Why we love to do what we do...
Case Studies - Alison Gledhill (Blackpool & Preston)
Franchising seemed the logical way forward. I had worked in business for over 22 years but I had never been responsible for running my own business. I liked the idea of being a part of an established concept, where I could have freedom and autonomy to run my own business but also have the support from Head Office and other franchisees in the network.
Prior to becoming a Barking Mad franchisee, I worked for 22 years in the public sector across Benefits Agency and more recently the Inland Revenue. I have been running my franchise since September 2005.
I had researched Barking Mad looking at information available on the internet about the organisation including the BFA website and found them to be a market leader in the pet care industry. This research confirmed that Barking Mad was a regulated and reputable organisation which gave me peace of mind to get involved in this venture. My research was fully endorsed when I met with the Barking Mad franchisor Lee Southern. She was open, helpful and full of enthusiasm and commitment which confirmed this was an organisation I wanted to be a part of.
The whole concept of Barking Mad appealed to me. As a dog owner myself I was only aware of being able to leave my pets in a kennel if I went away on holiday. To be able to leave my pet with a caring host family as opposed to in a kennel was a concept that as a customer I would readily use myself. I felt that if I would be more than happy to use the service myself I could wholeheartedly endorse everything that Barking Mad represented.
The entire Barking Mad organisation was professional, highly motivated and completely dedicated to the Barking Mad concept.
The entire organisation gave me an opportunity to run my own business with guidance and support from headquarters coupled with the freedom to organise my own time and market my own business and really feel in control of my own business and its success.
I received an initial 5 days training about Barking Mad processes, advice about accounting and marketing. This fully equipped me to return back to my new territory and throw myself into launching my own business.
My franchisor helped with initial advertising and press releases about Barking Mad in my area which helped greatly to get the business kick started and give me the confidence to be proactive about marketing.
I received constant support from my franchisor in the form of regular telephone calls and visits to offer help and advice. This worked well and I still always felt like I was in control of my own business.
My franchisor also provides 2 conferences each year (one of which is an overnight stay) and also provides pet behavioural workshops for me to attend.
When I bought my franchise in Sept 2005, I was buying a franchise that had already been operated for a couple of years by a previous franchisee. I immediately re-assured existing customers and set about developing the business.
My greatest challenge has been coping with the volume of customers wanting to use the Barking Mad service. So much so that I have had to employ a member of staff to help assist with some of the day to day business.
Do your research!
I did a lot of research about the Barking Mad company and asked for lots of information from my franchisor about previous franchisee turnover and potential future turnover.
You need to be certain that not only is the concept that you are buying into is a good idea but also that it is a reputable and professional franchise that can also be profitable.
In my case, Barking Mad ticked all the boxes but you must do your own research to verify this and ask for as much information as you can get hold of from your prospective franchisor.
For me Barking Mad was a lifestyle change to make a living doing something that I enjoyed. It has been entirely the right move. Being part of a nationwide franchise has given a structure to my business that allows me the freedom to be my own boss and organise my time to meet the demands of my business and my home life. To work with pets and their caring owners all day every day gives me a great deal of job satisfaction.
I plan to continue to grow my business ensuring that my new and existing customers and their pets remain as enthusiastic as me about Barking Mad.
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