In This Issue
800 apply for just 11 posts at new Pets at Home store in Falmouth
Lintbells wins GrowthAccelerator’s ‘The Market Mover' award
American pet-pampering craze arrives in East Grinstead
Sales people's confidentiality put at risk when applying for jobs
Impressive line-up of exhibitors at PATS Harrogate
Canny Company products now exclusive to Vital
Vets out in force during National Microchipping Month
UK's first 'Bring Your Dog To Work Day' set to help charities
Photo competition to find Britain's best office dog
New research claims dogs enjoy going on holiday as much as their owners
New packaging for Hollings products
Wimbledon champ Andy Murray rescues dog on way to tournament
The look of a real plant without the tricky maintenance
Forward funding for Aldi and Pets at Home warehouse
Dog owners face 'off-lead' fines
Pet owners warned about flea explosion
Fluval Ceramic Duck Stone makes a perfect decor piece
Pet Trade Xtra New Products Guide
BETA introduces breed specific nutrition
 
The UK’s Number 1* normal nutrition specialist brand is proud to announce the launch of the new BETA Breed Specific Range.
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800 apply for just 11 posts at new Pets at Home store in Falmouth


Over 800 people applied for just 11 jobs at a new Pets at Home store which opens in Falmouth on July 11...



Over 800 people applied for just 11 jobs at a new Pets at Home store which opens in Falmouth on July 11.

The company is investing more than £350,000 in the new store at Ponsharden Roundabout on Falmouth Road, and the purpose built unit has 5,000 sq ft of floor space.

Area manager, Tony Harvey, said they had found a strong team of 11 people out of the 800 who applied for the jobs.

“There was a strong demand from Falmouth pet owners for Pets at Home to come to town, and we’re very pleased to have been able to grant them their wish," he said.

“Pets at Home is committed to recruiting from the local area and I’m pleased we’ve found a team of talented individuals in Falmouth. They’re all extremely passionate about pets and can’t wait to get started.”

Applicants go through a number of stages to assess their compatibility for the role. Those recruited are given the option to gain specialist qualifications in pet care during their career with Pets at Home.

Store manager, Phillippa Haines, has been with Pets at Home for 18 months, having previously worked at the Liskeard branch.

Phillippa said: “It’s been a busy few months and now my team and I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.

The company, founded in 1991, has more than 370 sites across the UK employing more than 6,000 people , and it won The Sunday Times Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For 2013.

Pictured: An artist's impression of the new Pets at Home store in Falmouth.

Lintbells wins GrowthAccelerator’s ‘The Market Mover' award
Lintbell has won the 'Market Mover' category at GrowthAccelerator's The Brave & The Bold awards. The award was presented to Lintbells for successfully entering into a new market or sector in the UK within the past 18 months.

Picture shows: (left to right) GrowthAccelerator director John Hill, co-founder of Lintbells John Howie and awards host Natasha Kaplinsky.





Lintbells has won the 'Market Mover' category at GrowthAccelerator's The Brave & The Bold awards. The award was presented to Lintbells for successfully entering into a new market or sector in the UK within the past 18 months.

The veterinary nutriceuticals market has seen minimal growth for the past five years but Lintbells, based at Weston, Hertfordshire, is transforming the nutritional supplement sector, having redefined the business model to address product performance, price and customer perception.

John Davies, commercial director from Lintbells explains: “We knew if we entered a veterinary market we needed tangible independent evidence for our products. To make this a reality we invested heavily in clinical trials with the Royal Veterinary College to prove our joint supplement worked.

"Trials finished in early 2014 with a clinically proven result and a new marketing campaign has been developed to support this. We developed a new veterinary brand to segment the overall market and give the vets a product specifically for them."

Lintbells went on to develop a service programme to help veterinary practices to educate their clients on canine and feline joint management. This includes not only information about their products but all the areas to be considered around joint health and the care of older dogs and cats. The result of this multi approach marketing strategy has resulted in both their joint care supplement, YUMOVE, and skin supplement, YUMEGA Plus, becoming the fastest growing products in the sector.

