With just over a week to go before PATS Telford opens its doors, the final preparations are being made for what will be the biggest show so far in the event’s 15-year history.

PATS Telford takes place over Sunday and Monday, 1-2 October, and visitors can expect to find more exhibitors than ever with a record number of 260 companies showcasing hundreds of new products. 

Retailers and buyers will also have the opportunity to take advantage of an impressive number of show offers, and discover trade secrets from leading figures in the pet and grooming industries.

“There has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to make sure that PATS Telford delivers the widest range of exhibitors, new products and professional grooming demonstrations,” said organiser Gordon Thomas. 

“Visitor numbers have been growing rapidly over the years and we’re confident the trend will continue this year. There is so much to see and do, and everyone can rest assured they will be given a warm and friendly reception. We can’t wait to greet everyone.”

Visitors can also expect a warm welcome from the industry’s leading brands as well as a host of new faces. The introduction of the New Starter Zone, in association with PetQuip and media partner PPM, has been well received, resulting in 30 start-up companies taking a stand in the zone at Telford.

DotDotPet, a supplier of pet wellness and lifestyle products, has welcomed the opportunity to exhibit in the New Starter Zone. Director Harry Chapman said: “I couldn’t think of a better platform to launch DotDotPet. With attendees across various professions within the UK and international pet markets it allows us to perfectly showcase our brand and products.”

Extreme Lounging is also new to the pet industry and will be launching a pet bed range at PATS. The company’s Joe Shrimpton commented: “The exhibition is a very important platform as it allows us to showcase newness to the industry. It’s also crucial to see people face to face rather than just doing it electronically.”

And Jo Deluce, Senior Distributor UK & Europe for Yakeese Dog Treats, added: “It will be our first trade show in the UK, and we chose PATS as we feel it targets the right audience. The professional layout of the exhibition and friendly support throughout the process has reassured us that we made the right choice. Hearing that traders regularly return to the show instilled confidence in us to come along.”

So why should buyers from pet stores and garden centres attend this year’s PATS Telford? Here’s what visitors can expect:

• 260 exhibitors – a record number for PATS
• All the latest pet product launches under one roof 
• Top class demonstrations from dog groomers
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions

One of the major successes at PATS shows over the years has been the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews.  Nearly 400 new products will be on show in two designated areas, and from all the entries, a panel of independent retailers will decide the winners of the prestigious New Product Awards.

The Grooming Workshop, in association with For All DogKind, will include some of the country’s leading groomers. The demonstrations will highlight the knowledge and expertise required to complete traditional grooming techniques successfully as well as showing off a few modern and creative ideas as well.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive a free show catalogue and a complimentary lunch voucher in addition to the regular tea or coffee voucher.

PATS Telford is definitely THE place to be this October so make sure you register for free entry to the show at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors.

Opening times

Sunday 1 October 2023: 9.30am-5.00pm

Monday, 2 October 2023: 9.30am-4.00pm

In last week’s edition of Pet Trade Xtra we put the spotlight on a new product called The Leadon, which is set to take the pet industry by storm as it aims revolutionise pet safety and security. This week, James Dunne, the man behind the product, answers some commonly-asked questions.

The Leadon is a new type of animal leash which allows pet owners to connect their animals within gardens without having to stand and hold the leash.

What happens if my animal jumps over the fence?

It’s happened to me with my cat Summer. I noticed Summer was no longer in the garden and The Leadon cable was over the fence so I ran out and looked over and there she was. I managed with ease to pull her back in and lifted her back over the fence all because she had The Leadon and was safely in her harness.

Why can’t I just use my current retractable lead and tie to a post?

You can, but it’s not designed for that purpose. My first attempt at the Leadon was using a popular retractable animal leash but after a short period it broke, and on cold days the cord froze solid. 

It looks like a washing line!

Yes, but that’s where the similarity stops. It has an upgraded cable and also support pillar inside the unit to give it strength, it also can be threaded onto a line which allows more freedom for your pet.

Can I use The Leadon for my rabbit?

Yes, you can. Please see the pictures of Fattie the rabbit on The Leadon. Please note Fattie is 3kgs, which is the minimum weight needed.

Will my dog bite through the cable?

No, the cable is a reinforced wire with a nylon cover to stop this from happening.

Can I use a collar?

NO! The Leadon is only to be used with a harness. Never use a collar. Collars are a chocking hazard.

I have an indoor cat that has never been outside, am I ok using The Leadon for her?

Yes, The Leadon was originally designed for cats, I have a rescued Maine Coon Cat that had never seen the outside world and that’s the reason I made the product. Summer uses the Leadon every day.

What other uses are the for The Leadon?

Camping, my friend takes his Leadon when he goes camping, as it’s great for when he’s on the camp sites and it can also be used as a super strong washing line.

What's included in the package?

The Leadon package includes the retractable dog lead, the plastic dog face casing, and installation instructions.

Can I leave my pet unattended with Leadon?

While The Leadon offers a secure way for your pet to enjoy outdoor time, we recommend supervising them while they're using it. Ideally you should to keep an eye on any animal attached to any leash.

Is installation complicated?

