Fast growing pet retail group Jollyes opens its 99th store in Belfast, Northern Ireland, tomorrow (Friday, February 23). The new outlet has created 14 jobs.

The new 5,500 sq ft superstore will be the company’s 15th store in Northern Ireland and third in Belfast.

Jollyes will be using the store opening to search for its first ever Ambassa-dogs – pooches who in return for their paw print on an advertising contract, will receive six months food for wearing a jacket advertising the store.

With big plans in place to celebrate the opening of its 99th store, Jollyes is calling all pets, and their owners, to join the pawty at Connswater Retail Park tomorrow from 9am to 11am.

An ice-cream van will be on hand to dispense doggy 99s and Frozzys goodies.

Jollyes charity partner, PlayForStrays, will also be part of the opening celebrations to pick a chat with on the day, with the first 99 customers to receive a red balloon as they head into the new store to sniff out the wide range of merchandise and services on offer.

And the treats don’t stop there as all customers on the day will have the chance to enter into a draw for the opportunity to win £99 to use in store.

The Pet Industry Federation’s current retail chain of the year will open its 100th store in Newport, Gwent on Friday, March 1, followed by its 101st in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on March 22.

Jollyes has announced that its new partnership with BillyChip, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, has already generated over £25,000 in donations for homeless people and their pets.

In the first six weeks after launch, Jollyes customers purchased over 12,000 BillyChips. Customers can either purchase a BillyChip and donate it personally to those living on the streets, or deposit it in a special box at the register.

Offering a safe and secure scheme for the homeless, buying and giving a BillyChip overcomes some of the concerns people have about giving to those who are homeless and offers choice to the person using it.

A BillyChip, which costs £2, can be exchanged for cans of dog food for those who are homeless and have a pet, or used by individuals in participating cafes and restaurants in exchange for a hot drink or meal.

Jollyes was the first partner to offer BillyChip innovative street currency outside of the food and services sector, rolling out the scheme in 98 stores in December.

Customers at Jollyes Kettering store really got behind BillyChip, buying 1,600 £2 tokens to give to the homeless in Northamptonshire or leave at the till for Jollyes and BillyChip to use to purchase dog food for those living on the streets with pets. 

In and around Kettering, one BillyChip can also be used by the homeless in five local Central Co-op stores to exchange for a hot or cold drink or two BillyChips exchanged for a meal deal.

Other Jollyes stores seeing high BillyChip sales include Hull, Cannock, Great Bridge and Dereham.

New stores planned for Newport (South Wales) on 1 March and Rotherham (22 March), will also offer customers the opportunity to buy the BillyChip street currency.

Jollyes has joined a growing network of BillyChip partners across the UK, including Central Co-Op and Greggs, who support the scheme.

From March 2024, BillyChip and Jollyes will donate dog food to those who are homeless, on a quarterly basis, using the value of the BillyChip tokens purchased, with Jollyes doubling the size of the donation.

Jollyes chief executive officer Joe Wykes said: “Both customers and colleagues have got behind BillyChip in a big way since we quietly launched it in December.  We hope to build on our initial success and help BillyChip gain access to more redemption partners that will make a significant difference to the homeless and their pets.”

Commenting on partnership, Jon Hope, Co-Founder of BillyChip said: “Seeing the impact which this new partnership with Jollyes has already made is absolutely fantastic. We couldn’t believe how quickly the scheme has taken off – and how many BillyChips have been sold in such a short time. Jollyes customers have taken BillyChip to their hearts showing us how pet owners around the UK are ready and willing to support others in their communities.”

It has been a busy week for Scoff Paper founder Gemma Connolly following her appearance on the BBC One hit programme Dragons’ Den.

Gemma secured major backing from Dragon Sara Davies to allow her edible greeting cards for dogs business to take full advantage of the growing pet treat market.

Following the programme, which aired a week ago, Gemma has received nearly 2,000 messages of support and she has responded to every one of them.

Writing on her Linkedin page, Gemma said: “It’s been nearly a week since airing on Dragons’ Den. Woooo! 

“Here are some little golden nuggets for you:

• I have had near two thousand messages of support. I have responded to each one, no copy & paste, just my real, raw emotion in words.
• I’ve had only three nutters out of all the messages. 
• One complained about how I said ‘thank you so much’, apparently it’s a big no no. He was very angry. 
• I have been welcomed by different communities, the pacemaker crew, the fashion and colour lovers, plus the guide dog community.

“But the best comment of all is that Sara and I should run the country. I’m taking that one to the grave.”

