Just over one year ago a new toy called PetBloon first came to the attention of the pet trade when it appeared as a prototype at PATS Telford 2017. Fast forward 12 months and this innovative product is set to become a bestseller in pet stores this Christmas.

PetBloon was officially launched at Interzoo in May where it became a sell-out success, attracting interest and orders from more than 20 countries, including North America, South Korea and Singapore as well as mainland Europe.

Now PetBloon is targeting UK dog owners, especially those looking for a special gift for their pet during the festive season.

Created following the highly successful launch of a toy for babies called the BubaBloon, which works on similar principles, PetBloon is a playful and colourful light fabric cover for balloons.

Lorna Edwards, CEO of BloonCo Limited, has been the driving force behind both BubaBloon and PetBloon, and appeared on BBC2’s hit TV series Dragons’ Den with the baby product.

“I got really positive feedback from Deborah Meadon. She got the product and understood I was a businesswoman who knew what I was doing,” said Lorna. “Peter Jones was his usual self, trying to make his point, and they showed him stamping on the product with his size 13 feet and it burst.”

Despite Peter Jones’ reservations BubaBloon became a success, especially overseas with 95% of the products manufactured being directed to the export market. And it was this success that led to the birth of PetBloon.

“I have an amazing business partner, Jane Johnstone, who has an Airedale hound,” added Lorna. “Jane took a BubaBloon home one evening and the dog got hold of it. Whilst he did burst it she got on the phone to me and said she thought we could change the fabric and dogs could have fun too.”

It was during a visit to the Pet Asia Fair in Shanghai in 2016 that Lorna realised there was potential in the PetBloon concept.

“I was amazed at the size of the show but astonished at the lack of innovation in the pet toy market,” she said.

“Indeed that year it was clear that the route suppliers were taking was in the diversity of pet foods and grooming products. I returned from that trip thinking that we were definitely onto something with PetBloon. 

 “In 2017 we introduced the concept at PATS Telford, ideally for customer feedback on product and packaging. It exceeded our expectations and attracted over 200 stand visitors. The rest is history. PetBloon is born, the pup is here.”

Lorna and her team tested the prototype version with a number of dog owners, who all gave the product the thumbs-up, especially those with smaller breeds (under 10kg), although larger dogs still had fun playing with PetBloon.

Here are some of the comments from product testers:

• My little Schnauzer doesn't have the best attention span in the world and is scared of most things but this gets her engaged right away!
• My Dachsie totally loves her PetBloon, in fact it’s her favourite toy.
• Great idea. Perfect for playing inside and in the garden. Great value too!
• 5-star entertainment for dog and owner

The PetBloon comes with a cover and three balloons and has an RRP of £9.99. It is available direct at petbloon.com/trade or via Pedigree Wholesale.

Scottish-based The Raw Factory Ltd has recalled various raw pet food products containing tripe and pork because of a salmonella scare.

In issuing the product recall, the company placed point of sale notices in all retail stores selling the products. The notices stated:

“Due to previous issues related to our freezer breakdown we are recalling the following – all tripe or pork products including mixes purchased between 19/09/18 and 31/10/18 as these contain salmonella bacteria.

“Please return these directly to Hungry Hounds or dispose of in person. Please do not use these products. A full refund will be given on any affected products.”

The Food Standards Agency also alerted pet owners about the product recall. It said: “Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning in humans and animals. The product could therefore carry a potential risk, either through direct handling of the pet food, or indirectly for example from food bowls or utensils or contact with the faeces of infected animals. In humans, symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.”

Hungry Hounds Pet Supplies posted this message on its Facebook page:

A full list of the products recalled can be found by clicking here

The UK’s number one pet trade exhibition – PATS – is extending its support of the Dogs for Good charity by sponsoring a puppy called Winter.

The PATS donation will help Winter through her important first year with a puppy socialiser, and fund a starter kit including crate, bed, food, water bowls, toys, identification working jacket, lead flash, collar and lead.

Dogs for Good, who train assistance dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities, became PATS’ chosen charity earlier this year and were given great receptions at both the Sandown and Telford shows. As well as collecting donations from visitors and exhibitors during the exhibitions, the charity were given items from the New Product Showcase to use as competition prizes at their many events.

PATS organiser Gordon Thomas said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring Winter. She’s very cute and, by all accounts, an extremely lively puppy.

