Group55, the company behind the award-winning Animilogy range, has moved to a new £2m facility in Chorley, Lancashire, in response to continued business growth and future demand for both in-house and private label offerings.

The 22, 000 sq. ft. building houses the very latest equipment to maintain the company’s position as one of the world’s leading providers of products to the animal care sector.

In addition to all the usual facets you would expect to find at a leading manufacturer, the facility boasts two bespoke laboratories.

An impressive development laboratory supports the in-house formulation and development team in creating innovative new products using the very latest ingredients, techniques and equipment – an asset that is key to the rapidly growing private label business.

The testing laboratory comprises five state-of-the-art climate chambers to allow the company to conduct stability and compatibility testing for both Group55 products and those from external customers who will use Group55’s independent testing services.

Stephen Turner, Group55’s Managing Director, said: "Our new facility is truly exceptional and provides the foundations upon which the company can continue to grow and deliver outstanding levels of service, innovation and reliability.

"I am proud that Group55 continues to be a part of the extraordinary group of companies, based in Lancashire, that service the global pet industry."

Contact information:

W: www.group55.co.uk

T: 01772 786864

E: sales@group55.co.uk

PATS Telford has secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.

 
The UK’s national pet trade exhibition, taking place at Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, September 24-25, promises to be a spectacular event with over 200 UK and international companies exhibiting.

And the talks by prominent industry figures, staged in association with Pedigree Wholesale, look set to keep visitors entertained and informed throughout both days of the show.

The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover a wide range of topics including: how to drive sales of pet products; predicted future trends; getting more online visitors to your website; transforming a declining pet shop; do dogs need natural/grain free diets?; and what the Government’s changes to the licensing system in 2018 will mean for your pet business.

There will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar by animal healthcare specialists Merial. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry.

“One of the easiest ways to discover new ideas that could help boost your business is to attend the free seminars at PATS,” said organiser Annie Foord.

“If there’s a subject that catches your eye then make a mental note of the time or write it down in your diary so you don’t miss it.

“Most seminars last half-an-hour so there’s no time to become bored. In fact, because of the time limit, there’s a lot of information packed into such a short session and often it’s a good idea to take notes or write down bullet points. Usually, the speaker will take questions at the end of the talk.”

As well as the free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see on the exhibitor stands packing the exhibition hall at Telford.

One of the show’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which sees an increasing numbers of entries each year. Early indications suggest the trend will continue at Telford, and as a result the Showcase will have a huge presence at the exhibition. Visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.

Visitors are now being urged to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk.

The full PATS Telford Seminar Line-Up

Sunday, September 24

10.10-10.40

Digital Marketing for the Independent PET Channel

Speaker: Michael Graham, Hill’s Pet Nutrition

10.50-11.20

How to drive sales of pet products using expertise, engagement and ethics

Speakers: Paul Manktelow Principal of Regional Veterinary Services - PDSA; Sarah Newble, PDSA Veterinary Nursing Team Leader and Lead Vet Care Advisor - PDSA

11.30-12.00

Market overview and predicted future trends

Speaker: James Langan, Commercial Director - Natures Menu

12.10-13.10

Frontline: Protecting Pets and Your Business – CPD accredited

Speaker: Steve Moffat, Key Account Manager - Merial Animal Health Ltd

13.20-13.50

eCommerce: Get more online visitors. Optimizing your website for Google in 2017

Speakers: Nathan Stevens and Tina Jones, Intelligent Retail

14.00-14.30

A retailer’s journey: sharing the experiences and challenges of transforming a declining pet shop

Speaker: Jamie Gleave - Paws & Claws

14.40-15.10

Do you need a license to run your business?

Speaker: Nigel Baker - Pet Industry Federation

Monday, September 25

10.10-10.40

Do dogs need natural/grain-free diets?

