Oscars Case Study: It’s A Pleasure To Go To Work

Richard Hebden kick-started his career with an Oscar pet product delivery franchise

Working in the drinks industry, Richard Hebden says he lived with the possibility of being made redundant on a regular basis.

He explains: “15 years, with 10 of those in retail and under the pressure of constant targets, was very stressful. There’s always something to learn and working in that environment certainly gave me the strength of mind to transfer my energy into the idea of working for myself.”

APPEALING

Richard found OSCAR through the British Franchise Association and his Springer Spaniel, Oscar, who was in need of some good quality food.

“As an animal lover and with a passion for the outdoors, the opportunity was very appealing,” Richard says. “I could not be complacent when choosing my next career, as this was to be long lasting for the sake of my young family and although my wife is a primary school teacher, I had to be totally confident before making a final decision.

“OSCAR provided brilliant support to get me started and now, months into my franchise, it continues. Despite doing lots of research, planning, speaking to financial and legal contacts, as well as franchisees, constant reassurance is what I need as my business continues to grow.

“I have given myself tough targets in terms of turnover and profitability and my business is everything I want it to be - flexible, with less stress. It’s a pleasure to go to work. Results are forthcoming and I was delighted when a customer asked me back to see the difference in the condition of their two Collies only three days after changing their diet.”

ENTHUSIASM

Richard says his enthusiasm for his new business has helped it to grow in a relatively short space of time. He adds: “The products are easy to talk about and by supporting a local pet rescue charity, I have found another avenue that produces follow ups.

“Besides being a local District Scout Commissioner in Flintshire, as a family we can all enjoy the outdoor lifestyle while I continue to network and build my business.”