Pets at Home has announced the appointment of Anja Madsen as its new Chief Operating Officer – Retail, effective early April 2024.

Anja joins with extensive retail experience in both the UK and Denmark, having held prominent positions at Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and most recently serving as CEO of føtex, a premier supermarket chain in Denmark.

Over the course of the last 15 years, Anja has successfully led across all parts of retail operations including commercial, strategy, transformation, supply chain and operational management.

Prior to this, Anja was a marketing leader at Johnson & Johnson in Europe and the Middle East following four years as a strategy consultant across a range of industries. She is a graduate of the London School of Economics and holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Anja will be responsible for leading Pets at Home’s Retail business and 9,000 retail colleagues across over 450 stores, operations, logistics, supply chain and commercial, and will be focused on further enhancing the pet care centre estate along with delivering fantastic products, services, and support to Pets at Home customers.

Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted that Anja will be joining the Pets at Home Executive Team to lead our Retail business. We have made significant investments into our retail operations over the last 18 months and Anja’s experience leading consumer-focussed businesses will help us to realise our next phase of growth as we continue to deliver for pets and the people who love them.”

Commenting on her appointment, Anja Madsen, incoming Chief Operating Officer – Retail, said: “As a specialist retailer with such passionate and purpose-led colleagues, Pets at Home is a business I have admired from afar and I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Executive Team at such an exciting time. With the new distribution centre in operation, the rollout of the Pets re-brand and the digital transformation underway, the business is well placed to achieve its goal of building the world’s best pet care platform, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Anja takes over the role from Lisa Miao after announcing her retirement last summer following an impressive 34-year career at the forefront of retail in the UK.

A Southampton pet food and accessories retailer has promoted a member of its existing management team to Store Manager. 

Healthy Pet Store in Totton has appointed its Assistant Store Manager, Hannah Crewe, to Store Manager in recognition of her outstanding ability to provide exemplary customer service.

Established in 2014, Healthy Pet Store is a fast-growing business recognised as one of the largest retailers of raw pet food in the country. As part of her promotion, Hannah will take on a strategic role as the store continues to expand. 

Hannah said she is delighted about her promotion and is eager to play a bigger role in the Totton store’s development. 

Hannah added: “I am keen to play a more strategic role so that Healthy Pet Store can continue to set the bar in this sector. We are known for creating an engaging and welcoming shopping experience and I am determined to sustain and build on that reputation.

“In this sector, there’s a huge amount of product and concept knowledge required. I want to support my team with even more learning opportunities so we can provide customer service that continues to truly stand out from the crowd.

Operations Manager, Richard Wall said: “Hannah’s promotion is well-deserved. She’s a brilliant asset to the team with a lot of existing retail know-how, and she’s done an excellent job bringing her colleagues together into a cohesive team. I’m looking forward to seeing her progress even further in this senior role.

Healthy Pet Store is an independent retailer selling a wide range of raw pet food, training gear, fun and functional toys and training gear.

A new Lincolnshire-based designer pet accessory company specialising in the manufacture of high-end collars for dogs has won a prestigious European Product Design Award. 

The European Product Design Award was created by the Farmani Group to recognise the efforts of talented international product designers who aim to improve our daily lives with their practical, well-thought-out creations. They reward the strategic thinking and imagination which goes into making a great product. Xparkles was the winner in PETS/Pet Supplies: Collars and leashes category. Xparkles also won the Muse Design Award in 2023.

Made from the finest French nappa leather, customers are able to change the look and mood of their pets’ collars by incorporating interchangeable charms made from pure silver (so that they don’t rust), with others which are encrusted with rhinestones. This new concept in pet collars which is patented by Xparkles in the UK and USA brings a uniqueness to the pet accessory market with the collars exceeding the manufacturing standards of many produced by high-end designer fashion houses. They are fashionable, stylish but more importantly, affordable! They also give your dog that touch of glitz and glamour which every four-legged friend deserves.

There are three types of charms to choose from, thread through, push through and screw based. Each leather collar is finished with hand-waxed and double stitched edges.  The buckles are made from stainless steel and lab test shows they can sustain 72kg of pull.   This makes every collar extremely durable with the soft leather making them very comfortable to wear.

Xparkles is the inspiration of founder and successful entrepreneur, Erika Yao and her partner Andrew Blach . As pet parents who liked to dress their bichon frise poodle cross in stylish pet accessories, they failed to find a designer decorative collar that would stand up to daily wear and tear and was also comfortable for their dog at the same time. Sensing a gap in the market, they created Xparkles.

