Welwyn Garden City cat hotel looks to expand

By Ross Logan

A WELWYN Garden City entrepreneur is looking for franchisees to continue the phenomenal success of her luxury boutique hotel business… for cats.

The Longcroft Cat Hotel has proved a hit with owners and pets alike
DOES you dream job consists of working from home and looking after cats?

If so, then a WGC businesswoman may be able to help you achieve it.

After two hugely successful years in charge of the Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel – a “five star” cattery in Longcroft Lane, WGC – owner and founder Abi Purser is looking for franchise holders to take the company county-wide.

The 36-year-old launched the unique business from her home in Longcroft Lane, in 2010, in response to what she believed to be a dearth of quality catteries in the UK.

With “guests” treated to wrought iron beds, individually decorated suites and a gourmet menu all served on bone china, Abi’s eccentric business model quickly attracted the attentions of both the media and cat-loving customers looking for a safe place to leave their moggy while they were away.

The concept has garnered mum-of-three Abi with a host of award nominations, and bookings are currently being taken for Christmas 2013.

In order to meet the ever-growing demand for spaces, Abi’s looking for partners to join in Longcroft’s success – and has already received interest from a number of potential franchisees.

“Running a business from home and looking after cats is my dream job,” said Abi.

“When we first set up the business, we knew there was a demand for a truly five-star cattery dedicated to looking after much-loved feline guests while their owners are away.

“We just massively under-estimated the level of that demand and are excited about offering our business formula to others who want to be cat hoteliers in the region.”

Each potential franchisee will be vetted by Abi herself, with successful applicants receiving full training in order to meet Longcroft’s precise and exacting standards.

They will be given help with the planning application and building materials for the hotel, and help and advice whenever needed.

“We are looking for partners who want to run their own sustainable and profitable business from home, which fits perfectly around any type of lifestyle or family commitments,” said Abi.

Franchisees can apply for hotels of up to nine suites, with each hotel carried out to Longcroft’s specifications.

“You can only give a great service with small numbers, particularly when what we are offering is a far cry from just a feeding and cleaning exercise,” said Abi.

from whtimes.co.uk