The quality of products being produced by UK manufacturers of pet food and accessories has never been better, and should give the industry confidence for the future, according to recruitment expert Lynda Ward. And with more high calibre people being retained by leading companies, 2014 could turn out to be a tremendous year for business...

What have been the successes of 2013? 

PATS has been a huge and well deserved success, bringing the trade together once more. A clutch of new independent pet stores opening is heartening, and finally, the quality of pet products has continued to increase – perhaps necessarily due to the public's more discerning approach in these cost-conscious times.

What are the challenges still facing the industry? 

This depends very much on one's perspective – for example, in the food sector, branded vs own-label will continue to be an issue.  Also in the food sector, ingredients availability will become an increasing problem with research on new ingredients a must.

What are the opportunities going forwards? 

The number one opportunity for manufacturers has to be export, and for retailers, they must be able to capitalise on social media to drive people into their shops.

What are the reasons for optimisim?  

New companies and new products coming into the trade and the fact that the pet trade still has people and companies with the will and ingenuity to stay successful even through difficult times.