“Dogs for Good are a wonderful charity, helping to change many people’s lives through their outstanding work. We are proud to have them as our chosen charity and look forward to supporting their valued work in the future.”

Winter – a Labrador x golden retriever – will spend a year with her socialiser Katy, who lives in Milton Keynes, before returning, at around the age of sixteen months, to the charity’s training centre in Banbury. Already, she is starting to show some of the characteristics required in a fully trained dog – confidence, an interest in people and in playing.

Katy will start teaching Winter basic obedience commands. She will learn to sit and wait for her meals, being released from her wait with the sound of a whistle. This gives Winter an association between the whistle and food, which can then be used to teach her recall when she’s a bit older.

Winter has an exciting year ahead with lots to learn and it’s too early to predict how her personality and behaviour will develop. But with the love and support of Katy and her family and the team at Dogs for Good, she has every chance of success.

Dogs for Good will again be present at PATS Sandown, where the team will be able to give an update on Winter’s progress. The exhibition at Sandown Park in Surrey takes places on Sunday and Monday, 10^th-11^th February 2019. For full detail visit www.patshow.co.uk

Denzel’s has been making waves since launching its healthy everyday snacks for dogs this Summer. Its snacks have been well received by dog owners everywhere proven with international listings. With so many brands out there it can be hard to get noticed. But Denzel’s does!

Proof can be found on Denzel's Instagram account, which received well over a million views in less than a week!

Insta lovers can add a range of gifs to their posts that feature Denzel, the chocolate cocker spaniel as different characters - diving into his fancy dress box.

Chef Denz, Superdenz and teacher Mr. Denz characters can also be found on collectible cards that give top tips for responsible pet ownership included in every pack.

Denzel’s began when co-founders James Lacy and Nathan Perry put their heads together to come up with the perfect, everyday healthy snack for James’s cheeky cocker spaniel Denzel. And, with over 10 years’ experience working with successful pet food brands between them, they were perfectly placed to create something new for that gap in the market, and, being backed by Virgin Start Up only adds to their kudos!

Denzel’s come in a pack of three chews (RRP: £2.50 each) from superfood and protein bars to nut butters.

For further information on becoming a stockist and getting Denzel’s hand-baked dog chews on your shelves in time for Christmas, or if you would like more information on the dog chews in general, contact Nathan or James via email: woof@denzels.co.uk or phone: 0208 0049 111. You can also check out Denzel’s online: www.denzels.co.uk

Manchester-based luxury pet bedding manufacturer Scruffs has announced a massive re-brand to its Tramps collection of cat products.

The re-brand will see all “Tramps for Cats” products be listed under the main Scruff® brand from early 2019, and the company is set to introduce several new product ranges to provide a more luxury feel to the collection.

Scruffs Rustic, Habitat  and Haven collections of bedding will make up the new “Scruffs for Small Dog & Cats” product line-up later this year. Existing products, including the Tramps Self-Heating Cat Beds, will be re-branded in 2019.

A company spokesperson said: “Scruffs Rustic beds are produced using contemporary wooden box, with a lowered curved entrance for easy accessibility. The box is accented with a stylish ‘worn brass’ Scruffs logo, and has carry handles on each side.

'A super-soft faux rabbit fur inner cushion sits neatly inside the box, to provide the ideal environment for your pet to relax. For practicality, the inner cushion is machine washable. These beds are predominately designed for cats and miniature breeds, they are available in a variety of colours.”

Dubby Klyne, Sales Director at Scruffs, said: “2019 is set to be an exciting time for Scruffs as we undergo one of the biggest re-brands in our history.

"Scruffs has continued to see successful growth year-on-year since launch in 2005, and we are now in a position to offer our products under one, household brand name.”

Scruffs is expected to launch their new small dog & cat bedding collection towards the end of 2018. More information can be found at www.petslovescruffs.com or via contacting pr@petslovescruffs.com.

Different Dog is making sure that our four legged friends also enjoy all the fabulous festive flavours. The company's limited-edition Christmas recipe – Festive Feast – features turkey, cranberry, sage, red cabbage and parsnips.

This special seasonal recipe has been created by Different Dog’s in-house pet nutritionist and vet. Its a completely new kind of healthy food – not raw, dry or wet –  made using fresh ingredients, gently cooked and then frozen. 

