Gordon Thomas, show director of PATS Telford, was presented with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 PetQuip Industry Awards on Sunday.

He received the award from Steve Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Pedigree Wholesale, who gave a glowing account of Gordon’s distinguished career in event management.

Steve said that Gordon deserved this high accolade for his outstanding service to the pet industry, organising the successful PATS and AQUA exhibitions. 

After an illustrious career of working on international exhibitions like Glee, Gordon launched his own business, Impact Exhibitions & Events, with friend and colleague Annie Foord. The first PATS show took place at Sandown Park in 2009 and was swiftly followed by a second event in Harrogate the same year. The move from Harrogate to Telford came in 2015. 

Gordon and his team also launched the biennial AQUA show in association with OATA, and this year took on the organisation of BETA International equestrian exhibition. 

Described as being hard-working, incredibly fair and a fun person to be with, Steve added that Gordon was a worthy recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.