Exclusively for GrowthAccelerator clients, the inaugural 'The Brave & The Bold' awards celebrated the successes of the country’s brightest and most ambitious businesses.  The ceremony was held on the evening of June 5 in London's Mayfair.

John Hill, Director, GrowthAccelerator saiod: “The standard of entries for The Brave & The Bold has been incredibly high and the shortlist competition was fierce.  Lintbells has been recognised for its hugely successful diversification into the veterinary sector, investing boldly in this market move to grow by 65% in the last year."

Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock, added:  "It is part of our long term economic plan to ensure Britain is the best place for small businesses to start up and scale up. Government backed services like GrowthAccelerator help to create the right environment for enterprise.

These awards celebrate the best of British businesses which are vital for our economy and I congratulate everyone for their exceptional successes over the past year." 

John Davies went on to say: “We would like to thank our growth manager Kirsten Masson from St John’s Innovation Centre in Cambridge for all the support provided to enable us to get this recognition. It’s not just an award; it’s a reflection of the great work that the team at St John’s provide to support SMEs across the region. Kirsten successfully matched us with our growth coach Judith Elliott who we thoroughly enjoyed working with. Judith has given us invaluable advice helping us on our journey and contributing to the success of Lintbells to date."

GrowthAccelerator is currently supporting over 15,000 high growth businesses in England in achieving their growth ambitious.

Find out more at www.growthaccelerator.com For more information about Lintbells visit www.lintbells.com

Picture shows: (left to right) GrowthAccelerator director John Hill, co-founder of Lintbells John Howie and awards host Natasha Kaplinsky.

American pet-pampering craze arrives in East Grinstead


A couple, who ran a pet-pampering business in Florida, are set to launch a similar venture called Rufus & Phoebe in the Sussex market town of East Grinstead...



A couple, who ran a pet-pampering business in Florida, are set to launch a similar venture called Rufus & Phoebe in the Sussex market town of East Grinstead.

The pet boutique, which will sell unique products like tweed jackets, strollers and birthday cakes, is set to open on July 4.

Owner Jeremy Mitchell is convinced there is a market for his niche products in the town.

“We’ll be offering unique dog-related products which you won’t see anywhere else, including pet supermarkets,” he said.

 "The strollers were originally designed for dogs which were sick or ill, and then gradually we had customers who were elderly and who wanted their pets with them at all times but couldn't walk them everywhere.

"Likewise we have dogs with sensitive stomachs who like our wheat-free pup cakes. It's no different to buying yourself organic food or treating yourself to something nice. As long as you allow a dog to be a dog and take them for walks, then there's nothing wrong with a bit of pampering."

Jeremy, 50, ran his own home improvement business before moving to Florida and into the pet-pampering market with his wife, Diane.

"As so many things do, it all started in America, but I think there is a real market for unique pet products over here," he said.

"We offer some of the usual pet store products like collars and beds, but I know people like to discover new things they haven't seen elsewhere. Some of it is influenced by celebrity culture, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it. Some people don't have children, so why not pamper your dog?"

The store will be open to the public from July 4, when people will be able to meet the stars of the store, Jeremy's beloved Brussels Griffon dogs Rufus, 9, and Phoebe, 6.

 
Lynda-Ward
Sales people's confidentiality put at risk when applying for jobs
Pet trade recruitment specialist Lynda Ward admits she is astounded by an increasing number of incidents in which a sales person's confidentiality is put at risk when applying for a new job...

Pet trade recruitment specialist Lynda Ward admits she is astounded by an increasing number of incidents in which a sales person's confidentiality is put at risk when applying for a new job.

“Confidentiality is key for candidates as well as clients,” says Lynda, owner of Pet Trade Solutions.

Lynda adds that a lack of confidentiality is high on the list of complaints she hears from people applying for jobs through ‘general’ recruitment agencies.

 "At Pet Trade Solutions we always fully brief potential candidates about the role, the employer and the benefits package and then obtain their agreement before sending their CV to our client," she says.

