Petpals franchisees sniff out success at Great British Franchisee Awards

09-October-2025

Turning a challenging start into a thriving business has earned two Petpals franchisees one of the UK’s highest business accolades. Bev and Phil Haydon, the husband-and-wife team behind Petpals Chelmsford, Maldon & Danbury, have been named winners at the prestigious Great British Franchisee Awards 2025 – recognised for their resilience, compassion and dedication to pets, clients and staff alike.

When the couple took over Petpals Chelmsford, Maldon & Danbury in 2020, they faced challenges few could imagine. It was the height of the pandemic and, following the sudden loss of the previous owner, Bev and Phil found themselves stepping into the unknown. Yet their determination to do right by the business and its people shone through. Not only did they safeguard every job in their team, but they also maintained the same high standards of pet care their clients had come to rely on.

“We knew there would be obstacles, but protecting our team and making sure clients and their pets still felt supported was always our number one priority,” said Bev. “To have come through that period with every staff member still with us is something we’ll always be proud of.”

A hallmark of Petpals Maldon is Bev and Phil’s decision to specialise in solo dog walks. By offering one-to-one time, they can adapt to each animal’s pace and personality – whether that means slowing down for an older companion, giving extra encouragement to a nervous dog or letting an energetic pup run off some steam. It’s a values-led approach that reflects their belief that every pet deserves individual attention.

Phil explained, “Solo walks give us the chance to really get to know each dog and give them what they need. Sometimes that means slowing down, sometimes it’s picking up the pace – but it’s always about putting the pet first. That personal bond is what makes this role so rewarding.”

The judging panel praised Bev and Phil’s “emotional and strong story”, highlighting their excellent staff retention, glowing customer reviews and tireless community support. With a brilliant Google rating and heartfelt testimonials from clients, their reputation for going the extra mile is clear to see. Beyond the day-to-day, they sponsor local dog shows, support greyhound charities and lend their time to mentor fellow franchisees across the Petpals network.

“We’re over the moon to receive this award,” said Bev. “For us, it’s always been about people and pets – the trust families place in us and the care we give in return. To see all of that celebrated makes us feel incredibly grateful.”

Phil concluded, “It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve loved every step. This award feels like a shared celebration with our team, our customers and the wider Maldon pet-loving community.”

Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, said, “Bev and Phil are a shining example of the dedication and heart that make Petpals so special. Their ability to turn a difficult start into a flourishing business, while staying true to their values, is truly inspiring. We couldn’t be prouder of them.”