In the most successful franchise brands, growth is rarely just about scale. It’s about alignment, shared values and a willingness to evolve together. Milestones matter not because of the number itself, but because they offer a moment to pause, reflect and ask an important question: what has really driven success so far – and what must be protected as the business moves forward?
Reaching a significant anniversary naturally makes you look both backwards and forwards, and that was very much the spirit of this year’s Petpals annual conference. On Saturday 17th January, we welcomed our nationwide franchise network to Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry to come together, reconnect and mark 25 years of Petpals.
From the outset, the day was about celebrating the people behind the brand. Petpals has grown into the UK’s longest-established pet-care franchise not because of any single idea or initiative, but because of the dedication, professionalism and genuine care shown by our franchisees every single day. Bringing everyone together under one roof really brought that to life.
One of the most valuable aspects of events like this is the opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations and think differently about our businesses. We were delighted to be joined by Berkeley Harris, former Royal Marine Commando and Franchise Director, who hosted the day and delivered an inspiring session on recognising the true value of what franchisees provide. His focus on confidence, professionalism and pricing resonated strongly with the room.
Education and continual improvement were also key themes. Award-winning dog trainer Greg Pattison from Great Paws Dog Training delivered two standout sessions exploring dog behaviour, breed considerations and group dynamics on walks. The practical insight he shared gave franchisees plenty to take back into their businesses immediately.
What I’m always proud to see is how willing our network is to share knowledge with one another. A peer-led session on solo dog walking, hosted by franchisees David Gray and Phil Haydon, sparked thoughtful discussion around changing client needs and how one-to-one services can offer reassurance and tailored care. It’s this openness and adaptability that keeps the network strong.
We also heard from veterinary surgeon Sophie Bell, who delivered a clear and practical session on recognising early signs of health issues and responding confidently in emergency situations. Maintaining the highest standards of care has always been central to Petpals, and sessions like this help ensure franchisees feel supported and well-equipped.
As part of our silver anniversary year, we were pleased to announce a new nationwide volunteering initiative, encouraging franchisees to support local pet charities throughout the year. Giving back has long been part of our ethos, and the response from the network showed just how deeply that commitment runs.
The day concluded with an awards presentation recognising success across the network. It was particularly rewarding to see James Callow of Petpals Crawley recognised with two awards for his performance. Reflecting on the day, James said: “I’ve now attended three Petpals conferences, starting with my first before I even launched Petpals Crawley, and each one has been better than the last. They’re always incredibly informative and have played a real role in helping me grow my business.
“Winning two awards this year was a complete surprise and a real honour. I’m incredibly grateful to our loyal clients, who feel like family, and especially to my brilliant pet carer, Denise Tilbury – these achievements simply wouldn’t be possible without her support.”
As we move into our 25th year, the conference felt like a powerful reminder of what makes Petpals special. With a growing network, fresh ideas and the same pet-first philosophy that has guided us from the very beginning, the future feels both exciting and full of opportunity.
