Nutriment, a leader in the development of high-quality raw recipes and feeding solutions, has announced the launch of its latest portfolio – Gently Steamed – which looks to cater to a wider group of nutrition-conscious pet owners.

Gently Steamed is the innovative new seven-product portfolio from Nutriment. Comprising of Beef, Lamb, Duck, Chicken, Puppy and Senior varieties for dogs, and a Turkey & Lamb option for Cats. The recipes are based on high-quality, high-protein ingredients in line with all Nutriment products. Each balanced product is created with natural ingredients, free from grain and filler, and for adult dogs, single-source proteins. This ambient product is shelf-stable, meaning there is no requirement for freezing, and is simply stored in a fridge once opened. 

“As a business, we’ve always been proud to maintain constant insight into our customers’ needs, regularly carrying out surveys and feedback opportunities to ensure our portfolio is delivering exactly what our pets and their owners want and need,” comments Ryan Winwright, Head of Commercial at Nutriment. 

“Gently Steamed is a response to the pain point of not always having access to freezer facilities to feed our traditional raw products. We want to cater for as many pets and their owners as possible, even when following a raw diet isn’t always achievable. 

“We recognise that there may be circumstances, such as when travelling or staying away from home, where transporting and feeding frozen raw food isn’t manageable, and so our Gently Steamed products are the perfect solution. The products are also very handy if you occasionally forget to defrost a meal from time to time.”

Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving nutrients, including water-soluble vitamins, which are sensitive to heat and water. Researchers have found that steaming broccoli, spinach, and lettuce, for example, reduces their vitamin C content by only 9–15%. The steamed nature of the Gently Steamed products enables the most effective preservation of the nutrients within the high-quality ingredients, whilst meeting the needs of owners who aren’t able to store frozen raw food.

Nutriment stands firm in its position that raw is best – having spent over a decade committed to the benefits and positive impacts on health that feeding raw can provide. Nutriment also recognises the potential of Gently Steamed as a gateway product to help bridge the gap between kibble and raw, making for a smoother transition for both pets and their owners.

Gently Steamed joins other award-winning product lines from Nutriment, including Support, recipes specifically designed to provide nutritional support for ongoing health concerns; and Just – one ingredient, complementary meal solutions for supporting at-home meal preparations. 

This exciting portfolio expansion follows Nutriment’s recent news of its rebranding. Earlier this year, Nutriment relaunched its brand to the marketplace following an intensive design and market research project. The result has been a fresh new look of branding, packaging and POS materials that truly embody the Nutriment ethos – simplicity, transparency and sophistication. Reflecting on what customers truly need and want from the pet food provider in 2024 and beyond, the new look enables customers can immediately ascertain the quality of each meal and its real ingredients, the ease of feeding, and the reliability of the well-established Nutriment brand, from the moment they first observe the pack on a shelf. 

Discover Nutriment Gently Steamed at PATS (Stand E49) and explore Nutriment’s brand-new website and its award-winning portfolio of recipes.

Pet retailers and buyers are being reminded there is still time to book their place at the biggest-ever PATS, which opens its doors at Telford International Centre at 9.30am on Sunday.

So if you haven’t registered to attend, make sure you do so online now by clicking here. 

And here’s a reminder of what you can expect at the three-day Pet & Aquatics Trade Show:

• Record number of more than 340 exhibitors
• The biggest ever New Product Showcase and Awards
• Dedicated Aquatics Zone for aquatics, reptile and watergardening specialists
• New Starter Zone for start-ups and new businesses
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Grooming Workshop including insightful demonstrations, competitions and talks
• Unique networking opportunities
• Free entry, free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

Opening times

Sunday, 29th September 2024: 9.30am-5pm

Monday, 30th September 2024: 9.30am-5pm

Tuesday, 1st October 2024: 9.30am-4pm

For more information about the show visit www.patshow.co.uk

Wilsons Pet Food has rolled out a full rebrand across its range of natural meals and treats for dogs. The Scottish manufacturer will fully unveil the brand new look at PATS, where it will also announce over 30 new products launching over the coming months. 

“The team had been counting down for our big unveil, PATS provides the ideal platform to share big news with the trade. With the brand-new look and substantial expansion of current ranges, this marks a significant new chapter for Wilsons and our team – it’s a really exciting time for the business,” explained Craig Wallace, MD, Wilsons.  

The rebrand and new product development have been a combined investment of over £300k for the brand. Aside from the development of Wilsons’ own factories, this is the pet food company’s most significant investment to date.  

Time for a new look

“It felt like the right time for a change,” explained Wallace. “We are proud of our Scottish roots and feel lucky to live and work in the environment that we do; it’s a dog owner’s dream! But we are here to feed every type of dog a natural and nutritious meal, whether they hike up hills or get walked through a city; we’re here for each and every dog and the rebrand helps promote this,” explains Craig.

The rebrand features bold, bright colours for more standout between ranges. New packaging carries clear and concise product information to ensure pet owners see the ingredients and health benefits quickly and highlight the premium quality of the products and ranges as a whole.

There’s also a brand-new face for the brand, aptly named Wilson. “The cross-breed dog we chose to feature on-pack really resonated with us. We felt the expression perfectly captured the anticipation of feeding time and the bond between dog and owner at this time. Big eyes full of excitement and anticipation, patiently waiting for dinner to be served!” said Craig.

New product launches

With the focus remaining on both the quality of ingredients and gentle processing used to retain essential nutrients, Wilsons continues to lead the way in cold pressed manufacturing.  Currently offering nine delicious cold pressed recipes in its Premium range, with a new salmon and chicken meal for puppies added.  The Working Dog range has increased to five recipes with the addition of two new meals; a lamb and a fish option. Wilson's treats and supplements offer has also increased, with seventeen tasty new treats due to launch over the next few months and a range of new functional supplements to follow.  

Wilsons’ website has also been revamped as part of the rebrand. It further highlights its commitment to using quality ingredients, gently processed, ensuring recipes retain essential nutrients and flavour. The website, just launched, features a new section for the trade, simplifying online ordering and offering exclusive discounts throughout the year.

The rebrand has also helped support Wilson’s commitment to sustainability by ensuring all treat bags produced are fully recyclable and that the amount of packaging used within its cold pressed range has been substantially reduced, now saving over eleven tonnes of cardboard a year. 

To find out more about Wilsons' full range of natural meals and treats visit trade.wilsonspetfood.co.uk or contact the trade sales team at trade@wilsonspetfood.co.uk.

The Pet Industry Federation, the trade association for pet businesses, will unveil some exciting, value-adding initiatives for PIF membership at the PATS trade show in Telford from Sunday. 

Visitors to the PIF stand will be able to talk to the team about ‘PIF Privilege’, a scheme which encompasses a variety of health and wellbeing benefits for small business owners; and the launch of new membership benefits to help businesses retain custom and save money. Businesses signing up to join the Federation at the show will also benefit from a 10% discount off the standard annual PIF subscription.

And if that wasn’t enough, all businesses are welcome to join the team from 1pm each day for some wine and nibbles.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO said: "PATS provides an ideal platform for us to talk to members and potential members – whether it’s learning more about the challenges they face or explaining how we can help them. We have developed a range of new initiatives which we believe are relevant and useful to members, both professionally and personally, and we can’t wait to share news of them with visitors to PATS next week over a glass of wine on our stand."