No, installation is straightforward. The Leadon comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and you won't need any complex tools to set it up.

How durable is The Leadon?

Leadon is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability even in outdoor conditions. It's built to withstand weather elements and provide long-lasting performance.

For more information visit www.theleadon.com.

Happy Hounds (Wales Ltd) was found to have put unsafe meat on the market and of having unhygienic premises. (Pictures: Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards & Animal Health)

The director of a raw pet food manufacturing business has been prosecuted for supplying unsafe pet food and operating in unhygienic conditions.

Happy Hounds (Wales) Limited, based in South West Wales, had been monitored by Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards & Animal Health over a number of years.

The business bought waste meat and offal from a number of sources, such as slaughter houses, cutting plants and meat packers to reprocess and sell as raw dog food. However, it failed to ensure that its products were safe in respect of bacteria and feed/food borne disease, which could be transmitted to both pets and their owners.

A series of pet feed samples that were taken from the business’s products were found to carry salmonella and other bacterium in excess of permitted levels, rendering them unsafe in the opinion of the public analyst.

At Swansea Magistrates’ Court, Derrick Lewis, 67, of Dan Y Deri, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Director of Happy Hounds (Wales) Limited, pleaded guilty to five charges of placing unsafe feed on the market and two of unhygienic premises. The company has entered liquidation.

District Judge Layton said that over a period of time Mr Lewis had breached regulations, putting unsafe feed on the market and neglected his processing facilities.  Judge Layton added that Mr Lewis had received by-products of no value and converted them to feed, and corners were cut. 

Mr Lewis was sentenced to 18 weeks custody which was suspended for 12 months, to run concurrently on all counts; to pay £15,000 as a contribution towards the council’s costs; and to pay a victim surcharge of £128.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Well-being, said: “Neath Port Talbot takes public safety very seriously. Repeated attempts at advising the company to comply with regulations to protect public health. Trading Standards & Animal Health therefore had no option but to prosecute the business.

“Businesses should be aware that Trading Standards & Animal Health would prefer to work with them, but if they fail to comply with regulations designed to protect the public then they will take firm action.”

Retail chain Jollyes is offering to ‘marry’ an owner and their pet in a full-works wedding ceremony at the opening of its new store in Widnes, Cheshire.

With an organist, red carpet, flowers, and the exchange of rubber rings, a Widnes owner and their beloved pet can bound or walk down the aisle to the sound of ‘here barks the bride’.

And the winner will be going on a ‘Doggie-moon’ courtesy of Jollyes – a holiday with their pet to celebrate their puppy love for each other.

In fact, recent research for Jollyes showed that pet parents would much prefer to buy presents for their pet than their partner and holiday companies this summer have reported an increase in people holidaying alone with their pets.

The store will open at Widnes Shopping Park on Saturday 30 September at 10.00am, following the opening of another new Jollyes store in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on Friday 29 September.

Pet entrepreneur Lyndsey Fearns will be the manager of Jollyes’ new Widnes store. (Professional Images/@ProfImages)

At the Harrogate store, located at Unit 2C, Hookstone Park, pets and their owners will be invited to take part in Britain’s first ‘doggy dash’ to take away a £100 jolly trolley full of goodies in a 60-second race round the aisles.

Both new stores will have special Jollyes goody-bags for the first 100 customers, with a mix of cat and dog items. And customers will be able to spin the iconic Jollyes Wheel of Fur-tune to win free items from both stores’ ranges.

The stores will feature a Jolly Groomer offering straightforward pricing for a quality groom that doesn’t cost a paw and a leg.

Customers can choose precisely what grooming service they need, so they don’t pay for ones they don’t. Prices for a bath and brush will start at just £15.00.

At Widnes there’ll also be a community pet clinic, powered by the expert advice from its colleagues, part of a plan between now and the summer of 2024, to double the number of stores that offer vet-run clinics. 

Vet-supervised dog and cat vaccinations in the clinic will start at just £14 and £13 for rabbits with primary course jabs for dogs and cats at £33. 

Both stores will also provide pet parents access to Jollyes’ raw frozen food – increasingly popular with pet owners because of its nutrition and convenience - alongside high quality private label pet food such as its own Lifestage, K9 and Rileys brands which offer a premium experience without a big brand price tag.

In both Harrogate and Widnes there’ll be teams of 12 led by experienced Jollyes’ colleagues.

Kerry Midgley, Jollyes regional manager is looking forward to opening the pet superstore’s 94th store in Harrogate (Professional Images/@ProfImages)

In Harrogate Dawn Jenkins will transfer from Jollyes’ Selby store after four years working for the retailer. 

Dawn, who’s the proud owner of a horse called Crystal has worked her way up to her first manager role having started with the company as a part-time sales assistant. 

Widnes will be managed by Lyndsey Fearns who is moving to the new store from across the Mersey in Runcorn.

Not only is Lyndsey a Jollyes store manager of the year, she’s also a pet entrepreneur, She’s developed a soothing paw balm for dogs on her kitchen table with childhood friend Becky Dutton-Geraghty that’s now sold in its stores nationwide.

