The owner of the Just for Pets chain of retailers is reported to be "reviewing its options" for the business after a disappointing set of financial figures.
Wynnstay saw its saw its shares tumble by 6% as the market opened on yesterday morning (Wednesday), and by lunchtime they were 7.36% down at 579p.
The seed and feed company said its overall strong performance had been dragged backwards by Just For Pets as it delivered a trading update for the six months to April 30.
Excluding the pet food brand, the company is to announce strong results for the first half when it delivers half-year results on June 21.
But Just for Pets has underperformed, making a loss during the first half of the year, leading the company as a whole to prepare for a fall in profits.
With the pet supplies retailer being a smaller part of the business, the company said it was now "reviewing its options" for the division.
Wynnstay is to announce restructuring plans for Just for Pets in the second half of the year.
The company saw profits fall 12 per cent to £7.29 million in the last full financial year.
“Just for Pets has continued to experience subdued demand, reflecting general retail trends in the sector, and certain stores in particular have not delivered the expected performance, resulting in losses in this activity during the first half,” the company said in its statement to the market.
"As a consequence, the board now expects to book a non-cash goodwill impairment charge for the period although the level of this charge is yet to be finalised.
"This will result in the company's reported profits for the first half of the financial year being materially lower than for the same period last year. The company's adjusted profit before tax before the goodwill impairment charge for this period will be marginally below last year, impacted by the Just for Pets performance."
The update also saw the company deliver a more positive assessment of the farming industry, adding that trading conditions for farmers have improved slightly during the period – although the sector remains challenging.
"Trading headwinds for farmers have eased somewhat but the agricultural environment remains challenging, with margin pressures a feature," the company said in its statement.
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YAKERS dog chews prove to be a big hit
Pet Trade Xtra Promotion
Kennelpak has been overwhelmed with the response from wholesalers, retailers and consumers alike to its new YAKERS dog chews, which were launched at PATS Sandown in March...
Kennelpak has been overwhelmed with the response from wholesalers, retailers and consumers alike to its new YAKERS dog chews, which were launched at PATS Sandown in March.
Initially launched in two sizes – Medium and Extra Large – the demand has been such, that Kennelpak will now be introducing a small size, which will be available in early June.
Made in the hills of the Himalayas using a mixture of Yak and Himalayan cow milk, these long-lasting, natural, gluten free, vegetarian chews are a hard cheese, that slowly softens as the dog chews on it.
Using traditional methods, the chews are slowly smoke dried over a 28-day period, to give them a unique flavour that dogs love.
For more information, please contact your wholesaler, or Kennelpak direct on 01159 399077, email sales@kennelpak.co.uk or visit the website www.yakers.co.uk
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Vet practice revenues up 24.6% at Pets at Home
Pets at Home is reaping the rewards of its Joint Venture vet practices as revenues have risen by 24.6% to £47.1 million. The figures were announced today as the company released audited preliminary results for the 52 weeks to 30 March...
Pets at Home is reaping the rewards of its Joint Venture vet practices as revenues have risen by 24.6% to £47.1 million. The figures were announced today as the company released audited preliminary results for the 52 weeks to 30 March.
In the statement Pets at Home announced that it hopes to roll out another 40-50 vet practices in 2018, along with a further 10 superstores and 40-50 grooming salons.
Ian Kellett, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We have delivered a solid performance over the year with profits in line with expectations, reflecting in part the strength of our Joint Venture vet practices where our total income grew 24.6%.
"We are uniquely positioned as the only UK pet business delivering an integrated omnichannel and services offer, supported by our fast growing Vet Group, market leading private labels and expert colleagues. In an evolving consumer environment, we are taking steps to reposition prices on own label Advanced Nutrition and pet essentials and have made some initial changes to branded food lines.
"Encouraged by the reaction of our customers and having seen an improvement in Merchandise LFL to 1.0% in the 16 weeks since launch, we will move swiftly to deliver even better value. We are confident this is the right path for success and will give us a strong platform for sustainable future growth.”