Erika said: “The use of interchangeable charms has been extremely successful in the human jewellery market and we wanted to create something that would provide a similar gift buying opportunity for pet parents. They are perfect for any fashion conscious dog owner as the look can be changed by switching the charms over to suit an outfit or mood.”

The Xparkles collars meet several quality standards already. Their designer holds a Jewellery design degree from UAL.  Their ISO9001 certified production partners also have in- house designers to help final check the products. Best of all the collars are made in Britain a country synonymous with the manufacture of high-end quality leather goods.

Xparkles are looking to stock pet boutiques that are interested in developing a long term partnership, and pet groomers who are looking for a new revenue stream.  

The collars are available in a range of sizes and widths to suit different breeds and there is a good selection of different charms and accessories to add to the collars including leather bows.

RRP Collars start from £40 upwards, Charms start from £15 each and the leather bows £17.

For further information visit: www.xparkles.com

The Pet Industry Federation has launched two new digital business directories on its website, showcasing members’ products and services. These directories are available at no cost and serve as a comprehensive resource for both fellow pet businesses and pet owners alike.

Offering a seamless, all-in-one destination for pet products and services from leading brands and companies within the industry, the directories are categorised into two distinct types: PIF MarketPlace, which is the product directory; and PIF B2B which is a directory of service benefits to pet businesses. Both are free for PIF members to advertise in and both can be accessed from the home page of the PIF website.

Participants in these directories can use the opportunity to enhance their brand visibility among the PIF community, benefiting from advanced features such as PDF link detection, the ability to incorporate video content and animations and access to performance analytics and reports.

Moreover, PIF members can enjoy exclusive discounts found within the directories in the members' area. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “This groundbreaking initiative enables PIF, as a trade association, to support its members by providing a platform to showcase their offerings, all at no cost. These directories augment the popular 'Find a PIF Member' section on our website, which already receives substantial traffic from pet owners seeking PIF-endorsed businesses.” 

The directories will be updated regularly and listings are only open to PIF members. Please see www.petfederation.co.ukto view the directories and find out about PIF membership. You can also contact daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk for more information. 

DOG, which offers carefully curated dog collars, leads and accessories, created using the best of British craftsmanship in Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, has launched leather, tweed and rope collections exclusively at Just for Pets.

Tom Maltby Senior Brand Manager at Just for Pets, said: “Like DOG we’re proud to support British businesses large and small from household names like Barbour to up and coming start up brands.”

He continued: “We’re pleased to be the first retailer to stock this range online as well as in store, the quality & craftsmanship of the DOG collection is clear to see from Italian leather and wool felt collars crafted in the Cotswolds to tweed collars with steel hardware made in Yorkshire.”

With timeless colours including Cherry & Blush, Honey & Charcoal and Peacock & Hazlenut the range really stands out on shelf as something different. A collection of keyrings is also available in the same colourways to match your dog’s attire.

Check out the full range including Paracord rope slip leads online at https://justforpets.co.uk/featured-stores/dog-shop/

After its success with bug bites and mealworm ‘superfood’ seasoning, insect protein firm Mr Bug has added a range of dog food to its award-winning portfolio.

Made with 20% Devon mealworm protein, this latest Mr Bug instalment resonates with those dog owners prioritising good gut health for hounds who have historically reacted badly to mass-market dog foods.

Insect protein makes great environmental sense, a ‘best of both worlds’ solution that’s as nutritious as meat protein yet as sustainable as plant-based. Throw in the fact that Mr Bug is the only insect food provider made with homegrown mealworms, not well-travelled imported grubs, and you can start to appreciate just how much Mr Bug and its DEFRA approved, Devon-based bug farm puts sustainable thinking at the heart of its vision. 

Mr Bug founder Conal Cunningham said: “The planet is crying out for humankind to broaden its food horizons and embrace nutritious insects to initiate a seismic protein transition.”

In 2023 Mr Bug’s pioneering work was recognised by a number of  business award, including The Global Good & National Sustainability award, the treasured Organic & Green prize at PetQuip and the Just Started top prize from Startups annual Top 100 roll call.  

For more information visit Mrbug.co.uk

Award-winning natural dog grooming and wellbeing product supplier For All DogKind held a special workshop event to showcase its wide range to customers.

“We are delighted with the success of our first FADK funded event,” said director :aura Redstone. “We value each and every one of our customers so wanted to give something back to the industry.

“Our trial workshop was created to demonstrate and educate FADK users of some of the benefits of our products as well as being able to see three demos from industry leading experts. 

