Award-winning product, Pawsecco Wine For Dogs and Cats from Woof & Brew, has been a massive hit with pet owners this year, and is now set to become a Christmas bestseller.

Pawsecco, which won a New Product Award at PATS Sandown in March, is a big talking point on social media with owners tweeting about the popularity of the product.

And Pawsecco, and its fellow Wood & Brew product Bottom Sniffer beer for dogs, appeared on this week's The Apprentice on prime-time BBC1.

Steve Bennett, co-founder of Woof & Brew, told Pet Trade Xtra, the company was delighted with the response to Pawsecco, and its sales performance had exceeded expectations.

“We will have dispatched more than 250,000 bottles in the build up to Christmas,” said Steve.

So who came up with the branding for the product, especially the name?

“My business partner Lisa Morton is the brains behind the name and the branding,” added Steve.

Sales of Pawsecco, which is available in White and Rosé, are now running neck and neck with the Woof & Brew’s other big seller - Bottom Sniffer. The company is producing a special Valentine's pack, which is Pawsecco and Truffles.

So what’s next on the Woof & Brew hit list? “We have some very exciting new products coming out in January - watch this space,” said Steve.

Here are some tweets that caught our eye…

News that Pets at Home had opened a store within a Tesco Extra in Durham raised concerns among independent retailers that it could be the first of many throughout the country. But Pet Trade Xtra has learned that the pet retailer will evaluate the performance of the Durham trial before launching similar stores elsewhere in the UK.

Pet Trade Xtra reported last week that independent pet shops were concerned that products that had never appeared in Tesco were now on the shelves inside the supermarket.

“This is a worry for pet shops which have relied on lines not in the supermarket to draw customer into their shops,” said a retailer in the North-East.

According to Pets at Home, all staff at the new store receive extensive training on pet care and pet knowledge which is endorsed by City & Guilds, providing a stamp of approval that demonstrates the value of its training. Colleagues at the Durham store are dedicated to providing the highest levels of customer service, and are trained to offer great pet care tips and product knowledge.

The store includes a pet pharmacy, which will provide a large range of health care products including supplements, first aid, dental care and flea and worms treatments.

The new store opening hours are 8am-10pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Pets at Home has unveiled its online Christmas advert. The festive advert sees pets, who all belong to staff members, up to mischief in a store overnight.

The advert, shot in Trafford, Manchester, features seven dogs, three guinea pigs, a cat and a hamster.

Scott Jefferson, Pets at Home marketing director, said: “I know the pets featured, their owners and the film crew had a fantastic time filming the advert. The pets involved were absolute naturals in front of the cameras and they all received an early Christmas present for their superb acting.” 

You can view the Pets at Home Christmas Advert here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh0F-9ocwtI

Natures Menu has officially opened the doors of its new multimillion pound factory in Snetterton, Norfolk. Over 200 staff are now employed at state of the art facility.

The company, previously based in Watton, has invested over £12.5million in the 11,000 sqm factory and is currently the largest investment in raw pet food production in Europe.

The factory, which has been two years in the making, has been built to create further capacity for Natures Menu’s existing portfolio as well as the operational capability to deliver new and innovative products with Natures Menu’s new brand, True Instinct, due to launch to consumers in 2018.

Built, designed and kitted out by firms across East Anglia, the development of the factory has made the most of local expertise. Ipswich-based SEH French worked on the construction of the building, Wisbech Electrical managed the electrical set up and Starfrost Refrigeration from Lowestoft provided the refrigeration and freezing technology.

The opening of the factory also follows Natures Menu’s most successful year to date, with a sales increase of almost 20 per cent to £30.5million in the year to March 31 2017.

Natures Menu’s new brand, True Instinct, will also see the company venture into the dry nutrition category for the first time, following a £2.8million investment in freeze-dried technology.  Its aim is to raise the bar in the category, offering a premium product which is unique and innovative above all other products in the market.

