Managing Director Lee Dancy (front left) celebrated last weekend with the help of her family, national network and support team based at their head office in Barbon, Cumbria.

 Barking Mad Pet Care Professionals who own the franchise system that provides dogs and their owners with an alternative to house-sitting and kennels, named their 2013 Franchisee of the Year at their 10th national conference last weekend. The Lakeside Hotel, Newby Bridge hosted the event led by National Operations Manager Nikki Brown, marking 10 years of successful meetings of pet care minds from across the UK. The business has been a genuine local success story since Managing Director Lee Dancy launched the business in 2000. The 2 day event has been held every year in the Lakes since they became a franchisor accredited by the British Franchise Association (BFA). Their philosophy is to support the region by working with, and employing, local people and businesses.

Nikki Brown said, “Our 10th conference is a proud milestone for Barking Mad and especially for Lee and I personally. We love what we do and are privileged to work with such talented people who have made us UK brand leader. To be able to work with such quality local support businesses is the icing on the cake”.

 The Barking Mad concept is centred on accommodating dogs in a caring environment ensuring their routine is kept as consistent as possible with a loving local host family. The unique Barking Mad system has enjoyed year on year growth and brand leader status having organised more than 67,700 doggie holidays. The Barking Mad logo and brand is recognised across the pet care sector and franchise industry as well as the great British pet loving public.

Barking Mad Franchisee of the Year 2013 Winners Chris & Alex Cowe (centre) with Managing Director Lee Dancy (left) and Nikki Brown, National Operations Manager.

Lee Dancy said: ‘We were thrilled to present this award to Chris & Alex as outstanding assets to the company who really excelled this year. Passionate and committed to their business and the brand, it is obvious to anyone who meets them that they are devoted to their customers and genuinely care about every dog holiday they organise’.

Barking Mad alternative to kennels continues to grow however not satisfied with the status quo and identifying a gap in the market for consistent and convenient quality dog styling and washing the organisation is expanding with the launch of Barking Mad Professional Mobile Grooming in 2013.

The franchise organisation has also recently been short listed for a support award by the respected British Franchise Association (BFA). Judging is next month with the award in London in July 2013.