Speaker: Kellie Ceccarelli, Spectrum Brands Veterinary Technical Manager

10.50-11.20

eCommerce: Get more online visitors. Optimizing your website for Google in 2017

Speakers: Nathan Stevens and Tina Jones, Intelligent Retail

11.30-12.00

Market overview and predicted future trends

Speakers: James Langan, Commercial Director - Natures Menu; Nick Munby, Marketing Manager - Natures Menu

12.10-13.10

Frontline: Protecting Pets and Your Business – CPD accredited

Speaker: Steve Moffat, Key Account Manager - Merial Animal Health Ltd

13.20-13.50

Do you need a license to run your business?

Speaker: Nigel Baker - Pet Industry Federation

14.00-14.30

How to drive sales of pet products using expertise, engagement and ethics

Speakers: Paul Manktelow Principal of Regional Veterinary Services - PDSA; Sarah Newble, PDSA Veterinary Nursing Team Leader and Lead Vet Care Advisor - PDSA

Global pet product expert, PetSafe Brand, will showcase a range of exciting new products alongside recent best sellers at PATS Telford 2017, from 24-25 September. Exhibiting on Stand G30, experts will be on hand to demonstrate the brand’s focus on delivering ranges that keep pets happy, healthy and safe.

 
Dedicated to developing high quality products that enhance the relationship between owners and their pets, PetSafe® Brand experts will present new and popular items from its broad range and leading pet brands, which include Pet Doors, Easy Walk® and EasySport™ Harnesses, Drinkwell® Pet Fountains, FroliCat® toys, and Busy Buddy® dog toys. 

Below is a preview of some of the products that will be on show at the stand (G30). To find out more about PetSafe® Brand in the meantime, visit the website at www.petsafe.net/UK.

Fresh drinking

Pet fountains keep pets healthy and hydrated by encouraging them to drink more water.

Drinkwell® Current Pet Fountain, £TBA – the latest addition to the popular Pet Fountain range, this excellent value fountain provides pets with a constant source of fresh, filtered water.  The submersible pump constantly circulates the water through the bowl, keeping it tasting fresh and appealing to pets and the BPA-free plastic fountain comes apart for easy cleaning. The fountain is available in three sizes: small, medium and large.

Drinkwell® Sedona Pet Fountain, £85.99 - this whisper-quiet fountain is perfect for apprehensive pets that do not like the sound of running water, plus its large drinking area makes it perfect for pets with a large or flat face. The fountain also boasts special features including carbon and foam filters to remove any bad tastes or odours as well as capturing hair and debris.

Drinkwell® Pagoda Pet Fountain, from £75.99 – this attractive fountain provides two litres of continuously circulating filtered water and boasts dual free-falling streams that aerate the water for extra freshness.  Available in blue or red, the fountain features an easy-to-clean ceramic design and an elevated dish, ideal for elderly or arthritic pets.

Training tech

SMART DOG™ Trainer, £TBA – this trainer is perfect for pet owners who are in the process of training their pet and have a smartphone.  The SMART DOG™ Trainer App eliminates the need for the handheld remote used with most trainers; using Bluetooth® technology, the training collar connects to a smartphone or tablet allowing owners to send a tone, vibration or static stimulation to their dog’s training collar from up to 70 metres away.  Waterproof and rechargeable, the collar can be used to reinforce desirable behaviours and help to stop unwanted behaviours such and jumping and digging.

Harness safety

3-in-1™ Harness & Car Restraint, £27.99 – this handy reflective harness can be used as a standard harness or easily transitioned to a no-pull solution. Available in a range of sizes, it also features a seat belt handle and car control strap to limit dogs’ movement, creating a safer driving environment. For easy fitting the harness comes with three quick-snap buckles and five points of adjustability.

Toys for furry felines

PetSafe® Brand has a range of exciting, fun-filled toys and games to challenge even the most discerning of cats! 

FroliCat® ROLORAT™, £TBA – this is an exciting, rolling toy that encourages cats to hunt and stalk. It has numerous exciting features including crazy red eyes, a long tail that whips round and makes fun sounds to let cats know it is on the move.  Battery-powered, the toy’s “Play-While-You-Are-Away” mode allows cats to play all day, even when no one is home.

