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Allison Wright swapped the building trade for an Oscar Pet Foods franchise

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Looking for a change of career, Allison Wright decided to purchase Oscar Pet Foods Tyne and Wear as a franchise resale. Having spent 27 years working for her family’s business in the building trade, pets had an instant appeal.

“I am thrilled with my OSCAR franchise and although I am only halfway through my first year I am very positive about the future,” says Allison.

Personal

“From the outset, it was important that I met every customer so that I could maintain that long-term personal relationship, ensuring I understood their requirements and needs as pet owners.

“With new customers, I can see they are delighted with the quality of the food and are already reporting changes in the health and condition of their pets. Recently I was able to resolve a serious skin allergy and also help another dog ease its fitting problem by changing the animals diet.”

Of the franchisor, Allison says: “In the early stages of my development the Oscar staff were a fantastic support and there is always someone to help with every aspect of the business.

“As I have an exclusive territory, I am able to work closely with my neighbouring franchisees, establishing strong lines of support where we can trade for an Oscar Pet Foods franchise enjoy shared opportunities, such as shows and other events in our areas.

“I have been used to working in a family business and appreciate you have to be disciplined to succeed. Work hard and you will get back what you put in. To have a business that gives you so many rewards by improving and maintaining the life of a pet beats the building trade for me.”

Complete

Oscar franchisees offer a complete pet care service that includes ongoing expert advice, health care products and accessories.

The franchise provides many rewards, including repeat business and an opportunity to meet the UK’s 13 million pet owners - who just love their animals.

World leader

Hugh and Julie Allam have recently taken on a second OSCAR franchise territory

Hugh Allam from Woking, Surrey purchased his OSCAR pet food delivery franchise in 2005, and with over 16 years’ experience in franchising at management level has a good knowledge of the industry. Julie, his wife, has supported the business throughout and success has led to expansion into an additional area, meaning that Julie and Hugh are now full-time partners.

“OSCAR was never far from our thoughts, having had regular contact with head office,” says Hugh. “While appreciating that franchising offers the benefits of a tried and tested system, we agreed that OSCAR provided the high quality products and services we were looking for in a business.”

Awareness

Following the franchise system, the couple regularly canvassed and attended as many local shows and events as possible to increase brand and customer awareness. Says Hugh: “It worked and we started to build a strong customer base, meeting lots of people who care about their pets and people who recommend our complete pet care service to their families and friends. We keep it simple by reminding our customers of what they eat to remain healthy and applying the same logic to their pets.

“The freedom of running our own business from home gives us the flexibility to manage both our personal and working lives. Holidays are covered by working closely with neighbouring franchisees and added support from the team at OSCAR means time away is covered.”

One thing Hugh and Julie can rely on is customer loyalty. “We learned from previous experience in the milk delivery business that by making sure we keep regular face-to-face contact with our customers we maintain the connection,” explains Hugh. “Therefore we had no hesitation in deciding to expand our business when the opportunity to purchase an adjacent area became available.

“Having enjoyed our pets over the years, currently owning three Rhodesian Ridgebacks, we want our business to be a success for our future and through to retirement.”