Petpals holds first mid-year conference for franchisees

Franchisees from across the Petpals network came together earlier this month for the brand’s first mid-year online conference, which was introduced following feedback.

Designed to provide franchisees with a valuable check-in point halfway through the year, the two-hour session featured a packed agenda of insights, updates and practical tools – all tailored to help franchisees grow their businesses, support their teams and maintain momentum through the rest of 2025.

The conference kicked off with Petpals Director, Kevin Thackrah, who shared key network updates, a financial overview, and one of the most significant highlights of the year so far – Petpals achieving the prestigious five-star franchisee satisfaction badge from WorkBuzz. The award, based entirely on anonymous feedback from franchisees, reflects high levels of satisfaction across areas such as training and support, leadership, culture and the overall experience of being part of the franchise.

Thackrah said: “To receive a five-star rating from our own franchisees – the people who live and breathe the business day-to-day – is the most rewarding endorsement we could hope for. It’s a clear sign that our support is hitting the mark, and that our network feels valued and heard. It’s a real badge of honour for us all.”

He also took the opportunity to celebrate recent milestones and achievements across the network.

The agenda continued with a session from Petpals’ Digital Marketer, Katie Morris, who explored the use of AI in day-to-day business – from boosting productivity and streamlining admin to generating social media content.

Guest speaker Andrew Pain, a well-known mental health expert and TEDx speaker, gave session on managing stress, decision fatigue and staying mentally strong while juggling multiple roles – an area particularly relevant to small business owners.

The event closed with a practical session from Franchise Support Manager, David Gray, offering guidance on recruiting host families for the growing demand in home boarding services.

Thackrah said: “Sessions like this are a vital part of what makes our network thrive. Whether franchisees were able to attend live or catch up with the recording afterwards, it’s all about making support and learning as accessible as possible.

“I’m proud of the way our network continues to support each other, and we’re already looking forward to what the rest of the year brings.”