A leading canine first aid trainer gave a special talk on the subject at the Garden Centre Expo this week.

Rachel Bean, who travels the world teaching the iPET Network qualification in canine first aid which she wrote, appeared as part of a Pet Industry Federation's drive to get more garden centre workers clued up on the safety side of being more dog friendly.

Rachel said: "This is such a huge event, and I'm really proud to be using my skills to help spread awareness of this important issue.

"So many places are now dog friendly which is so wonderful, and we believe that all of these venues should have someone on sight that can save a life if needed."

The Garden Centre Expo 2024 enabled business professionals to make strong and valuable connections for the future development of garden retail – from start-ups, small and growing businesses to large organisations, both groups and independents.

The event combined an exhibition with a carefully designed conference programme, helping companies to drive business growth through effective product selection, sustainability, innovation and technology.