PIF will be situated in the foyer (Stand X2).

Inventor Cat, Furr Boost, and Scoff Paper have made significant progress since appearing on BBC One’s hit programme Dragons’ Den. All three entrepreneurs reported a positive experience in the gruelling year-long process from doorstep to Den. 

Visitors to PATS 2024 – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – will get the chance to meet all three business owners at the PATS exhibition, which takes place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024.

Gemma Connolly of Scoff Paper, edible greeting cards for dogs, turned down the opportunity to appear in the Den the previous year. She said: “But when I had the call this year, I knew it was the right time. Coming out of the filming day, I was beyond exhausted but proud.” She left the Den with a £50,000 investment from Sara Davies.

“With no prior investment, funds were always tight in the business, so we chose trade shows as our main way to get in front of stockists,” added Gemma. “Being in the Den was an opportunity to get 4 million eyes on our brand in one night, and it's something that money couldn't buy. Sales went into their thousands that night. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Gemma has access to Sara’s logistics, supplies, branding, and digital marketing contacts and the community of other Den contestants who won investment from Gemma.

“Since the show I have had hundreds of enquiries from potential stockists, wholesalers and brands looking to partner with us, both in the UK and overseas, which we can now service thanks to the injection of cash we received,” Gemma explained. “We can now develop different products alongside our edible cards and cannot wait for them to hit the market.”

Scoff Paper makes a third appearance at PATS in Hall 2, stand J42, where retailers can get a discount on their sought-after range of edible cards for Christmas and all year round.

Director of Inventor Cat Victor Carpio pitched The Dental Wand, a cat oral health product. He left the Den with an offer of £45,000 from Deborah Meaden. On the night of the episode, over 500 units were sold, and sales have consistently increased since.

Victor fulfilled a lifelong ambition to appear on the show, telling the Dragons: “I remember seeing you when I was a kid and wishing I could be here. It’s a dream come true, so whatever happens, thank you so much for letting me do this.”

He added: “Meeting with Deborah was like seeing the magician at work. By asking the right questions, she was able to dissect and put our business back together. She is amazing. We took advice on how to increase the average order value, communicating the brand story and manufacturing, which led to decreased production costs.”

Since the show Victor has been nominated for eight awards and is in the process of rebranding as the second version of the Dental Wand launches. He has other exciting new inventions in the pipeline.”

Inventor Cat will debut in the New Starter Zone at PATS on stand Q21. Retailers who order at the show can expect a 15% discount on orders over £200.

Louise Toal, Co-Founder of Furr Boost, a pet smoothie drinks business, walked away with an offer of £50,000 from Dragon, Touker Suleyman. 

“Our pitch was 15 minutes long, and then you’re hit with the questions. We were there for two hours. I never thought about being in that scenario and what it would be like. I thought I was going to pass out, but the producers and Dragons make you feel as comfortable as possible,” said Louise.

That night, website traffic reached 20,000 at its peak as customers placed 500 orders in one weekend. Grocery and Independent Retailer enquiries came flooding in. 

“Everything we said we would do in The Den, we have done. We have more than doubled our turnover,” said Louise.

Global demand on the back of the show has come as a surprise to the entrepreneur. “You under-estimate how many people watch Dragons’ Den worldwide. It created demand from America, Turkey and Europe, and we are now working on processes to export Furr Boost internationally.”

The episode sparked significant interest from the owners of poorly dogs, which helped Furr Boost break into the Veterinary Sector, something they had been working on before the show.

Furr Boost exhibits at PATS for the second time, and you can find them in Hall 3, stand M23. Retailers who order over six cases can get 20% off. They have seven recipes available, including the limited edition Christmas flavour.

Henry Wag, renowned for creating high-quality and innovative pet care products, is launching its newest range at PATS 2024 – the Refresh Collection. This cutting-edge collection includes drying towels, drying coats, and shampoos, all designed with sustainability in mind. 

Made from 50% bamboo and 50% GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified recycled materials, the Refresh Collection delivers exceptional performance while reducing environmental impact.

“We wanted to create a collection that not only works effectively for pets and their owners but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability,” says Grant Rogers, Managing Director at Henry Wag. “By using eco-conscious materials, we’re helping pet owners make greener choices without compromising on quality or functionality.”

The Refresh Collection is ultra-absorbent, fast-drying, and naturally soft, ensuring that pets stay comfortable while drying off quickly after walks or bath time. The combination of bamboo and recycled fibers provides a durable yet eco-friendly solution, perfect for the modern pet care routine.

Visitors to the Henry Wag stand (E32) at PATS will be among the first to experience the innovative Refresh Collection in person. The team will be on hand to demonstrate the benefits of the eco-friendly materials used in the collection and provide insights into the brand’s sustainable mission.

“We’re looking forward to engaging with our industry peers and showcasing how our products can support both pets and the environment,” says Sarah Bowmen, Head of Marketing and Sales. “The PATS Trade Show is the perfect platform for us to introduce our Refresh Collection to the market.”

Henry Wag will also be presenting its wider range of award-winning pet care products, making it a must-visit stand for those seeking innovative, sustainable solutions for pets.

For more details about Henry Wag, visit https://henrywag.com/about/

Dorwest Herbs has announced a partnership with television presenter and writer, Kate Humble, in support of its annual campaign to calm anxiety in pets due to loud noises including fireworks.

Kate’s television career has spanned almost three decades, with her passion for wildlife and travel crossing over to broadcasting, including Springwatch, Escape to the Farm and Countryfile. As an avid dog lover and fan of natural supplements, Kate is supporting Dorwest’s calming range this autumn.

Kate also comes with first-hand experience of supporting her own dogs with anxiety so understands how worrying it can be. She says: “The most important thing to do is be calm yourself - and plan ahead. It’s always hard to know how to help, but Dorwest herbal remedies to calm are a fantastic solution. It’s great to be able to fully support their campaign, and I’ll be giving [my dogs] Teg and Mouse Scullcap & Valerian Tablets this year to help support their fireworks anxiety.”

Year on year firework events have become more popular and widespread, which can cause upset to pets everywhere. With 57% of households now owning a pet (Statistica 2023), the experts in herbal pet care at Dorwest help prepare pets with calming natural remedies for general anxieties, including:

Scullcap & Valerian Tablets - with active herbs naturally supporting the calming pathways within the nervous system; reducing anxiety without immobilising muscles or causing drowsiness.

Valerian Compound - Containing pure extracts of three herbs in liquid form, it acts within just 30 minutes, with calming effects lasting for up to two hours.

Dorwest’s calming campaign for fireworks runs this year from 23rd September to 5th November, and annually conveys ways to keep pets calm and stress-free during fireworks season.

Kate is the ideal partner to support the campaign, as she believes looking after any animal is a huge responsibility – including keeping animals fit and healthy, ensuring a good diet and enough stimulation, and seeking other proven support such as herbal remedies, stating: “There is great pleasure to be had from having a happy, healthy animal – and the rewards you get in return are priceless.”

Managing Director at Dorwest Jo Boughton-White states: “We’re so excited to partner with Kate, as a lifelong wildlife enthusiast and dog lover! She’s got direct experience of anxious pets and has also seen the benefits of supplements with her own dogs, so it’s a pleasure to work with such an esteemed broadcaster within the animal industry.”