As with all the dishes in the range, every meal is made by hand, using high quality, sustainable ingredients from local suppliers, including British farmed meat.

Lovingly prepared by an enthusiastic team of canine professionals, each small batch of top quality nosh is supplied frozen – sealing in all the goodness. The result is a healthy, convenient and tasty fine dining solution for your dog.

Different Dog’s all-natural food is perfectly balanced to give a pet everything it needs.  Based on a classic Christmas dinner, the key ingredients are boosted with superfoods including kelp, salmon oil, chia seeds and turmeric.

Co-founders Charlie and Alex Thurstan said: “The health and happiness of the UK’s dogs are our top priorities over the festive period and beyond.

"Whether eaten as a tasty topper or a dog’s full diet – once you see how ‘wag-tastic’ our meals are, you won’t look back. We hope that Different Dog’s food is for life, not just for Christmas!”

Different Dog also produces dog hampers, gift cards and snacking treats to make sure no-one misses out on the festive fun this year.

The full range of recipes is available online at differentdog.com either via subscription or as a one-off purchase. The range is also stocked in a growing number of the UK’s leading independent pet retailers.

Tetra has expanded its popular Starter Line range with an 105L aquarium which comes as a complete set. With tips and set-up advice it’s the perfect solution to welcome beginner fishkeepers, as well as giving experienced owners a bigger aquarium to further their fishkeeping passion. 

The Tetra Starter Line 105L aquarium is made of special float glass to offer an undistorted view of the aquarium and contains a Tetra EasyCrystal filter to help keeping waters crystal clear while reliably reducing dirt and algae What’s more, replacing the filter has never been so easy with the Tetra Aquatics App which offers handy filter change reminders to help their aquarium stay healthy.

The set also contains a 16-watt energy-saving LED light which offers a bright, natural light to fully illuminate and show off the aquarium. What’s more, the pre-set 25°C heater maintains a constant temperature to keep tropical fish feeling comfortable.

The Starter Line aquarium also includes a pack of TetraMin food for tropical fish and Tetra AquaSafe water conditioner which helps to make tap water safe for fish by removing harmful chemicals such as chlorine. Thanks to the practical feeding hatch at the front of the sturdy lid, fishkeepers can quickly and easily feed their fish or use care products.

Ashleigh Foster, Aquatics Marketing Manager at Tetra comments, “We’re very excited to introduce our new Starter Line 105L. The range has proven hugely popular by offering fishkeepers of all levels a simple and safe introduction to fishkeeping and it’s great that we can now offer those looking to introduce an aquarium to their home, or upgrade their existing aquarium, a larger size. Thanks to its complete kit and easy installation, the Starter Line 105L ensures fishkeepers of all levels have a successful experience.“

The Tetra Starter Line range now includes 30L, 54L, 80L and 105L aquariums to suit all levels of experience. The 105L aquarium is available from tomorrow (November 23) with an RRP of £125. A tailored cabinet for the new size is also available with an RRP of £89, offering a stable stand as well as plenty of room to store food and care products.

For more information about Tetra, visit www.tetra-fish.couk or join in the conversation with Tetra UK on Facebook.

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund is urging pet retailers to help promote the need for domestic rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated.

Rae Todd, of the RWAF, said: “We are still being contacted by owners who have lost their rabbits because they did not know about RVHD2 or the new vaccines that are available.

“We'd really appreciate the help of retailers in getting this message out. They can do this by display a poster we’ve produced.”

Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) and Myxomatosis (Myxo) are common diseases found throughout the UK and can be fatal to non-vaccinated rabbits. Both outdoor and indoor rabbits are at risk.

RVHD in particular is highly contagious. Not only can it be spread by direct rabbit to rabbit contact, it also can be spread by biting insects (as can Myxo) and by indirect contact with infected rabbits.

There are different strains of RVHD where the virus has mutated in slightly different ways. The UK now has both the RVHD1 and the RVHD2 strain throughout the country, with hundreds of potential deaths so far and many of these confirmed via veterinary laboratories as RVHD2. These confirmed cases are not confined to one geographical location and are spread throughout the UK.

Rabbits need vaccination every year to protect them against RVHD2 as well as against Myxomatosis and RVHD1. Unfortunately that can’t be given in one jab. There are two. For Myxi/RVHD1 they need the Nobivac combined jab and then for RVHD2 there is a choice of either Filavac or Eravac. There should be at least 2 weeks between the jabs.

