“My business is social and it’s become a way of life”

Too young to retire, Lynette Higgins is enjoying a new career as an OSCAR Pet Foods franchisee

Lynette Higgins liked the OSCAR Pet Foods brand so much, she brought one of the company’s franchises. She explains: “It all started when I began searching for a good quality pet food for Fred, my gluten intolerant Golden Retriever. It was then that a good friend of mine told me about OSCAR and its superior products.”

Voluntary redundancy

18 months earlier, Lynette had taken voluntary redundancy from the Department for Work and Pensions.

“It gave me the opportunity to review my options,” she says. “Eventually, I came to the conclusion that it was too early to retire and considered going back to work in the hope of finding something that would be more of a vocation than a job. Having worked in management, training, marketing, sales and procurement, my skills are varied.

“As a lifelong pet owner, OSCAR came to me for a reason and I really liked the concept. It had a strong presence on the internet - eye-catching and professional - which also gave me confidence. I thrive on a challenge, am self-motivated and very much a people person and I could relate to the benefits of the OSCAR service.”

Open and honest

What also reassured Lynette was that the team at OSCAR were able to answer all the questions she had about the franchise. “With additional research on the brand, the company, the pet food market and local pet owners, I knew I was making the right choice,” she adds.

“I have support when needed and the flexibility to never miss an opportunity. Pet owners are easy to relate to - they share my passion for animals and are grateful for help and advice.

“To me, my business is social and it’s become a way of life, with customers becoming friends who I happily support in any way I can - whether that’s work-related, picking up groceries or simply having a chat over a cup of tea. And best of all, I get to spend time with my own dog, who loves joining me on delivery rounds.”

Success stories

Since becoming an OSCAR Pet Foods franchisee, Lynette’s become the first in the network to supply a National Trust property with ‘doggie dinners’ and treats for their tearoom, acts as an OSCAR ambassador to a highly regarded dog rescue centre and has fed a sickly dog who became a Crufts winner.

At a glance Oscar Pet Foods

Established:

1994

Number of franchised outlets:

80-plus

Location of units:

nationwide

Investment range:

from £8,995 (plus VAT)

Minimum required capital:

£8,995 (plus VAT)

Contact:

Janet Walmsley. 0800 068 1106