FroliCat® Multi-Laser Toy, £TBA – cats go wild for lasers, and with this toy they can chase after two which rotate in a 360 degree, random pattern. For convenience, the toy automatically turns off after 15 minutes of playtime.

Fabulous feeders

Automatic pet feeders from PetSafe® Brand enable owners to manage their pet's feeding schedule and maintain portion control even when they can't be there in person.

Digital Two Meal Pet Feeder, £TBA – a new addition to the feeder category from PetSafe® Brand, allowing pet owners to manage pets’ diets even when they’re not at home. Ideal for cats and small dogs, the convenient automatic feeder system has a digital display that lets owners set the timer for each meal up to four days in advance. Battery operated, each section can hold a portion size equal to 355 ml, so pet owners can be assured their pets will get the right portions at the right time. Dual locking lids also ensure that pets can’t access the food early.

Waste away

PetSafe® Brand offers a comprehensive range of mess-free, odour free waste management solutions for cats and dogs to help keep both pets and their owners happy.

 ScoopFree™ Original Self-Cleaning Litter Box, £154.99 ­– the only self-cleaning litter box that uses disposable litter trays to provide hands-off convenience and unbeatable odour control.  The litter box can be left alone for weeks at a time and simply needs to be plugged in to operate. The automatic rake system sweeps waste into the covered compartment and the specially-designed crystal litter is five times more effective at reducing odour than clay or clumping litters. PetSafe® Brand also offers a sister model – the ScoopFree™ Ultra Self-Cleaning Litterbox, £181.99 - that boasts additional features including a hood that gives cats extra privacy while keeping litter properly contained.

www.petsafe.net/UK  

Ethical and natural grooming brand HOWND has been named as a finalist in two categories at next month’s PetQuip Awards.

The Hertfordshire based company has secured two nominations in both the ‘Pet Product Innovation of the Year’ and ‘Marketing Project of the Year’ categories.

HOWND’s two new product ranges - Miracle Spa Collection and All-Seasons Skin, Nose & Paw Balms with UVA & UVB Filters for Sun Protection - have been shortlisted for ‘Pet Product Innovation of the Year’.

Plus, two of HOWND’s viral marketing campaigns - #WhenHarryMetHero and #BringYourDogToWorkDay - have been shortlisted for ‘Marketing Project of the Year’.

New Product Ranges

The Miracle Spa Collection launched in May this year. It includes Miracle White & Bright Colour Enhancing Conditioning Shampoo (250ml) and 25:1 Miracle White & Bright Colour Enhancing Conditioning Treatment (5L). Miracle Face Scrub & Natural Tear Stain Treatment (250ml) will be available to trade from the beginning of September (RRP £12).

Using no bleaches, chemical dyes or optical brighteners, Miracle Spa products offer a natural alternative to chemically treated whitening and stain removal products. The range is Cruelty Free International certified and vegan friendly, in line with the company’s ethos and core business values.

HOWND’s All-Seasons Skin, Nose & Paw Balms with Added Sun Protection includes Hemp By HOWND (50g) and Playful Pup (50g). They are packaged in full coloured branded shelf ready trays (6 x 50g) and available to trade from the beginning of September (RRP £10).

“We are thrilled to be finalists in PetQuip’s product innovation category. We have gone to all corners of the earth (almost!) in developing these products which, contrary to seasonable balms, are useful all year round,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.

“Our first challenge was to source organic certified hemp seed oil. We travelled to a couple of farms in Europe last year to find the grade we were looking for. However, our greatest challenge was sourcing ingredients that would not only be cruelty-free but would also be 100% vegan.

“This is the reason we have included Candelilla Wax in our balm formula, which is a natural alternative to Beeswax. Since Beeswax is generally obtained from commercial bee farms, we opted for this vegan and natural alternative which looks and feels like beeswax, but is derived from an ethical and sustainable source.”

Marketing Campaigns

In the last eight months, HOWND has launched two viral marketing campaigns. The first was #WhenHarryMetHero in December 2016 - HOWND’s first official short brand movie.