The highlights of the results are:
- Total income from Joint Venture vet practices up 24.6%* to £47.1m
- Positive response to the launch of pricing initiatives in Advanced Nutrition private labels and everyday pet essentials. Pricing initiatives now extending to branded foods
- Progress in Q4 with Merchandise returning to growth. Q4 LFLs#: Group 1.2%, Merchandise 0.5% & Services 7.1% when adjusted for the impact of Easter3
- New openings in line with targets: 15 superstores, 50 vet practices and 50 grooming salons. A further two veterinary specialist referral centres acquired
- Strong results from omnichannel investment with online revenue growth of 53%: launched colleague assisted ‘Order in-store’ and a subscription platform with potential for broader product application
- Total dividend payable of 7.5 pence per share
FY18 guidance
- Rollout: c10 superstores, 40-50 vet practices, 40-50 grooming salons
- Group gross margin (100) – (200) bps, which includes price investment and FX cost
- Operational cost growth (excluding depreciation and amortisation) of 4.5-5.5%, which includes cost from the step up in National Living Wage and Apprenticeship Levy, new store openings and operational cost savings
- Depreciation and amortisation £34 – 35m, weighted more to the H1
- Net interest £4-5m
- Effective tax rate 20%
- Capital investment c£40-42m – includes the remainder of the one-off energy savings project at £3m
- Ordinary dividend payment maintained at least at the prior year level
- Working capital outflow of around £5m to support vet practice growth
- Non-underlying items: accounting treatment of the minority stakes owned by vet partners in the specialist referral centres may lead to a non cash operating expense charge of up to £2m. See page 13 for further detail
Board appointments
Paul Coby and Amy Stirling, Independent Non-Executive Directors, will step down from the Board at the Annual General Meeting on 11 July 2017. Paul will be succeeded by Stansilas Laurent, former President and CEO of Photobox and COO of AOL.com Europe. Amy Stirling, will be succeeded by Sharon Flood as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Sharon is the Chairman of ST Du Pont S.A and Audit Chair at Crest Nicholson plc and Network Rail.
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Peregrine Livefoods secures exclusive deal with Biopod
If you’ve been on social media recently, you may have seen a new product sending reptile and amphibian lovers into a frenzy. Biopod is a revolutionary complete micro-habitat set to launch globally on July 17. If you’re looking for the next big thing, you need to read this...
If you’ve been on social media recently, you may have seen a new product sending reptile and amphibian lovers into a frenzy. Biopod is a revolutionary complete micro-habitat set to launch globally on July 17. If you’re looking for the next big thing, you need to read this!
Company founder Jared Wolfe initially conceived Biopod to be a safe haven for endangered rainforest species, namely frogs. The goal was to re-create conditions found in the wild and assist in conservation projects to breed endangered species and release back into the wild.
After years of design and testing, Biopod launched a Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign and raised over $1.2 million through over 1,200 backers. It’s since received huge exposure in North America and had further private equity investment to ensure Biopod is a worldwide success.
Biopod comes in five sizes and contains the latest technology to keep a wide range of pets in a perfectly controlled habitat with the use of a smartphone application.
The systems include air and ground heating, UVA & UVB lighting through LED and cold cathode fluorescent lighting. They contain misting systems and even a camera which can be viewed through the app anywhere around the world. The Aqua and Aqua II models can be set up as a “paludarium” – part terrarium and part aquarium and these also contain an aeration unit. All features turn on or off throughout the day at set intervals pre-determined by the wild conditions for each species. Biopod is a simple “plug and play” system. It can be taken out the box, plugged in and once connected to wi-fi, the application takes over and does all the work. Simply select the species from a broad list already populated by Biopod and the perfect conditions are re-created. What’s so special about this system, is that Biopod has worked with a team of biologists and conservationists who have taken readings of temperatures and humidity from hundreds of locations around the world. Importantly, those readings aren’t just what the weather channel will give you, they’re taken directly in the spots where the animals live, for instance under tree cover in a dense rainforest near a running stream. For those who want to take over, Biopod also has a manual mode, allowing the user to adjust settings to their own specific requirements. Biopod will be available exclusively through Peregrine Livefoods. Chris Jones, Sales & Marketing Director at Peregrine Livefoods, comments: “We are delighted to have secured this exclusive partnership with Biopod. Having tested these products for several months now, we can say with certainty there’s nothing like this on the market and believe this is truly game changing. "Finally, we have a system that can control conditions safely and more accurately than any other system. It looks modern, it’s easy to set-up and makes keeping rare and beautiful species more accessible to the beginner.” For information and pricing, please contact Peregrine Livefoods on 01279 438 459. You can also go online and register your interest at: www.peregrine-livefoods.co.uk/biopod-information
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Why new companies choose to launch at PATS
The UK pet industry has seen an impressive number of companies entering the market over the past few years and many of these new businesses have chosen the PATS trade shows as their launch pad. This year’s PATS Telford on September 24-25 will see a host of newcomers exhibiting their new products and services to an audience of UK and international pet retailers.