“Big thanks to everyone that assisted with the running of the event and the attendants on the day. An extra special thanks to our speakers Chris Briggs, Emma Crawley and Karen Davidson. 

“We are looking forward to the announcement of future FADK events.”

For more information of For All DogKind products visit https://www.foralldogkind.co.uk

New eco conscious wellness and lifestyle brand DotDotPet is set to launch its new range of shampoos for dogs at Crufts on 7-10 March at the NEC (hall 5 stand 109).

This innovative range of pet shampoos has been developed by a team of experts from the fragrance and cosmetic industries and designed to be kind to pets. Each formula features a pet preferred scent to help reduce bath time zoomies and anxiety plus a prebio to promote a healthy skin and coat. The formulation is vegan containing no nasties making it kind to sensitive skin. The shampoos provide deep cleansing and easy rinsing for a calmer bath time. The shampoos are available in an innovative easy to use no drip bottle.

The shampoos in the range are designed to suit different life stages and types of coat. The formulas include:

Curly Coat Conditioning Dog Shampoo DotDotDog

A deep cleansing curly coat conditioning dog shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with curly coats, containing vegan biotin and olive oil for soft bouncy curls.

Long Coat Conditioning Dog Shampoo DotDotDog

A long coat conditioning dog shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with longer coats, containing coconut and babassu for a silky, glossy shine

Double Coat Conditioning Dog Shampoo DotDotDog

A double coat conditioning dog shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with double coats, containing green tea & jojoba for de-shedding, cleansing and hydrating. 

Short Coat Conditioning Dog Shampoo DotDotDog

A short coat conditioning dog shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with short coats; containing centella asiatica and shea for a smooth soft finish

Puppy Conditioning Shampoo DotDotDog

A puppy conditioning shampoo specifically formulated for puppies of all breeds containing Aloe and Oatmeal to protect sensitive skin.

The RRP for each shampoo is £13.99.

If you are interested in becoming a stockist then visit www.dotdotpet.com

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Pet owners across the UK can show their pet some extra love thanks to Pets at Home’s biggest ever 3 for 2 mix and match promotion across thousands of toys and treats.

Running from 14th February 2024 until 12th March 2024, and available in stores and online, the 3 for 2 mix and match includes toys and treats for dogs, cats and small animals.

From brain teaser puzzles and interactive toys designed to keep boredom at bay, to welcoming presents for puppies, kittens and small animals, to toys and treats that make training and exercising more engaging and rewarding – there is something for everyone.

Offer details:

• 3 for 2 mix and match on dog, cat, small animal toys and treats
• Cheapest item free
• Subject to availability
• Exclusions apply on all Easter products, loose dog biscuits, indoor bird toys, indoor bird treats, cat scratchers and cat furniture and on selected small animal accessories.
• Available in store and online 14th February 2024 until 12th March 2024

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that lameness is the most common prejudicial PPE finding in prepurchase examinations (PPEs) in horses in the UK. It was also found that horses with a higher purchase price are more likely to undergo a five-stage vetting (5SV), compared to a two-stage vetting (2SV).

PPEs are performed for prospective horse buyers to identify any prejudicial findings that could make the horse unsuitable for its intended use – be that elite competitions, breeding or leisure riding. Although PPEs often follow a standardised process, the examination can only result in a recommendation based on the opinion of the veterinary surgeon at an isolated point in time. PPEs are therefore, in large part, a subjective process and often debated in the equine world.

Previously, there has been limited research into PPEs. However, it is hoped these new findings will encourage future studies into the merits of 5SV and 2SV PPE formats and the diagnostics used. This will, in turn, help to better inform prospective horse buyers when considering their purchase.

The RVC team, including Dr David Bolt, Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery; Dr Jason Tupper, Head of the RVC Equine Practice; and Annabel Shelton (RVC BVetMed 2023 graduate), analysed 133 PPE certificates of a mixed, non-racing population of horses, from three first opinion equine practices. The researchers assessed the examination format (i.e. 2SV or 5SV); any diagnostic imaging obtained (e.g. radiographs); the purchase price; animal signalment; the horse’s intended use; the PPE outcome; and any prejudicial findings identified.

The key findings were:

·        57.1% of horses examined had prejudicial findings

·        The most common prejudicial finding was lameness as the primary prejudicial finding (55.3%)

·        Other common prejudicial findings included diagnostic imaging findings (14.5%); respiratory system findings (6.6%); skin conditions (5.3%); and cardiac abnormalities (3.9%)

·        68.5% of horses underwent a 5SV compared to 34.1% which underwent a 2SV

·        Horses with a higher purchase price were more likely to undergo a 5SV

·        Horses with a higher purchase price were also more likely to undergo pre-purchase radiography and more likely to have prejudicial findings identified.

