PATS has smashed all records with the two-day show at Telford in Shropshire attracting its highest ever attendance figures since the event was launch in 2009.
A total of 2,332 retailers and buyers came through the doors of the Telford International Centre, which was 7% higher than the previous record set at PATS Telford last year.
The largest-ever PATS show, staged in three halls, closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a huge success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations.
As well as a record number of exhibitors – more than 260 in total – the New Product Showcase attracted the highest-ever entry of nearly 400.
Organiser Gordon Thomas said many of the companies exhibiting at PATS Telford were eager to point out the quality of people visiting their stands had been of the highest standard.
“Exhibitors told us they met with the key decision makers and buyers, and that was good to hear because we put in place measures that ensured the right people attended. Overall, the response to PATS Telford 2023 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show. We can’t wait to stage our first-ever three-day show next year.”
The overwhelming reaction from exhibitors was one of great delight.
Amy Spratt, brand manager of Coya Pet, commented: “We had a fantastic show. It was only our second time at PATS after launching at Sandown in March but our stand enjoyed visits from a huge number of current and potential trade customers. The event gave us the opportunity to have quality conversations with the audience and we couldn’t be happier. We can’t wait for next year, and we will be back bigger and better than ever.”
Sean Kelly, founding director of Petcon-UK, agreed that it had been a highly successful show, adding: “It was great to catch up with old friends, to make new ones and share the excitement around our brand and product developments.”
Gerard O’Mahony, managing director of Pedigree Wholesale, said: “We had a very busy PATS show, and it was great to round it off with no less than four PetQuip Awards.”
The Canagan Group also reported having a great show. Commercial director Charlie Williams commented: “We had a fantastic experience. PATS provides us with an excellent platform to connect with industry professionals, gain valuable market insights, and establish relationships, making it a truly successful and rewarding experience.”
Martin Breen, director of pet care at Group55, said: “We had a great PATS, our busiest ever. It was great to see so many visitors to our stand, both established customers and new buyers alike, and the enthusiasm for Animology really shone through. We launched a number of new product lines at the show, and these were particularly well received, with many orders placed. As always, it was a pleasure to catch up with our many friends across our unique industry, and we look forward to PATS 2024.”
And Rob Newsome, director sales and operations at Danish Design, added: “PATS Telford is the show not to be missed, we get busier every year without a doubt.”
The New Starter Zone proved to be a big hit with visitors, a fact backed up by exhibitor Furr Boost. The brand’s founder Louise Toal said: “We had a jammed packed stand for both days of the show. We met a lot of new customers who had either seen the product over social media and in the press or had received requests from their customers to stock the range.”
Visitors were attracted in their droves to the WHM Pet Group stand, which took on a ‘Birdie’ theme to signify the launch of new wild bird products. Brand manager Emily Scruton commented: “We like to have a bit of fun at the show and people keep returning to our stand every year just to see what the theme is. We love being part of this event.”
PATS Telford also got the thumbs up from visitors.
Jo Sutton, owner of Discount Feeds in Wetherby, crowned UK Pet Retailer of the Year at the PetQuip Awards, said: “This year was my seventh trip to PATS. It’s so important for us to keep up to date and stay relevant, and the event helps us to do that every year.”
Jo Milnes, Distinctive Pets in Yorkshire, commented: “I think the show is important to the industry as it gives people the chance to talk face to face. I loved the New Starter Zone.”
The final word was left to retail group petplace, which has a number of stores across North Wales. “It was great to visit PATS Telford again this year and meet with leading industry experts. We work closely with the brands we stock so it was great to catch up face to face and discuss how we can continue to strive towards our shared vision. It was fantastic to meet new suppliers to the trade and the quality of new products this year was incredible. We are so excited to see what's next.”
Date for the diary:
PATS Telford 2024 – Telford International Centre
Sunday, 29th September – Tuesday, 1st October 2024