The UK pet industry has seen an impressive number of companies entering the market over the past few years and many of these new businesses have chosen the PATS trade shows as their launch pad.
This year’s PATS Telford on September 24-25 will see a host of newcomers exhibiting their new products and services to an audience of UK and international pet retailers.
PAWBO is a newcomer to the UK market with its wireless interactive pet camera and the company will be exhibiting at PATS Telford for the first time. Marketing director Ray Lin said: “PAWBO and the PAWBO Theme Park are brand new concepts for the UK, and we feel that the PATS event is a great way to forge new partnerships and retail channels. Our research has shown that PATS delivers a valuable audience that we believe will love what PAWBO has to offer.”
TropiClean, a manufacturer of grooming and oral care products, is also looking forward to its first ever PATS show. “We could not ask to be in a better place than PATS Telford to show the entire trade why TropiClean items are so unique and, more importantly, how proven all ranges are,” said the company’s Paul Mercer. “Our objective at September’s show is to further widen our customer base, as well as look to extend our offerings with current customers.”
Another PATS first-timer is Midwestern Pet Foods, manufacturer of the Earthborn Holistic, Pro Pac Ultimates and Sportmix Wholesomes natural dog and cat food lines. “PATS has a reputation for service and growth in a crowded show market and we are pleased to be a part of this movement,” said Begoña Ramirez.
Plans for PATS Telford on Sunday, September 24, and Monday, September 25, are at advanced stage with 87% of stand space currently booked.
PATS is the UK’s No 1 pet trade show and the only exhibition where the entire industry comes together under one roof.
Organiser Annie Foord says the exhibition promises to be another memorable event for the pet industry. “We currently have 143 companies committed to exhibiting at PATS Telford, which is a clear indication the show is an important place to launch new products. The exhibitors have been telling me they have lots of launches planned, so visitors can be certain there will be plenty of things to see and do.”
As well as attracting new companies, the event is renowned for showcasing products and services from all the leading pet food and accessory firms.
Nestlé Purina returned to PATS Sandown in March and following a highly successful show the company will be exhibiting its products on an even bigger stand at Telford. “Our brands include some of the best-known and best-loved names in pet food, each the result of the very latest advances in quality, taste and nutrition, and we can’t wait to showcase them at PATS. Come and see us on stand G8 to talk about becoming a Purina Partner and start to drive sales and profit with us.”
One of the major successes at PATS shows over the years has been the New Product Showcase. Last year at Telford a record number new products – over 300 in total – were on show in the designated area. All the products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show, and the winners of each category will be announced at lunchtime.
“Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the Showcase first,” adds Annie. “They can see all the latest items in one place, and once they have seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”
As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers and listen to talks from prominent industry figures.
Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.
To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk
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IAMS launches new campaign to educate pet owners
As the gap between pet food and human food trends continues to narrow, consumers are scrutinising the ingredients in the nutrition they feed their pets more than ever. With this in mind IAMS campaign to highlight why its food is packed with high quality animal proteins to support healthy, active lives for pets...
As the gap between pet food and human food trends continues to narrow, consumers are scrutinising the ingredients in the nutrition they feed their pets more than ever.
Owners are demanding pet nutrition with a high meat content and natural ingredients that are low in sugar, salt and fat, whilst ensuring their pets enjoy flavour and variety in their diet.