Until 5th November 2024, receive 25% off Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound when bought together as a calming combo. Simply use promo code FIREWORKS24 at checkout.

Follow @dorwest this autumn for more support on pet anxiety, visit www.dorwest.com, or call one of the friendly and expert team on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com for more information.

New fresh pet food company, BOOST Pet, has enjoyed fast expansion since launching to market earlier this year. Since the company started selling online in May 2023, the brand has grown from claiming no freezer space in stores to having over 200 freezers in major retailers including Sainsburys, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer.

The company attributes its speedy growth due to its unique selling point of delivering products within the fresh pet food category, a typically a premium segment, at affordable grocery prices. BOOST Pet has primarily been able to achieve this by bringing manufacturing in house in West London, something that is rare in the fresh pet food space.

According to the company’s calculations, the cat and dog food market is currently worth £37.47bn across Europe, with fresh pet food in the UK likely to follow other markets such as the US and Australia to become worth 20% of that by 2030.

Co-founders Liam Wylie and Patrick Nestel come from pet and retail management backgrounds respectively, the pair met in Australia where the fresh pet food category has existed for 20 years. In Australia, Wylie is somewhat of an industry pioneer. Initially working for a grocer managing the pet food category and overseeing much of the early days of the fresh pet food category, Liam then joined ‘The Real Pet Food Co’ which was at the time the world’s largest Fresh Pet Food manufacturer. After returning to the UK be closer to family, Wylie couldn’t believe the fresh pet food category didn’t exist in grocery yet and convinced Nestel to join in him ‘making fresh pet food accessible for all’.

The two pulled together their global expertise to create a range for all cats and dogs, which includes a diverse mix of human quality food, offers meals such as Tender Beef Meatballs 400g and Hearty Meat Feast with Superfoods 400g available at £4.00 and £3.50 respectively for dogs, and Salmon and Whitefish meals 170g at £2.30 for cats.

Puppies are also considered with a Succulent Chicken with Superfoods meal, priced at £3.50 for 400g, and a Succulent Chicken meal is available for kittens at £2.30 for 170g.

The range has 16 SKUs in total in cooked frozen pet food, and the BOOST Pet team also have a range of toppers with treats due to hit the market before Christmas.

Stocked in freezers across the UK and also available online for both one-time purchases and via a subscription model, BOOST Pet prides itself in making fresh pet food accessible in both affordability and diversity of availability.

Sainsburys is endorsed by the company as being a market leader in making fresh pet food available freely nationwide, with BOOST Pet’s other stockists Tesco, and Marks & Spencer, plus Waitrose and Co-Op, also working with BOOST Pet on the concept.

Consumers are increasingly growing more aware of the importance of the quality of the food they eat themselves. Tapping into this growing trend, BOOST Pet recognises the desire from customers to feed their cherished pets a healthy diet, as they would for themselves.

Patrick Nestel, director of BOOST Pet said: “Customers want to know what they are eating and that their food is not ultra processed, this applies to their pet’s food too. Pet food is traditionally plagued with ambiguous ingredient decks and highly processed foods. Canned food and kibble are often cooked to such a temperature that the natural goodness of the product deteriorates, and additives are required to increase the nutritional value of the product.

“This realisation from pet owners has led to a rapid growth in the fresh pet food sector. Fresh pet food is minimally processed, made from real ingredients, and typically free from preservatives to ensure higher nutritional value, taste, and quality for our pets. As there are no preservatives, it is delivered in a frozen or refrigerated format to preserve its shelf life.”

BOOST Pet is proud to be transparent with both nutritional value and ingredients, declaring 90% - 95% of all ingredients (with the other 5% - 10% being water which is required for product consistency).

To find out more about BOOST Pet, visit the website: https://boostpet.co.uk/

Nestlé is investing more than £150 million to upgrade its Nestlé Purina PetCare factory in Wisbech.

The Cambridgeshire factory is home to some of the UK’s favourite pet food brands including Felix, Gourmet and Winalot and the multi-million-pound upgrade works are already underway with completion expected in early 2025.

The series of developments funded by the investment includes upgrading existing production lines with modern technology and machinery, a re-vamp of facilities for the factory’s 600 workers and initiatives to improve energy efficiency and to help reduce carbon emissions over the coming years. 

The investment means the factory has been able to recruit 40 new skilled roles, focussed on optimising and maintaining the new technology being introduced as part of the upgrades. Nestlé Purina is also investing in skills training for existing employees as part of the programme.

Richard Watson, CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We are very proud of our British manufacturing network with around 3,500 people employed in factory-based roles across the UK. 

“This investment reflects the great work being done by our teams to position the UK as a market with significant manufacturing expertise and capability and where targeted investment, like the upgrades at Wisbech, can contribute to the growth of our business here and around the world.”

Jez McInerney, Nestlé Purina’s Wisbech Factory Manager, said: “Purina is committed to creating top quality nutrition for the nation’s pets – but it’s certainly not all we do. We work tirelessly to do more of what matters beyond the bowl as well, for pets, for the people who love them and the planet. None of this would be possible without the fantastic work of the project team and everyone who’s based here in Wisbech.

“We’re delighted to have secured this large-scale investment, to ensure our site is best-in-class and fit for a bright future.”

Nestlé UK and Ireland has invested more than £650m in its UK factories over the past decade, including recent upgrades in York, Halifax and Buxton.

NEW RANGE OF WILD BIRD, INDOOR & AVIARY BIRD MIXES

Countrywide bird food is set to showcase its new wild bird and indoor & aviary range at PATS.

Visit Stand K10 in Hall 3 to view Countrywide’s latest range of exciting new products and packaging, including the launch of a range of small packs of wild bird and aviary mixes and straights. 

30% OFF SHOW OFFER

To mark the launch of the new range and their first time exhibiting at PATS, Countrywide are offering an enticing 30% offfirst orders for new account customers. With an eye-catching large stand, fresh new designs and enticing show offer, Countrywide are sure to make a mark. 

HAPPY & HEALTHY BIRDS FOR OVER 60 YEARS
Countrywide, produced by Albert E James & Sons, has been proudly manufacturing top-quality bird food for over 60 years. Their comprehensive 'Countrywide' product range includes a wide variety of specialist mixes and straights for wild birds, indoor & aviary, pigeons and poultry. 

EXPERTLY SELECTED

Carefully sourced from only the finest, natural ingredients, their expertly formulated, dust-free blends are full of flavour and texture and are designed to cater for the needs of different types of birds.

Countrywide pride themselves on offering the highest levels of cleanliness and quality, guaranteeing product excellence, whilst also offering great value and service.

BESPOKE LABEL SERVICE

Visitors can also find out about their bespoke label service.

Make the most of your visit at PATS this year and don’t miss Countrywide Bird Food at Stand K10 in Hall 3.

Mr Johnson’s, the small animal feeds specialist, is set to showcase its extensive range of products at PATS.

The brand’s tasty and nutritionally balanced feeds and treats for pets and wildlife will be on parade at stand E14, where visitors will also find a range of small animal toys and products to enhance vitality and wellbeing.

Mr Johnson’s – a member of the Henry Bell & Co portfolio – has enjoyed a high-profile presence at this leading pet industry exhibition for many years.

