Stephen Ward with Carole Sutton, Heights Farm’s latest franchisee.
Heights Farm Premium Pets Foods, a family-run business based in Bolton, Lancashire, has launched its home-based pet food delivery franchise and is looking to recruit pet-loving entrepreneurs.
The company says that by franchising the business more customers across the UK can have its premium quality pet food delivered straight to their doors, allowing them to make considerable cost savings on their cat and dog food, compared to other leading premium brands.
Heights Farm pet foods are based on locally sourced fresh ingredients and the company says its products are hypoallergenic, containing no artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives, dairy, soya, wheat or wheat gluten.
Stephen Ward, the founder of the company, set up the business in response to his own experience when his Dogue de Bordeaux Mastiff, Milo, developed a number of allergies triggered by his diet of wheat-based foods.
Ward explained: “Despite Milo being on a prescription diet by the vet and taking a course of steroid tablets, Milo’s condition continued once he stopped taking the tablets. Prolonged use of steroids could also have serious side affects such as liver and kidney damage. It was only after switching to a salmon-based hypoallergenic dry food that many of Milo’s symptoms started to clear up.
“It turned out Milo was in fact wheat and wheat gluten intolerant. This experience got us thinking how many more pets and pet owners had been in the same situation as ourselves? So after lots and lots of research and investment we come up with the hypoallergenic blend of complete dry food with a very special and clinically proven ingredient, green-lipped mussel.
“In May 2009 we took the brave step to establish our very own premium pet food company named after our family home, Heights Farm. The product range starts from puppy through to adult and we believe that if your animal benefits from the green-lipped mussel daily, you build an excellent bone and joint structure that will support your animal well throughout all life stages.”
Datadog IT system
Commenting on its franchise offering, Ward said: “We have invested a considerable amount into our franchise operation, particularly in our bespoke IT system, Datadog, which makes building your business a breeze and allows full business support from our Bolton head office.
“Initially our plan is to launch franchises throughout our North West region, i.e. Preston, Wigan, Worsley, Altrincham, Stockport, etc., with other national locations being introduced over the coming years.
“We see this as a fantastic opportunity for people who love animals and being outdoors. There’s no need for any previous business experience as we have all the tools to quickly help you establish your region.”
Carole Sutton, its franchisee for Blackburn, Burnley and Clitheroe, who had for many years worked as an account manager in the toy and gift industry said the opportunity to join the franchise offered her the perfect balance of work, mixing her love of meeting pets and their owners.
A Heights Farm franchise costs £9,999 plus VAT and the franchise contract is for five years.
01204 322 755
www.heightsfarmpetfoods.co.uk