Animal lover Richard, who left the drinks industry to run his own pet food franchise, has never looked back

While needing to consider his career options, Richard Hebden found security in OSCAR Pet Foods when planning his future

“Working in the drinks industry, I was always close to the risk of redundancy. 15 years, with 10 of those years 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.

“My road to OSCAR Pet Foods was through the British Franchise Association and my own Springer Spaniel, Oscar, who was in need of some good quality food. But more to the point, as an animal lover and with a passion for the outdoors, the opportunity was very appealing. 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 some 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 is 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 two Collies after only three days of changing their diet.

“I am here to please, and my enthusiasm, shared with fellow franchisees, helps me to grow my business quicker, with better ways to achieve results. The products are easy to talk about and by supporting a local pet rescue charity I have found yet 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.”