Both teams at Widnes and Harrogate will also benefit from Jollyes’ innovative package of colleague benefits.  The package includes, birthday leave, a ‘pet-eternity’ day for colleagues getting a new pet in the family, a week off on full pay for all colleagues on when they get married, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and an enhanced 20 per cent discount off all Jollyes services.

Harrogate and Widnes stores will become Jollyes’ 94th and 95th UK stores respectively - part of Jollyes’ ambitious expansion plans which has seen it exceed £100 million turnover in FY2023, employ over 1,000 colleagues and put it well on the way to having 100 stores within the next 12 months.

An established family-run pet shop in Norfolk will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday after more than 30 years of trading.

The owners of Animal Magic in Downham Market have said that rising costs and poor health have prompted the decision to close the store.

Owner Pauline Bigwood and her husband have run the shop for 34 years, firstly in Downham Market High Street before moving to current premises in Bridge Street seven years ago.

Pauline told the Lynn News: “There are several reasons for closing, rising costs being one.

“The town of late has also been very quiet. Both my husband and I have been unwell so now feels like the right time to go.”

News of Animal Magic’s closure prompted many customers to express their sadness on the shop’s Facebook page.

One regular wrote: “Aww, really sad, used to love it when it was where the deli is now. Used to like going to look at the hamsters up the stairs,” while another said: “Sad but a well-deserved retirement.”

Further comments included: “Another standalone business closing, such a shame. Wishing you a long and happy retirement, but also wishing the shop could continue.”

Ceva Animal Health (Ceva) has launched its 2024 ‘Call for Projects’ search to discover and support new, innovative solutions for the wellbeing and care of companion animals to enhance the human-animal bond.

Through the ‘Call for Projects’ programme, the company seeks to harness the expertise and creativity of individuals, startups, and organisations to address key issues in animal health and develop groundbreaking solutions that will benefit companion animals worldwide.

The worldwide initiative welcomes projects that span a wide range of areas with the objective of co-developing innovations to advance pet wellbeing and support the human-animal bond.  These include, but are not limited, to:

• Digital Health Solutions: leveraging technology and data to enhance the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of companion animals.
• Preventive Care: novel approaches to preventive care, such as nutrition, vaccination, and behaviour management.
• Wellness and Enrichment: innovative products or services that promote physical and mental wellbeing in companion animals.
• Diagnostic Tools: advanced diagnostic tools, including rapid and non-invasive methods for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of animal health.

Participants are encouraged to submit their project proposal detailing their innovative solutions, target audience, and potential impact on Agorize. Projects must be submitted in one (or more) of the categories available on the platform: Devices, Digital or Technology.

A panel of judges, comprising leading experts from Ceva, will carefully evaluate the submissions based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential for impact.

Selected projects will receive valuable support from Ceva, including mentorship, access to industry networks, and resources to accelerate the development and commercialisation of their innovative solutions. Additionally, the selected projects will gain recognition and visibility within the animal health community, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships.

"We are excited to launch the 2024 'Call for Projects’," says Marc Prikazsky, Chairman and CEO at Ceva. "Companion animals play an essential role in our lives, and we are convinced that by fostering innovation we can improve their wellbeing and ensure they receive the care they deserve.  With the increasing humanisation of pets, our furry companions have become members of the family.  ‘Pet parents’ are increasingly looking for new solutions to provide them with the best possible care.  That’s why we encourage individuals and organisations from diverse backgrounds to participate and help us discover game-changing solutions for companion animal health."

Ceva is the #5 global animal health company, present in 110 countries worldwide. The company has a deep commitment and recognised expertise in improving the lives of companion animals.  It knows the important role pets play in our lives and is dedicated to continuing to advance the human-animal bond, a central piece of the company’s One Health approach.

For more information and to submit a project, please visit: https://www.ceva.com/innovation/ceva-open-innovation-hub/

Award-winning Furr Boost, the healthy hydration smoothie drink, is launching four new varieties of its smoothie drink at PATS Telford (Stand L16).

The smoothie drinks were created by a former technical manager to the food industry with over 20 years’ experience, Louise Toal, after her Beagle, Phoebe at the age of 18 months became unwell with bladder problems which after investigations with her vet, were linked to the dog’s food. Using her technical background, Louise then started experimenting with protein shakes to help flush out Phoebe’s system and to provide her with the hydration that she needed when she was refusing to drink enough water in the summer months. This led to the creation of the Furr Boost range of smoothies.

Each of Furr Boost’s recipes contains a meat, fruit and vegetable, along with added oils and vitamins, so it’s more than a hydration drink, it supports the dog’s wellbeing in areas such as digestion, skin and coat, anxiety, metabolism and immunity.

Furr Boost can be used in a variety of ways. Served frozen, it can be placed in a Kong Toy or lick mat for dog training or as a distraction, or simply given to a dog as a tasty icy treat. Unfrozen, it can be added as a topper to meals or on hot days, simply pour into a bowl for instant hydration.