Craig Taylor, Managing Director and Owner of Natures Menu, said: “We’re delighted to have opened our doors to the new factory – all of our staff are now successfully relocated into the new offices and our production is well underway on the factory floor. This is an exciting move in our 35-year history and with further investment into new technology and product development we expect to go from strength to strength in the coming years.

“Demand for natural and wholesome food for pets is on the rise and the UK is the largest pet food market in Europe with pet food sales exceeding £2.6billion, with the natural pet food market being the leading growth sector. We estimate that the market is growing by 15 per cent year on year so it really is a vital time for us, to invest and satisfy demand for better quality natural foods for the dogs and cats we love."

Simon Girling, Managing Director from SEH French, one of East Anglia’s leading construction firms, said: “This project represents a truly collaborative effort. Throughout the construction phase we worked closely with Natures Menu, the designers and the supply chain to develop an impressive state-of-the-art facility which could be handed over and commissioned swiftly, ensuring a smooth transition from the old premises and minimising production downtime.”

For more than three decades, Natures Menu has been creating 100% real, wholesome food for pets that's packed full of naturally nourishing ingredients.

Natures Menu raw dog and cat food is made from prime meat cuts and fish, blended vegetables, fruits, brown rice and botanicals in most recipes, and it prides itself on its use of local British suppliers as its raw material source wherever possible.

Developed with their own team of vets and produced to the highest standard, its selection of raw and raw inspired meals spans a wide selection of raw meaty chews to natural treats, cans and pouches, aims to satisfy the nutritional needs of pets and provide them with a healthy diet that's packed full of pure, natural goodness.

For more information on Natures Menu visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk

Bestpets attended the trade show that ran alongside the British Dog Grooming Championships, which took place at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre recently.

Organised by Alan Hippsley, general manager of Bestpets in Exeter, the company’s stand was bustling with activity all day with professional dog groomers buying products and finding out about the help and support Bestpets can offer a business.

‘We had a very successful day and we’ve made lots of new contacts,” said Alan.

“Bestpets will certainly be returning next year. Everyone at Bestpets would like to say well done to all competitors and give a big congratulations to all winners at this year’s British Dog Grooming Championships."

As well as a fully stocked stand offering professional dog groomers everything from clippers to tables, visitors could enter a prize draw to win:

Andis AGR+ Cordless Clipper (first prize worth £199.00 – ex VAT), Wahl Clipper Kit KM10 (second prize worth £153.99– ex VAT), and Andis AGC Super 2 Speed Clipper (third prize worth £119.99(ex VAT).

The lucky winners were chosen by Bestway Wholesale’s managing director, Martin Race.

With over 500 products listed from the leading brands, Bestpets have everything the professional dog groomer needs to run and grow a successful pet business. Professional dog groomers can find out more by contacting their local depot or Regional Sales Development Manager.

All contact details can be found on the Bestpets website www.best-pets.co.uk

Pure Pet Food, the West Yorkshire based company well known for making human grade dog food, has now launched an innovative range of freeze-dried, complete food for cats.

Pure’s new recipes include ‘Surf & Turf’ and ‘Whisker Lickin’ Chicken’, which both contain 85% meat and fish, mixed with other wholesome and nutritious ingredients such as egg, carrot, spinach, salmon oil and coconut oil, with absolutely no added preservatives or any nasty ingredients such as cereal or animal derivatives.

To serve owners simply add warm water before allowing one to two minutes for the natural freeze-dried ingredients to rehydrate.

“We wanted to create a complete cat food that not only contained the very best quality human grade ingredients, but also offered a low processed alternative to traditional tinned or dry cat food,” said Pure co-founder Mat Cockroft.

Innovative freeze dry technology allows Pure to preserve their ingredients with zero exposure to high temperature and pressure, with zero preservatives. Freeze dried recipes present a convenient way to provide your cat with the goodness of a raw food diet without the prep and with no need to store in a freezer.

“The pet food industry is largely based around using ingredients not fit for human consumption, processing them heavily and then displaying them in natural packaging to sell to an end consumer,” added fellow Pure co-founder Daniel Valdur Eha.