Dr Jason Tupper, Head of Equine Practice at the RVC, and co-author of this research, said:

“A pre-purchase examination can discover a number of issues before buying a horse. This study reveals lameness to be the commonest issue. Few horses are perfect when it comes to temperament and health. The vetting process determines the issues and the vet can then help the purchaser weigh up their significance and decide if they can compromise and accept the issues or not. Further studies can now focus on the cost/benefit of radiology as part of the vetting procedure and the potential use of gait analysis.”

Dr David Bolt, Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery at the RVC, and author of this research, said:

“Although this study only reflects a sample of all horses undergoing PPEs in the UK, the findings were very interesting and hopefully result in further studies about PPEs which could provide invaluable advice for people who want to purchase a horse.”

Leading veterinary care provider IVC Evidensia has launched its first leadership development programme for practice leaders to support them in leading successful veterinary teams. 

Nearly 300 colleagues have been chosen to take part in a 12-week programme which will delve into essential aspects of leadership and support personal and professional growth. 

The training follows a two-part structure. The first, Leading Self, is designed to build self-awareness and gain insight on individual leadership identity, and how that impacts on the wider team. The second strand, Impactful Conversations, involves building the necessary skills for effective leadership and to manage high performing teams. 

Participants will take part in a blend of online and face-to-face training and the first cohort met last week for an initial in-person session. 

Daniella Dos Santos, IVC Evidensia Director of Professional Culture, said: “Good leadership is a real skill that takes time and practice to develop.  

“Our Leadership Development Programme recognises the need to formally support practice leaders in developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to guide and inspire veterinary teams. This will lead to a more positive practice culture and therefore to continual improvement of patient outcomes via high performing and effective teams.” 

The leadership development programme has been developed in-house by IVC Evidensia to meet the specific needs of veterinary leaders and is being delivered by its Academy team. 

To find out more about careers at IVC Evidensia visit the careers website here.

With dog owners in every corner of the UK, it’s not surprising that each city has its favourites when it comes to dog breeds. So, is it true what they say – do dogs and their owners resemble each other? And what does your city’s most desirable breed say about you?  

Gathering intriguing insights from its policy members, one of the world’s leading animal insurers, Agria Pet Insurance, has released new data uncovering the most popular breeds across a range of cities in the UK, and what this might reveal about the vibe in each place.  

Midlands’ Need for Speed. Greyhounds Reign Supreme in Birmingham & Nottingham. Birmingham and Nottingham have been found to be the only cities where Greyhounds take centre stage as one of the most popular dog breeds. Greyhounds are known for their even-tempered nature and friendliness and perfectly represent the atmosphere of these two cities. Populated with a range of universities, these cities prove to be very welcoming - just like the Greyhound!  

Leicester’s Lab Love. The Ultimate Family Companion Takes the Lead. Next up is Leicester, which is revealed as the only city to have a Labrador Retriever as one of its top dog breeds! With the Retriever’s reputation for being both kind and outgoing, this perfectly encapsulates the positive vibes of Leicester. Many on social media would agree this can only be a good thing – with ‘Retriever Energy’ becoming a viral phenomenon on TikTok to describe positive and happy people.

Pocket-sized Pals. Liverpool’s Love Affair with Chihuahuas. Known for its exhilarating nightlife, glitz and glamour, it’s no surprise that one of Liverpool’s most popular dog breeds is a Chihuahua. The upbeat and excitable Chihuahua is the perfect representation of Liverpool’s lively and charming atmosphere.   

Pup of the North, The Loyal Shih Tzu. The North of England is known for its friendly and playful atmosphere, and what better companion than the loyal and affectionate Shih Tzu. This lovely breed of pup is among the most popular breeds in not just one, but four Northern cities: Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield!  

Southern Sensation, English Springer Spaniel. The English Springer Spaniel is known for its even-tempered and gentle nature, making it a popular companion for Southerners by the sea: Southampton and Portsmouth. Classically English, they are a popular and paw-fect match for those in Oxford, too!  

Karen Green, a spokesperson for Agria Pet Insurance, said: “It’s fascinating to see trends appear on how different areas of the UK can have an affinity with specific dog breeds. We often hear how the breed we choose can reflect our own personalities, and our data goes to show that this can be true of the area that we live in, as well. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to adding a canine companion to our family, and it’s fantastic to see that a vast range of breeds are appreciated and desired depending on different lifestyles. At Agria, we’re committed to animal welfare, and are here to support each dog’s differing needs and personalities.”   