“The show offers us a brilliant opportunity to reach out to buyers, meet existing customers and catch up with industry friends and colleagues,” said Mr Johnson’s Sales Manager, Alan Gittins.

“Our products have an enthusiastic following in the industry and are highly regarded for their premium quality, sound nutrition and competitive prices. We’ve got some super feeds – including our Dog Gone Fishin’ tasty and natural canine treats – great offers and show specials to promote, so there’s plenty to talk about. We are encouraging as many retailers as possible to register for their tickets and come along to see us.”

Mr Johnson’s will be joined by Henry Bell & Co on the stand, as the company limbers up for its 200th anniversary next year. Visitors are invited to view 14 new additions to its Wild Bird Care Collection – including an eco-friendly range of Insect Oil suet feeds and a specially formulated Anniversary Blend, which joins an line-up of high-quality bird food, from superior seed blends and sunflower hearts to peanuts and fat balls. 

Pet industry marketing and PR specialist Tillymint Communications is encouraging PATS attendees to ‘pop’ over and say hello for a cool refreshing freebie at PATS this weekend.

The company, which is on stand P12, in Hall 3, is giving away free mocktail ice pops to visitors in exchange for their business cards.

Said Tillymint founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes: “We always like to do something a bit unusual for PATS. It’s our third year as an exhibitor prior to which I used to attend the show as a visitor to see clients and check out what was new in the industry.

“However, walking around the halls can be tiring and you often forget to stay hydrated so we thought we would encourage people to do so in a fun way.”

The mocktail pops come in different flavours including tilly-minty mojito, pina colada and on the beach.

Tillymint offers pet businesses a range of marketing and PR services including media relations, creative design and web development.

The agency is a finalist in the 2024 PIF Awards in the Best Marketing Campaign category.

For more information on Tillymint services visit: www.tillymint.co.uk

Supreme Petfoods is returning to PATS this year after an 11-year absence. The award-winning pet experts will be offering the UK pet trade its first sight of the exciting new Selective Botanicals range which has its official launch on 1st September.

Supreme will also be showcasing Tiny Friends Farm dog treats which launched earlier this year. Supreme has long had a reputation for offering strong support for retailers and the team will be out in force and available to discuss category insights that can be actioned to grow sales. Find Supreme on stand M29.

Marketing Director, Claire Hamblion, says the team is looking forward to attending an event on their home turf.

“We are all excited about being back at PATS where we can catch up with customers old and new. Our relationships with UK retailers have always been very strong with lots of day-to-day contact but PATS offers us the chance for the team to connect face to face with those who have championed Supreme brands from the start. We also have lots to talk about as our business grows from strength to strength, offering real opportunities for retailers to experience incremental growth.” 

The Selective Naturals Botanicals launch is sure to cause a stir. Available as multi-shaped extruded nuggets for rabbits and guinea pigs, the range contains a rich blend of herbs and forage, including mint, thyme, basil, parsley and dandelion. With a range of shapes and tastes to help mimic natural foraging behaviour, Selective Botanicals can contribute greatly to enrichment of the pet’s environment. There’s also no compromise on nutrition: the range has fortified vitamins and minerals to help support optimum health plus a high fibre content, no added sugar and no artificial colours or flavours. Selective Botanicals naturally supports dental and digestive health for optimal wellbeing and is suitable for all breeds of rabbit and guinea pig. 

Supreme’s strong support for the trade has long been the envy of other brands and three top accolades in the 2024 PPM Retailer Recommended Awards - Small Animal Product of the Year for its Science Selective range for the eighth consecutive year, Manufacturer of the Year for the second year in a row and Shopfitting/POS of the Year - are testament to this. Detailed insight into how people shop for small pet brands and behave within a retail environment is complemented by a portfolio of assets which includes free samples, money off next purchase coupons, point of sale materials and loyalty schemes. Retailers who would like to refresh their approach to the small pet and treats category or solve a category problem, are encouraged to visit the stand and talk to the Supreme team for remarkable and easy to action solutions.

Supreme’s eye-catching stand can be found at M29 in hall 3.

Spetacular has reached an exclusive partnership to bring DUR products to the UK market. DUR pet toys, crafted by Sempertex using recycled balloons, ensure top-quality latex materials, strict quality control, and a sustainable approach to offer durability, safety, and fun for pets. 

DUR's unique approach to pet toys combines cutting-edge design with a focus on reducing environmental impact, making them a standout choice for conscious pet owners. 

As the sole distributor of DUR in the UK, Spetacular will introduce these exclusive products at PATS 2024. The company will be showcasing the full range at stand Q24 and is looking forward to engaging with pet store owners and retailers who share itspassion for sustainability and quality. 

Visit Spetacular at PATS stand Q24 to learn more about how DUR products can add value to retail offerings and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly pet products in the UK. 

https://spetacular.co.uk/

sales@spetacular.co.uk

Frozzys Ltd, the naturally nutritious pet food brand renowned for its innovative range of Gut Goodness frozen and ambient treats, has announced that Vital Pet Group will now be distributing its full product range. This partnership represents a major step forward in Frozzys' mission to provide naturally nutritious, gut-boosting treats to dogs across the UK.

“We are excited to bring the full Frozzys range to our extensive network of pet trade customers,” said Peter Brame, Group Trading Director at Vital Pet Group. “Frozzys is a brand that truly understands the importance of natural nutrition for pets, and their innovative products are a perfect fit for our commitment to offering the best in pet care. We look forward to a successful partnership.”

Michael Hunt, Managing Director of Frozzys Ltd, shared: “Partnering with Vital Pet Group is a significant achievement for Frozzys. Their extensive distribution network and strong reputation within the pet trade industry will ensure that our products reach a wider audience of pet lovers. We’re confident that this collaboration will not only drive growth for both companies but also provide pets with the health benefits of our gut-boosting treats.”

For over 40 years, Vital Pet Group has been a trusted partner to the pet trade industry, supplying independent retailers, garden centres, groomers, pet superstores, vets, kennels and catteries, e-retailers, and agricultural merchants with everyday staples, new innovations, and exclusive products from the UK and beyond. The addition of the Frozzys range to Vital’s extensive portfolio will allow more pet owners to access these high-quality, nutritious treats.

This strategic partnership highlights Frozzys' dedication to expanding its reach in the pet trade industry, ensuring that more dogs can enjoy the benefits of naturally nutritious treats designed to support gut health.

For more information about Frozzys and its range of products visit frozzys.com.

Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes opened its first York store on Friday and was greeted by hundreds of customers and their pets, including a therapy bunny.

The store, at Monks Cross Shopping Park, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GX was officially opened by three special guests.

Performing the red ribbon cutting was Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells.

Alongside The Lord Mayor was detector dog Pablo and his handler Beverley Boynton who bit through a string of sausages to declare the store open.

Pablo, aged 7, served in the border force on the Yorkshire coast for a number of years but ruptured a disc in his back requiring surgery while running, leading to his early retirement last Christmas.

The NFRSA helps support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.

Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores will be raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help NFRSA support retired service animals and their owners.

The store has created 12 new jobs for the area and the York store is a great example of the career development opportunities for colleagues as the pet superstore continues to open new stores at pace.