“However, cats are carnivores and we believe they thrive on real, minimally processed food, exactly the same as dogs do, which is why we decided to create equally healthy recipes for our feline friends.”

Mat and Dan say they have never been able to understand why despite the growing interest in healthy eating, pet owners often still feed their animals a highly processed and unnatural diet.

“We are inundated with success stories from owners whose pets suffer with a range of ailments such as sensitive stomachs, itchy skin and fussy eaters,” said Mat.

“So, after almost a year of research and development from the team and a large number of four-legged taste testers, we are excited to launch our new innovative range and see the same, fantastic results in cats.”

Readers can take advantage of Pure’s introductory offer and use the coupon code “CAT” to get 10% off your first order. Simply add the coupon code when checking out at www.purepetfood.co.uk

The company has also produced an accompanying video which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu1X5fI14qE

Beaphar is encouraging pet owners to make their #JointResolution this winter, inspiring them to look after their pets’ joints in the same way they look after their own.

It is not uncommon for a person to take supplements to support their own joint health throughout their lives, and the same can be achieved for pets using the Beaphar Joint Care Range, which is one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market.

The Beaphar Joint Care Range provides joint care products for cats and dogs of all ages, breeds and abilities, not just those who are older or less active.

The high-quality ingredients, which include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Green Lipped Mussel and Hyaluronic acid, are also used in human joint healthcare products and are key components for optimum joint health.

Each Beaphar Joint Care product is made using a delicious recipe so it easy for an owner to add daily joint care to their pet’s routine.

This year our joint campaign also sees the introduction of exciting, new point of sale material to capture attention instore, including an eye-catching pop-up with engaging consumer leaflets and posters, which are sure to help lift products off the shelves.

Accompanying the instore marketing support, Beaphar are also launching comprehensive consumer campaign - #JointResolution. This will be rolled out across Beaphar’s social media platforms from the 1st November.

While pet owners often make resolutions to take better care of themselves, Beaphar want to encourage them to extend that support to their pets, and in particular their pets’ joints, by making a #JointResolution for the New Year.

Whether they have a feline companion, a puppy beginning their training or a canine workout buddy, the Beaphar Joint Care Range has a product to support every stage of their pet’s joint lifecycle.

Alongside this, Beaphar will soon be adding a Joint Care module to their professional online training programme. Retailers can access the training platform via the Trade Zone on beaphar.co.uk, where they can study the module and then take a test.

For more information on the Joint Care Range, in-store marketing support and the training available, contact your local Sales Executive or the Customer Service Team by phone on 03330 066236 or by email at info@uk.beaphar.com.

Ceva Animal Health has launched a FELIWAY and ADAPTIL Christmas marketing pack to help highlight festive stress factors amongst pet owners, focusing on the difference between how owners and pets perceive festivities.

The marketing pack features an eye-catching poster, leaflet and a counter top display to highlight the stress factors facing pets and provide pet owners with an overview of how FELIWAY and ADAPTIL can help pets cope with challenging situations. 

Ceva will also be running a competition offering pet owners the opportunity to win £150 of John Lewis vouchers in a prize draw to get 2018 off with a bang. To enter, simply email cevauk@ceva.com with the subject ‘Stress Free Christmas’ with your name and contact number. The competition closes on 24 December 2017 and the winner will be contacted by phone in January 2018.

Claire Russell, brand manager of FELIWAY and ADAPTIL at Ceva Animal Health, comments: “Big family gatherings, noisy toys and being home alone more often are just some of the stressful situations that pets can find themselves in during the festive period.  Our new FELIWAY and ADAPTIL marketing pack will help highlight these stress factors amongst pet owners and raise awareness of how FELIWAY and ADAPTIL can help support their pets.”

To request a copy of the FELIWAY and ADAPTIL Christmas marketing pack, please contact your Ceva Animal Health account manager, email cevauk@ceva.com or contact customer services on 01494 781510.

