OSCAR Pet Foods franchisees find new ways to help other small businesses throughout COVID-19 crisis

Volunteering to deliver essential supplies, care packages and PPE face shields are just some of the ways franchisees continue to be involved in supporting their local communities

As we all work together to stay safe and alert, OSCAR’s nationwide network of local nutritional advisors are on hand to deliver essential services to customers in their communities.

Delivering a comprehensive range of pet foods, treats, toys and accessories to those self-isolating, shielding, or recovering from COVID-19, means peace of mind for pet owners who can concentrate on their families and working lives knowing their pets are going to be cared for. Franchisees and local nutritional advisors are working to support their local communities by finding new ways to help other small businesses and organisations throughout this crisis and are busy lifting community spirits wherever they go.

Spontaneously volunteering to deliver essential supplies for customers that are self-isolating, thoughtfully delivering care packages to the most vulnerable and generously helping to deliver PPE face shields to the NHS front line are just some of the ways franchisees continue to be involved in supporting their local communities.

OSCAR is focused on giving franchisees the tools needed to carry out good work within their local communities at a safe distance, meaning they can look after their existing customers with care, not to mention an increasing number of new customers – many of whom are either self-isolating or returning to work, whilst continuing to help their communities with confidence.

Ensuring relationships with customers stay personal in a climate of pandemic change is challenging but vital. Quickly finding new ways of communicating and keeping customers updated in every possible way means the nimble use of social media platforms has an important role to play in keeping pet owners and business owners connected.

“Having just taken the business on in February we had put a lot of work into our proposed marketing strategy which involved attending lots of shows and plenty of door-to-door leaflet drops – none of which we could embrace when COVID-19 came along,” said Nigel Bragg, OSCAR Pet Foods Bridport co-franchisee. “Knowing we were going to have to rethink our entire strategy, we contacted the head office and their social media guru [Sam Beirne] spurred us on with new ideas. It was great to feel they had our backs.”

“They were able to help us adapt and reminded us that the current situation is unprecedented for every business – no matter how large or small,” added Sally Bragg, OSCAR Pet Foods Bridport co-franchisee. “Many people just think it is a dog or cat food delivery service, so we’ve been able to educate them about other products in the business.”