Become a Franchisee
Paws to consider your future - Read more...
Become a Franchisee
Paws to consider your future….
Barking Mad is a dynamic, challenging and rewarding home based business in the fast growing pet care sector.
Being a Barking Mad Franchisee is all about setting up, developing and managing a successful business whilst improving your lifestyle.
When it comes to supporting franchisees, this is the area in which we excel. We have over 60 branches successfully operating across the UK , who all agree it’s a great way to make a living!
Success Stories
If you’re looking for a complete lifestyle change, this is how you do it - Read more...
Success Stories
Is Barking Mad right for me?
Everyone’s personal circumstances are different, and you will see from the case studies that there are a number of different approaches to running this business.
It does require your full time commitment, although equally Barking Mad provides flexibility and the ability to manage your own time.
We hope you enjoy reading our success stories and that they will encourage you to believe in yourself and do something you’ll really enjoy!
Investment
THE PROSPECTIVE REWARDS
Rather than set out theoretical projections, in line with best franchising practice we prefer to relate to actual track record and we will discuss this with you at our initial meeting.
In pursuing your interest in becoming a Barking Mad Franchisee, we will make available to you in confidence further detailed financial information, based on up-to-date trading performance, to assist with your business plan.
You also need a suitable silver vehicle, a personal computer dedicated for business use and basic equipment for your office-at-home. You should also consider provision for working capital, according to your circumstances - please discuss this aspect with us.
Jane Brushwood Case Study
Friends and family have always told me I’m barking mad, so I just had to be a Barking Mad franchisee and how brilliant it’s turned out to be.
Always a dog lover, from a toddler I’d make a bee line to cuddle any passing dog, even being bitten didn’t put me off. In the early eighties taking my dog to training classes developed into helping out, followed by studying with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and devouring any dog behaviour books and videos, I could never get enough of dogs.
Work was usually office based, book keeping, personnel, office management and business development; I could never “do the minimum”, happy to take work home, being earliest to arrive and last to leave, I found it difficult to leave anything undone or half done. I liked working in small companies being involved at all levels. Generally I have always enjoyed working.
Then in 2008 after 9 years working for a property developer, the bubble burst and I was made redundant. That wasn’t a problem to me; in fact I was quite relieved not to have to continue there for various reasons. But tragically my mother died suddenly that night, which was the day before the anniversary of my husbands’ death. Altogether a serious change of lifestyle was required, my mother having been the carer for my children whist I was working.
At least decisions were made for me about my working arrangements but although I tried to find similar work, I couldn’t bear the thought of going back to the same sort of thing; additionally I now needed flexibility to care for my children.
To top it all we were missing our dog terribly but I was afraid of committing to another financial burden whilst jobless. My sister is a host family in Andover and introduced me to Barking Mad. Well, what a pleasure, adorable dogs were brought to us complete with all holiday requirements and at the pre arranged time they were whisked away again. Embarrassingly I was even left a cheque as an allowance, whereas I felt I ought to pay a “hire charge” for the pleasure!
Then just when I thought something in my life was going right, the franchisee announced that he was retiring. No more lovely dogs to stay. That was when I had one of those “light bulb” moments and I just knew this was for me. The more I thought about it, talked about it and looked into it the more convinced I was.
Then came the whirlwind of “getting there”, the initial interview was to establish not only if I wanted to continue but if I was to be accepted, they don’t just take your money and let you get on with it, you have to be “right” (I don’t know how many they turn away but thankfully I wasn’t one of them!).
Then four days of training, what on earth could take four days?! I’ve done dog training, bookkeeping, I’m an office organisational nerd, just let me get on with it! But boy do they keep you interested! The MD, Lee and her team know their stuff and are highly professional and motivational, all of a sudden the four days was up and I was on my way, buzzing with manuals, files, systems and recommendations.
Little old me, a one man band, all ready to go out into the big wide world of business but with the experience and backing of a large organisation, complete with my own professionally printed business cards, leaflets, posters, contracts, letter heads and my car liveried, how long would it have taken for me to source all of that!
The support doesn’t end there, the team at head office are always available on the end of a telephone, there’s ongoing structured telephone training available. They organise national advertising benefitting us all, we have area meetings with local franchisees, regional meetings and the annual conference (where I was proud to receive the “Newcomer of the Year Award 2010).
Neighbouring franchisees help each other out and meet just to catch up, exchange ideas and chat. So although you do have your own business you are not abandoned with it and it’s good to know that the same professional service is maintained throughout the country, protecting the reputation of “my” business name. I’m delighted to be part of such a professional organisation.
Ok so it’s hard work and you never quite switch off from it but how privileged am I being able to drive around listening to the radio, visiting customers and chatting about their lovely dogs, visiting lovely, caring hosts who feel like extended family and managing my own diary so I have the flexibility to care for my children and everyone is happy.
I know I could never do a proper job again!