The UK pet industry can look forward to a busy and productive 2026 as the nation’s love affair with its furry friends continues to flourish. Some of the country’s leading figures have been sharing their hopes for the year ahead.
Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation, said: “We’ve got a packed year ahead. The Business of Pets conference in June will be a major opportunity for learning, networking and growth. Then the PIF Awards in November, always the highlight of the industry calendar, and after this year we’ve set ourselves quite a bar to beat. And of course, PATS 2026 is shaping up nicely; we’re having some exciting conversations with the organisers already.”
However, Nigel admitted that he’d like to see some stability return to the marketplace. “The sector needs room to breathe with more investment, more confidence, and the chance for small businesses to grow again. And for PIF, I want us to keep strengthening our position as the go-to home for responsible pet businesses,” he added.
Joe Denham, Director General of PetQuip said his trade association was approaching 2026 with enthusiasm.
“The federation’s raison d’etre is to help British businesses within the sector. We will be pushing hard to do everything we can to help them,” commented Joe. “Our patrons are helping us to replace government funding and we are supremely grateful for their continued support to help us to help smaller businesses within the sector.
“Continued growth is the defining goal for everyone in the industry. The PATS trade show and PetQuip Awards are always a highlight of the year and we look forward not just to participating but supporting every attending business.
“Our Meet the Buyer programme is being extensively extended with overseas suppliers that are really keen to talk to our amazing British companies.”
Dr Matthew Bond, Chief Executive of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA), admitted it was extremely tough for retailers on the High Street.
“We all need to support our bricks and mortar shops because we know that the vast majority of money spent in the fishkeeping hobby is spent in these shops. And they are key places for providing face-to-face advice and guidance to pet owners. It is worrying that in the past decade there’s been a 22% decline in the number of retailers selling pet fish. That should worry all businesses, from manufacturers to importers and wholesalers, who supply retailers. What happens to our industry if people can no longer visit a shop and be inspired by watching beautiful fish?”
And he added: “There’s lots I would wish for, like the cost of living to come down so that people have more money to spend on their pets, including fish! I’m also hoping that the situation at the UK Border will improve, to make it much less bureaucratic, time-consuming and expensive to import aquatic species.”