Rae can be contacted by email rae@rabbitwelfare.co.uk. For more information visit www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

As winter starts to bite CSJ are asking, “Is your dog ready for what winter can bring?”

CSJ has a range of 24 herbal supplements developed by a top UK canine herbalist including RESIST! which they are highlighting to owners to help their dogs resist winter.

They say, “It’s the time of year when pets need to be as fit as possible in order to combat the effects of cold and damp weather. 

An added problem this year seems to be the amount of illnesses abounding including kennel cough which is so difficult for elderly or weak dogs to fight.

Current TV adverts and programmes are making humans increasingly aware of the benefits of boosting our own immune systems and getting ourselves into good condition and owners should be thinking likewise in respect of their pets.”

For more information on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

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Exeter's oldest pet shop will close on Christmas Eve after 53 years trading.

Janice Buckland, owner of Exeter Pet & Garden, said the time was right to shut the legendary store following the death of her husband last year.

Having opened the store in 1963, David Buckland built up a loyal customer base specialising in traditional pet supplies and animals including tropical fish, parrots and other exotic birds.

David and Janice ran the shop together for 34 years before David's death at the age of 74 in 2017.

"Sadly the time is now right to close the shop," Janice told the Devon Live website.

"It's been a wonderful experience and I will miss it.

"Being able to work alongside animals every day has been such a joy and the customers have been brilliant."

The full story can be viewed by clicking here

A pet supplies store has moved into a shopping centre in the Cheshire town of Winsford and has already noticed a boost in business.

Doolittles Pet Supplies was the first tenant to transfer to the Winsford Cross development since the loca;l council bought the centre for £19.75 million earlier this year.

Owner Andrew Crossfield told the Winsford and Middlewich Guardian: “We were on Delamere Street before. It was hard for people to get to us and parking was an issue.

 “There is a lot more footfall here, and people coming into the shop are saying it is better for them to get to us. Now they are doing their shopping and coming to us and don’t have to make a special journey.

“Things are looking good early days and we have got the rear access for deliveries to come in, that’s a big help.”

To read the full story click here

The HOWND team's dogged determination to keep one step ahead of the curve has once again driven the company to create an innovative new hand care product for professional groomers - HOWND's Miracle Hand Barrier Serum is a skin protection solution unlike anything else on the market.

The inspiration for this latest innovation by the multi-award winning pet care brand came from groomers who often complain of sore, chapped skin. Their hands are constantly immersed in water, exposed to drying heat and surfactants that can damage the epidermis layer of the skin, often causing long term damage, and exacerbating conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

HOWND, winner of two Petquip Gold awards at PATs earlier this year created this revolutionary serum so that it absorbs effortlessly into the skin, creating a protective barrier on the epidermis that blocks free radicals and skin irritants from penetrating the skin. It is set to become an essential product for professional groomers.

Unlike creams and steroids for hands that are only temporary fixes, HOWND's Miracle Hand Barrier Serum, when used at least twice a day (morning and at bedtime), strengthens the natural barrier of the skin, resulting in hands that not only feel soft and hydrated but are protected from further damage too.

HOWND's innovative new serum is being hailed as a game changer by professional dog groomers (and by hairdressers who also suffer with skin issues), and is set to become an essential part of every groomer's daily hand-care regime.

HOWND's Miracle Hand Barrier Serum is mild and gentle on the skin and is fast absorbing and non greasy; but don't be fooled, it packs a powerful punch and with regular use skin feels stronger, healthier and moisturised. It is paraben free, fragrance free, and like all HOWND products is Cruelty-Free International certified and vegan.

Jo Amit of HOWND says: "Groomers often have very painful and damaged skin that can make their hands look unsightly. Our serum nurtures the skin and keeps it supple so that it stretches not cracks. Since the epidermis is being strengthened, it can even help prevent hair splinters.

"We invented the Miracle Hand Barrier Serum to combat this problem and users are reporting a remarkable change to the texture of their hands."

www.dogsloveHOWND.com

The Paramount Retail Group has appointed Nigel Moult to the post of Commercial Director for pet accessories company Pet Brands.

He will also be supporting the group’s confectionery portfolio which includes Crawford & Tilley and Bristows of Devon.