Joining the York team are Aquilla Fisher who’s been promoted from Supervisor to Deputy Manager after working for Jollyes for four years and Tom Hurley will transfer from Doncaster store after eight years with the business.

Jollyes new store will provide pet parents in York access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’.

Deputy manager Aquilla Fisher said:

“We’re delighted to have brought Jollyes to York.  The team here at the store can’t wait to bring their pet expertise to the city alongside the kind of value that’s been making a real difference to pet parents right across the UK.”

Jollyes has grown its store estate by 50 per cent in three years and has had an remarkable start to 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for.

See gallery of pictures below...

Kennelpak, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will head to PATS this weekend to showcase a range of new, exclusive partnership brands in addition to their market leading YAKERS 100% natural dog chew and occupier range and best-selling working dog food brands.

Exhibiting at stand B20 at this year's event, Kennelpak will introduce visitors to a collection of specialist pet brands, including:

Himalayan Pet Supply and Yellow Yak from Primal

Pioneers in the US, Himalayan Pet Supply, a leading brand in the Primal Pet Group portfolio, introduced The Original Himalayan Dog Chew to the market, as well as a range of yoghurt-based treats, soft chews and chew enhancing toys.  These new products, along with the award-winning YAKERS range, now serve the premium, quality and value natural occupier market. Allowing retailers to provide pet parents with choice of natural options depending on how their dog chews. The new additions also add bacon and chicken flavour natural occupier dog chews in the UK. 

Diamond Naturals from Diamond Pet Food

Diamond Naturals is a holistic, superfood-packed pet food brand manufactured in the USA. Diamond Naturals offers retailers and pet parents a high quality, healthy and wholesome family pet food, offering exceptional ingredients at a mid-range price. The range includes options for dogs including all life stages, puppy, adult, senior, and specialist diets as well as selections for kittens, fussy, and indoor cats. 

Tall Tails and Original Territory from 3T 

Leveraging the ongoing trend of humanising pets, with pet parents prioritising the safety, wellbeing and happiness of their beloved companion; 3TBrands’ dog toys and beds have a 90-year heritage of manufacturing baby products to the highest safety standards. Extending these to the pet sector through 3TBrands’ best-selling Tall Tails and Original Territory pet brands will create a compelling safety and durability-focused proposition for the UK market. 

YAKERS – Award-Winning 100% Natural Occupier Treats

Also on display will be Kennelpak’s market leading cheese chew brand, YAKERS. Inspired by an ancient Himalayan recipe, YAKERS cheese chews are made from 100% natural ingredients, rich in protein and calcium. These extra long-lasting chews help support dental health while providing a satisfying treat for dogs of all sizes. With the addition of the incredibly popular Superfoods flavours in the past year, YAKERS continues to be a best-seller and a firm favourite among pet parents, making the natural occupier treat category one of the fastest growing in the UK. 

Kennelpak will also be launching a brand-new product from WHIMZEES by Wellness during the exhibition. The new and unique soft dental chews, developed specifically for senior dogs, are the latest in dental treat innovation and complete the full range of WHIMZEES chews. Retailers will now be able to offer quality dental chews for life stage. 

Claire Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer of Kennelpak, said, “As we celebrate 50 years in the pet industry, we’re excited to present a range of new brands at PATS. Our specialist brands reflect our commitment to providing quality, innovative products that benefit pets and their parents. We’re also proud to showcase our award-winning YAKERS cheese chews, which continue to gain popularity in the UK market.”

Kennelpak invites visitors to stop by stand B20 at PATS to meet the team, explore their exciting new product lines, and discuss potential business opportunities, with exclusive PATS stand offers available. 

For more information or to arrange an appointment during PATS, visit Kennelpak.co.uk.

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Vets Now has announced the merger of its Video Vets Now service with the PawSquad telehealth business. 

Pet owners who choose to use Vets Now for emergency advice will now have access to 24/7 telemedicine advice while PawSquad clients can take advantage of market leading emergency and out-of-hours services. 

Demand for telehealth services from pet owners has grown steadily in recent years, allowing pet owners to speak to an experienced vet remotely from the comfort of their home.

The merger is set to create a more robust and comprehensive telemedicine offering, benefitting both clients and the veterinary community.  

PawSquad, which handles over 4,000 cases per month in the UK, will combine its services with the 1,000 cases managed by Video Vets Now. Both Vets Now and PawSquad are part of IVC Evidensia, and the merged entity will operate under the existing PawSquad brand.

Dave Leicester, a respected emergency vet and the existing head of telehealth at Vets Now, will head the newly combined PawSquad team. Under his leadership, he will continue to utilise his wealth of emergency and critical care knowledge to head up the newly-combined team, having grown the current Video Vets Now offering since its inception.  

"By merging Video Vets Now with PawSquad, we are positioning ourselves to offer unparalleled telemedicine services," said Dave Leicester. "Pet owners will benefit from 24/7 access to telemedicine support, ensuring their pets receive the best care and reassurance whenever, and wherever, they need it."

The scope of the PawSquad service is triage, where patients are either well enough to be offered just advice or physical examination by a vet is recommended.

According to Leicester, the fact that so few telemedicine appointments are referred on to a face-to-face consultation is a key benefit for pet owners and the veterinary profession. 

Leicester said: “Around two thirds of telemedicine cases don’t need to be seen urgently by a vet. Often, these cases involve pet owners needing some clinical reassurance, a trend we saw during the pandemic with many owners acquiring pets for the first time.  Even as their pets age, we’re finding those relatively newer pet owners in particular are still looking mainly for advice and reassurance. 

“As many cases are triaged remotely, the service therefore frees up clinical staff for genuine emergencies. 

“Additionally, without the service, many clients would have no other option than to attend for a full consultation at an out-of-hours clinic. Using PawSquad means clients save money, as we enable them to save their budget for daytime appointments instead.

“Following the triage consultation, if the pet does need a non-urgent face-to-face consultation, we always direct clients to their registered vet.”

The integration process of Video Vets Now to PawSquad will begin immediately, with the official launch of the combined service scheduled for middle of October. 

Leicester added: “By combining the expertise of both teams, we’re not only investing in the future of veterinary care but also ensuring we can meet the growing demand for convenient, high-quality telemedicine support across the UK. Our goal is to become the leading telehealth provider for pets, empowering owners to make informed decisions and helping veterinary professionals focus on the cases that truly need in-person attention."

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is set to address critical issues facing the UK's high streets at its upcoming Annual Conference, marking the event's return after a six-year absence.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has emphasised the critical need to extend the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief on business rates.

This plea comes amidst alarming statistics from PwC, revealing that the UK retail sector faced net closures of 12 outlets per day in the first half of 2024, resulting in 2,284 fewer high street, shopping centre, and out-of-town stores.

In a submission to the Treasury, Bira has urged the government to freeze the small business multiplier at 49.9p and continue the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) scheme, and maintain the RHL relief payment at a 75% discount until the wholesale reform of business rates is completed.. These measures are seen as vital lifelines for independent retailers struggling in a challenging economic climate.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Business rates reliefs have been a crucial support mechanism for years, and they've never been more needed than now. We are deeply concerned that the new Labour Government might not extend the RHL relief in its efforts to address the £22 billion deficit in the UK's finances. However, any increase in rates payable by smaller high street businesses would be catastrophic for our sector, threatening their ability to sustain operations and invest in growth."