“Our goal was to use the film to promote HOWND’s central brand values of cruelty-free living and support of the popular animal welfare campaign ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’. At the same time, we used the film to highlight our brand message - ‘Happy. Healthy. For Life.’ - by documenting the life of a puppy with its rescuer as they grow up together," explained Jo.

Within a month of its release, #WhenHarryMetHero was watched over 2.3 million times on Facebook, sparked by a period of mass organic sharing. The film post was shared over 61K times and accumulated 306K engagements. It performed particularly well in Germany and Hundeurlaub - a dog-friendly travel page - posted the film, subsequently generating 39K engagements, 37k shares and 2.2M views.

HOWND’s second marketing project was the fourth national #BringYourDogToWorkDay. On Friday 23rd June, thousands of businesses from across the UK welcomed their employees along with their dogs into the workplace. The goal was to promote the benefits of bringing dogs into safe work environments and raise money for animal welfare.

The event had extraordinary social media engagement culminating in the #BringYourDogToWorkDay hashtag trending at number #1 on Twitter. Verified accounts such as comedian Ricky Gervais, Larry the Cat from 10 Downing Street, The Grand Tour, Coronation Street, Xbox, Shrek the Musical, Tennis TV, London Fire Brigade, as well as regional police forces, hotel chains and recruitment agencies all tweeted their support.

The day also gained significant coverage in the press, including The Telegraph, Metro, Daily Express, Evening Standard, BBC and many more.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL PETQUIP AWARDS FINALISTS LIST

Pets Choice Ltd is returning to PATS Telford this year with an abundance of new products that every pet store will want to have stocked on their shelves.

Brands including Spike’s World, Webbox Festive and Meatiful will be set to make an appearance at the show alongside the pet food manufacturer's household names such as Webbox Natural and TastyBone.

Making its PATS debut and grand inauguration is Pets Choice manufactured brand MEATIFUL. MEATIFUL is a succulent sausage that is 100% natural and gluten free, containing high-quality single source proteins including fresh chicken, duck and salmon and is proudly made in Great Britain.

With vet-approved recipes, MEATIFUL provides an highly digestible complete meal for dogs, which helps to support strong immune systems, healthy coats and all round fitness, proving that healthy can be tasty too! Containing no wheat, dairy or soya, MEATIFUL is hypoallergenic and bursting with vitamins and minerals. With exclusive show offers, be sure to come and MEAT the new range.

Webbox will also be unveiling their newest line of Festive products. The range has been transformed with striking new packaging, making the brand feel even more premium and relevant to today’s shopper whilst maintaining Webbox’s well known great value and treasured fun-loving identity. Built on the foundations of our tried and tested best-sellers, the assortment has extended with some genuinely exciting, previously unseen innovation, incuding food, treats and luxury giftable toys for cats and dogs.

After the recent acquisition of Spikes World in May 2017, Pets Choice will proudly feature all the brands under the umbrella including Spikes, Wild Things and Feathers & Beaky at PATS. Conceieved and created by animal loving experts, the foods and accessories provide everything to care for domestic pet chickens, as well as attracting and feeding wildlife including hedgehogs, swans, ducks, badgers and foxes in your garden.

Make sure you visit us on the Pets Choice stand E36 and TastyBone stand F27  where we will have exclusive show promotions and offers you won’t want to miss.

• Sausage and mash, steak pie and beef roast dinner are the evening meals - enjoyed by DOGS, according to a survey.

• Researchers looking into the dietary habits of the nation’s canines have revealed the top 20 list of ‘dog’s dinners’ – ones which are meant to be enjoyed by humans but which regularly find their way into the dog’s bowl.

• Study of 1,500 dog owners by Freshpet shows just under three in 10 often give their pet human meals in place of their typical tucker, while 40% top up their normal meal with the family leftovers.