Nigel brings considerable senior management experience in import and distribution across a number of categories, including lifestyle and leisure products and with customers in sectors ranging across major supermarkets, chains and independent retailers. He has been managing director for a number of companies including a leading wild bird care company.

Nigel will have primary responsibility for the development, implementation and management of the commercial strategies at Pet Brands, ensuring that the company continues and accelerates its current trajectory of positive growth.

He says, “I am delighted to be joining Pet Brands at this exciting time in its development. We have a great combination of enthusiastic, dedicated staff together with owners who are committed to investing in the future growth of the business. I look forward to being part of that future.”

Pet Brands was recently a Finalist in The Examiner business awards as SME Business of the Year and has been enjoying the benefits of improved processes throughout its network and supply chain, as a result of the infrastructure and expertise in this area within the group.

The Pet Brands creative team are currently hard at work on new products for 2019, inspired by visits to global trade shows focusing on innovation and new materials. There are new licensing agreements in place which will see some internationally recognised brands brought to life as pet products.

Nigel is already actively involved in the three companies, ensuring they are given dedicated support and developing his strategic plans for the year ahead.

Pet Brands is owned by the Paramount Retail Group whose portfolio also includes Vital Pet Group. Founded in 2009, Pet Brands produces its own branded product lines and brands under license. The company vision is to be the No.1 partner for innovative, quality pet accessories and treats worldwide.

Exporting to 58 countries around the world, Pet Brands holds 24 patents and trademarks. The company is based in Birstall in West Yorkshire and in 2017 employed 42 people. It is, however, a truly international company with offices and showrooms China and India. 

For further information visit www.petbrands.com

Plans to deal with strong odours from a pet food factory were given the green light by county councillors yesterday (Wednesday) despite objections from local residents.

Denbighshire's planning committee approved an application for a 35-metre chimney at The Real Pet Food factory, which would tower over the village of Bodelwyddan in North Wales.

The Real Pet Food Company will now be able to go ahead with construction of the chimney to deal with smells from the factory which had led to complaints.

The planning committee ignored opposition from the local community, who wrote a letter to the council stating: “Residents of Bodelwyddan should not be compelled to choose between being affected by an obnoxious smell or the visual impact of a 35-metre chimney to alleviate the problem."

But the company is confident the chimney – along with associated odour abatement equipment – will significantly boost the dispersal of baking odours associated with the manufacture of its pet food products which have been a cause of concern among some residents of Bodelwyddan.

The application was approved subject to various conditions regarding issues such as the final specification and colour of the chimney and full details of the landscaping works to be undertaken.

In addition, councillors also approved a separate application for a 660 sq metre two storey extension to the factory to increase office accommodation and meeting room space as well as improve employee welfare facilities.

James Lawson, managing director of The Real Petfood Company, said: “I am delighted that our plans to tackle the problems associated with the baking odours have been approved.  

“I do appreciate there has been strong local concern about this issue and we shall press ahead with the chimney’s construction as fast as possible.  We are committed to playing an important role in the Bodelwyddan community providing both jobs and economic benefits and I look forward to a positive relationship with our neighbours.”

The number of employees at The Real Petfood Company, which is a subsidiary of Inspired Pet Nutrition, has more than doubled from 30 to over 70 since the firm moved to its current site some two years ago and it is expected to reach 100 within the next few years. The business makes pet food for brands such as Wagg and Harringtons as well as a wide range of own label products for major retailers.

You can read a full account of the residents' objections to the plan on the Daily Post website by clicking here

Pictured above right at the factory in 2016, Graham Wheeler, founder of The Real Petfood Company, vowed earlier this year to find a long-term solution to eradicate odours from the building.

American retailing giant Petco has announced it will stop selling pet food and treats containing artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. After May 2019 customers will no longer find brands containing such ingredients on their shelves. More than 40 artificial ingredients are on its banned list.

The private San Diego-based company is rated No 100 in Forbes’ America’s Largest Private Company list with $4.2 billion in annual sales and operates 1,500 store locations in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Explaining the decision, which the company says could impact more than $100 million in annual sales, Petco said in a statement, “The move makes Petco the first national pet specialty retailer to take a stand against such ingredients, reaffirming the company’s commitment to being the lifelong, trusted partner – for pets and pet parents alike.”

While Petco expects to take a hit to the bottom line in the short term, its decision to stop carrying and selling such products is critical to the company’s broader mission.