The new varieties include: Venison, Butternut Squash and Cranberry. Venison meat contains a high amount of B vitamins, giving any dog the energy they need. Dog food with venison also provides the perfect amount of zinc and iron to support a healthy immune system and organ function. Cranberries are considered a superfood and contain a chemical compound that can help prevent urinary tract infections whilst butternut squash contains plenty of fibre to aid digestion, but it is also rich in beta-carotene, which is believed to boost immune function and protect against disease.

Salmon, Sweet Potato and Blueberry is the second new variety. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, may decrease inflammation, and can keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy. Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source. Sweet potato is a great source of vitamin C and blueberries contain antioxidants, fibre and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health.

The third variety is Vegan Plant Based, which can be used to add further vegetables to a dog’s diet and as well as including nutritious vegetables and fruit such as sweet potato, apple, broccoli and butternut squash, it also contains supplements for the coat, skin and joints such a flaxseed oil and TumericAid. TurmerAid contains a unique blend of three key ingredients – turmeric, linseed and black pepper to ensure maximum absorption and optimum results with added ingredients to aid digestion and improve intestinal health.

A special edition of Furr Boost has also been launched in time for Christmas. Turkeylicious, Turkey, Cranberry and Parsnip contains all the flavours of a traditional Christmas dinner and will keep any pooch happy this festive season.

Furr Boost is a sustainable product using packaging materials which are recyclable avoiding single use plastic as each smoothie is available in a 400 ml Tetra Pak Carton.

Since launching, Furr Boost has seen its customer base grow online with a healthy presence on e-commerce websites but it is also now looking to expand its retail operation. The business is receiving a high level of international enquiries for the drinks and is currently exploring export opportunities. The brand is supported by a number of ambassadors and social media influencers and currently sponsors British Flyball Teams, Dog Agility competitors with interest also from the Canicross community who use the drinks to give their dogs instant hydration. 

Not only are the drinks ideal for active dogs but they are also great to give senior dogs when they are nearing the end of their lives as they provide comfort and balanced nutrition.

Furr Boost scooped the Best Product Innovation Awards at both PetQuip and the PIF Awards in 2022, and is nominated again in four categories at this year’s PetQuip Awards. It was one of only 10 companies to make the finals of the Pet Industry Federation’s New Pet Innovation of the Year Award in 2023,

For trade enquiries contact Louise Toal

Tel: 01746 785 410

Email: customerservices@furrboost.com 

Web: www.furrboost.com/wholesale

Leading raw pet food brand Benyfit Natural has launched its first Dog of the Year Awards 2023.

Benyfit Natural has launched these new awards as it wants to highlight the incredible bond that exists between dogs and their humans and shine a light on some amazing dogs across the UK.

The panel of judges include co-founder of Benyfit Natural Greg Van Praagh, Stephen Manderson (AKA Professor Green), Nick Thompson (AKA The Holistic Vet), and Alex Morgan pet parent of social media legend ‘Good Boy Ollie’.

Benyfit Natural is inviting dog owners from all walks of life to nominate their canine companions for these awards.

Categories include:

1. Rescue Dog Sponsored by Verm-X
2. Family Dog Sponsored by Cocopup
3. Service Dog Sponsored by Ivy & Duke
4. Farm Dog Sponsored by Weatherbeeta
5. Competing Dog Sponsored by Bugalugs
6. Gun Dog sponsored by Acme

Nominations close to the public on 1st October 2023, after which the judging panel will create their shortlist finalists from each category.

It will then be down to UK dog lovers to have their vote on which dog will be the winner from each category.

There is a huge selection of prizes to be won for each category including a prize from Benyfit Natural and a prize from the category sponsor.

From category winners, there will then be a final vote for the ‘Benyfit Natural Dog of the Year’ with an opportunity to be the face of the raw food brand's next photoshoot campaign.

Greg Van Praagh, Head of UK & Europe at RPFC, comments: “We are so thrilled to be launching the Dog of the Year Awards for the very first time. There’s nothing we love more than hearing the stories from our customers about their amazing dogs and everything that they do. Whether it’s a fantastic family pet or a loyal farm dog we want to acknowledge and honour the exceptional qualities of these amazing dogs.

“We’re working alongside some amazing brands that we personally love, and we’ve pulled together three Benyfit Natural brand advocates who each have their own extensive experience with dogs to create our shortlist.

“We really hope this will provide a fun opportunity for us to celebrate our canine companions.”

Benyfit Natural encourages anyone who owns or knows a dog that deserves to be recognised in the Benyfit Natural Dog of the Year Awards 2023.

Nominations can be made on Benyfit Naturals website https://benyfitnatural.co.uk/pages/dog-of-the-year-awards

Surrey-based pet shop owner and distributor of Woolf Snacks UK, Artur Broszko, is celebrating 10 years ownership of his pet shop, Mucky Pups, and is gearing up for (PATS Telford 1-2 October, Stand F70) with the launch of a new product range, Soft Cubes.