1. Beef roast dinner - 38.87%
2. Sausage and mash - 28.20%
3. Steak pie - 26.73%
4. Steak and chips  - 25.47%
5. Shepherd's pie - 22.07%
6. Cottage pie - 21%
7. Fish and chips - 18%
8. Spaghetti Bolognese - 17.33%
9. Pasta - 16.87%
10. Gammon, egg and chips - 14.93%
11. Pizza - 14.13%
12. Chicken stir fry - 12.67%
13. Fish pie - 12.60%
14. Beans on toast - 12.07%
15. Lasagne - 12.07%
16. Chicken tikka masala - 8.67%
17. Spaghetti carbonara - 7.47%
18. Lamb Rogan josh - 6.73%
19. Soup - 5.47%
20. Risotto - 5.47%

The reason you may not like fish is probably the why your dog loves it…the smell! For your pet, the heightened aroma of fish-based food is like an explosion to his or her senses.

Animal nutritionist and physiology expert David Southey BSc examines this reaction in greater detail in the second of a series of videos for Fish4Dogs.

He talks of how fish qualifies as a ‘superfood’ due to its nutrients and associated health benefits to dogs, including coat and skin condition, joint and digestive health and how it can address food sensitivities.

But it is the combination of smell and taste that is the greatest appeal to your pet.

Explains Mr Southey: “Everyone knows how important smell is to dogs. Dogs have 10 sq cms of smell receptors per kilo of body weight, compared to a measly 0.2 in humans, so clearly smell is a powerful sense for dogs, and just as with humans, it’s clearly linked to taste.

“Just think how you can’t taste anything when you have a cold. Foods made from fish tend to have a stronger smell making them particularly appealing to dogs.

“The second factor is the umami taste. Dogs can detect the usual bitter, sour, salty and sweet flavours. However, dogs are very well able to detect the umami taste. This fifth taste has been described in humans as a satisfying savoury taste, and this is very strong in fish.”

The complete video: Why Fish Based Dog Food Is Good can be seen on the Fish4Dogs YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDEwJygas_k

Mr Southey is a graduate animal nutritionist of Leeds University. He began working in the pet food sector in 1992. He is a former chairman of the Additives Committee for the UK Pet Food Manufacturers Association and now runs his own consultancy providing independent nutritional and legislative advice to pet food producers.

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The prestigious PetQuip Awards and gala presentation evening is to celebrate its fifth year on the first evening of PATS Telford in September.

The awards are acclaimed across the pet industry and attract a wide range of suppliers, retailers and press to the presentation dinner and party, and the organisers are excited to have the opportunity to present the exhibition’s own new product awards at this vibrant and popular evening.

Commenting on this further enhancement to the awards evening, Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip said: “We are delighted to welcome the presentation of the PATS New Product Awards which will be a further attraction during the awards event in 2017.  

"New product launches attract many buyers to visit important trade exhibitions such as PATS and we are very pleased that the organisers have chosen our event at which to celebrate and reward the best of those on show in 2017.”

 
The association’s PetQuip Awards attracted another record number of nominations, described by the judges as being of a very high standard with colourful, innovative entries and the occasional quirky product, the list of 55 finalists has been disclosed. They are as follows:

FINALISTS

Business of the Year

• Beco Pets
• Bunty Pet Products
• Collarways
• Danish Designs
• First Aid for Life
• Forthglade
• Friends for Pets
• Naturediet
• Natures Menu
• Phoenox Textiles
• Pedigree Wholesale
• Scruffs
• Unipet

Exporter of the Year

• Armitage Pet Care
• Danish Designs
• Natures Menu
• Pero (Foods)
• Phoenox Textiles
• Pet Revolution

Marketing Project of the Year

• Cotswold Raw
• Hownd
• Pet London
• The Dog Treat Co
• Unipet

Pet Product of the Year

3 categories:

• Food & Treats – Beco Pet;Burgess; Huxley Hound; JR Pet Products; Pet Munchies; Naturediet; The Dog Treat Co; Verity & Voss
• Accessories – Accapi; Collarways; Danish Designs; Haypigs; Hownd; Krafty Creature; Phoenox Textiles; Scruffs
• Health & Technical – Blumen International; First Aid for Life; Pet Revolution; Scout Traks

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/ Wholesaler of the Year

• blue gray, s.r.o (Petpark) – Slovakia
• Faunatar – Finland
• Häromi Hundtillbehör AB – Sweden
• Meiko Heimtierbedarf AG – Switzerland
• Ranzijn tuin & dier - The Netherlands

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

• Fetch.co.uk – based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
• Paws & Claws, Frodsham, Cheshire
• Pet London, Wigmore Street, London
• Pets Pantry, Market Deeping, Lincolnshire
• Pets Pantry, Warrington, Cheshire
• The Wandering Dog, Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear

Lifetime Achievement

To be revealed on 24th September at the PetQuip Awards dinner.



