Whether you're considering your move to Spain or already live here, it's always refreshing to hear about others' stories and find out about some of the people who live here. That's why we are conducting quick 10-minute interviews with colleagues, clients, friends and acquaintances so you get an insight into the type of people living here and day-to-day life here in Spain!

Katie Mann recently moved to the Costa del Sol and started up a dog training company on the Costa del Sol - ABC Dogs (Agility, Boarding and Coaching). Katie is a fully qualified Dog Trainer and their location is IDEAL for doggy getaways! They're situated on the outskirts of Villafranco del Guadalhorce, on the Coin side.

1. How long have you lived on the Costa del Sol for?
Only 8 months!

2. What made you want to open a business on the Costa del Sol?
We wanted to get out of the London rat race and I wanted to work for myself with flexibility so I could enjoy my dogs and the sunshine.

3. What’s the best thing about the Costa del Sol as a place to live in your opinion?
Number one for me is the weather. Followed by the sunshine. But also the beautiful landscapes and scenery.

4. Give us a brief description of what you get up to on your usual working day.
I usually do a quick training session with one of my dogs, then I will prep for any training sessions I have that day. Carry out the sessions, visiting people with their dogs in their homes. Once back home I write up a reminder from the lesson and send it to the owners. Then I will have an afternoon swim and get dinner ready for me and my husband and the dogs!

5. How has business been for you in the past two years?
I only started up in February and so far it has been better than I expected which is great.

6. How do you enjoy spending your weekends and free time?
Taking the dogs for a walk up in the mountains is what I enjoy most. Or might go to the beach and do a bit of paddle boarding (not got the dogs on the board…yet). We also have a large garden so spend some time getting on top of that! And we seem to have a lot of visitors over from the UK so spend a lot of free time entertaining them!

7. If you could be in charge of any other business here on the Costa del Sol for a day, which would it be and why?
Back in the UK I always enjoyed organising social events for my work colleagues so I would love to run a big events company, planning parties, social nights and trips to different places.

8. What’s your favourite food?
Tapas. I don’t have a big appetite so little dishes are perfect for me.

9. Describe what your perfect home on the Costa del Sol would be like and where it would be.
Bit cheesy but have to say I am in my perfect home now. Only bought it 4 months ago and still some work to do but it’s a lovely 3 bed house, with an acre of land, on the edge of a little village where we can walk down for some food and tapas but with the feel of being in the campo. It is what we dreamed of when back in the UK.

10. Who would be your perfect dinner guest?
Anyone who enjoys a laugh, a good chat and a gin & tonic. And who will help with the washing up!!