Artur came to the UK from Poland in 2004 starting as a roofer/carpenter. In 2009 he decided to have a career change and started working for a small wholesaler called Twickenham Pets. Two years later, his employer, Ronald retired and Artur decided to take over his business and change the name of the shop to Artex Pets Supplies which is now based in Epsom. In 2013 Artur and his brother took over another shop in Putney, Mucky Pups. From then onwards the empire grew to include Tail End in Hampton, Natureworld Pet Shop in Cobham jointly owned with his business partner, Trevor,  Ellis Pet Store in Shepherds Bush Market where one member of staff, Sue has worked for over 40 years and finally , Bros Pets in Cheam where Artur and his wife, Justyna work. 

Running the pet shops is very much a family affair as Artur explains: “My wife Justyna works in Bros Pets shop and Natureworld. Most of the half terms and school holidays my two sons Aston and Leo join us at our work helping with serving customers and deliveries. Tail End shop is covered by my brother and my sister- in- law, Sarah. In the Mucky Pups shop works our friend Mandy, and her daughter, Amy, who is a groomer who is also often joined by her 2 year old son, Bruce.

“We have regular customers who have come to us for years now. Sometimes they just pop in to the shop just to say hello on a morning walk or to have a chat.  For us it's not only 'buy & go'. We love to talk to our customers, trying to find products which meet their expectations. They know that we are a family run business and they are happy to support local independent shops and always ask about our kids etc. We also do deliveries to our elderly and disable customers as well.” 

A successful spin off from running the pet shops has been the distribution of Woolf Snacks in the UK.

“I was selling Woolf in my shops and there was issue with the supply so I contacted  Fillippe the owner of the company in Czech Republic and I became UK distributor in 2017 when I did my first PATS, In 2019 I won a new product award at PATS Telford for our Natural Bone with vegetables, glucosamine and chondroitin snack.”

Artur believes that the success of the Woolf range is not only the extensive product range and varieties but also the fact that the snacks and treats are natural with a high meat content of 90-100% per 100g. The Woolf range does not compromise on weight as other brands often do. The Woolf snack, once cooked, is packed without any chemical additives, preservatives or colourings. To ensure the conservation, an oxygen absorber is placed within the bag. Artur only supplies independent pet shops as well on an exclusive basis.

At PATS Telford the Woolf Snacks UK stand will feature their full range of Woolf, Woolfies, Nohide products and their new Soft Cube range which come in 11 tasty meat and fish varieties. There will be a PATS offer to the trade on these, buy 3 and get 1 free. 

Artur is looking forward to the next ten years of trading and says,

“I want to see my shops grow and for Woolf Snacks to be everywhere. We want to have more happy customers and to continue to provide great customer service,”

For further information visit: www.woolfsnacks.co.uk

Paleo Ridge has announced the launch of two new treat hampers designed to pamper dogs in the most nutritious way possible.

The premium treat hampers come in two sizes, small and large. Both hampers include the full range of the Classic naturally dried treats, carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients to ensure they are both delicious and healthy.

In a first for Pale Ridge, these hampers can be purchased on their own without the need to include frozen items. With their extensive range of non-food items, these can be added to the treat hampers making non-frozen goods more accessible for dog owners. The large hamper offers a generous 10% discount, allowing you to spoil your furry friend at a competitive price.

Esther Logue, Content and Communications Manager, states: “At Paleo Ridge we understand the importance of, not only treating but training our canine companions. Our new treat hampers provide dogs all around the UK with healthy, beneficial treats. As they can be bought without frozen food, they are perfect for stocking up between raw food orders and work fantastically as a gift to a loved one.”

As a company dedicated to wholesome nutrition, Paleo Ridge will continue to uphold the highest standards in the industry. To celebrate the launch of the new hampers, there will be an additional 10% discount applied from 18^thSeptember 2023 until 30^th September 2023. The discount will apply to both the small and the large of the Classic Treat Hampers.

Barnsley-based Walker & Drake, a pet food company that only began trading after the first lockdown in 2020, has seen such massive growth in sales of its cold pressed dog food and range of natural treats that in 2023, they opened a new £900,000 production facility in the town.

They will be exhibiting at PATS Telford (stand N14) for the first time and will be launching a new wet food to add to their product range.

Walker & Drake wet food is a complete nutrition food for adult dogs with a high 65% meat content. It is easily digestible, grain and gluten free and great for fussy eaters. It is UK made and contains all natural ingredients.  You can use it as a complete food or added to Walker & Drake’s Cold Pressed Food as a tasty topper.

The flavours are Chicken with Broccoli, and Turkey with Duck and Carrot. It comes in 390 gram Tetra Pak cartons. Each flavour is packed in cases of 12 cartons, plus there is a mixed case as well which includes six of each flavour.

Walker & Drake in a short space of time has received industry recognition.  It was voted in 2020 by Yorkshire Insider Magazine as one of the top 50 companies to watch. They were also a finalist in 2021 in both the PetQuip and Pet Industry Federation Awards receiving Highly Commended for the Best New Pet Product (Food) at the PetQuip Awards and this year, they are finalists in four categories in the PetQuip Awards and two categories in the PIF Awards. 