Above: Forthglade won Marketing Project of the Year in 2016. Top picture: Beco Pets celebrate winning Exporter of the Year.

Commenting on the finalists list, PetQuip’s association manager, Pat Flynn said: “The standard of award entries across all sectors this year, means that our independent retailer judges will have a difficult task at the end of August when deciding on the winners and runners up. 

"The sheer number and quality of the award nominees is a clear indication of the strength of the UK pet care industry.”

Eight-year-old Felix was enjoying the spring sunshine when he rolled too close to the metal estate fencing, getting his leg stuck. As he pulled himself free the result was a nasty wound to his lower leg below the knee.

After narrowly missing out on a National title at the Winter Dressage Championships, coming second to Charlotte Dujardin, Lara has high hopes for the future with Felix, who she jointly owns with Tracey and Laura Milner, so the injury was a major setback.

The wound had a flap of skin that required stitching back in place and the concerned vet was unsure if this would heal, as obviously blood cannot flow uphill. To make matters worse, Felix needed quite a few stitches at the top of the wound where the skin had been torn apart.

When the dressing was first removed after a week, the vet was really pleased with the healing process from which point Lara and her team had to re-dress the wound every other day.

The wound was dressed using Activate® wound dressing, followed by Veterinary Gamgee® to provide padding and protection from trauma to the injury, and this was then held in place with Equiwrap® cohesive bandage.

After 10 days, the wound was already healing together and it became clear that the flap of skin still had a good blood flow and was healing well.

As the recovery progressed and the Activate® dressing was no longer required, treatment continued by using Vetalintex® wound hydrogel to promote moist wound healing, with Veterinary Gamgee® applied directly on top of the wound, then cotton wool followed by one layer of Equiwrap®. This was followed by another layer of cotton wool and another layer of Equiwrap® to keep the swelling to a minimum.

Within three weeks the wound was looking fantastic and Felix was a lot more comfortable in himself and allowing the wound to be re-dressed without moving around or flinching.

Just six weeks after the injury occurred the dressing came off, as the vet was satisfied with how the wound had healed.

When Lara brought Felix back into work she continued to use Veterinary Gamgee® under her exercise pads and bandages to prevent the wound from sticking to the pads.

Lara said: “I am over the moon with all the products from Robinson Animal Healthcare that have helped Felix recover from what could have been a devastating and career-threatening injury and get him back on the straight and narrow.

“They were easy to use and caused limited irritation to Felix when we were changing the dressing. The speed at which the injury healed is also a testament to the quality of these products which really work.”

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com   

The most hotly anticipated event in the groomer’s calendar, the British Dog Grooming Championship, returns on Sunday 29 October, to see who will be crowned ‘Groomer of the Year’. 

The event takes place at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, and is organised by the British Dog Groomers’ Association (BDGA), the leading UK trade association for dog groomers.

The lead sponsor for this year’s event is Pet Dandy – a leading producer of ‘smart tags’ which help to reunite lost pets with their owners. Pet Dandy’s tags combine affordable and fashionable designs with simple, mass-market technology. They are proving to be particularly popular in the US, and are just starting out here in the UK. Pet Dandy tags are the perfect impulse buy at retail, and are ideally suited to be sold by groomers & walkers.

Each competitor and visitor to this year’s British Dog Grooming Championship will be able to get hold of their own Pet Dandy tag at the show.