Mr Goodacre added: "If this rates relief comes to an end, coupled with the likely 6% increase in the National Living Wage, many independent retailers will face an existential crisis. Bira is calling on the Chancellor to live up to her conference speech where she stated that 'high street businesses breath new live into communities' but 'high street businesses are punished by an outdated system of business rates'."

Bira believes the Chancellor can only make this happen by retaining these reliefs that are not just about supporting individual businesses, but also maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of UK high streets, which play a crucial role in local economies and communities."

The association said it awaits the Autumn Statement, scheduled for October 30, hoping for a clear signal of support for the independent retail sector from the new government.

Pawable has released an update to its popular collagen for dogs joint care product.

The product already contained five different types of hydrolysed collagen types.

Now, Pawable includes undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) too.

Undenatured collagen works differently to hydrolysed collagen and studies have shown that UC-II activates immune cells which signal the body to rebuild and repair joint cartilage.

Neil Durrant, who founded Pawable, said: "We are really proud of this development. The undenatured collagen works in perfect harmony with our hydrolysed collagen which provides the nutritional building blocks to support collagen production.

"We have had so much amazing feedback from owners of dogs who are thriving on Pawable collagen, and this latest cycle of our continuous improvement is another step forward in helping more dogs enjoy greater comfort and mobility.”

Since Pawable launched it has helped thousands of dogs regain their mobility, including Miley from Wendover, Bucks, who suffered a horrific back injury while out walking in the woods.

Her owner Jonothan, an RAF defence trainer feared that his beloved dog would never walk properly again, but after giving Collar-Gen the dog now enjoys longer walks and has been signed off from her rehabilitation.

He said: "It has helped with walks, since being on Collar-Gen we take her on two walks a day and she is able to do the same the next day as well. Her weight has been dropping steadily and Miley is able to enjoy a small amount of treats now without us worrying she will put weight on and possibly increase the risk of arthritis

"Miley has now been signed off from physio but with scheduled check-ups every three months and we can now go for 90 minute walks now with ease. Miley will always have a slight limp while walking now but we are just happy to have her back happy, excitable and full of energy, but most of all being able to walk freely and enjoy life."

Neil added: "This is the first and only product of its kind that combines the power of multiple hydrolysed collagen and undenatured collagen. We are so happy to be part of a healthy solution for so many dogs, and seeing pets thrive on our product makes all our hard work so worthwhile."

Pawable costs £29.99 for a 225g pack (lasts a small dog 90 days) and is available from www.pawable.co.uk

WHIMZEES by Wellness has introduced WHIMZEES SOFT, a new line of dental chews formulated specifically for senior dogs and those preferring a gentler chewing experience. 

This latest innovation offers a 35% softer texture than the original WHIMZEES Adult Stix and Toothbrush, making it ideal for aging dogs.

Engineered with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients, WHIMZEES SOFT provides pet parents with a dental care solution that is not only effective but also tailored to meet the growing demand for gentle oral health products in the pet industry. Flavoured with parsley, a natural breath freshener, the new grain-free, vegetarian formula supports oral hygiene while offering a palatable experience dogs will enjoy.

"WHIMZEES SOFT represents our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of both pets and pet parents," said Céline Conte at Wellness. "With the increasing number of senior dogs and dogs requiring a more tailored approach to oral care, this product allows us to expand our range of solutions while maintaining our focus on natural, high-quality ingredients."

Product Highlights:

• Softer Texture for Chewers: WHIMZEES SOFT offers a 35% softer texture compared to traditional WHIMZEES chews, making it ideal for aging dogs.
• Natural, Digestible Ingredients: Free from artificial additives, this grain-free and vegetarian formula ensures a clean label for health-conscious consumers.
• Parsley Infusion for Breath Freshening: Natural parsley helps combat bad breath, aligning with consumer demand for functional pet products.
• New Bone Shape: The distinct bone-shaped design provides an engaging chewing experience that helps reduce plaque and tartar while promoting better dental hygiene.

The release of WHIMZEES SOFT reflects the brand's strategic response to the growing interest in pet dental health, particularly in the senior dog segment. As pet owners increasingly seek specialized solutions that cater to the specific needs of their pets, WHIMZEES continues to position itself at the forefront of the natural dental care market.

WHIMZEES SOFT is now available to order from Kennelpak, who will be exhibiting at PATS this weekend on stand B20. 

For more information visit Kennelpak.co.uk or e-mail sales@kennelpak.co.uk

Pedigree Wholesale has introduced four additions to the Natures Deli Tasty Treats and Training Treats range. 

These new, fish-flavoured treats are ideal for pet owners looking for healthy and flavourful options for their dogs. Grain-free, low in fat, and free from artificial flavours or colours, they’re the perfect choice for pet parents who want the best for their pets.

The new Training Bites in Salmon are not only naturally nutritious but also delicious, making them an ideal training aid for dogs of all breeds. The Tasty Treats collection now includes Soft White Fish Strips, Soft Salmon Strips, and Salmon Sticks with Sweet Potato, which can be easily broken into smaller pieces for rewarding, training, or just because! Slowly oven-roasted to perfection, these treats are made from premium cuts with up to 78% fish content, ensuring a taste that dogs can’t resist.

Natures Deli understand that dogs are an important and beloved member of the family. That’s why we carefully craft nutritious, tasty dog food and treats free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Each dry dog food, treat, or wet tray is developed with high-quality ingredients and is available in various flavours and varieties that dogs will love at any stage of their life.

Retailing at £3.99 per pack and sold in cases of 10, the new Natures Deli treats are available now through Pedigree Wholesale, exclusively for the specialist pet trade. These treats not only provide premium, irresistible options for your customers' dogs but also offer high margins for retailers. Don’t miss out on adding these profitable, high-quality treats to your store! 

Visit https://petproducts.co.uk/natures-deli/ or speak to your Business Development Manager to find out more.

Leeds pet store Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop (Woof), which sells a wide range of organic, grain-free and sustainable pet products, is among 14 businesses announced as Start Up Loans’ 2024 Ambassadors.

The business was founded in 2021 by Natalie Press after her son received an autism diagnosis and she set up Woof with his needs in mind. He loved dogs but found typical dog shops overstimulating due to their bright lights. This impacted how she designed the shop, including a spacious lay out and interactive products. As a family-run business, the shop was also set up to provide her son with a career.

To set up the business, Natalie secured a £25k Start Up Loan, supported by the programme’s Business Support Partner, Virgin StartUp. She used the finance to fit out the premises with bespoke furniture and to purchase initial stock. 

Woof is unique to other dog stores as it has interactive features such as a doggy pick-and-mix and supports other small business in the region by selling locally sourced products. The business also has a strong community focus and Natalie works with other local business owners to run family fun days to increase footfall to Roundhay.

The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, celebrates inspiring UK business owners who have launched an enterprise using finance from the government-backed scheme. The Ambassadors have been selected as they demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and determination required to make a smaller business successful, and to provide inspiration for entrepreneurs across the UK.

Natalie Press, said: “The Start Up Loan’s programme was the boost I needed to turn my love of dogs into a business that is centred around my son’s needs and caters to the local community. Because of this, I am excited to become a Start Up Loans Ambassador this year so I can inspire other entrepreneurs to take the leap and start their own business.

