Case Study: Lucy Wakefield

“You need dedication and drive to grow your business, but you are in charge. If you put in the hard work, you get fantastic rewards. Thank you Barking Mad!”

Lucy Wakefield, owner of Barking Mad Exeter, was a primary school teacher for ten years before buying her franchise in 2014. When asked about her experience of operating her own bespoke dog holiday service, Lucy said: “As a primary school teacher in a small village school, I loved the time with the children but the increase of the other demands – report writing, target setting, parent meetings etc. began to take their toll but nothing changed, so I kept going. Then I had a brain tumour and two subsequent operations, leading me to realise that something had to change. One day I saw an advert for a job working for Barking Mad. I started by working for the local franchisee and then when she went through her own family issues and decided to sell, I bought the existing business.

“I love it! It has given me the freedom to live my life. It has challenge, flexibility, I get to meet new people and dogs. I have a great time with all my hosts as well as time shared with other franchisees. I can structure my working day as I please and if I know there is something coming up, I can work round it.”

As well as receiving award-winning support from Barking Mad’s head office support centre, Lucy really enjoys and appreciates being part of a large network of friendly and supportive franchisees.

“I love being out in the car and having the time to enjoy a rainbow or a buzzard sitting on a pole. I didn’t have a clue about running a business when I first started but got training from head office and from the franchisee from whom I took over. If I have any questions now, I can ask the HQ support team, or other franchisees who have experience of a whole range of issues.”