Local pet-care specialist receives national award
Local pet-care specialist, Peter Lea, was announced as a winner of the Great British Franchisee Awards this week in recognition of his ongoing successes with his businesses: Petpals Bracknell and Petpals Wokingham and Sandhurst. The prestigious national awards consider areas such as business experience, business growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, and inspired leadership to determine worthy winners across the UK.
Petpals franchisees offer a full range of pet-care services, including pet and cat sitting, small pet boarding, dog walking, dog home boarding, puppy care, elderly dog care and pet transportation.
Bringing a wealth of experience to his role at Petpals, Peter previously worked for several organisations including Prudential Assurance, Pioneer High Fidelity, Tibbett & Britten Group and BP. Peter said, “My previous experience in finance, planning, performance management and project management has been invaluable since taking over the Petpals franchise locations. Working to support other franchisees in the network, I draw on my previous experience to offer guidance. I have developed my understanding of marketing, employment best practice and customer service, honing my skill set, which benefits the business.”
The judges of the Great British Franchisee Awards praised Peter for his community and franchise involvement, along with his excellent focus on staff development. Dedicated to helping the wider communities in which he operates, Peter and his team supported key workers and those shielding during the pandemic, assisting customers with deliveries, posting letters and other chores, as well as pet care. Now, Peter supports a local mental health team, caring for pets of any of their patients if they get taken into hospital unexpectedly. In addition to sending regular reports to the owners so that they have peace of mind that their pets are well, Peter and his team attend to other things in their home that have resulted from them leaving in a hurry.
Peter’s investment in his local community doesn’t stop there – he has also supported one of his customers, a local children’s author, with the promotion of her two new books about her dog, Bodhi, who his team walk regularly. The books help children with basic reading and arithmetic skills and address themes of diversity and the environment. Petpals’ local support has helped to provide book donations to local schools and children’s charities, as well as contributing towards the production and promotion of the book.
Peter told us, “Being recognised for this award is a huge honour. Our work at Petpals is focused on providing premium pet care and our staff and community. Being part of a brand with such a strong commitment to such important initiatives is an inspiration. I’m so proud of my team, who have been instrumental in providing a friendly, trusted service to pet owners and supporting the wellbeing of pets.”
To find out more about Petpals Bracknell and Petpals Wokingham and Sandhurst’s range of pet-care services please visit, https://www.petpals.com/area/bracknell/ or https://www.petpals.com/area/wokingham/