Walker & Drake are delighted and excited to be exhibiting at PATS Telford. Tim Matthews, Director and co-founder of Walker & Drake with fellow Directors, Richard Grant and David Taylor said: “As relative newcomers to the industry we feel that it is important for us to attend industry events and get our faces and our brand out there. We felt that PATS should be one of the main events we would invest in. The opportunities to network with buyers and other trade contracts from across the country shouldn’t be underestimated.  Without a show like PATS it would be difficult for industry peers to get together. It’s the best opportunity to get our brand in front of the trade.”

Pop along to their stand to view their cold pressed dry food range available in life stages, their natural treats and new wet food.

For further information visit: www.walkeranddrake.com

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The Pet Industry Federation has revealed the line-up of 2023 finalists for the PIF Awards. The standard and number of the entries received this year was very high, with some categories being particularly hotly contested. 

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter the PIF Awards this year. All businesses shortlisted as finalists deserve sincere congratulations and we very much look forward to welcoming everyone to the PIF Awards this November where we will announce the winners. Tickets and accommodation to this ever-popular pet industry event sold out in 2022 so we’d encourage early booking this year.”

Generously supported by platinum sponsor Jollyes and headline sponsors, Cliverton, Collar, Lopay and Su-Bridge, the 2023 PIF Awards Dinner takes place on Thursday 9 November at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Tickets to the black-tie event include a complementary drinks reception, three course meal with wine and live entertainment. Individual tickets can be purchased at www.petfederation.co.uk with savings for tables of ten and a discount code available for accommodation at Chesford Grange.

CLICK HERE to see the list of finalists.

The first ever UK SQP congress, hosted by Vetpol, will take place on 16^th April 2024 at St John’s Hotel in Solihull.

The event will focus on companion animals and deliver 7.5 hours of Vetpol accredited CPD.  So far, it has attracted five key sponsors, with 150 tickets already pre-sold. A further 100 tickets will be made available to pre-registered delegates first, for what promises to be an informative, educational event, offering opportunities for personal development, networking, and peer learning to all in attendance. Interested individuals can contact molly@vetpol.uk to pre-register their place.

Following the success of Vetpol’s ‘Munch and Learn’ bitesize CPD event, which is held annually, Vetpol director Caroline Johnson is looking forward to the opening of Congress.

She said:“Our online Munch and Learn event, which started as a companion animal event and has now expanded to include equine, avian and farm, has been running for several years now and continues to be a highlight on our calendar. Because of its success, we decided to assess the demand for an event that offered in person attendance and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”

Caroline Johnson from Vetpol talks about pet medicines with Chris Watts SQP.

Caroline continued: “SQPs have few opportunities to connect with and learn from their peers from other businesses in their day to day work. Our 2024 Congress will allow delegates to network, fully immersing all attendees in an enjoyable, practical learning experience. While the event is companion animal focused, we expect to attract SQPs from vet practices, retail environments, saddlers, and agrimerchants, bringing together a diverse audience with different experiences and perspectives. This means there is a huge potential to share tips and ideas, as well as to really experience the energy and passion that SQPs bring to their roles.”

The Vetpol team also recognises the importance of work-life balance and the conversations that can develop in informal settings. Therefore, the congress also includes an optional party night which promises to offer a great opportunity to create lasting friendships and develop an extended network of support. 

To pre-register interest or find out more about the congress programme, contact molly@vetpol.co.uk. Tickets will be made available soon, with pre-registered delegates having first refusal. 

The British Independent Retailers Association is fully supporting the upcoming Safer Business Action Week from 16 to 22 October, co-ordinated by the National Business Crime Centre.

This national initiative is a focused week of activities to tackle business crime through prevention, intelligence sharing, targeted enforcement, and community engagement.

BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said with rising crime posing a severe threat to retailers, the week encourages police forces, businesses, and the public to work together on solutions.

Activities highlighted for the week include high visibility patrols, crime prevention training, information sharing, and arrests of prolific offenders. The ShopKind campaign against retail violence will also be in focus.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO said: "We strongly back this collaborative effort to tackle business crime through prevention, intelligence sharing, targeted enforcement, and community engagement. Independent retailers have been hit hard by theft, fraud, and violence. Urgent action is needed to protect employees and sustain vibrant high streets."

A recent British Retail Consortium survey found a 27% increase in retail crime incidents over the past 12 months. Total losses from customer theft alone now exceed £2.8 billion annually.

Many Bira members report declining foot traffic and lost sales due to safety fears.

Mr Goodacre added: "Rising crime threatens the viability of independent shops and damages perceptions of local high streets. We hope this national week of action can raise awareness whilst delivering tangible improvements in safety and security."

More information can be found at www.nbcc.police.uk/SaferBusinessActionWeek.

During the week, BIRA urges independent retailers to connect with local police to share intelligence, request crime prevention guidance, and help bring habitual offenders to justice. Citizens are also encouraged to show support through the ShopKind initiative.

"Collaboration between police, businesses, and the public is essential to turn the tide. By working together, we can ensure shopping locally is safe and welcoming for all," added Mr Goodacre.

Pets Corner, one of the UK’s largest pet retail chains with over 150 outlets, has opened its first ‘worldwide flagship’ store in Ascot.

The Ascot store, which opened on Friday followed by a grand opening weekend event, is set to be the first of 10 new outlets the company hopes to have up and running before the end of the year.