IAMS Proactive Health embarked on a trialling campaign to find out what cats and their owners really thought about the food. The results showed that of the 2,000 cat owners involved, 95% would happily recommend the brand to a fellow pet parent, and nine out of 10 said their cats liked or loved IAMS.

IAMS Proactive Health for cats combines chicken and turkey as its main ingredients, while providing great value for money with 47% more animal proteins than the top two leading brands to ensure a healthy, active life for cats.

Available in kitten, adult and senior varieties, IAMS Proactive Health provides tailored nutrition so owners can feel confident that they’re catering to their cat’s nutritional needs while delivering great taste.

There’s nothing greater for owners than seeing their cat looking healthy and enjoying life, which is why IAMS Proactive Health helps to promote strong muscles, healthy skin and a shiny coat through its premium ingredients.

Of the 2,000 cat owners involved in an IAMS trial campaign, 95% would happily recommend the brand to a fellow pet parent. With nine out of ten saying their cats liked or loved IAMS, the Proactive Health range offers pets a fresh and tasty diet allowing them to benefit from high-quality ingredients.

Giuliano Buccino, IAMS Head of Marketing, comments: “We’re thrilled by the initial results of our trialling campaign.

“At IAMS, we know what’s important to pet owners, which is why we are passionate about creating superior diets that not only provide cats with everything they need to be happy but are also mouth-wateringly tasty, allowing them to fully benefit from the high-quality ingredients.

“It’s because of this, why 95% of cat owners who feed their pet IAMS Proactive Health would happily recommend it to a fellow owner and why over three quarters would choose IAMS Proactive Health over the market leading brand.

For more information about IAMS please visit www.iams.co.uk or search IAMS UK on Facebook or Instagram.

The aquatic industry trade body has welcomed three new directors to its Board, following its annual general meeting held in November.

Caroline Everett of Anglo Aquatic Plants, Dr Donna Snellgrove of Mars Petcare and Simon Strode of Tetra will now attend board meetings. 

The vacancies were created when the trade association said goodbye to three directors – Jane Flaherty of JMC Aquatics, Richard Hale of Berry Ring Aquatics, and Andy Stagg of NT Labs – who have all stood down over the past year. 

OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee said: “We were sad to say goodbye to so many stalwarts of the board. Between them they have given many years of voluntary service to our board for which we are very grateful. But it’s an opportunity to welcome fresh faces to the board and we’re sure this new trio will bring new ideas and perspectives to the table.”

Ruth Low of Gordon Low Products Ltd continues as Chair with Kevin Rose of Lynchford Aquatics as Vice Chair. The board also welcomed Richard Maude from Pedigree Wholesale Ltd and Peter Smith from Aquasense (UK) Ltd as ‘New Blood’. This system gives interested OATA members the opportunity to sit in on board meetings with a view to putting themselves forward as potential Directors in the future.

OATA’s Board of Directors is made up of 18 people who represent the whole of the industry, from wholesalers and manufacturers to importers, pond and aquarium consultants and retailers. 

The complete OATA Board of Directors is now made up of:

• James Allison, Aquapic Solutions 
• Kevin Barton, ALF (Aquatic Distributors) Ltd
• Pete Carey, Pets at Home
• Robert Edgecock, Independent Aquatic Imports Ltd
• Mark Evenden, Devotedly Discus Ltd
• Caroline Everett, Anglo Aquatic Plants Co Ltd
• Neil Hardy, Neil Hardy Aquatica Ltd
• Simon Langdale, Maidenhead Aquatics
• Philip Lawton, Kidsgrove Tropicals
• Ruth Low, Gordon Low Products Ltd
• David Pool, FishScience
• Kevin Rose, Lynchford Aquatics Ltd
• Dr Donna Snellgrove, Mars Petcare
• Matt Stevenson, Seneye
• Simon Strode, Spectrum Brands Tetra
• Paul West, Tropical Marine Centre
• Ben Windeatt, Pets Choice
• Mark Winter, Aqua Pacific UK Ltd

Members interested in finding out more about how OATA’s Board works can put themselves as New Blood. If you want to know more about this then ring OATA on 01373 301353.