"It makes simple professional sense to me but I have been told many times that this is not the standard system used by general agencies, who frequently put CVs forward without telling the candidate even the name of the prospective employer.”

Another general recruitment practice which Lynda heartily disapproves of and says causes problems is that of sending CVs out ‘on spec’. 

“Knowing the pet industry as I do I am well aware how easily CV sent ‘on spec’ can come to the attention of a person’s current employer.”

Lynda adds: “I must say I’m particularly sorry for those people who tell me that they have been left ‘in limbo’ by unprofessional recruiters who submit them for jobs and then never contact them again – amazing! 

"Surely these people can imagine themselves in the place of the candidate and understand the frustration and disappointment of not knowing the outcome or why they’ve perhaps been rejected?  It’s a story that I’m being increasingly told and one, along with confidentiality problems, which I’m proud to say can never be told about Pet Trade Solutions.”

 Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com

Impressive line-up of exhibitors at PATS Harrogate
PATS-Harrogate102

Visitors to PATS Harrogate in September can expect a busy and exciting show as the organisers get ready to post the ‘Sold Out’ signs with still over three months to go before the two-day event opens its doors...

PATS-Harrogate102

Visitors to PATS Harrogate in September can expect a busy and exciting show as the organisers get ready to post the ‘Sold Out’ signs with still over three months to go before the two-day event opens its doors.

Having attracted an impressive list of 160 companies, three halls at Harrogate International Centre will be packed with exhibitors showcasing new products. And with only a handful of stands left available, it promises to be the biggest and best PATS show ever.

Show organiser Annie Dyke said: “I’m happy to report that all our major exhibitors are again heading for Harrogate and we will be welcoming an increasing number of overseas companies. They obviously regard PATS as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.”

Visitors can expect a warm welcome from companies like Beaphar, Burgess Pet Care, Mars Petcare , Scruffs, Eurostitch, Hills Pet Nutrition, the Company of Animals, Flexi, Nestle Purina, Liberta, Trixie, Wagg, Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved.

And as well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Sunday, September 14, and Monday, September 15. A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to unveil new products to retailers and overseas distributors.

Armitage Pet Care will be making its first PATS appearance at Harrogate, and product manager Louise Rix says: “The show will provide a unique and exciting opportunity for us to engage with our customers, both new and old.

It will be the perfect launch platform for a fantastic range of new and exciting products and display concepts. We will also be running special show offers and a competition on our stand.”

CoolBeans is a new company hoping to attract wholesale interest in its vibrant beanbags for pets. The company’s Leah Burman explains: “We decided to exhibit at PATS because the show had been widely recommended as the perfect place to showcase our CoolBeans products. We are also very excited to learn what's new in the industry."

Kent Pet Care is another company using PATS to introduce a new range of products into the industry. “We hope to successfully launch our luxury towels and cleaning mitts,” says Sam Mottershead. “We have seven products within the range, four of which will be in the new product showcase.”

The Harrogate exhibition will see the unveiling of a new self-cleaning fish tank from Leicestershire-based Noux Ltd, whose Susan Shelley says: “PATS is the largest and most exciting pet trade show in the country, and we’re looking forward to being able to meet our future customers, receive product feedback and hopefully get some pre-orders.”

Spotless Punch feels the show is ideal for supporting retailers and also a great place to explain the benefits of its product Get Off to visitors. “We hope to create brand awareness and use the opportunity to inform retailers of the recent Biocide application and implications at retail level for unregistered products,” explains product manager Tracy Clements.

Overseas exhibitors include Scholtus-Proline (the Netherlands), Petuky (Spain), Orbiloc ApS and Eldorado (both Denmark).

Last year’s PATS Harrogate attracted 1,969 visitors, which was an 8.6% increase on the 2012 show.

The exhibition will have the same layout as in 2013, using Harrogate Main visitor entrance in Hall M.

PATS Harrogate will also be full of popular visitor features, including the New Products Showcase and Awards, a full programme of free seminars, and the Grooming Workshop.

