For Thatcher to be bathed and have his nails trimmed the lowest cost I have found is £16.
For full grooming at the groomer closest to my home (Bath, nails, cut, glands) the cost is £55. Such an appointment takes 2 hours. I am not sure what occurs beyond the counter . . . He begins to shake all over when in sight of the place. Needless to say, neither of us our too keen on the place.
Fortunately, there is a woman with what appears to be a converted snack truck who does on-sight grooming in our area. Meaning, I make an appointment and she drives her mobile grooming center to my home and I walk Thatcher out to her. One side of the truck is glass (If it were a snack truck, this window is where the counter would be.) so if I wish, I may watch the entire grooming process.
Full grooming from this woman, by appointment at our home costs £32 and includes the addition of the brushing of his teeth, a spritz of "pet safe deodorizer", a bandana and a small bag of organic doggy treats.
By watching this woman work, I have been able to learn how to handle a few smaller grooming issues (Such as the removal of matted hair about the eyes.) & am confident that Thatcher is being treated in a respectful fashion.
I found this woman by calling the Veterinary school in our area and asking for a referral. As she is finishing her degree in veterinary medicine and doing this as a prelude to opening her mobile veterinary clinic after graduation, I was able to take her price without hesitancy.
Perhaps, there is someone in your area that is also perusing a degree in veterinary medicine that would have instructor recommendations and a desire to act as your groom for a discounted rate. This mobile groom informed us that there are many such students that are willing to groom pets in the owners home and with the owners preferred or provided products for £20. Testing this theory, my family has called schools in their areas. I am happy to say that each family member now has a current veterinary student as their in-house groomer as well. Frankly speaking, it saves us money and provides a much needed resource to the students while keeping our pets safe, healthy and looking pretty.
Best wishes in the path you chose to pursue.
Kate