For more information and for expert advice to keep your pet happy and healthy, please visit: www.agriapet.co.uk.   

Billy No Mates! herbs from CSJ are at the fore when it comes to the battle with ticks and other pests…and with tick season starting early it’s time for pet owners to act.

With climate change causing mild winters and lots of re-wilding taking place ticks are becoming increasingly prevalent and are quick to latch onto and gorge themselves on passing dogs and cats. 

Ceri Rundle, Border Collie breeder and founder of CSJ, said: “We know how effective our Billy No Mates! is from the testimonials we receive, and more and more people are fighting ticks by this natural method instead of resorting to expensive chemicals.” 

Trusted for over 15 years Billy No Mates! is a totally safe and natural ‘easy-to-use’ herbal blend with no nasty chemicals. The aromatic combination of mint, seaweed, fenugreek, neem leaves and lemon balm is, like the rest of CSJ’s herbs, simply sprinkled over food (or can be used in its tincture form, as shown).  

Ceri added: “As well as waving goodbye to ticks, mites and fleas, owners are finding it great for skin and coat condition, so act now before those hungry beasts start to bite.” 

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470.

Lancashire entrepreneur Gemma Connolly, who’s created a unique brand of edible greeting cards for dogs Scoff Paper, has secured major backing from BBC Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies to allow her business to take full advantage of the growing pet treat market. 

Volunteer guide dog puppy raiser, Gemma, who appeared on the show last evening with golden retriever Leo, clinched the deal with her clever idea and the tenacity she’s maintained in building her business from the ground up, which involved the development of never-before-seen manufacturing processes and machinery. 

As such, the famous businesswoman, known for her ability to spot big business potential, offered Gemma £50K for 25% of the company, with the option to claim 5% back if Sara recoups her investment within the first 12 months of their collaboration. With Sara’s expert eye and rich retail experience, Gemma, plans to make her world-first product accessible across the UK and internationally in the near future. 

Gemma said: “I’m not good at blowing my own trumpet, but I gave it everything I had when I went into The Den and was proud of my presentation and my responses to the Dragons’ subsequent grilling. It probably helped that I had Leo by my side. 

“When Sara said she believed in me and my vision, it meant so much. I’m over the moon that she chose to invest in my little company that’s got its eye on global domination. After all, is there a dog on this planet that doesn’t love a tasty treat? With Sara’s know-how and support, I can put 100% of my time and focus into our business and get the bespoke manufacturing facility running at maximum capacity.” 

Sara Davies added: “Gemma’s belief in her fantastic product was clear from the moment she stepped into the Den. I have so much respect and admiration for the work she’s put in to grow her company to the level she has. I’m excited to work alongside Gemma to mentor her through the next exciting stage of growth as she goes on to inspire dog owners around the world to celebrate their pets’ special occasions with edible cards.” 

Scoff Paper’s HQ, aka ‘The Scoffice’, is based in Buckshaw Village, Chorley, where all the design, marketing and manufacturing takes place. As the business grows, Gemma plans to offer more career opportunities to local people across all departments. 

Click here to watch Gemma face the business moguls on BBC iPlayer. Gemma appears 16 minutes into the programme.

Scoff Paper is a multi award-winning business having won New Product Awards at both Glee and PIF.

For the past 10 years, Scoff Paper founder Gemma Connolly has volunteered for Guide Dogs charity, supporting guide dog puppies and helping to socialise them in readiness for their next phase of training. 

Gemma began volunteering for Guide Dogs after suffering a major heart attack whilst working in a very stressful job. Volunteering for Guide Dogs helped to rehabilitate her and has led to supporting 16 dogs so far.

She usually has the dogs from around eight weeks to 15 months, and, like many dog lovers, likes to celebrate their birthdays, ‘gotcha’ days and other occasions. 

Gemma came up with the idea for Scoff Paper in March 2020 when one of the guide dog puppies, Loki, tried to eat a greeting card that she had bought to celebrate his birthday. 

This coincided with a period of employment dissatisfaction and health worries for naturally creative Gemma, so she decided to go for it. Gemma created the first range of edible card prototypes at her kitchen table when she realised the manufacturing capabilities for this type of product did not currently exist. After numerous calls and visits to local pet shops, she received her first order for 48 cards, which she produced by hand.