To register for your free entry to the show and to see a full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

 
Canny Company products now exclusive to Vital
The Canny Company, owners of the innovative Canny Collar and Canny Magloc dog products, has joined other leading brands in making Vital Pet Products their exclusive UK distributor into pet stores...



The Canny Company has joined other leading brands in making Vital Pet Products their exclusive UK distributor into pet stores.

The company, owners of the innovative Canny Collar and Canny Magloc dog products, decided on an exclusive strategy with Vital after being impressed with their commitment to independents and their support for pet product suppliers.

Canny Company Managing Director Sean McElherron was unequivocal about their decision and about the partnership forged with Bruce Steuart of Vital.

“I was impressed by Bruce’s passion for the pet trade, his vision for his own business and most importantly, the support he gives to the independents.

"In the last couple of years, I have felt that our own brand has been eroded by a small but influential group of online traders and this spurred us to gain greater control of our distribution channels. By teaming up with Vital, I feel we can both maintain the integrity of our brand whilst supporting our partners in the pet sector via a single distributor with the same ideals as ourselves.”

Since launching the Canny Collar in 2005, The Canny Company has become firmly established within the pet industry. Sean was voted ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce that same year and the Canny Collar awarded the ‘Best New Product Award’ the following year by the PPRA.

The product range now includes the Colossus for large breed dogs and the innovative Canny Magloc, their latest product which allows owners to quickly and easily connect their dog to a lead using only one hand.

The Canny Company will continue to supply a limited number of key customers directly, as well as other market channels such as veterinary and pet welfare.

For further information, on Canny products for your business, contact them on 01630 620462 or email: info@cannyco.com.   

Vets out in force during National Microchipping Month
Veterinary surgeons have been out in force across Britain to celebrate National Microchipping Month in June, urging pet owners to get their animals microchipped and registered...



BVA Welsh Branch President Rob Davies (left) with Ricci Morgan, owner of the Japanese Akita Inu puppies, at an event outside the Senedd.


Veterinary surgeons have been out in force across Britain to celebrate National Microchipping Month in June, urging pet owners to get their animals microchipped and registered.

Events were organised by the Kennel Club at the Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Scottish Parliament to promote the KC’s “Chip it, Check it” awareness campaign.

BVA and BSAVA vets met with Ministers, parliamentarians, and animal owners to promote microchipping and to talk about the importance of making sure contact details are up to date on the microchip database.

In Westminster BVA Past President Peter Jones met with Defra Minister Lord de Mauley and MPs; in Cardiff BVA Welsh Branch President Rob Davies met with Rural Affairs Minister Alun Davies and AMs; and in Edinburgh BVA Scottish Branch President Ronnie Soutar and BSAVA Vice President Tricia Colville met with Environment Secretary Paul Wheelhouse, Kenneth Gibson MSP, and other MSPs.

BVA and BSAVA are members of the Microchipping Alliance which is chaired by the Dogs Trust and has successfully campaigned for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs in England and Wales. The Scottish Government is currently reviewing a consultation on changing the law, and in Northern Ireland compulsory microchipping of dogs was introduced in April 2012.

Commenting, BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: “Microchipping is an essential part of responsible pet ownership as it provides a safe, effective and permanent way to reunite owners with their lost animals. But microchips are only as useful as the information held on the database so the Kennel Club’s ‘Chip it, Check it’ campaign is a great way to highlight the importance of keeping your details up to date.

“We’re pleased to see how engaged parliamentarians across Great Britain have been in supporting this campaign and we hope veterinary practices up and down the country are using National Microchipping Month to let their clients know about the benefits of microchipping.”

BSAVA Vice President Tricia Colville said: “The British Small Animal Association has always been an advocate of microchipping as the most effective way to permanently identify an animal, provided owners keep their details are up-to-date on the registration database.

