How pets can lead to a new path in life
ApeT services franchise enables you to combine your love of animals with running your own business.
But it takes more than a way with animals to make it commercially successful, so starting with a franchise may be easier than setting up alone.
Ian Taylor and partner helen, both 48, recently became franchisees for Trophy pet Foods, covering the Fleet, Guildford, Aldershot and Woking areas of Surrey and hampshire.
Ian says: ‘After 22 years in the telecoms industry, I really felt I needed a change, and as helen and I had always taken an active interest in our dogs’ diet, the Trophy pet Foods opportunity chimed with us instantly.’
Trophy pet Foods franchisees supply food, accessories and nutritional advice.
Trophy pet Foods’ founder and sales director, Sue Reid, says: ‘ With ever more new customer inquiries coming through from our social media and marketing campaigns, demand for the Trophy service is high, so more franchisees are needed.’
To celebrate its 25th birthday this year, Trophy is offering new start-ups 15 per cent off the usual £ 13,995 franchise fee.
And there are many other options for pet lovers. harvey Summers, 51, a former english and film teacher, now owns and runs the Longcroft Luxury Cat hotel franchise in Southport, Merseyside. harvey says: ‘I’ve always loved animals and enjoy looking after clients’ cats and handing them back stress-free and happy. Joining an established franchise far outweighs the benefits of going it alone.
‘Knowing I have the backing of a team of experts, an award-winning brand and an established business has helped make my business very successful.’ Investment starts from £60,000. If that sum seems a little out of your reach, another well highly regarded name is petpals.
Its franchisees provide dog-walking, home visits for pets, pet transport, home boarding, foods and accessories.
Jo Davies, a petpals franchisee in Salisbury, Wiltshire, says: ‘petpals has a nationally recognised name, we are police-checked, uniformed and carry official photo identification.’
The investment is £12,500 plus the cost of a vehicle and home office
Trophy, 01367 243434; Longcroft, 07585 806559; petpals, 01264 326362.