It is this insight that has underpinned IAMS latest campaign to highlight why IAMS is packed with high quality animal proteins to support healthy, active lives for pets.
The new IAMS Proactive Health campaign showcases the impressively high levels of protein in every bowl, whilst communicating that shoppers will get more protein for less, when comparing cost per meal.
Chicken and turkey protein is the number one ingredient in IAMS Proactive Health which offers pets 47% more animal proteins than the top two leading brands for cat and 24% more for dog.
The campaign, which will be activated through a multi-channel approach, highlights how owners can help their pets live a healthy active life with an animal protein rich, 100% complete and balanced diet. Protein is a critical nutrient and consistently needs replacing.
Plenty of high quality protein is needed every single day to support the skin and coat, muscles, digestion, tissues such as the liver and even important messengers such as hormones.
The retail launch will be supported with outdoor advertising, a dedicated micro-site, digital and social media advertising, an influencer WOM campaign, direct mail, in-store POS, PR, print advertising and displays, and couponing.
IAMS Senior Marketing Manager Celine Gustin says: “We know that for our target audience, pets are a hugely important part of the family and as such want to provide them with a tasty, high quality diet that will help keep them looking and feeling healthy, strong and happy.
"The IAMS Proactive Health range provides cats and dogs with the nutrients they need, including a tasty blend of chicken and turkey protein as our number one ingredient to naturally provide essential amino acids like taurine, omega fats and vitamins and minerals.
"Not only will pets really enjoy the taste, but owners can have the confidence that they are supporting a healthy, active life for their pet.”
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British firms return from Zoomark with firm orders
An on-site survey carried out by the PetQuip association at the close of the Zoomark international pet product trade exhibition held in Bologna confirmed that the British group of exhibitors had made major inroads into many important export markets...
An on-site survey carried out by the PetQuip association at the close of the Zoomark international pet product trade exhibition held in Bologna confirmed that the British group of exhibitors had made major inroads into many important export markets.
The survey highlighted that the UK suppliers had welcomed buyers from 53 countries to their stands during the four days of the show In addition to the numerous positive enquiries received, firm orders had been cemented before the exhibition closed. For example, Hugo Kamishi secured orders from Italy and Greece, Howler & Scratch attracted orders from Malta and Austria and Armitage took new distributor orders from Greece and Iran.
The high number of overseas buyers visiting the British pet industry stand, organised and manned by PetQuip, echoed the experiences of the UK suppliers.
PetQuip’s director general, Amanda Sizer Barrett said; “A total of 62 buyers from all continents held discussions with the federation’s team and the leads resulting from these discussions will be passed on to the relevant British suppliers.
"The buyers came from 20 European countries as well as from as far away as Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Dubai and China. We expect far more new UK exports to be secured from this event to follow, since these initial reports of successes achieved by the UK contingent were gathered prior to leaving the show, so represent only a small selection of the UK exhibitors.
"We expect to hear many more positive stories and that the actual export orders received will grow as firms follow up on the numerous enquiries received.
"Zoomark has become a firm fixture on the PetQuip international event calendar, and this year we organised a record total of pet product suppliers within the group, all keen to expand their international sales territories.”
Gordon Thomas of the UK pet product trade exhibition PATS is a frequent exhibitor at Zoomark within the British pavilion.
He confirmed he had received a good number of new enquiries from overseas buyers requesting information on visiting PATS Telford in September; among the international buyers already signed up to visit the show in the UK this year and meet UK potential suppliers are retailers and distributors from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark and Spain.
The British group at Zoomark 2017 in pictures:
Emma Greenlees of TastyBone with the company’s new peanut butter range and toy trio. Emma was pleased to have seen buyers from Poland and China early on the first day.
Martin Hodson and Rachel Pearce of ChickenGuard with their automatic chicken coop door openers. The company was following up on its export successes achieved as part of the PetQuip-organised group at Global Pet Expo in Florida.
Vitalin showcased its new British-made Super Premium Cat Food range which includes Kitten, Adult Cat with British Chicken and Adult Cat Scottish Salmon. Pictured on the stand is Sean Cox.