“Everyone’s lives are so busy, and BSAVA wanted to help remind pet owners of the importance of keeping their pet’s chip details current. So we were delighted to join with MPs, the BVA and the Kennel Club to launch the ‘Chip it, Check it’ campaign, which will hopefully encourage more people to do just that – it will take a lot of stress away from pets, their owners, and their vets.”

For more information visit www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk

Pictured top: BVA Welsh Branch President Rob Davies (left) with Ricci Morgan, owner of the Japanese Akita Inu puppies, at the event outside the Senedd.

Above: 
BVA Past President Peter Jones (left) and Defra Minister Lord de Mauley at the event in Westminster.

Below: Kenneth Gibson MSP, BVA Scottish Branch President Ronnie Soutar, BSAVA Vice President Tricia Colville, Environment Secretary Paul Wheelhouse MSP, at the event in Holyrood.


UK's first 'Bring Your Dog To Work Day' set to help charities


Pet companies Butch & Bess and LoveSniffys are behind nationwide initiative that would enable employees to take their dogs to work. The fundraising event – Bring Your Dog To Work Day – is being held tomorrow (Friday)...



The phrase ‘working like a dog’ is often associated with long-hours at the office, fuelled by several cups of hot coffee. But that phrase may adopt a new meaning this summer, as employee well-being takes centre stage in the UK’s first Bring Your Dog To Work Day.

Taking place tomorrow (Friday), businesses from across the UK will welcome their dog-loving employees into the workplace, along with their loyal four-legged companions.

Both businesses and individuals can make online donations of £50 and £2 respectively to participate, with all proceeds being split between All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia and Pup Aid - three organisations that make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.

“Many scientific studies have shown that the presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace and be beneficial to a person’s well being,” says Jo Amit (pictured left), co-founder of natural grooming product company Butch & Bess, one of two pet industry businesses behind the initiative.

“But what really inspired Bring Your Dog To Work Day was my own experience of taking my labradoodle Laila into the office. She was such a calming influence whilst developing our first range of products. It even made me ask our building manager if I could bring her in on a regular basis, but he declined and sent Laila packing with her bed, treats and water bowl!

“So we thought an annual Bring Your Dog To Work Day would be an excellent way to highlight the role dogs can play in creating a productive work environment, while raising money for three organisations that champion the rights of animals. And if you already take your dog to work, even better!”

Businesses can participate in the day by becoming an official sponsor. In return for a minimum donation of £50, a company logo and website link will be displayed on Bring Your Dog to Work Day’s homepage.

Providing there is employer permission, individuals can also bring their dogs to work. For a minimum donation of £2, an individual can submit a picture of their dog to be published on the official website’s gallery entitled the ‘Dog With A Job Hall of Fame’, along with a description of the dog’s work duties for the day.

“We’re absolutely certain that Bring Your Dog To Work Day participants will create a new kind of Friday feeling in the company of man’s best friend,” explains Leean Young (right), director of healthy dog treat company LoveSniffys, who also helped organise the event.   

“The amount of interest we’ve seen from businesses across the country has blown us away, so we’re really hopeful of raising some significant funds for the three animal organisations we’re working with.”

The animal organisations that stand to benefit from Bring Your Dog To Work Day were chosen because of their noticeable work for protecting and promoting the welfare of vulnerable animals.

For instance, All Dogs Matter rescues and re-homes more than 300 dogs a year in London, Norfolk and the surrounding areas. The dogs in they care for are usually homeless, or come from local dog pounds. A mixture of foster homes and kennel spaces are used to take care of the dogs.

International charity Animals Asia is devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming, as well as improving the welfare of dogs and cats in China and Vietnam.

Pup Aid is an organisation that aims to end the practice of puppy farming in the UK. Last year it launched an e-petition to help ban the sale of young puppies and kittens. Over 100,000 people provided signatures and the topic is guaranteed debate in parliament.

Please visit bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk for further information on how to donate and participate.

Photo competition to find Britain's best office dog


Online pet retailer Muddy Paws is offering its customers the chance to win a £100 voucher if they send in a picture of themselves and their dogs in an office environment...