“Within three years we have become a well-loved business in the community that is helping bring people together through our family fun days and customer-focused approach. We are already looking to open a second store further down the line and the Start Up Loan was a catalyst for this.”

This year, in addition to 12 Ambassadors drawn from each of the UK’s Nations and regions, two more Ambassadors have been selected. These business owners represent two important groups supported by the programme, who may face challenges in accessing finance from elsewhere: one from the ex-Armed Forces community and the other from the Gen Z age group.

The 2024 Ambassadors will be introduced at a dedicated event in central London that marks the start of a year-long programme which will see the new Ambassadors take part in a series of local and national activities, helping inspire and encourage aspiring start-up founders to take the leap into business ownership.

Cat Smith, Senior Network Manager for Yorkshire and the Humber at the British Business Bank, said: “I am delighted to welcome Natalie Press, founder of Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop as the new Ambassador for Yorkshire and The Humber. Natalie embodies the determination and drive that is required of a business owner in the current climate. I know that she will inspire others to follow their dream of becoming a business owner and I am very much looking forward to working with Natalie and helping to share her story.”

Chloe Fenn, Start Up Lead, Virgin StartUp added: “We love the ethos behind family run business “Woof”. The founder, Natalie, has done an amazing job of bringing the brand to life through social, since using a Start Up Loan to open her first premises in Yorkshire.  It has been great to see “Woof” expand to stock a range of products and foodie treats, even hosting exclusive events such as pop-up studio days to capture perfect pictures of your furry friend.  It’s a must visit for animal lovers in the Yorkshire Area!”

Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: “Access to finance is crucial for SMEs to succeed, and the startup loan scheme is a lightning rod to that success. We know that when small businesses are given the tools to thrive, it leads to growth, more jobs and helps to boost the whole economy.”

Since its inception, the Start Up Loans programme has delivered more than 115,000 loans to business owners across the UK, amounting to more than £1.1bn of financing. Of those loans, 40% of loan recipients have been women and 20% from Black, Asian, and Other Minority Ethnic backgrounds (not including White Minorities).

Through a network of business support partner organisations, the Start Up Loans programme provides:

• access to pre-and-post loan support to help applicants to develop a business plan
• fixed-interest first and second loans of up to £25,000 to help recipients to start or grow their business
• mentoring support to help loan recipients with everything from cash flow to marketing.

As an official Business Support Partner for the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loan programme, Virgin StartUp operates within a network of business support partners, delivering Start Up Loans in the range of £500 to £25,000 across the UK.

The Pet Industry Federation has unveiled the line-up of 2024 finalists for the PIF Awards. 

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “The calibre and number of the entries received this year was very high, with some categories being oversubscribed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the PIF Awards this year. All businesses shortlisted as finalists deserve sincere congratulations and we very much look forward to welcoming everyone to the PIF Awards this November where we will announce the winners.”

Generously supported by platinum sponsor Su-Bridge Pet Supplies, with Cliverton, YuMove and the Animal People Recruitment Company as headline sponsors, the 2024 PIF Awards Dinner takes place on Thursday 7 November at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Stoke on Trent.

Other sponsors include: Big Biscuit Company, Collar, Impact Exhibitions, Associated Veterinary Services, Garden Centre Expo, Naturo, Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding, Nobull Marketing Agency, Johnsons Veterinary Products, Tuft, Anthesis Enterprise Software, Call of Nature Cat Litter, Citation, Loyalzoo and Vital Pet Products with PBW News as media partners. 

Tickets to the black-tie event include a complementary drinks reception, three course meal with wine and live entertainment. Individual tickets can be purchased at www.petfederation.co.uk with savings for PIF members and tables of ten. The website also contains details about the accommodation options in Stoke on Trent.

PIF Awards 2024 Finalists

New Product Award – Accessories

FearLess Pet - Walk Star™ Dog Harness

Pawdaw of London - Luxury Sofa Throw/Dog Blanket
Play9 LTD - The Roolo®
The Muzzle Movement – Harry
Throw N Go - 2-in-1 Dog Ball and Poop Bag Holder
Trinkety Paws - Waterproof Biothane® handsfree Dog Training Lead

New Product Award – Food

Bella & Duke - Ready, Steady, Raw

Dibaq Diproteg SA - Dibaq Sense Sterilized and Kitten Cans
Inspired Pet Nutrition Ltd (IPN) - Harringtons Superfoods
James & Ella - Kibble + Raw Dog and Puppy Food
MJ Petfood - Dougie's Pets - Pure Veg Blocks
Natural Instinct - Natural Fish

New Product Award - Health & Hygiene

Charlie The Vet Ltd - Antiseptic Wound & Skin Care Spray
DoggyRade - TummyRade Assist
Doglyness International GmbH - Coat Therapy Line
Dorwest - BrainCopa® Tablets
Litter Genie - The LitterLocker
Vitacanes S.L. - Mooiza Zen Forte

New Product Award - Treats

Baboo Gelato - Doggy Doggy Yum Yum
Dibaq Diproteg SA - Semi-Moist Functional Snacks
DotDotPet – Multifits
Life Of Riley Bakery Ltd - Cool & Calming Freeze-at-Home Ice Cream Mix
Natural Science Group t/a AniVatio - ProJoint Soft Chews
Pet Trade Innovations - Wonderful World of Treats

Manufacturer of the Year (Over £10m)

Bella & Duke
Harvest Pet Products
Mackle Petfoods
Nutriment Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year (Under £10m)

Doglyness International GmbH
Life Of Riley Bakery Ltd
Natural Dog Food Direct
Proflax Limited
The Big Biscuit Company
The Pet Carpenter Ltd.

Wholesaler of the Year

Copdock Mill Wholesale
Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
Vital Pet Trade Specialist
We.pet Independent Pet Wholesale

Supplier of the Year

Brambles Pet and Wildlife Ltd
Furr Boost
Mutneys Professional Pet Care Ltd.
Natures Pet Products
Pawd Drinks
Pet Trade Innovations

New Business of the Year

EasyEat
Help! My Dog
Petlearnia
Pets 2 Places Pontefract & Wakefield
Play9 LTD
Sunnyside Cottage
The Dog Trainer School
The Muzzle Movement

Grooming Business of the Year

Curly Tails Dog Grooming Training & Behaviour Specialist
Groomsbydarcy
Hurley's Grooming Salon | Training Academy
Paws Parlour & Pet Boutique
The Dog House (Leicester) Ltd
The Groomers

Kennel of the Year

Crossroads Resort
Hawthorn Boarding Kennels and Cattery
Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding
Newgate Kennels and Cattery Ltd.
Oaksedge Farm Dog Hotel Ltd
Rags & Bert's

Cattery of the Year

Alloa Cattery
Bell Reed Kennels and Cattery – CatNapHotel
Greendale Farm Kennels and Cattery
Hawthorn Boarding Kennels and Cattery
Hest Bank Kennels Ltd
Newgate Kennels and Cattery Ltd

Home Boarding Business of the Year

PadPaws
Quality Chops Pet Services
The Pug Snug
The Sighthound Savoy
Walkingwoofs Ltd