We’re delighted to announce that our Ascot flagship store is officially open. Join us this weekend for our grand opening to celebrate pets, the community, and giving back.

Dean Richmond, owner of Pet Family, said: “Pets Corner Ascot is our 151st opening, and it's thanks to the loyal custom we’ve had from customers since our launch over 55 years ago. Pet owners are more discerning than ever, as pets are often the most important member of the household, and our products offer higher standards of quality, integrity, and welfare.

“The Ascot store is our first worldwide flagship which will showcase our natural products to visiting international trade customers and offers our UK customers an extended product range with our award-winning natural grooming and veterinary services.”

Pet Corner’s parent company, Pet Family, recently secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support its growth nationally and internationally, and to create up to 320 jobs nationwide.

Pet Family is using the multi-million pound funding to open 10 new stores throughout England by the end of the year. As well as Ascot, these include ones at Chelmsford, East Grinstead, Newbury and Colchester.

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• PATS Telford 2024 to take place over three days at the Telford International Centre on Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024
• Telford and Sandown shows to merge into one all-encompassing, dedicated National Pet Industry Event in Telford
• PATS 2024 will be the largest-ever pet industry event staged in the UK, accommodating over 400 stands
• Greater time and flexibility for buyers to see all the latest pet innovations – all under one roof

The organisers of PATS, the UK’s National Pet Industry Event, have announced the launch of a THREE-DAY exhibition to take place at the Telford International Centre in 2024.

The new event, to be staged on Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024, will become an all-encompassing show as the two PATS exhibitions – Sandown and Telford – merge into one.

The 2024 exhibition will take over the entire Telford International Centre, giving the organisers the opportunity to accommodate even more exhibitors.

The decision to stage one show in the Autumn gives suppliers and manufacturers the opportunity to showcase new products over a longer period, and to a larger audience. It will also help to promote PATS Telford into an international exhibition with overseas suppliers and buyers being attracted by the three-day format.

“This is really exciting news,” said show director Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions & Events. “We’ve carried out extensive research amongst visitors and exhibitors and the response for one all-encompassing three-day exhibition has been overwhelming.

“By making it a three-day show, exhibitors will have more time and flexibility to spend with new and existing customers, taking them through their latest product ranges during face-to-face meetings. 

“By taking over the entire International Centre we have the chance to host over 400 exhibitors, compared to this year’s record number of 256, so for visitors there will be lots more to see. We expect retailers and buyers will want to stay at the show for longer, and more will consider an overnight stay at one of the many nearby hotels.”

PATS has secured the use of the four onsite hotels with a total of 400 rooms, and there are 1,000 bedrooms within a 10-minute drive and 3,000 within a 20-minute drive of the venue. One of the most favourable responses from people surveyed was the wide variety and quality of hotels, restaurants and bars at the purpose-built Convention Quarter, which is located opposite the International Centre. 

The survey of visitors – from multiple retailers to small independent shops – revealed the main reason for attending PATS Telford was the size and reputation of the event and being able to meet a large number of suppliers, including leading and new brands, at one location. The timing of PATS Telford – late September/early October – was also considered the ideal time to view product ranges for the following year.

The central location of Telford was another key reason for the Autumn show’s popularity with 85% of visitors willing to travel over 1.5 hours.

Another factor that registers favourably with visitors is that the International Centre has free parking for more than 1,500 cars.

Travelling to and from PATS Telford for international buyers is straightforward because of the close proximity of two of the UK’s largest international airports outside of London – Birmingham and Manchester.

“The Telford site offers so much in terms of access and hospitality and that’s why we’ll be working with PetQuip to encourage increasing numbers of international buyers to next year’s show,” added Gordon.

The announcement comes as exhibitors and buyers alike are preparing for this year’s packed PATS Telford, taking place on Sunday, 1st October, and Monday, 2^nd October.

Peter Pritchard, the former CEO of Pets at Home, has agreed to join the board of Woof and Brew, the pet drinks business.

Peter has a wealth of experience in the pet sector, previously CEO of Pets at Home and currently Chair of Arcaplanet, Italy’s leading pet retailer, non-executive of Voff Premium Pet Food, as well as AO.com and Motability plc.

Woof and Brew launched in 2010 providing healthy herbal drinks to pet owners across the UK. Products were a hit with dogs and their owners. Soon after launching Posh Pooch and Bottom Sniffer Beer for Dogs. The business has grown rapidly across the UK, Europe and most recently has entered the US market.  Their products are listed in pet speciality retailers, supermarkets and online marketplaces and increasingly in hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Peter joins both as investor and director of the business. Woof and Brew has just completed a successful placing to fuel the next chapter of growth, with an ambition to create a brand-new category, Hydration for Dogs.

Peter commented: “I am delighted to join Steve and the team at Woof and Brew. We will be launching a unique range of highly innovative hydration products. I believe there is a big opportunity to help owners keep their pets happy, healthy and hydrated”.