Paul Conquest, managing director of Eden Holistic Pet Foods, introduced the company’s Cuisine range of pet food with natural ingredients and no grain. Eden also supplies nutritional supplements which aid a dog’s digestion, joints, skin and coat.
From left to right: Lizzie Mosley, Lizzie Masters and Naomi Bryan, part of the Hug Rug Phoenox Textiles team. The company was displaying its Howler & Scratch machine washable, anti -bacterial, eco friendly recycled mats for the pet industry. The products are designed and made in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Richard Fry, managing director of Micro-ID, exhibiting the Mishiko smart pet collar, a GPS and activity tracker in one. Users of the animal identification scanners always know where their pet is by monitoring their progress on a smart phone App.
Tyler Freedman from Loc8tor Ltd launched the company’s Tabcat Safe and Found at Zoomark. The radio frequency cat tracking device proved to be popular in the Italian market.
Kevin Barton, managing director of ALF Ltd, which markets the Hugo Kamishi range for aquariums. New products available at the show included freeze dried snails and the food sticks range of Cichlid, Veggie, Shrimp and Carnivore.
Ben Mankertz, commercial manager for Fold Hill Foods, manufacturer of the Laughing Dog range of treats and mixer meals, was showcasing the company’s Christmas offers at Zoomark. Fold Hill’s decorative gift offers have proved to be very popular in the past and new offers are available upon request.
PetQuip provided the opportunity for the UK exhibitors and other guests to participate in some relaxed networking during a reception on the British pavilion at Zoomark.
Companies wishing to learn more about the comprehensive range of services offered by PetQuip to UK suppliers of petcare products should contact the association on +44 (0) 44 1959 565995, email: info@petquip.com or visit the PetQuip website on www.petquip.com
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South African accessories brand ROGZ launched a novel new product at Zoomark. Described as a 'treat puzzle', this slow feeder/treat dispenser is one with a marked difference.Designed to both stimulate and entertain, the ROGZ 'Tumbler' is unique in that it offers a three setting, adjustable release rate, treat dispensing mechanism. Extremely easy to use, the Tumbler (made from tough, food safe BPA free ABS plastic in 5 “ROGZalicious” colours – blue, red, orange, pink and lime), allows you to set the difficulty at which your pooch is able to reach his favourite kibble treat.
As the dog learns how to free his nibble, you can adjust it to become more challenging and slow down his feeding time.
In addition to being a slow-feeder and treat puzzle, the Tumbler also wiggles with unpredictability to stimulate any dog’s mind and muscle.
It is 100% dishwasher safe, and rates at an impressive 4/5 on the ROGZ Bite-O-Meter.
In a market where innovation, quality and price are often at odds, ROGZ may just have landed another winner.
Stock available to order August 2017 from the following UK distributors: - Trust Pet Products
- Armstrong Richardson
- Christies Direct
- NVS veterinary suppliers
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Owners can honour pet’s life with Memory Bloom
Memory Bloom is the only product of its kind designed to help mark the passing of a pet by providing a living, flowering memorial and providing everything needed for holding a simple ceremony...
Memory Bloom is the only product of its kind designed to help mark the passing of a pet by providing a living, flowering memorial and providing everything needed for holding a simple ceremony.
The kits contain bio degradable containers, compost and seeds as well as a special story book and little notes and markers to personalise your own memorial.
The idea is that some of a pet's ashes or small memento (name tag/collar) can be placed into the compost along with the seeds to provide a focal point for remembrance as the flowers – a mix of beautiful Anemones, Forget-me-nots, Californian Poppies and insect and bee friendly wildflowers - begin to grow.
It should be kept indoors until green shoots start to emerge and then planted outside where the containers will simply degrade and break down into the soil and the flowers will bloom each year from spring to late autumn.
Johanna Buitelaar, Memory Bloom’s founder and owner, came up with the idea originally because of her own experience losing her Jack Russell Grooby when she was a teenager.
Years later the idea became reality because of another elderly Jack Russell and family pet, Jasper, and her realisation that sooner or later she would have to explain to her young children that Jasper was no longer with them.