Online pet retailer Muddy Paws is offering its customers the chance to win a £100 voucher if they send in a picture of themselves and their dogs in an office environment.

This year's 'Take Your Dog To Work Day' takes place across the UK tomorrow (Friday).

"In support of this year's event here at Muddy Paws we would love to see photos of your four-legged friend at work with you," said Rupert Brown.

"We are looking for all our customers to share with us their photos and tell us why their dog deserves to be crowned this year's champion.

"We are running this promotion through our Facebook Page - all you need to do is follow this link and then upload your photo and start sharing with your friends and get them to vote - very simply, the dog with the most votes wins.

"The only terms and conditions for this competition are that the dog is seen to be in an office environment please."

New research claims dogs enjoy going on holiday as much as their owners
British researchers suggest that dogs may enjoy spending a short time in a kennel in a similar way that people enjoy their holidays abroad. Their study contradicts previous research which suggests dogs experience acute stress following admission to kennels, and chronic stress in response to long-term kennelling...

British researchers suggest that dogs may enjoy spending a short time in a kennel in a similar way that people enjoy their holidays abroad.

Their study contradicts previous research which suggests dogs experience acute stress following admission to kennels, and chronic stress in response to long-term kennelling.

The study, published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour, measured a range of stress symptoms in 29 privately-owned dogs - both at home and in private boarding kennels.

Physical measurements included skin dryness, nose temperature, core body temperature and amount of food eaten.

Researchers also looked at spontaneous behaviours such as lip licking, paw lifting, yawning, shaking and restlessness.

Physiological measures included measuring stress hormones, corticosteroids, and adrenaline.

The research revealed that dogs have higher levels of arousal, colder noses and were generally more active in kennels than when they were at home.

The latest study included researchers from the University of Lincoln, University of Birmingham, Queen’s University Belfast and the Royal Veterinary College.

Dr Lisa Collins, from the School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK, said: "Many owners find leaving their dog at a boarding kennels a stressful experience.

"However, this study suggests that although dogs appeared to have a higher level of overall arousal or excitement in kennels compared with their state at home, this arousal is not necessarily due to dogs experiencing kennels as negatively stressful.

"The emotional reasons for the behavioural and physiological responses of the dogs were ambiguous and no definitive evidence was found to suggest that dogs were negatively stressed by kennelling.

"Findings appear to suggest that the dogs in this study did not perceive admission to boarding kennels as an aversive stressor and perhaps, instead, perceived kennelling as an exciting change of scene, at least in the short-term."

 
New packaging for Hollings products
Dog treat specialist Hollings is converting the packaging of its products to a new design, and over a half of the range has been changed already...


Dog treat specialist Hollings is converting the packaging of its products to a new design, and over a half of the range has been changed already...

"The new packaging working its way through the range," said sales and marketing direct Emma Hollings.

"We have now over half of the packaging changed to our new design. With a range of over 100 lines of prepacked treats alone the new packaging has taken a lot of planning, time and investment but we are very proud of the end result."

For more information of the Hollings treat range visit www.hollings.uk.com



Meanwhile, Hollings has release details of a new addition to its range of fish treats for dogs – Fish Sticks (three in a packet).

Fish Sticks are low in fat, use 100% fresh fish, are 100% natural, healthy and nutritious. They have no additives or preservatives.

All the fish products are sourced responsibly from EU waters and manufactured in the UK.  Fish rich diets can help with skin and coat condition, joint mobility and digestion and gut health.

The treats are available from Bestpets, Vital Pet products, Pedigree Wholesale, Trust Products & Armstrong Richardson.

For any further information contact info@hollings.uk.com

 

Wimbledon champ Andy Murray rescues dog on way to tournament
Andy Murray's mother has described the moment the Wimbledon champion leapt to the rescue of a dog while en route to the tournament...

Andy Murray's mother has described the moment the Wimbledon champion leapt to the rescue of a dog while en route to the tournament.

The tennis ace stopped traffic as he saw the labradoodle running towards oncoming cars at the weekend then returned it to its startled owner.

