Petpals, the UK’s longest-established pet care franchise, recently unleashed a whirlwind of inspiration at its annual conference at the Leonardo Hotel in Hinckley.
Centred around the theme ‘Inspiring Growth & Success,’ the event brought together franchisees for a day filled with expert advice, practical workshops and well-deserved celebrations.
From hands-on learning to recognising top performers, the conference had tails wagging as it set the stage for a paws-perous 2025.
“It’s always fantastic to see our franchisees under one roof, sharing ideas and learning from each other.”
Said, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals. “Events like this remind us of the strength of the Petpals family and how important collaboration is for our continued success. This year’s conference captured the energy and ambition that will carry us through the year ahead.”
The conference was hosted by Berkeley Harris, a former Royal Marine Commando and Franchise Director turned global trainer in sales, management and leadership. Berkeley’s engaging keynote delivered practical advice and motivated attendees to embrace opportunities for growth.
The day also featured a stellar lineup of speakers, each offering valuable insights tailored to the pet care industry. Phil Till, who has been running Petpals Basingstoke with his wife Alex for eight years, shared his expertise in developing the small pets side of the business. Clinical Animal Behaviourist Claire Arrowsmith provided actionable advice on managing challenging pet behaviours, while Trevor Cooper, a leading Dog Law Solicitor, delved into the legal complexities facing pet care providers. Veterinary surgeon and pet first aid expert Sophie Bell completed the day with an engaging session on pet health and emergency care.
Practical sessions provided franchisees with strategies to grow their businesses. David Gray of Petpals Darlington led a standout session on capitalising on the 1.5 million increase in cat ownership seen in 2024, offering innovative ways to expand cat-related services.
“These sessions are designed to address real-world opportunities and challenges within our sector,” explained Kevin. “Whether it’s tapping into the rising demand for cat care or navigating the complexities of dog law, we want our franchisees to feel confident and ready to meet the needs of pet owners in their communities.”
The day was not all work and no play – Petpals took time to celebrate the franchisees who have gone above and beyond over the past year. Awards were presented to recognise exceptional dedication, innovation and customer service – showcasing the incredible impact franchisees have on their local communities.
“Celebrating the passion and achievements of our franchisees is at the core of who we are as a business,” said Kevin. “Their hard work and commitment to delivering exceptional pet care inspire us all to continue raising the bar.”
Reflecting on the event, Kevin shared his optimism for the future: “This year’s conference was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and shared ambition that unites our network. The enthusiasm in the room was infectious, and I’m confident that 2025 will be another standout year for Petpals. Together, we’ll continue to lead the way in pet care and provide the highest standards of service to pets and their owners.”