Johanna says: ”In the end Jasper lived to the ripe old age of 21 and when I had to have him put to sleep I was absolutely devastated. The children and I made a memory bloom for Jasper; I couldn’t believe how much easier it made things.
"I explained what had happened through the book that I’d written and the children had something physical to do to enable them to gain closure.
"It’s so important for children to start developing grief coping strategies from an early age. Often the death of a pet is the first time they experience grief and parents shouldn’t sweep it under the carpet; next time it could be a grandparent.
"Memory Bloom takes the pressure off parents to an extent and allows everyone to talk about it. My daughter India often still talks about Jasper being up in the sky and dancing on the moon. She talks about him like he’s still here not in an upset way which is lovely to me as a parent as I’m still dealing with his loss myself.” Memory Bloom recognises the profound impact that a beloved pets death can have on the entire family and that the loss of a pet can be very difficult for both children and adults to cope with.
By reading the Story Book and planting the Memory Bloom bulbs a sense of closure can be achieved and the gravity of the loss can be eased by giving a treasured pet the send off that they deserve.
The living, flowering memorial then offers a focal point for everyone to be able to remember and celebrate the life of their beloved pet.
The eye catching packaging and compact shape make Memory Bloom an easy product to stock and free standing display units are also available. Memory Bloom retails at £28.95
For further information contact Johanna Buitelaar at Memory Bloom, tel: 01790 754 670, email: johanna@memorybloom.co.uk
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Tributes have been paid to a pet shop boss who went out of his way to help customers. Tom Young, who ran Troon Pets and Aquaria for the past 16 years with his wife Audrey, died without warning last week aged just 62.
A notice on the door of the Church Street shop - which doubled in size after a chain-store rival quit the town - says it will remain closed for the time being due to the bereavement.
The town’s business community learned of his sudden death on Friday.
One social media message summed him up perfectly.
Katrina Macdonald said: “I’m so very shocked, all the family are.
“Audrey and Tom have been part of our lives for such a long time from when my first two children were young to the present day with my last two.
“I’m so sad about this news, he was a good man and a fantastic pet shop owner.
“He will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts are with Audrey. What a loss.”
Over the years Tom had built-up vast knowledge of small household pets such as rabbits and gerbils as well as tropical fish.
And he was a true double act with Audrey, ensuring customers always received the best advice.
Tom’s funeral is being held today (Thursday) at Masonhill Crematorium.
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Primary pupils are kicking up a stink over lazy dog walkers who leave the paths surrounding their school covered in pet poo.
Children from a primary school in East Kilbride, Scotland, have been working hard to make sure their local area is clean and safe by raising awareness of dog fouling.
The school hope to win a John Muir Award on the back of their campaign.
The environmental accolade encourages children to get out and about and enjoy their local parks and wildlife.
The kids put up anti-dog fouling posters and handed out leaflets around St Louise and Heathery Knowe primary schools to urge dog owners to clean up their act.
And the adventurous P5 class decided to go even further to draw attention to the issue by painting all the dog poo they found bright blue.
Pupils plan to revisit the park and surrounding streets in the next few weeks to see if the situation has improved.
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As man’s best friend, dogs have been living by our side for thousands of years. And for those with a passion for helping our canine companions there are courses galore teaching us how to train, groom and care for them.
Dog therapy, however, is a relatively new frontier but a canine expert is urging people to consider it – especially if they are thinking of a career change.
Julia Robertson is the founder of Galen Myotherapy – a hands-on muscle treatment used to treat dogs with arthritis and underlying pain – and runs diploma courses teaching her unique remedy to pet owners, vets, veterinary and other canine professionals, along with human therapeutic practitioners.
Since establishing the Galen Therapy Centre in 2002 she has treated thousands of dogs and trained hundreds of people, via her diploma course, who now work as myotherapists across the UK and abroad.
Julia added: “When I set up my therapy centre my aim was to help as many dogs as possible suffering in silence through arthritis, musculoskeletal pain and underlying conditions. I am extremely proud of all the myotherapists I have trained and work alongside.
“Through them, Galen Myotherapy is able to reach and support dogs from across the UK and further afield. They have all been through the diploma and are now working for themselves.”
