Pet therapy and community outreach drive early success for new Right at Home franchise
The Salisbury and Andover team, which now includes pet therapy dog Lola, are making strong connections in their local area
Published: 27/11/2025
The owners of a new Right at Home franchise are off to a flying start thanks to the support of an established network and the launch of a new pet therapy service.
Michelle and Martin Hillman received their CQC registration for Right at Home Salisbury and Andover last month and have already set ambitious growth targets, having made significant progress in building brand awareness through various community engagement initiatives.
The husband-and-wife team, together with their daughter, Franchise Director Courtney Hillman, have been inspired by their peers across the network, including Vicky and Paul Butler, owners of RaH Isle of Wight, who have established strong ties with local groups.
“Seeing the positive impact of community outreach projects initiated by the likes of Vicky and Paul, along with Nick Turner, our neighbour in Mid Hampshire, has spurred us on to give something back to our local area,” Courtney says.
The Salisbury and Andover team started volunteering at dementia cafes, lunch clubs and day centres and have since introduced therapy dog Lola to help make a positive difference to lonely and elderly individuals.
“Lola belongs to Claire, our Registered Manager. She is a working cocker spaniel with a very calm nature, so Claire thought she would make a perfect pet therapy dog,” Courtney explains.
“After a few months of training, Lola is now qualified, and we take her with us on our visits out in the community. The happiness she brings to people is just wonderful – everyone loves her. At one event last month, the organiser said Lola attracted the biggest turnout they’ve ever seen.”
As well as spreading joy among local residents, Lola has also helped the franchise strengthen its reputation as a trusted homecare provider.
“It can be a bit daunting when you attend groups for the first time, but Lola helps spark conversations,” Courtney says.
“People will come up to us because they want to see her and then we naturally start talking about Right at Home and the work we do.”
The team hopes to broaden Lola’s impact by taking her out on Client visits. In the meantime, they have set their sights on business growth, and feel confident that with the support of National Office and Franchise Owners across the RaH network, they will achieve their Year 1 targets.
“Although it is still early days in the development of our Right at Home business, the support from National Office has been exceptional. The guidance, resources, and structured framework they provide have given us real confidence as we build strong foundations for sustainable growth,” the couple say.
“We have also been greatly encouraged by the openness and generosity of fellow franchise owners across the network, who have willingly shared their experience and time to help us embrace this new and exciting challenge.”
Michelle and Martin are experienced franchisees, having successfully run a photography franchise for the past 12 years.
Explaining how they’re juggling the two businesses, the couple say: “With our first business now well established and thriving, we are in a strong position to dedicate our time and energy to developing Right at Home Salisbury and Andover.
“We’re approaching this venture with the same values of quality, professionalism, and community focus that have always guided our work and underpinned our success.”
