Helen was a customer of We Love Pets before taking the plunge to buy into the franchise herself. For Helen, the ability to combine previous business experience with a love of pets and be your own boss within the supportive framework of an established brand was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Why did you choose a franchise over setting up your own business?
To me, choosing a franchise rather than going it alone was the best business decision. A franchise provides exceptional ongoing support from business services such as website set up & maintenance and accounts assistance through to industry experts in animal behaviour and a qualified veterinary nurse. This, combined with a detailed training week, access to industry qualifications and help towards relevant insurances meant it was an easy choice to make.
What did the word ‘franchise’ mean to you before you came across We Love Pets?
I was fairly well educated in the franchising concept before I came across We Love Pets. I understood that it meant joining an established brand name, which would help me in the long run with gaining a competitive advantage in my territory. It also means a team of other franchisees in my area to bounce ideas around with, which is so important when growing a business.
How have We Love Pets made sure you’re the right person to carry the award-winning brand forward?
We Love Pets offer extensive training and are always on hand to ask any questions, to help me become part of the brand. There is access to ongoing training on their intranet as well as annual training and conferences to keep up to date with the latest improvements in the industry.
Do you have any pets of your own?
I own a cat called Bean, who we are convinced is half dog. We have trained her to do a number of commands including sit, wait, up, settle down, bring it back and of course High Five!
What do you love most about West Lancashire?
I love West Lancashire because it has lots of beautiful countryside and isn’t far from the beach and seaside either. There are plenty of dog friendly walks on our doorstep and we are only an hour from the Lakes, Dales, Peaks and Wales. We are very outdoorsy people so this is ideal for us. West Lancs also has lots of community spirit. A lot of the villages come together to support each other, host charity events and generally are a welcoming bunch of people!
What have you done in the past that you think will help you in your new venture?
I have owned a number of pets throughout my life; dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, which have contributed towards my love of pets. I also do some volunteering when I can for local animal charities.
From a business perspective, I have had a successful career in the leisure industry, in tourism and hospitality and have developed a solid understanding of key business skills including budgeting, analysis, sales and marketing. These skills helped me decide to take the plunge to buy my own franchise, doing something I am truly passionate about.
What does running a business like this mean to you?
It took me a long time to build up the confidence to know that I can do this. 2019 finally became the year when I decided to become my own boss and make bold choices. So, what does running a business mean to me? It makes me proud.
If you’re looking for a dog walker, pet sitter or boarder in West Lancashire and Southport covering, L40, PR4, PR9, PR26, WN6, WN8, visit Helen’s dedicated web page here.
