Twenty years after joining a pet retailer as a security assistant, Sion Pritchard is sitting at the helm of the company as it heads towards a bright future.
Petplace managing director made rapid progress through the ranks after arriving at the firm in 2000, becoming the boss six years ago.
Now as the original Farm and Pet Place group marks 50 years in 2020, it hopes the coming months will be momentous for the award-winning organisation.
“When I think about how far we have come together, it’s quite incredible,” said Sion, 39, who grew up in Rhos-on-Sea.
“On a personal level, I would have never dreamed of being at the helm of this great company, but collectively – originally led by Farm and Pet Place founder Gwyn Lewis – we have achieved a lot together.
“As we look to continue rolling out the new PetPlace brand this year, transforming stores and growing our workforce, I feel proud to be in this privileged position and look forward to seeing how things develop in the future.”
As well as a complete revamp of the Abergele store to now include the 海角视频’s first cinema, play park and coffee bar for dogs, the firm has launched a new VIP scheme for customers and been awarded a Silver Investors in People Award.
There are also plans to extend the PetPlace brand to the Farm and Pet Place sites in Llangefni, Mold, Chirk and Ruthin.
Most Read
The first makeover was so popular that world-renowned animal psychologist Roger Mugford – trainer of the Queen’s corgis – travelled 300 miles to visit the facility and said it was a “world-first” socialisation and play environment for canines.
Sion’s decision to move away from traditional farm-focused products and toward the health and wellbeing of pets, encouraging a more nutritional raw food diet, has paid dividends.
As has the ethos of “pet parents”, in which animals are seen as part of the family.
The group now employs more than 70 staff and is winning new customers all the time.
There is also a tremendous amount of goodwill toward them because of their support of charities including Hope House Hospice and St Kentigern Hospice, for which they have raised tens of thousands of pounds.
“As I grew in confidence leading the business, it became clear which way the sector was going and that we needed to go with it and make changes,” said Sion.
“It was a brave decision, but we believed in it, and that the health and happiness of our pets is more important than profits.”
Don’t miss
He added: “I’ve enjoyed every moment of my time with Farm and Pet Place and truly believe the best is yet to come.
“We have so many ideas that will continue to connect the company with our customers, the community and charitable causes, with our pets and their welfare at the centre of everything we do.
“Thanks to all of my colleagues and everyone who has supported me over the last 20 years – especially my partner Paul and as a pet parent myself, to our very own Rocky – and I hope you’ll continue with me on the journey to further growth and improvement in the years ahead.”