Julia has been running her externally accredited diploma courses for more than 10 years, which is open to people from all ages and backgrounds. Students with an anatomy and physiology background can go straight onto the diploma while those without can take an introductory course beforehand.
“Myotherapy training demonstrates how dog’s posture is relevant to muscle pain, alongside teaching an in-depth knowledge of canine anatomy and physiology plus our specific empathetic handling by giving dogs choice. These components help to arrest chronic muscle pain and helps to reverse that dreadful chronic pain cycle” Julia said.
“With this understanding we can better spot signs that our pet may be in pain or discomfort so we can get them – or give them – the necessary treatment as quickly as possible”
“Working with dogs every day is totally rewarding – nothing says thank you more than a dog demonstrably enjoying their life more – and knowing that you are helping them makes the job completely satisfying and worthwhile. Our diploma course is an ideal step for people keen to work with dog’s in one of the most rewarding ways possible.”
For more information about Galen Myotherapy and the diploma course visit www.caninetherapy.co.uk/courses/canine-myotherapy-diploma/
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The pet care industry is expected to achieve good growth, with a 2% rise expected in constant 2017 value terms, according to market analysts Euromonitor International.
Pet owners are continuing to establish strong bonds with their pets, with pets becoming companions, friends or ersatz children.
"This humanisation phenomenon may not be new, but it has been driving the industry," says Paula Flores, Euromonitor International’s Head of Pet Care Research.
"The many ways in which it has done so are continuing to change. A good example is the continuous growth of dog and cat treats – globally the categories with the highest growth. Cat treats, in particular, has seen exponential growth in most regions, albeit from a small base, making it the most dynamic category globally in 2017.
"Regional performance is varied. Unsurprisingly, the more mature regions of North America and Western Europe are posting slower growth, with Asia Pacific expected to post the highest growth (7%) in constant value terms in 2017.
"The picture changes dramatically if variable exchange rate and current prices are taken into consideration. Individual markets such as China and India are expected to post the highest growth rates in 2017 as consumers increasingly humanise their pets and many also shift to a commercially prepared diet.
"Globally, pets are increasingly becoming part of all aspects of humans’ lives, and the relationship between humans and their pets keeps evolving. The way pet owners shop for themselves is key to the choices they make for their pets.
"The choices they make for themselves will be mimicked when chosing their pets’ diets. Manufacturers are increasingly adding new elements, targeting the functional element of nutrition and highlighting the key benefits it can bring to pets’ health.
"Consumers are also increasingly aware and reminded of the importance of looking after their own health. Pet owners are also keeping better track of their pets’ health, constantly monitoring their activity levels – the rise of pet activity trackers, as well as gadgets that allow owners to interact with their pets even when not at home is testament to this."
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Interzoo long-term plan applauded by PetQuip
The announcement by the organisers of Interzoo that the show will remain at its current venue in Nuremberg until at least 2036 has been applauded by the British-based PetQuip association.
The announcement by the organisers of Interzoo that the show will remain at its current venue in Nuremberg until at least 2036 has been applauded by the British-based PetQuip association.
PetQuip chose the Interzoo event as its launch platform in 2006, and since then the association has organised and supported the British pavilion at every edition of the biennual event. The UK exhibitor presence reached a record 62 pet trade suppliers in 2016 and interest is already high for the next edition.
The association has secured a prime location for the British pavilion at the 2018 edition of the show and has already flagged up this event with government for the allocation of cash grants for eligible exhibitors. British companies that exhibit in other areas of the exhibition may also benefit from PetQuip’s services and the funding by joining the British group, provided they register interest at the same time as committing to exhibiting.
Commenting on the Interzoo announcement, the director general of PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett, said: “Over the past 10 years, the PetQuip association has forged a strong bond with the organisers of this major event for the world’s pet trade.
"The latest announcement will only serve to strengthen that position to the benefit of UK exhibitors. Businesses welcome stability, and the fact that we will be continuing to work over a long period with the organisers at a venue that we know well will be attractive to UK pet suppliers."