Speaking at Wimbledon on Wednesday as her son prepared for his next match, Judy Murray said her reaction was: “What you doing? You’re on the way to Wimbledon and you’re going to get run over.”

She said the dog’s owner was shocked to see who had saved her pet.

“Andy was sitting in the car and she just went, ‘Oh my God’.”

 
The look of a real plant without the tricky maintenance
The new Fluval Decorative Plants are very lifelike that require minimal maintenance compared to real aquarium plants...


The new Fluval Decorative Plants are very lifelike that require minimal maintenance compared to real aquarium plants.

Available in 12 different plant varieties, the range makes an ideal choice to add a touch of colour and beauty to a planted tank. Sizes range from 17cm to 40cm, catering for all tank sizes and fish species.

Key features of the range include:

  • Natural-looking colours will not fade
  • Provides charming decorative touch
  • Long-lasting & maintenance-free

Fluval plants are simple to install providing a practical solution to creating a realistic natural aquarium environment without the tricky maintenance of live plants.

For more information contact Rolf C. Hagen (UK) Ltd on 01977 556622 or visit www.hagen.com

Forward funding for Aldi and Pets at Home warehouse
A warehouse scheme in North Somerset, which is earmarked for retail giants Aldi and Pets at Home, has been forward funded by the Mayfair Capital Property Unit Trust...

A warehouse scheme in North Somerset, which is earmarked for retail giants Aldi and Pets at Home, has been forward funded by the Mayfair Capital Property Unit Trust.

The trust announced its intention to forward fund the 22,000 sq ft Clevedon project, which is being developed by a joint venture between McLaren Property and Life Property. The development has been pre-let to Aldi Stores and Pets at Home, providing a net initial yield of 6.1 per cent.

At the same time, the trust agreed to buy a 24,500 sq ft office at Amersham in Buckinghamshire for £5m and a 14,850 sq ft office at Maidenhead in Berkshire for £5.2m.

Robert Palmer, chief investment officer at Mayfair Capital, said: "These purchases offer the fund further diversification providing it with exposure to the strong South East office market and a very prominent retail warehouse scheme, which all offer strong rental growth prospects and an attractive yield."

The Mayfair Capital Property Unit Trust is a fund managed by Schroder Property (Jersey) with Mayfair Capital as its property adviser.

 
Dog owners face 'off-lead' fines
Dog owners in Bedfordshire could be fined £80 for failing to keep their pets on leads in certain areas, says the local council...

Dog owners in Bedfordshire could be fined £80 for failing to keep their pets on leads in certain areas, says the local council.

Conservative-led Central Bedfordshire Council is also considering banning dogs from some places.

The Kennel Club said it would only support the new rules if they were applied fairly and consistently.

The council, which proposes dog bans in enclosed children's play areas and multi-use game sites. said it needed to make existing rules clearer.

Councillor Budge Wells said: "We want to clear all this up so people have the right to exercise their dogs in a proper and responsible way.

"For people who don't want to have dogs near them, there are areas - such as playgrounds - where dogs will not approach them or their children."

Under the proposals, dogs will have to be on a 6.5ft (2m) lead in designated open areas including Dunstable Downs, Sharpenhoe Clappers, Totternhoe Knolls picnic site, Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and Rushmere Country Park.

 
Pet owners warned about flea explosion
Scientists from the British Pest Control Association are predicting an ‘explosion’ of flea activity in UK homes over the next few weeks, as the temperature and humidity rates are set to reach the ideal climate for fleas to awaken and breed...

Scientists from the British Pest Control Association are predicting an ‘explosion’ of flea activity in UK homes over the next few weeks, as the temperature and humidity rates are set to reach the ideal climate for fleas to awaken and breed.

A mild winter has seen the flea population swell, which means that infestations are seen on a larger scale than before.

Homes with pets that either have fleas, or have not been treated as a precaution, are the most at risk.

"Pet owners should be warned that these overwintered parasites may spring out of their dormant state during the warmer temperatures in July," said Richard Moseley of the British Pest Control Association.