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For All DogKind has been awarded Ethical Accreditation by ethical company organisation, The Good Shopping Guide.

On the organisation’s website it states: “For All DogKind is a brand of award-wining natural grooming products. Using healthy and healing essential oils and extracts, their products include a range of shampoos and a daily freshener scent spray for smelly skin and coats. For All DogKind products are free from chemicals including sulphates, parabens and petrochemicals. Products are also made locally in the UK.”

For more information visit www.thegoodshoppingguide.com

Tails are wagging across the UK as Spud is crowned ADT’s first-ever Pet Detective, after a nationwide recruitment drive.

Recent research revealed that over half (52%) of pet owners admit that their pet has been caught red-pawed, pilfering everything from underwear to cash. Costing the nation a whopping £305 million, man’s best friend can no longer be trusted.

So, to stop the swiping, the security experts at ADT enlisted Instagram superdog and reformed robber, Pumba the Chow Chow, (@ThingsOnPumba) to create and fill the newest position on the product innovation team – the Pet Detective. The candidate needed to have experience looting possessions and evading capture – after all, it takes a pilferer to know a pilferer!

Pumba’s full criteria included:

• Track record of being light-pawed
• Highly intelligent – comes up with ingenious ways to pilfer possessions
• Intrepid explorer – capable of venturing far and wide to find every nook and cranny
• Experienced at evading capture
• Full bag of swag

Top dog was Spud, the boxer from Thornton Cleveleys near Blackpool. With a track record of stealing everything from socks to ties, Spud is ready to put his bandit days behind him and help ADT catch other pet-ty criminals. Ever the master of disguise, Spud has even been caught red-pawed wearing an unconvincing wig and blazer, attempting to sneak off with his ill-gotten gains.

It seems the UK is full of pinching pets, as the role received over 150 applications, with filching felines, light-hooved horses and bird burglars all vying for the prize.

Lee Jasper, from ADT said: “As specialists in home security, we’re excited to expand our expertise to include pet thievery and Spud is just the dog to lead the way. As soon as we saw Spud’s application for the role, we knew he was the top dog for the job. His insider knowledge and understanding of how pets evade capture – and what they will target to add to their hoard – will help us learn about the security weak spots that the UK’s pets exploit.”

Diane, the owner of Spud said: “When we saw the job advertised, we knew that we had to enter Spud. He’s the perfect pooch for the job and we’re so proud that he has been chosen to fulfil the role of Pet Detective. He’s itching (and scratching) to get started and catch some pets in action.”

Spud will receive an ADT Smart Home System, a year’s free monitoring, a £500 voucher from Monster Pet Supplies and lots of belly rubs. In return, he will provide ADT with quarterly reports analysing the stealing tactics of pets and strategies to combat the UK’s animal larceny epidemic.

For more information about ADT’s Pet Detective campaign, visit www.adt.co.uk/petedetective.

Tetra has expanded its popular problem-solving range for aquariums with its Phosphate Minus and pH/KH Minus solutions.

Dedicated to making fishkeeping increasingly easy, the new launches provide fishkeepers with reliable and straightforward options to combat common issues for healthy waters where plants and fish can thrive.

Aquarium life relies on a balance of various water parameters, and phosphate concentration is one of them. Phosphate is a plant nutrient that arises naturally over time from contributing factors such as fish waste, food residues, and dead plants. However, a high phosphate concentration can stem plant growth and lead to an increase in algae growth.

Providing a fast-acting solution, Tetra PhosphateMinus naturally reduces excessively high levels of phosphate in aquariums and unlike some competitor products, does so without clouding up the aquarium water or leaving any residue on the ground. What’s more, Tetra PhosphateMinus is even suitable for soft water so there’s no need to test carbonate hardness before using.

For those looking to also regulate carbonate hardness levels, Tetra pH/KH Minus provides a controlled reduction of this, alongside pH value, leading to improved plant growth from the release of CO₂. 