Knowledge of the venue and the way in which the show operates are vital when planning exhibition participation and this is where PetQuip’s experience of the show ensures that UK companies get the best return on their investment.
Past exhibitors in the British pavilion have experienced the value of Interzoo in terms of the quality of the export orders they have secured. For example, firms that exhibited at the show at our launch eleven years ago are still benefiting from repeat export orders and new international contacts.
New exporters will benefit from the research, promotion, export advice and sales leads offered by PetQuip's experienced and knowledgeable team, before, during and after the show.
As with all international trade exhibitions where PetQuip is involved, the association will be providing a comprehensive package to British companies exhibiting in the PetQuip-organised group at Interzoo 2018. The package will be designed to make every aspect of exhibiting simpler and to promote each firm’s message to an international audience.
Although floor plans will not be available on the Interzoo website until at least October, you can register your interest in exhibiting now and obtain further information on the show and PetQuip's exhibitor package by contacting either Theresa Swann theresa@petquip.com or Emma Lewis emma@petquip.com, tel+44 (0)1959 565 995.
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Melissa Sincock (above right), of Barking Mad Middlesex, has been named the company's 2017 Franchisee of the Year at its 14th National Conference.
Managing Director Lee Dancy (above left) said: “We were thrilled to present this award to Melissa. She is an absolute pocket rocket with outstanding customer service and double digit growth.
"Passionate and committed to her business and network of support staff, hosts and customers, it is obvious to anyone who meets her that she genuinely cares about every single dog holiday she organises."
The franchised service, which provides bespoke holidays for dogs whilst their owners’ are away, celebrated at the Lakeside Hotel in the Lake District focusing on the people who make their brand a success.
The event led by Lee Dancy is a thank you to all the hard work from over 75 branches across the UK and marked 17 years of continued success.
The business has been a genuine local success story since its foundation by Lee in 2000, with the company’s latest accolade winning the national Amazon CBI Growing Business Award in November last year.
The two day event has been held every year in the Lakes since they became a franchisor accredited by the British Franchise Association (BFA). Their philosophy is to support the region by working with, and employing, local people and businesses.
Lee said: “Our 14th conference is a proud celebration for Barking Mad and a lot of fun too. We love what we do and are privileged to work with such talented hard working people who have made us the UK’s brand leader. This year sees us ready to go live with our first ever TV advert which launches on the 15th May and has made the event even more special."
The Barking Mad concept is centred on accommodating dogs in a caring environment ensuring their routine is kept as consistent as possible with a loving local host family. The Barking Mad brand is recognised across the pet care sector and franchise industry as well as the great British pet loving public.
Barking Mad continues to grow and following their acquisition by Franchise Brand plc Group in November 2016, have a solid foundation to take the business to an even greater pedigree.
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CSJ was delighted to hear that Steven Richardson’s 10 year old Patterdale/Collie cross Libby showed a clean pair of heels in the Team Speedstakes Relay in The Netherlands. As members of the England team winning in the World Agility Open Championships at Ermelo on 19th to 21st May Libby and Steven showed that ‘veterans’ can still be best. The World Agility Open (WAO) was founded in 2010 and is managed by Greg Derrett and Monica Percival. It was the first international event created and managed by agility competitors and is now an annual event sponsored by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds. The WAO’s mission is ‘to provide the ultimate in dog agility competition; showcase the highest level of agility training, human/canine partnership, and athleticism; and enable all dogs, whether pedigreed or not, to compete in an environment focused solely on agility. It is the first international event created and managed by agility competitors.ne partnership and athleticism: and enable all dogs, whether pedigreed or not, to compete in an environment focused soley on agility’ - and this year’s event certainly showcased what can be achieved by dogs of all shapes, sizes…and ages. The Wales team also arrived home triumphant after winning gold in Team Agility and the general feeling from all competitors was, “Great event - can’t wait until next year!” There’s more about Steven Richardson and Libby at https://www.csjk9.com/profiles/steven-richardson_p1482.html and about WAO at www.worldagilityopen.compartnership, and athleticism; and enable all dogs, whether pedigreed or not, to compete in an environment focused solely on agility. It is the first international event created and managed by agility competitors.
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