"Milder winter temperatures have seen flea populations rise over recent years, meaning that the risk of infestation will only increase in the warmer months. 

"They can thrive in our soft furnishings and carpets as larvae and eggs and have the potential to remain dormant as pupae for a long time. It just takes a few fleas left unchecked to turn into a full blown flea infestation,’ he warned.

Famed primarily for their itchy bites, fleas can transmit diseases, some of which can affect humans. Pets and owners can suffer severe allergic reactions to flea saliva, resulting in dermatitis, too.

Infestations of the parasite may become an annual event due to wetter summers and milder winters.

"Once a home is infested, it can be difficult to treat and a quick vacuum won’t eradicate the problem," Moseley added.

"All carpets, furnishings and pet bedding will need to be thoroughly treated and it is vital to ensure that all pets are treated with an effective product - ideally one which will protect both home and pet."

 
Fluval Ceramic Duck Stone makes a perfect decor piece
The Fluval Ceramic Duck Stone is perfect for use as a decor piece or air diffuser as the hollow body design is capable of housing a round or oval air stone.

The Fluval Ceramic Duck Stone is perfect for use as a decor piece or air diffuser as the hollow body design is capable of housing a round or oval air stone.  

The Duck stone is available in a choice of either white, for a more subtle look, or blue in order make more of a statement and would perfectly suit a stylish aquarium setup.

Key features of the range include:

  • Available in White and Blue
  • Two sizes to choose from (Small L10 x W8.5 x H5.9cm, Large L13 x W11 x H8.1cm)

For more information contact Rolf C. Hagen (UK) Ltd on 01977 556622 or visit  www.hagen.com

 
BETA introduces breed specific nutrition
The UK’s Number 1* normal nutrition specialist brand is proud to announce the launch of the new BETA Breed Specific Range.



The UK’s Number 1* normal nutrition specialist brand is proud to announce the launch of the new BETA Breed Specific Range.  As dog breed groups have similar characteristics and needs, BETA Breed Specific products offer high quality and Complete Dry Dog nutrition tailored for the 4 most popular breed families – Spaniels, Shepherds and Setters, Terriers and Retrievers.

The Advanced Nutrition category is currently the only segment of the market offering tailored nutrition for a variety of different breed types.  Pet owners believe their dogs are special and those shopping for Normal Nutrition brands in the Specialist channel are likely to be looking for tailored, quality nutrition too.  PURINA, with its 85 years of expertise in dog nutrition and behaviour has carefully developed the Breed Group Specific range offering tailored nutrition for specific breed groups.

It is important for consumers to understand how each recipe is tailored to the individual needs of the different breed types and the new pack format allows simple communication of the benefits for each breed.  There is also a strong visual link on front of pack to the breeds they are developed for and the imagery used.

Here is a summary of how each recipe has been specifically formulated for each breed type:

  • Spaniels are lively by nature which means they need a food that will sustain their energy needs throughout the day.  BETA Spaniels is specially formulated with high levels of protein and fat to help them maintain their extremely active nature and vitality for life.  Also suitable for hunting dogs.
  • Shepherds and Setters are natural born explorers but they can be more prone to sensitive digestion.  BETA Shepherds and Setters is specially formulated with ingredients that are easy on dog’s intestines and contains all the right nutrients to help keep muscle mass in peak condition.
  • Terriers are always on the lookout for adventure and love a good run around in the hope of finding it.  BETA Terriers formula is a balanced mix of nutrients designed to replenish energy, help maintain muscle mass and help keep bones strong and healthy.
  • Retrievers love playtime – and they also love mealtimes.  BETA Retrievers is a specially balanced formula with all the nutrients needed for a healthy, active life but with reduced fat levels compared with BETA Adult to help keep optimal body condition.

For more information please contact your PURINA Business Development Manager or visit www.purina-beta.co.uk

*Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

*IRI value share – Total pet specialist w/e 9th Nov 2013 (excluding PAH)

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