As we welcome 2025, the Petpals franchise network has plenty to celebrate. From inspiring community initiatives to prestigious award wins, franchisees have gone above and beyond to showcase what makes Petpals a leading name in pet care in the past year. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, discusses how franchisees Suzie Mossman and Nilay and Priyanka Sanghrajka have demonstrated the power of a people-first approach to business – reflecting the ethos that underpins Petpals’ success.
At Petpals, we often talk about how the bond between franchisees and their communities can make a real difference. Suzie Mossman, our franchisee in Sefton, embodies this perfectly. Since joining the network earlier this year, Suzie has taken every opportunity to give back to her local area. Her latest initiative – collecting Christmas gifts for Freshfields Animal Rescue – is just one example of how franchisees can create meaningful change while running a thriving business.
Suzie’s efforts have been met with incredible generosity from her clients, demonstrating the strength of the connections she has built in such a short time. As she puts it: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of our clients. Every small gift, whether it’s a packet of treats or a bottle of cleaning supplies, goes a long way in supporting the incredible work Freshfields does. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to help animals in need.
“I’ve absolutely loved getting to know the wonderful pets, clients and local businesses in the area. It’s been an incredible experience, and this is just one of the many ways we can give back to the community that has been so supportive. The kindness we’ve received has inspired me to do everything I can to help those in need, especially during the holiday season.”
In addition to supporting Freshfields, Suzie and her team are spreading joy closer to home by creating Christmas goody bags for the pets they care for. With over 150 animals on their books, the task is no small feat, but it is a testament to the team’s dedication.
“Christmas is all about giving, and we wanted to show our appreciation to the wonderful pets we care for all year round. It’s our way of saying thank you and spreading a little holiday magic to the animals and families we love,” explained Suzie.
Over 160 miles south, Nilay and Priyanka Sanghrajka, who operate Petpals Milton Keynes, are also rounding off the year in spectacular fashion. They have been recognised at the 2024 SME News UK Enterprise Awards as the Most Trusted Pet Care Provider and the Most Innovative Pet Care Provider.
Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, passion and the personal touch they bring to their business. “We’re absolutely over the moon,” said Nilay. “It’s such a pleasant surprise. As a small business, receiving recognition this early in our journey is incredibly validating and motivating. It pushes us to keep innovating and delivering the best care for our clients. Winning these awards has given us even more drive to continue growing and maintaining the trust our clients have placed in us.”
“We’ve always believed in treating our clients’ pets like our own,” explained Priyanka. “We have three cats – Mario, Mia and Misty – and the love and care we give them is exactly what we aim to offer to all the furry friends in our care. This recognition is truly a reflection of the feedback we receive from our clients, who appreciate the level of attention and affection we provide.”
Franchisees like Nilay and Priyanka remind us why pet care is so rewarding. Their dedication to treating each pet as part of the family reflects the values we hold dear at Petpals. And their ability to build trust with their clients in just 18 months of operation shows the scalability and potential of our franchise model.
As I look back on 2024, it is clear that our franchisees’ successes are what define us as a network. Whether it is through community engagement, as seen with Suzie’s Christmas initiative, or professional accolades like those achieved by Nilay and Priyanka, Petpals franchisees consistently demonstrate why they’re leaders in the pet care industry.
Franchising is about more than just running a business – it is about finding ways to make a positive impact. At Petpals, we are proud to support franchisees who take that mission to heart, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for our network.