Ashleigh Foster, Aquatics Marketing Manager at Tetra, said: “At Tetra, we’re continually reviewing our range of solutions to provide fishkeepers of all levels with simple products they can trust. Maintaining an aquarium has never been so easy, especially with the Tetra Aquatics App which quickly reviews important water parameters before recommending any steps that may be required.”

Tetra PhosphateMinus and Tetra pH/KH Minus are suitable for all fresh water and marine aquariums and are available now in 100ml bottles with an RRP of £4.85 and £4.30, respectively. 

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

Today, 68% of cat owners and 81% of dog owners in Europe chose to regularly groom their pets at home4. Thanks to FURflex – the latest innovation in pet grooming from FURminator – multiple pet households can now purchase one comprehensive grooming tool that will suit the individual needs of all pets.

With a broad range of interchangeable heads and a curved, stainless steel edge that follows the contour of the body, the FURflex tool will suit the grooming needs of all cats and dogs.

Retailers can now confidently recommend a tool that provides maximum comfort, enjoyment and a reduction in shedding of up to 90%, with the interchangeable attachments encouraging repeat visits to store and perfect for dual species households.

The range features innovative technology to help make grooming as easy and effective as possible. FURmLock technology lets owners easily swap heads, from the de-Shedding tool to grooming brush to comb depending on their pet’s breed, size and hair length.

The de-shedding tools gently remove loose hair from the undercoat for a smoother, healthier coat, and the innovative Fur Collector heads help collect the loose hair for quick and easy disposal.

As well as guaranteeing a marked reduction in shedding, regular grooming can strengthen the bond between owner and pet, and the brushing motion can also stimulate natural oil production and lead to a shinier coat and healthier skin. 

It’s also imperative for cat owners to incorporate this into their pet care routine, as up to two thirds of the hair that cats shed can get ingested during self-grooming which can result in hair balls that cause future health problems. In providing grooming advice and recommendations, retailers can become valued advisors and help encourage loyal custom.

Giuliano Buccino, Head of Marketing at Spectrum Pet Brands (UK & Ireland), said: “With pet ownership continuing to grow in popularity3 and many owners opting for multiple pets, launching a new interchangeable grooming tool felt like a natural product development.

“At FURminator, we not only have the pet in mind but the pet owner too, and thanks to the flexibility offered by FURflex, they can now groom efficiently and effectively no matter what their situation or lifestyle.”

FURminator will be supporting the FURflex launch with a disruptive marketing campaign focussing on ‘Shedlings’, which creates a comedic connection between pet parents and their shedding woes.

The “pesky clumps of clingy pet hair” are Shedling characters within the new campaign and are designed to highlight how pet hair can take over a pet lover’s life.

The campaign will launch via in-store displays, online videos and within print media and through the brand’s website to drive consumer awareness and help attract shoppers into stores. 

The FURflex System is available from mid-November with an RRP starting from £34.99 and interchangeable heads available from £9.995.

For more information visit the FURminator website at www.furminator.net

Lords & Labradors has launched a new Homewares Collection consisting of  five breed variations – ‘Fabulous Frenchies’, ‘Loveable Labradors’, Perfect Pugs’, ‘Silly Sausages’ and ‘Cuddlesome Cockapoos’.

Consisting of mugs, aprons, double oven gloves, tea towels and canvas tote bags, the pieces make elegant additions to any home and the perfect gift choice for any dog lover or pet owner looking for breed specific memorabilia.

The range is the brainchild of Lords & Labradors founder, Johanna Buitelaar-Warden, who knows only too well that people fall in love with specific breeds and anything related to that breed.

“We’ve been working with pets and pet owners for years and it’s clear that many people have a strong affinity with certain breeds and can’t get enough of items related to that breed,” said Johanna.

“If a mother in law, aunt or friend is difficult to buy gifts for as they seem to have everything (but also own a French Bulldog) they will almost certainly love a gift featuring French Bulldogs!

“The new range has been designed with owners of some of today’s most popular breeds in mind but we shall be expanding across other breeds early next year.”