Steve Bennett, co-founder of Woof and Brew, shares his delight at Peter joining the team: “Up to this point we’ve been a small business with big ambitions, limited only by our industry knowledge and capital. Now with Peter on board there is nothing to stop us achieving our dreams to become one of UK’s most important pet companies and provide pets all over the world with the ultimate in nutritious and high-quality drinks for beloved companions.”

PetPlace has enjoyed a significant period of growth, revamping its Abergele store to include a cinema and play park, opening a new headquarters in Kinmel Bay and recently unveiling a revamped building in Llangefni.

The 25,000 sq ft site also includes a play park, dog wash and coffee bar and was redeveloped by Old Colwyn-based Parra’s Construction.

Managing Director Simon Pritchard, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, said it was a pleasure to work with PetPlace, adding: “We were extremely excited to be a part of this project to transform the existing facility into a new retail and dog play area which would act as a blueprint for their other stores in North Wales.

“The existing structure was tired and in desperate need of modernisation, so it was a huge transformation with a relatively small team and a lot of hard work.

“I think the finished product speaks for itself, and a lot of that is testament to the staff who continued to operate while works were undertaken. It is also a credit to the management’s forward thinking and vision – we were delighted to play a part in bringing that to life.”

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire-based Knowledge Ltd was tasked with installing digital software and technology across the state-of-the-art store.

Technical Director Nick Hill said: “We were excited by their vision and after travelling up to North Wales to see the layout for ourselves identified three key areas where digital signage could be used to enhance the customer journey, from enticing passing trade through to highlighting key product information and promotions.

“The final installation comprised of three high-brightness window displays, a freestanding 55” ‘Totem’ and eight smaller wall-mounted displays, all paired with a cloud-based content management system which allows full HTML-5, video and still image content to be deployed to all displays remotely and in real-time.

“All of which provides an immersive experience that guides customers on their journey through the store.”

The final touches were placed by Sure Retail, whose Crewe team – led by Business Development Director Giles Martin – are specialists in equipment and display solutions.

He said: “I often see correlation in working with companies that share our values, and us delivering stores I'm particularly proud of.

“PetPlace Llangefni is a prime example of this, as like us they are passionate about offering the best to their customers. Utilising innovation and creativity, whilst prioritising quality, ethics, and sustainability, throughout.”

Giles added: “The result is a true ‘destination store’, a purpose-built, engaging environment focused on customer experience and servicing the community, as well as individuals.

“It's our privilege to assist in the realisation of PetPlace's commendable vision, and we hope customers and staff will continue to enjoy this store for many years to come.”

PetPlace’s Managing Director Sion Pritchard thanked them for bringing the dream to fruition and said the firm is committed to supporting SMEs and small businesses and boosting the economy, both locally and across the UK.

“The result is a flagship store we are all very proud of,” he said.

“The response since opening has been incredible and Llangefni will now be held up as a benchmark for quality, innovation and customer service for pets and their owners – that was the vision we had all along, and they helped us to realise it.”

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

UK Pet Food members are responsible for providing safe and nutritious food for the nation’s 38 million pets. Around 60% of households have a pet and the industry is worth close to £4 billion.  

Michael Bellingham (pictured right), UK Pet Food Chief Executive, said: “Our industry is committed to the 16.2 million households with pets who are important family members.  We have a big responsibility, and our mission is to advance pet health and well-being with quality nutrition from a sustainable, progressive pet food industry. The success of our sector is one that many depend upon, and we need Government support. Our manifesto has been developed to succinctly detail our requirements to continue our excellent work.”

UK Pet Food details four priority areas in its manifesto, which must be taken on board by policy architects. Highlights include:   

1. Safe and Sustainable Pet Food 

The pet food industry requires safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced ingredients with a food system that recognises and values pet food.  UK Pet Food calls for their Industry’s critical role in the agricultural food chain and sustainability plans to be acknowledged.   

2. Trade with the EU and rest of the world 

We need to maintain regulatory alignment with the EU and call on the Government to support UK businesses in accessing new markets. UK Pet Food additionally details its need for a negotiated form of veterinary agreement to ease problems trading between GB, EU and NI. 

3. Pets and Animal Welfare

We need a society that treats pets with their best interests at heart, and a food system that places the welfare of farmed animals as the paramount goal. UK Pet Food calls on Government to progress the Kept Animals Bill, support farmers and include animal welfare on the curriculum.  

4. Pets in Society

We want to ensure a society that values the important role pets play in the improvement of health and mental wellbeing of people. We call for reduced barriers to pet ownership and also encourage dog friendly workplaces where possible. 

UK Pet Food unveiled its manifesto in Westminster at an event sponsored by Sir Roger Gale MP.

Sir Roger Gale said: “It was my pleasure to welcome fellow parliamentarians and guests to the UK Pet Food event. My support of animal welfare goes back a long way, and amongst other related roles, I have chaired the All-Party Parliamentary group for Animal Welfare. The research on the benefits of pets to people’s health and wellbeing is well documented and it is vital that we ensure a society that values the important role pets play. I’m pleased to see that this is at the heart of the UK Pet Food Manifesto which I am delighted to launch.”  

You can read more about the UK Pet Food manifesto here: https://www.ukpetfood.org/resource/uk-pet-foodmanifesto.html