
