Dog Daycare Business of the Year

Claires Comfy Canines
Doggy Daycare Trafford Park
PadPaws
Pawsome Days Ltd
Pawz&Co
Quality Chops Pet Services
The Dog Club Essex
Top Dog Doggy Day Care

Dog Walking Business of the Year

Bee Bops
DotDot Pet Care Ltd
Good Dog Walking Ltd
Shropshire Canine
Sophie's Pet Care Limited
Walkingwoofs Ltd

Pet Service Business of the Year

Behavet
Biker Girl Dog Trainer Ltd
Canine Dip and Dive Club Ltd
Pippin Pets Dog Training
Royvon
Shropshire Canine
The Kat Lady
Yorkshire Pooches Therapies

Online Business of the Year

Dorwest
Itch Petcare Ltd
Omlet
Pawsome Paws Boutique
Tug-E-Nuff
The Pet Carpenter Ltd

Export Business Award

Mutneys Professional Pet Care Ltd
We.pet Independent Pet Wholesale

Sustainability Award

Better Origin
Doglyness International GmbH
Hemp Heros
Hillfoot & Paws
Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN)
Itch Petcare Ltd

Pet Chain

Jollyes
Just For Pets
Pet Pavilion
Pets & Friends
Pets Corner

Independent Retailer of the Year

CREATURE COMFORTS
Marlborough Pets
Marshalls Pet Food Store Ltd
Pickles Pet Pantry Ltd
The Empawrium
The Pet Experience Ltd
Wildwood Pets Ltd

Garden Centre Pet Department 

Bents Garden & Home (Warrington)
Hollybush Garden Centre, Aquaria & Pets (Wolverhampton)
Knights Garden Centres - Pet Barn
Notcutts
Squires Garden Centres (Badshot Lea)
Webbs of Wychbold

Marketing Campaign of the Year

Doglyness International GmbH - Doglyness Different Campaign
Frozzys - Ten Years of Frozzys
Inspired Pet Nutrition Ltd (IPN) - The Harringtons Yorkshire Terrier "Terry"
Johnson's Veterinary Products - National Pet Shop Day (NPSD)
My Anxious Dog - Dogs in Yellow
Naturo Pet Food - Dogs Don’t Care What They Eat. Naturo Do
Play9 LTD - Most Other Dog Toys Are Just Balls
Tillymint Communications - Karnlea New Product Development & Online Trade Account

Pet Tech Award

Tails, Beaks and Feets
Poorly Paws
WagIt
wearezumi Limited

The Lion at Basford in Nottingham has earned the prestigious title of Britain’s Best Dog-Friendly Pub. That’s according to Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care and its expert Tavern Testers, who have meticulously inspected over 110 pubs up and down the country.  

Leading the pack among pubs nationwide, The Lion at Basford stands out as a canine haven, with every detail designed with dog lovers in mind. From plush dog beds and cushions piled high, to treats and doggy ice cream on demand, and even staff trained in first aid for dogs. The Lion at Basford is setting the gold standard for dog-friendly hospitality in the UK, making it the ulti-mutt destination for pups and their people alike. 

The Burnt Stump in Nottingham, West End Bar in Scotland, and The Punch House in Wales were also highly commended for their proactive pup-pleasing efforts.​​​​ Rover’s Tavern Tester’s in-depth reviews judged pubs on a range of factors including their booking systems, pup accessibility, welcoming atmosphere, staff communication, doggie facilities, pet safety, dog behaviour policies and overall experience. 

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY PUB PER REGION 

• East Midlands – The Lion at Basford  
• Scotland – West End Bar  
• Wales – The Punch House  
• East of England – The Chequers  
• West Midlands – The British Oak  
• South East – The Spindle & Thread  
• Yorkshire – The Dog and Gun 
• North East – The Keel Row 
• South West – The Hope & Anchor 
• North West – The Maltings 
• London – Lord Palmerston 

Rover's Dog-Friendly Pub Awards celebrate the establishments that truly go above and beyond in creating a welcoming and homely environment for four-legged friends. The awards come as new research from Rover reveals that dogs aren't just welcome in pubs – they’re becoming an essential part of pub culture. In fact, 43% of Brits believe dogs are integral to the pub experience, with more than half (59%) even saying they’d prefer being around canines than kids when enjoying their local! 

Taking it a step further, an impressive 62% of the nation wishes all pubs were ‘dog-friendly’ while others advocate for designated areas for children, allowing dogs to roam freely in other parts of the pub (31%). 

With pubs at the centre of Brit's social scenes, it’s no surprise that almost 3 out of 4 (71%) Brits see dogs as great icebreakers. According to Rover, 41% of dog owners even bring their furry companions along on pub dates, and for many, it’s puppy love with more than a quarter (28%) of pub-goers having met their partners through their dogs. For those still searching for their special someone, 53% have used their dog as an excuse to strike up a conversation with a stranger, and 40% have made lifelong friends, all thanks to a canine connection. 

Adem Fehmi, Canine Behaviourist at Rover comments: “Our 11 tavern-testing pet owners have been busy surveying pubs across the nation to find the most dog-friendly pubs. Scoring extremely highly on factors such as doggy amenities, hospitality, and dog-friendly policies, we’re delighted that The Lion at Basford has been recognised for their efforts in making their pub a wonderfully welcome place for canine friends to visit.”   

Ella Wolfenden, Landlady at The Lion at Basford, comments: “We've always rolled out the red carpet for our canine customers—from doggy ice cream to a first aid kit behind the bar. We're chuffed to have been named the UK’s most dog-friendly pub by Rover, and the award will be sitting proudly behind the bar, not too far from the jar of free dog treats! We’ve created an environment where dogs can socialise, eat, drink, and enjoy the pub just like their owners. We're extremely proud to see how much the dogs love it here, and this award is the perfect recognition of that." 

BAM! cat toys, which are made by James & Steel at their premises in Gloucestershire, are continuing to open up more export markets for the company. 

The innovative range of products was on show at Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai last month on the stand of Chinese distributor Haizi Pet Products, which specialises in distributing high-end imported pet products throughout China.

James & Steel also shared a stand at Superzoo with trade association PetQuip in a bid to launch BAM! into the US.  John and Jason James were on the stand with Emma Brazier of Petquip and Gordon Thomas of PATS, and were pleased with the interest shown in the range.

John James told Pet Trade Xtra that he believes their sales to China, interest from the US and their sales throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Asia, shows there is good worldwide potential for pet accessories made in the UK.  

“People all over the world still value products made in the UK and there is a premium to that tag, providing the product has something to offer, is of good quality and can be supported by good packaging and efficient service levels – these are things which we offer as normal,” said John.

A distinctive feature of BAM! toys is the fact they are filled with Premium North American catnip.

For more information on the BAM! range go to www.jamesandsteel.com, or visit the James & Steel stand (B70) at PATS.

Natures Menu won a prestigious Best of British Award at the recent Glee trade exhibition held at the NEC earlier this month.

The company clinched the award with its Natures Menu Freeze Dried Dinners.

Jess Griffiths and Rosie Paul (pictured) said: “We are very honoured and excited to have won Best of British. We are proud of the fact we make our products in Norfolk, where we're based, so it was a real honour to win. It has been really positive because it's such an innovative product that a lot of stores and retailers haven't heard of before. It's a new product and we are trying to fill a gap in the market.”