Hey, Ritchie here.
If you're wondering whether a PHG franchise is right for you, let me paint you a picture—because I've been exactly where you are now.
Back in 2018, I was stuck in a well-paid job that I absolutely loathed. I'd spend my days dreaming about working with animals, being my own boss, and having the freedom to build something meaningful. But here's the thing—I'm methodical. I'm not the type to leap into the unknown without a safety net. I wanted a proven system, not a DIY experiment that might leave me skint and defeated.
That's when I discovered PHG.
The Franchise vs. Going It Alone: Let's Talk Numbers
Before we go any further, you need to understand something critical. According to research, approximately 20% of new businesses fail within their first year, and around 50% fail within five years. That's a sobering statistic when you're considering leaving the security of employment.
But here's where it gets interesting: Franchises have a significantly higher success rate, with studies showing that over 90% of franchises are still operating after five years. Why? Because you're not reinventing the wheel—you're following a blueprint that's already been tested, refined, and proven to work.
I had a first-class management degree. But even with that qualification, I knew I didn't have a clue where to start with the practical realities of launching a pet care business. The business name, logo, branding, website, marketing campaigns, accounting systems, customer agreement forms, insurance requirements, operational procedures, self-employed taxation requirements—the list was overwhelming.
And that's precisely why I chose PHG when I discovered them.
Why I Burnt My Bridges (And Why It Was the Best Decision I Ever Made)
I made a bold move. I left my well-paid job and burnt my bridges completely. Not because I'm reckless, but because I knew I needed to eliminate my safety net. It was a calculated risk—I had to make this work, because there was no plan B.
Was I terrified? Absolutely.
But I also had something invaluable: the support and expertise of PHG right behind me. That made all the difference.
From day one, I had everything I needed to hit the ground running:
A fully optimised Google Ads campaign ready to go—I simply told them which services I wanted to promote and paid Google directly. All the technical complexities? Sorted by PHG.
A professional, personalised website—I provided the photos and explained how I wanted it to reflect my personality and love for animals. PHG handled the rest.
Complete branding and graphics package—no need to hire designers or figure out brand identity.
An incredibly detailed operations manual—covering everything from how to conduct dog walks and home pet visits safely to managing customer expectations and dealing with emergencies.
Access to an exclusive PHG forum—over a decade's worth of questions, answers, and wisdom from experienced franchisees. It was like having a mentor on call 24/7.
Ongoing support whenever I needed it—whether I had a tricky customer situation, needed advice on expanding my services, or just wanted reassurance that I was on the right track.
Autonomy with a Safety Net: The Best of Both Worlds
Here's something crucial: I have never seen PHG Southampton as anything other than my own business. I had complete autonomy to run it how I wanted, make my own decisions, and build relationships with my customers in my own way.
But I also had the guidance and support of a proven franchise system behind me.
The key principles were non-negotiable: safety first, professionalism always, and immaculate presentation. Beyond that? I was free to be myself and run the business according to my values and vision.
And it worked. It worked brilliantly.
Before I knew it, I had a branded dog walking van on the roads, all my dog walking slots were fully booked, and we were generating positive cashflow. My wife saw how happy I was—and how well I was earning—and joined me part-time. Eventually, she came on full-time, and now we're both earning excellent full-time incomes doing work we genuinely love.
"But What About the Commission?"
I can hear you asking: "Isn't paying an ongoing franchise fee expensive?"
Let me be blunt: Being part of a trusted, established franchise allows you to charge premium rates. Customers know they're getting a professional, insured, vetted service backed by a reputable brand. That means you can—and should—price accordingly.
I simply inflated my rates to offset the commission, and customers were more than happy to pay because they recognised the value and peace of mind they were getting. The commission isn't a cost—it's an investment in your credibility, support system, and ongoing business development.
So, Is PHG Right for You?
The PHG franchise is perfect for you if:
✅ You're an animal lover who dreams of working hands-on with pets every day—not sitting behind a desk managing staff, but actually out there walking dogs, caring for cats, and building genuine relationships with animals and their owners.
✅ You want to run your own sole-trading business without staffing hassles—you personally want to deliver the service because that's where the joy is.
✅ You want to work for yourself, not by yourself—you're methodical, you value proven systems, and you'd rather follow a tried-and-tested roadmap than stumble through trial and error on your own.
✅ You're willing to work hard and commit fully—this isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires dedication, professionalism, and genuine passion for animals.
✅ You value safety, professionalism, and doing things properly—cutting corners isn't in your vocabulary, and you understand that building a reputation takes consistency and integrity.
The Bottom Line
I know for a fact that I wouldn't have achieved anywhere near the level of success if I'd tried to go it alone. The PHG franchise gave me the foundations, the tools, the support, and the confidence to build something extraordinary.
Now, as franchise owners ourselves (my wife Amber and I took over the entire PHG franchise in 2025), we're looking for people who share our passion and want to follow the same path. We want to support you the way we were supported—with genuine care, expertise, proven systems, and hands-on guidance.
If you're sitting there feeling stuck, unfulfilled, and dreaming of a life where you work with animals every day, earn a great income, and have the freedom to be your own boss—then yes, PHG is absolutely right for you.
The question is: are you ready to take the leap?
Ready to explore whether PHG is your perfect fit? Get in touch today.
📞 023 8225 4562 | 07902 127835
📧 info@petshomesandgardens.co.uk
