Local Couple Wins ‘Great British Franchisee’ Award for Building Exceptional Dog Care Community and Delighting Customers
Local couple, Alan and Amanda Hartley, owners of Barking Mad Leeds, have been honoured with the prestigious ‘Great British Franchisee’ award, recognising their exceptional dedication to building a thriving community of dog-loving hosts.
As franchisees of Barking Mad, the UK’s most-trusted dog home-boarding franchise, they have consistently gone above and beyond to provide top-notch care for dogs and deliver outstanding service to countless happy customers. Their tireless efforts in fostering a network of trusted hosts, who look after the dogs while their owners are on holiday, have not only ensured peace of mind for pet owners across the Leeds territory, but also established them as key figures in the local community.
Commenting on their great achievement, Alan and Amanda said: “We are absolutely delighted to be Great British Franchisee Award winners 2024. It’s a fantastic and outstanding accolade to have, both for the Barking Mad brand and ourselves. A great tribute to all our host families who look after and care for our many 4-legged friends and to our customers who know we put our heart and soul into caring for their pets.”
Speaking on behalf of Barking Mad, Managing Director Rachel Stewart said: “Having been in the Barking Mad network since 2011, Alan and Amanda are now into their 3rd renewal agreement and have grown their business substantially during this time.
“They are a real font of knowledge for the network, and franchisee’s see them as the voice of reason when seeking peer advice. Alan & Amanda have generally come across most situations, so can offer really sound advice to their peers, gaining them a huge level of respect from the network.
“They’re a steady pair of hands and it is especially heart-warming to listen to their stories about their relationships with their hosts. They regard them as close friends and it really comes across when they talk about them.
“They really go the extra mile for their customers too and often they’ll take customer’s dogs that may not be suitable to stay with a host, but they’ll take them themselves into their home, giving their customers complete peace of mind their beloved dog is exceptionally well cared for (and spoilt rotten)!
“Alan and Amanda are two genuinely lovely, warm compassionate and caring people. We are thrilled to see them honoured in this way – they truly are ‘Great British Franchisees’!”