“Throughout our 50-year history, what is best for the pet has been best for our business,” Ron Coughlin, Petco’s CEO, told Forbes magazine.

“We believe that by being a trusted advisor we can help our customers and lead them to healthier choices. We believe we can and should do it. Job number one is doing right by the pets and we believe the business will follow.”

The full Forbes story can be found on its website by clicking here

Leading online dog-sitting platform, DogBuddy.com, has today announced the winner of its nationwide Dog-friendly Pub Awards, as selected by the RSPCA, Snuffle Dog Beer, The Morning Advertiser, Your Dog Magazine and founder and CEO of DogBuddy, Richard Setterwall.

Now in their third year, the awards recognise the deserving pubs across the UK that truly embrace ‘paw power’ and welcome not just two, but four legged customers too.

Encouraging hound-lovers and pup parents up and down the UK to show some well-deserved appreciation of existing dog-friendly establishments, the Dog-friendly Pub Awards also promote dog-friendly values across all pubs nationwide, inspiring UK dog owners to discover and visit their local pubs.

Eilir and Charles Rogers from The Dog at Grundisburgh, in Suffolk were delighted with the news.

“We are very happy that so many other people think that we are as dog-friendly as we believe we are! We are incredibly touched by how many people voted for us.

"We have a lot of loyal customers who really support us; they wanted us to win as much as we did! It will also hopefully mean that more dog owners will know that there is a really dog-friendly place they can come where they will be made to feel very welcome by us, the staff and our regular customers.

"We see how happy people are when they are able to dine with their pooches. In our pub dogs are allowed to go anywhere their owners are allowed to go.

"There is nothing better than seeing people enjoying themselves whilst their dog has its nose in the doggie toy box or relaxing in front of the log burner. Happy dogs = happy owners.”

The Dog at Grundisburgh beat 11 other regional finalists – voted for by dog lovers across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – in this year’s nation-wide Dog-friendly Pub Awards. The full list of regional winners for the awards is as follows:

1. The Dog at Grundisburgh (East of England)
2. The Royal Oak (West Midlands)
3. The Keel Row (North East)
4. Hand in Hand (London)
5. The Halzephron Inn (South West)
6. The Bryntirion Inn (Wales)
7. The Maltings (North West)
8. The Lion at Basford (East Midlands)
9. Admiral's Arm Micropub (South East)
10. O'Hares Lounge Bars (Northern Ireland)
11. The Weston Tavern (Scotland)
12. Last Post (Yorkshire)

Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of DogBuddy, said: “For the third year running, DogBuddy – with the help of dog lovers up and down the country - has been searching for the best of the best when it comes to dog-friendly pubs, with The Dog at Grundisburgh, we’ve found just that.

"The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness, which we at DogBuddy.com value above all. The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate The Dog at Grundisburgh on their achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs."

OATA has joined forces with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Trading Standards team to provide new support and advice guidance for its members.

Three new guides have been produced for OATA members covering electrical goods, product safety and fair trading to help businesses show they are complying with the law and have done due diligence about the products they sell. 

If any OATA members are challenged by local authorities over any issues covered by the three guides then the new Primary Authority scheme can provide regulatory support, provided the businesses have followed the guidance.

Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee explained: “I’m delighted to be offering these three new Best Practice guides which are intended to help all OATA members by highlighting legal risks and the steps they need to take to avoid those risks.

“If they read the guides and follow the steps outlined in each they should ensure they are selling safe products and are trading fairly with their customers. The guides will prove particularly useful for any businesses which source products from aboard because all businesses need to show they have done ‘due diligence’ over any product or service they provide within their business.

“Ultimately, if they encounter problems they can demonstrate they have followed the advice in these guides. All Trading Standards departments have a graduated approach to enforcement and we would encourage our members to work closely with their local officers who can be a good source of helpful advice.”

The Product Safety and Electrical Goods guides will help retailers, wholesalers and importers who buy equipment from other companies (UK or abroad) and supply these to customers. The law expects businesses to use their professional judgment when choosing the products they sell to ensure they are safe and the OATA guide outlines the steps businesses need to follow to comply with the law.

The Fair Trading Guide will help all businesses and covers issues such as distance (online) selling, price displays and unfair trading practices.

To view the guides OATA members can log into the Members’ Area of the website. https://ornamentalfish.org/