One of the key focuses of the British Dog Grooming Championship is learning. The BDGA will be holding a range of top class seminars and demonstrations at the event over three rooms. The programme will be announced very shortly. This year we will introduce an ‘Education Zone’, which will feature information on courses run by PIF along with helpful tips and techniques. We will also have a representative on hand to answer any of your questions.

It’s no secret that groomers love to shop, and the great news is that the British Dog Grooming Championship will provide trade stand opportunities for dozens of businesses.  Last year saw a record number of trade stands with many having already booked to come back this year. If you would like to book a trade stand at this year’s event please contact lisa.pawsey@petfederation.co.uk – but hurry as space is filling up very fast!

Also returning after such a positive reaction last year is the ‘BDGC Bring and Buy Sale’ where you can bring along any spare/duplicate equipment that you wish to sell on the day.

Further details about the 2017 British Dog Grooming Championship, including competitor information; and seminar and visitor ticket prices, as well as sponsorship and trade stand information, are available from www.petfederation.co.uk; or by telephoning 01234 273933.

Monkfield Nutrition Ltd this week announced it has acquired the aquatic side of the Arcadia Products Plc business.

This comes shortly after the successful acquisition of Arcadia Reptile in the Spring of this year.

Within a few months stock availability has moved from approximately 50% to 93% across the Arcadia Reptile range, several new products have come into the market and there are lots more in the pipeline.

“This has been a logical next step for Monkfield Nutrition given the worldwide appeal of the Arcadia brand. Increasingly retail outlets have a broad offering across Reptile and Aquatic and we are now well placed to fully support the specialist outlets and independent shops going forwards, “ commented Jo Wise, Managing Director of Monkfield.

“I am delighted that Gerard will continue to help the business on an ongoing consultancy agreement.”

Monkfield Nutrition will initially focus on ensuring an effortless account transfer process and increasing stock levels to 100%.

“I am delighted with the progress Arcadia Reptile has made since its purchase by Monkfield Nutrition. Sales have significantly increased, principally due to increased stock levels and there are many new products on the way. The only negative feedback was from customers wishing to buy all Arcadia products from one supplier. Today’s announcement now corrects that with all of Arcadia under one roof again,” remarked Gerard Oates, Managing Director of Arcadia Products.

“Monkfield Nutrition is a strong company who will nurture and grow Arcadia going forwards. I am pleased Arcadia has gone to a good home, and I wish Jo Wise and his team the very best of luck for the future.”

2017 has been an exciting year so far for Monkfield Nutrition and with a full relocation into brand new purpose built premises in Mepal, Cambridgeshire at the end of the year there is more to come.

In the meantime Monkfield Nutrition’s focus will remain on providing the right products, services and advice for our customers.

One of the UK’s fastest growing pet companies Pooch and Mutt will feature in the August issue of Vogue Paris.

Pooch & Mutt’s “health food for dogs” are specific to the health and well-being of pets. The range consists of grain-free and wheat-free foods with natural ingredients tailored to help with a variety of health problems common to dogs.

We know that for humans, ‘food is fuel for life’ and Pooch & Mutt believe the same should be true for dogs. In the August edition of Vogue Paris, the magazine features an article which highlights ways in which humans maintain their health and well-being, with comparative advice for how to provide the same care for pets. The piece addresses the importance of pet well-being, recommending a range of care products and their benefits.

With suggestions focused on pampering products to encourage the happiness and well-being of dogs, the article recommends choosing nourishing bathing options to promote a healthy, shiny coat. 

Anju Beaute shampoo is mentioned for its gentle properties, followed with The Ultimate Dog Wash Curious Coconut Conditioner. The feature also suggests treating dogs to Dog Choc as an indulgent snack.

Pooch and Mutt are commended for featuring probiotics in a range of their food and treats.

The article highlights a variety of health benefits probiotics can have on humans, as they are known to boost ‘good’ bacteria in the body, which keeps the gut healthy and encourages digestion.

Pro biotics have been proven to help with various digestive issues including improving the digestive function, healing inflammatory bowel infections such as IBS and can also boost the immune system.