Each breed design features a print in subtle Farrow and Ball inspired hues adding a chic and stylish twist to any home – whether contemporary urban or classic country. All fabric items are crafted from high-quality cotton and are machine washable at 30°C.

For further information contact Johanna Buitelaar-Warden at Lords and Labradors on 01790 754 670 or email: johanna@lordsandlabradors.co.uk

Pets at Home has opened a store within a Tesco Extra in Durham, and the news has already raised concern among independent pet retailers.

One pet shop in ther North-East told Pet Trade Xtra: “This is a worry for independent pet shops which have relied on lines not in the supermarket to draw customer into their shops.

“Products that have never appeared in Tesco are now on the shelves inside the supermarket.”

Pets at Home have yet to confirm whether this new store inside the Tesco Extra on Dragonville Industrial Estate will be repeated throughout the rest of the country but independent retailers fear it could be the first of many.

The store was officially opened by Lisa and Thomas Dixon from Dogs for Good and their assistance dog, Vito, on Saturday.

Store manager Jill Allen has been with Pets at Home for over two years, having previously worked at the Alnwick branch.

She said: “What a fantastic start! Our opening weekend went even better than we had hoped and it was great to have Lisa, Thomas and Vito attend the launch and show them all the products we have on offer at the store.

“Our new store features thousands of dedicated pet products for not only local dogs and cats but small animals, fish and local wildlife too.”

According to Pets at Home, all staff at the new store receive extensive training on pet care and pet knowledge which is endorsed by City & Guilds, providing a stamp of approval that demonstrates the value of its training. Colleagues at the Durham store are dedicated to providing the highest levels of customer service, and are trained to offer great pet care tips and product knowledge.

The store includes a pet pharmacy which will provide a large range of health care products including supplements, first aid, dental care and flea and worms treatments.

The new store opening hours will be 8am-10pm Monday – Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

The Fox and Hounds Theale has earned the title of Dog-friendly Pub Award 2017, in a nationwide competition organised by leading online dog-sitting platform, DogBuddy.com.

Now in their second 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. 

The winner was selected by the RSPCA, Snuffle Dog Beer, The Morning Advertiser, Your Dog Magazine and founder and CEO of DogBuddy, Richard Setterwall.

Jayne Tilsley, The Fox and Hounds Theale’s general manager, is delighted with the results.

“Dogs are not pets, they are family, and to us this means that they should join you everywhere, be it just for a drink or dinner too,” said Jayne.

“We have one regular guest, Cookie, who is a rescue dog. When Cookie first joined us he was very nervous and would bark when we were anywhere in the vicinity of him. Now, just two years on, he even lets us stroke him. Our neighbour’s dog, Lord Dobbington of Sunnyside, regularly brings himself to the pub for a solo visit.”

The Fox and Hounds Theale 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 Fox and Hounds Theale (South East) 
2. The Fox and Hounds (South West)
3. The Hand in Hand (London)
4. The Three Tuns (East of England)
5. The Fullerton Arms (Northern Ireland)
6. The Caledonia (North West)
7. The Keel Row (North East)
8. The Lion Inn (East Midlands)
9. The Bryntirion Inn (Wales)
10. The Old Glen House (Yorkshire)
11. Failford Inn (Scotland)
12. The Bailey Head (West Midlands)

Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of DogBuddy, said: “For the second 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 Fox and Hounds Theale, 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 Fox and Hounds Theale on their achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs.”

Despite suffering from Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis, 28-year-old Lauren Pavey, launched a successful dog grooming and pet shop in Eltham, London, and her efforts have been rewarded with a Young Entrepreneur of the Year. And she hopes her success will help to inspire other disabled people to branch out into the business world.

Lauren picked up her honour at the Thames Gateway Business Awards organized by publishing company Archant.

“I couldn’t believe I’d won such a prestigious award,” Lauren told Pet Trade Xtra.

“I wasn't even sure about attending the Awards evening because I didn’t think I had a chance of winning. When my name was called out I just sat there for a while because I wasn’t sure it was my name I’d just heard announced.”