Fast forward three years, and after working two jobs and ploughing every single penny into the business, Gemma is proud to see her Scoff Paper cards on display at many major UK retailers, including John Lewis, Pets at Home, Pets Corner and hundreds of independent pet retailers. The products are now produced by bespoke machinery at Scoff Paper’s manufacturing facility in Buckshaw Village. The facility is capable of producing 2m cards per year.

Scoff Paper products are made with potatoes and natural flavourings, and are complementary to a dog’s diet. They come in a range of flavours, including bacon, cheese, chicken and peanut, as well as unflavoured. 

The cards are designed for a variety of occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, get well soon, gotcha days, Valentine’s, or just to say I love you, with messages such as ‘happy birthday to chew’ and ‘for the dog who eats everything’. The cards can also be personalised. 

Additionally, the company produces dog-friendly edible ink pens for writing messages in the cards.

Product packaging is made using sustainable, renewable materials. 

Discover more: www.scoffpaper.com

An independent pet retailer, which supports animal welfare charities, surprised one of its customers with a special Valentine’s Day package called The LOVE Box.

The London-based online business muthapuppa recently launched its own dog treat called LOVES, with every pack sold helping to rescue abandoned dogs.

As part of its Valentine’s Day package muthapuppa gave away some novel items with every order of LOVES – basically items that dogs love to destroy, like a loo roll, a slipper, a sock plus some other goodies.

Customer Louise ordered three packs of LOVES without seeing the Valentine’s Day promotion. So when the biscuits arrived, she had no idea why they were accompanied by the random items.

Louise wrote to muthapuppa founder Giuseppe Bloom-Mangione, stating: “Thanks so much for the sweets in my delivery. Really lovely surprise and love hearts are my favourites. Just one weird thing, within the packaging was a toilet roll, a slipper and a sock. See attached photo. Just in case you are missing them.”

Giuseppe said: “I replied to Louise and included a video to explain what it was all about. We had a great laugh about it.”

There is a serious side to the muthapuppa business, however, as Giuseppe explained: “We're supporting three charities via the Work For Good platform – Battersea Dogs, All Dogs Matter and Blue Cross. We donate whatever we can, support their events, share their messaging etc.”

Giuseppe and his wife Kim launched the muthapuppa business in 2022 after reading a news story headlined ‘Rescue centres face perfect storm’. It highlighted that rescue centres were reaching crisis point due to dogs being abandoned at an alarming rate.

“I woke up the next morning after reading this and sketched out the business plan for muthapuppa,” he said.

You can read more about muthapuppa’s mission to help rescue centres through sales of their products and donations from customers by clicking here.

More on the LOVES treats can be found by clicking here.

Click here to watch the video that Giuseppe sent to customer Louise.

Manufacturers and suppliers are getting behind PATS 2024 as the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show prepares for its first-ever THREE-DAY event, taking place at Telford International Centre from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024.

More than 160 companies have already booked their stand space for the showpiece with still eight months to go, and the final number of exhibitors is set to be well over 300, making it the biggest PATS ever staged.

With PATS 2024 taking over all of the exhibition space at the International Centre, this year’s event will also feature the Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for aquatics and watergardening exhibitors.

Showcasing all the latest launches under one roof, the show’s reputation has grown impressively over the past 15 years since launching in 2009. With such a winning formula, PATS has become the ‘must-visit’ event for UK and international retailers and buyers.

This year’s three-day formula has enticed Supreme Petfoods to return to PATS. Marketing director Claire Hamblion explained: “The pet industry has grown phenomenally in recent years and it’s an exciting time to be returning to PATS. Having an event like PATS, where we can all get together under one roof, provides a unique opportunity to catch up and share insights.

“I think it’s even better that PATS has been consolidated into a single all-encompassing show. Having one large pet trade event not only streamlines the experience for exhibitors and delegates but also helps to elevate the UK pet industry’s prominence on a global scale and we are excited to play our part.

“The timing couldn’t be better. After an exciting start to the year with our recent move into the dog category, PATS is the ideal platform to showcase our new Tiny Friends Farm dog treats, alongside the rest of our popular Tiny Friends Farm and Science Selective small pet brands. We look forward to seeing you there.”

Carina Evans, CEO of Podium Pet Products, summed up why companies can rely on PATS to deliver the best show for the UK and international pet trade. “We are really looking forward to PATS,” said Carina. “The three-day format will undoubtably attract more international buyers and create a professional working environment. I expect it to be a firm fixture in people’s diaries. Having a big show in the Autumn will ensure that our products get noticed at the most important time.”

