Anniversaries are useful moments in franchising. They give a brand a reason to pause, reflect and celebrate how far it has come. But they also raise a more important question: what does the business actually stand for after all that time?
For Petpals, marking 25 years in business this year hasn’t just been about looking back at the growth of the brand. It has also been an opportunity to look outward – at the communities, charities and causes our franchisees support close to home.
Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, discusses why purpose has to be lived through action and why values-led franchising matters more than ever.
There’s often a lot of talk in business about purpose. It appears in brand statements, recruitment material and franchise prospectuses. But in reality, purpose only means something if it shows up in the way a business behaves.
In franchising, that matters. Prospective franchisees aren’t just investing in a logo or operating model. They are choosing the kind of business they want to be part of, the values they want to represent and the culture they want around them as they build something of their own.
For us, reaching 25 years has reinforced something we’ve always believed: a strong franchise network is built on more than commercial systems alone. Training, processes, marketing and operational support are essential, but the long-term strength of a network also comes from shared values, local relationships and the willingness of franchisees to play an active role in the places they serve.
For more than 25 years, giving back to local communities and charities has been at the heart of Petpals. In just the past six months alone, our franchisees and head office team have continued that tradition by fundraising, volunteering and lending practical support to animal welfare, health and community wellbeing charities.
At head office in Andover, our team has been supporting The Three Bees Project, a cause dedicated to improving mental wellbeing through nature and animals. Elsewhere, Sue and Jon Vinsome in Chichester have taken part in a Sussex Snowdrop Trust charity walk, while also volunteering at Chichester Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre. In Darlington, David Gray and his team marked their 20th anniversary by joining clients and staff for the ‘Paws Aboard’ dog-friendly charity walk in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice.
In Cardiff, long-standing franchisee Maxine Neal continues to support causes including British Dalmatian Welfare, the Rottweiler Welfare Association and the clean-up initiative ‘We Give a Poop’. And that’s just the tip of the wagging tail when it comes to the list!
What stands out to me is that none of this feels forced. It’s not a centrally dictated campaign where every franchisee is expected to do the same thing in the same way. Instead, it reflects one of the real strengths of franchising: local business owners with the freedom to support the causes that matter to them, while still being part of a wider network with shared standards and shared values.
That balance is important. A franchise should provide the framework, structure and support that helps people build sustainable businesses. But it should also leave room for individuality, local knowledge and genuine community connection.
For prospective franchisees, that sense of purpose can be a powerful part of the decision-making process. Many people considering franchising today are looking for more than a route into self-employment. They want a business that feels good to run, where commercial success and personal values can sit side by side.
That doesn’t mean purpose replaces profitability. A franchise still has to be commercially viable, structured properly and capable of supporting long-term growth. But purpose can strengthen the business by deepening local relationships, building trust and giving franchisees a clearer sense of why their work matters.
In pet care, that connection is especially clear. Franchisees aren’t simply providing a practical service. They’re supporting families, helping owners feel reassured and becoming trusted figures in their local communities. The charity and volunteering work we’ve seen this year is an extension of that same mindset.
As we celebrate 25 years of Petpals, I’m proud of the business we’ve built. But I’m even prouder of the people behind it. The franchisees and head office team members giving their time, energy and support to causes close to home are a reminder that the strength of a network isn’t just measured by its size.
It’s measured by the values it lives by. And in franchising, that’s what gives a brand real staying power.
Kevin Thackrah is the Director of Petpals, the UK’s longest established and award-winning multi-service pet care franchise. Petpals offers a comprehensive range of services far beyond home boarding and dog walking, catering to the needs of cats, small pets and exotics. As a pioneering force in the industry, Petpals stands out with its innovative, proven and highly successful business model, fully supported by a dedicated team and a robust nationwide network of franchisees.