The judges were clearly impressed by here entrepreneurial spirit, saying: “Lauren impressed us with her in-depth knowledge and understanding of her industry. She has built a business based on excellent customer care, motivational staff management and a personal passion for the care and well-being of animals. Her plans to take the business forward are well thought through and highly achievable given her drive and ambition. A well deserved winner.”

Lauren opened The Doghouse in January 2012 after leaving her in London working in TV post production.

“After a second operation on my knee I was being given weekly drug infusion so commuting into London wasn't really possible. I had always noticed a gap in the market for a well run and friendly dog groomer, and upon leaving my job I decided just to be brave and give it a try. I never expected it to be so popular and to make so many amazing friends along the way.”

So what sets The Doghouse apart from other salons and pet shops? “I like to think its the amazing team we have,” said Lauren. “Everyone cares deeply about every pet who comes to us and understands they are more than a dog – they are a member of someone’s family.”

Pet lover Lauren, who shares her life with a rescue border-cross called Betty and three cats Jerry, Lily and Lola, has the following advice for other disabled people thinking of starting their own business.

“Just go for it. At first it might seem impossible, and there will be times when you are struggling and in tears and just want to stay at home but you must push yourself.

“Because something might be limiting you physically doesn't mean it has to limit your imagination and ambition.

“The hardest thing I have learned is ask for help when I needed it – you will be amazed at how many people prepared to support you that you didn't even realise.

“I owe a huge debt of thanks to my mum and dad for all their support and encouragement over the years. Without the support of my family, friends and staff none of this would have been possible.”

Lauren has a simple approach to business. “As long as I’m happy and able to do a job that I love that is all that matters,” she said. “It doesn't matter how much money you have the most important thing is you want to get up every morning and get excited to see what the day will bring.

To find out more about The Doghouse visit www.the-doghouse.org

Pet food company Lily’s Kitchen has been recognised by a global organisation for its continued commitment to ethical behaviour, responsible corporate governance and employee integrity. 

The company has been awarded B-Corporation status for the second time, thanks to its strong belief in using business as a force for good.

Lily’s Kitchen, which has recently retained its leading position as one of the UK’s top rated ethical pet food companies for a 9^th year running by ethical consumer comparison company The Good Shopping Guide, was one of the founding members of B Corp in the UK in 2015 and was the first (and currently only) pet food company in the world to certify as a B Corporation.

B Corp is a global movement that is redefining success in business. Regular companies exist for the interests of their shareholders. B Corps are companies where the interests of employees, communities and the environment rank alongside those of shareholders. B Corps are also required to change their legal documents so that employees, communities and the wider environment, rank alongside shareholders in decision making processes. B Corps formally commit to the B Corp community principles through signing a declaration.

The B Corp accreditation, which must be reapplied for every two years, highlights the company’s continued commitment to ethical behaviour, responsible corporate governance and employee integrity. 

Henrietta Morrison, CEO and founder of Lily’s Kitchen (pictured above), comments: “We’re part of the B Corp community because we believe in using business as a force for good. It’s perfectly aligned with our values and the way we’ve always conducted ourselves. Acting in a responsible and respectful way as a business is the right thing to do morally and also contributes to the quality of our recipes, the happiness of our stakeholders and our efficiency. It just makes sense.

“This is reflected in our mission statement which is all about the ‘three Ps’ – Pets, People and Planet. That means Lily’s Kitchen is dedicated to providing proper food for pets, with a commitment to tread carefully on our planet and actively engage with our community. Having a successful and profitable businesses allows us to be even more for people, pets and the planet.”

As Lily’s Kitchen heads towards its 10^th year, the company has published its first ever ‘Paw Print for Progress Report 2017’ which outlines exactly how the business ensures it has an ongoing positive impact on society and the planet, which is at the heart of all Lily’s Kitchen does.

The Our Paw Print for Progress 2017 Report can be found on the Lily’s Kitchen website: www.lilyskitchen.co.uk/social-responsibility