Snug & Cosy Pets exhibited for the first time at PATS last year and the company’s Luke Finnegan admitted the 2024 event can’t come soon enough. “We are so excited to be a part of it and with both exhibitions merging this year, it is going to be bigger and better than ever. We cannot wait to showcase our luxury pet beds, learn more about enrichment products and network more with the UK pet industry.”

It's a similar story for COYA Pet whose brand manager Amy Spratt said: “We launched our new brand at PATS in 2023 and couldn’t be happier that the event is now bigger than ever. 

PATS has been a fabulous launchpad for us and we’ve gained great traction off the back of it. It’s the perfect platform to launch and grow brands.”

For Irish company Chanelle Pharma, a manufacturer of veterinary products, PATS 2024 will be its third year as an exhibitor. “The event has been successful in terms of gaining new leads and strengthening connections,” said marketing executive Julie Feeney. “This year we anticipate having great conversations with new and existing customers.”

Petface is also thrilled to be a part of PATS 2024 with marketing executive Lauren Summers saying: “We’ll be using this perfect platform to showcase new, fun, and innovative pet products to aid in the entertainment, mental stimulation, health, and care of pets all around the UK.”

Other companies and brands to have already secured their stand space include: Whitebridge, Schesir, Skinners, Pedigree Wholesale, Ancol, Dorwest Herbs and Kong.  Newcomers include Happy Pet, Holistic Hound, Bullybillows and Doodlebone.

Retailers and buyers can register their interest in visiting PATS 2024 by going to the new-look website www.patshow.co.uk, which has all the up-to-date information about the show.

Interzoo has set a new record in terms of exhibitors, exhibition space and countries represented. Thirteen weeks before the start of the trade fair the number of exhibitors surpassed the magic mark of 2,000 companies – thus exceeding the previous record of Interzoo 2018.

Interzoo 2024 will feature the world's most comprehensive range of pet supplies in a total of 14 exhibition halls. Over 2,000 companies from 69 countries will be exhibiting their services and products for pets on a gross exhibition area of more than 140,000 square metres at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. 

“We are delighted that Interzoo is acknowledged to be an extraordinarily diverse and professional platform and is consequently in high demand from the global pet industry,” said Gordon Bonnet, Managing Director of WZF and ZZF (German Pet Trade & Industry Association, honorary sponsor of Interzoo).

“Never before in the history of Interzoo did we register more than 2,000 exhibitors from almost 70 countries. This impressive record shows the need for the industry to come together,” added Dr Rowena Arzt, Exhibition Director of Interzoo organiser WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services.

Throughout the four-day trade fair, Interzoo visitors can profit from an excellent and condensed market overview of the latest trends, products and developments in the global pet supplies industry. The Interzoo experience will be enriched by numerous opportunities to cultivate existing business contacts, get in touch with new clients and initiate post-fair business. In addition to the diverse product range of more than 2,000 exhibitors, Interzoo 2024 offers an attractive supporting programme that addresses key topics and highlights of the pet industry in short conferences, special shows and demonstrations.

One day prior to the opening of Interzoo, Petfood Forum Europe will be co-located with WATT Global Media for the second time at the Nuremberg fairgrounds. On 6 May 2024 the conference places a special focus on innovations in petfood and petfood technology. During the following four days of the trade fair, the Interzoo Country Sessions on countries and regions will provide exciting insights into important growth markets. Also, the topic of sustainability will be highlighted and discussed in a separate session.

“The high internationality among both visitors and exhibitors of Interzoo underlines the importance of international supply chains and global networking within the pet supplies industry,” said Dr Arzt. 

“As a meeting place and source of inspiration for the industry, Interzoo is already showcasing and addressing the developments and trends of tomorrow.”

Trends and innovations are the particular focus of the start-up area in Hall 3 with the Fresh Ideas Stage as a major attraction. On the first three days of the trade fair the stage will be home to presentations on innovative products and companies before hosting the Fresh Idea Contest on the final day of the fair. Innovative and special products are further shown at the Product Showcase at Entrance Mitte.

Interzoo is a trade fair for industry professionals. If you want to visit the biggest Interzoo of all time, you have to legitimise yourself as a trade visitor. This is possible via the Interzoo website. Tickets can be purchased and legitimised easily via the Online TicketShop. With the ticket loaded into the Interzoo App, visitors can use the ‘Fast Lane’ for faster access to the trade fair during the whole week of the fair.

Tickets: www.messe-ticket.de/Nuernberg/interzoo24/

Events programme: www.interzoo.com/en/events-programme