Case Study: Barbara Frater and Caroline Bradshaw

“We fell in love with the concept of Barking Mad when we came across a business opportunity that cared about dogs as much as we do.”

Name: Barbara Frater and Caroline Bradshaw
Franchisee since: 2019
Location: Alnwick
Last Updated: September 2019

Barbara Frater and Caroline Bradshaw have recently made the change from senior teaching roles to their “dream job” with the Barking Mad self-employed franchise opportunity. They said, of their decision to purchase the already established Barking Mad Alnwick business as a resale: “We have recently swapped 20 years in the classroom for the stunning countryside of the Northumberland Coast, relocating to run a Barking Mad business full time. We love the county of Northumberland and the beautiful scenery makes chauffeuring of dogs to host families on their holidays a real new pleasure. We are crazy about dogs, especially collies, because we have a rescue collie called ‘ Ailsa’ but we love all breeds large and small.”

The dog loving duo attended a comprehensive initial training week at Barking Mad’s head office support centre, in the Lake District, completing modules in dog behaviour, business essentials, customer care, service and operational delivery, marketing and brand building, accounting and finance. A bespoke launch programme, delivered by sales and marketing experts, also ensured they were well equipped to take over the reins of an already operating business.

As well as initial support, Barbara and Caroline were attracted by Barking Mad’s award winning ongoing franchise support, business development and technical assistance. They are benefitting from advice and support from an APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) accredited in-house dog behaviourist, an in-house licensing and compliance professional on hand and a UK based call centre, staffed by knowledgeable dog lovers, ready to answer their calls and make appointments on their behalf.

Barbara and Caroline bought the business from outgoing franchisee, Tina Young. Tina had successfully operated the Northumberland territory for fourteen years, even being crowned the BFA HSBC Franchisee of the Year in 2014, a prestigious, national award.