Pooch & Mutt’s Brain & Train wheat-free treats feature as an example of probiotic pet care. The treats are natural, ethical and low-calorie and are available from the Pooch and Mutt online store, Waitrose, Amazon Prime and Ocado.

For the last three years, PIF has successfully partnered with one of UK’s leading insurance brokers, Jelf, to provide peace of mind around issues and core risks faced by groomers, sitters, home boarders and walkers.

A bespoke and competitive product for PIF’s kennels and catteries has been developed which offers protection around employers and public liability, animal theft, personal accident and loss of animal boarding licences and fees. It is available now for PIF members to purchase.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO said: “Kennels and catteries represent a strong and consistent sector within PIF membership. They have very specific needs compared with other pet businesses and some of the greatest responsibilities when it comes to animal care. We are delighted to offer our members a fantastic level of cover and reassurance at a great price, to allow them to protect their business and the pets they look after.”

Policies are subject to terms and conditions, and each member’s specific requirements and circumstances.  More details are available on request when you contact the team at Jelf.

Furthermore, Jelf has affirmed and sealed their commitment to the kennel and cattery sector by becoming the sponsor of the ‘Kennel and Catteries of the Year’ award at the annual Pet Industry Federation awards, which will be announced on Tuesday 28 November at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire.

The awards celebrate success, innovation and entrepreneurialism in the UK pet industry, and they have grown in popularity each year, with extra categories developed in 2017 to enable even more businesses to showcase their achievements. Ticket packages will be announced very soon on the Pet Industry Federation website.

Any PIF members who would like to get a quote from Jelf and find out more about the product can contact the team on 03458 695342 or email pif@jelfgroup.com.

Further information about becoming a member and accessing the full range of PIF member benefits can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk or by calling 01234 273933.

Transitional arrangements will be in place to enable the plants to continue to be sold for a year – provided contractual arrangements ordering stock in these four plants are put in place before 1 August 2017.

And the industry is being reminded that all stock of four pond plants banned last year – including water hyacinth – must be cleared from the shelves from 2 August and cannot be sold anymore.

The full list of aquatic species that cannot be sold in the UK is available on the OATA website here http://ornamentalfish.org/what-we-do/set-standards/invasive-species/

The latest four plants to be banned as part of an update to the Alien Invasive Species Regulation are:

• Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligator weed)
• Elodea nuttallii (Nuttall’s waterweed, pictured above)
• Gunnera tinctoria (Giant Rhubarb)
• Myriophyllum heterophyllum (Broadleaf watermilfoil)

“These are not bigger sellers in our industry but nevertheless it is yet more aquatic plants being chipped away from what can be sold. And we know the EU is already working on its next list of invasive species and there will be more aquatic plants and ornamental fish being considered for that,” said OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“We would suggest plant growers, wholesalers and retailers read the Defra advice on this and put in an order before 1 August if they want to continue to sell these for the next pond season in 2018.

“And we also need to remind the industry that Eichhornia crassipes, Cabomba caroliniana, Lagarosiphon major and Lysichiton americanus must not be sold from 3 August 2017.

“We continue to make the point to Defra that many of these pond plants do not pose an invasive issue for the UK because they cannot survive our winters so should be allowed back on sale as soon as possible following our exit from the EU.”

The Grocer magazine has chosen Cotswold RAW's perfectly proportioned sausages to stand alongside pet food luminary Lily's Kitchen at this year's Grocer New Product awards and in so doing become the first raw brand to reach the giddy final stages of these most prestigious of food awards.

According to co-founder Mark Lewis: "Even though many independent pet food traders, dog breeders and  acclaimed vets have been championing the multi-faceted benefits of a nutritionally rich raw diet for some while now,  the thought of the UK's oldest food & trade journal (1862) giving a thumbs up to the blossoming BARF movement is beyond our wildest dreams. 

"Naturally as a vocal spokesperson for the 'nutritionally dense' pet food movement and a thriving rural economy, Cotswold RAW remains  100% committed to spreading the raw word during their Summer tour which takes them to the BBC's flagship Countryfile Live  show at Bleinham Palace."