Why PATS Telford is a ‘must-visit’ event
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The biggest-ever PATS show being held at Telford International Centre on September 25-26 will be the only place this Autumn to see all the new pet products to be launched in the UK.
Britain’s No.1 pet trade exhibition is THE show where the whole of the industry gather under one roof with over 180 companies showcasing their products in one massive hall.
It’s the ideal event for pet retailers, vets, groomers, farm shops, and garden centres to decide what products to stock over the next year with hundreds of items being exhibited, many of which are new launches.
“There will be so much to see and do over the two days of the show,” said organiser Annie Foord. “It’s great to see the pet industry come together for this major event, and visitors can be sure of meeting representatives from all the leading names as well as many new ones.
“And there will be an international flavour to the show with companies from across mainland Europe choosing to book a stand and unveil their latest creations.”
Exhibitors from Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Norway and Denmark, will be joining their counterparts from the UK and Ireland to make PATS Telford a truly international show.
Pets Corner have nearly 120 retail stores throughout the UK and co-owner Steve Charman revealed why PATS is a ‘must-visit’ event. “Last year I flew straight in from China to make sure I got to see the Telford show. I always find a visit to PATS uplifting and the layout at Telford is fantastic, making it easy for visitors to get around. It makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products.”
And Adam Green, of the Destination Pet in Higham Ferrers, Northants, said:“Without doubt PATS is the best trade event. You can really feel the buzz as you walk in the exhibition hall. It’s a brilliant place for meeting and networking with manufacturers and area managers, seeing new lines and getting great deals. Bring on Telford!"
A growing number of garden centres are also finding PATS to be the best place to buy products for their pet departments. Jason Osborne, of Webbs Garden Centre in Worcestershire, said: “Last year’s PATS Telford was a fabulous show, and I loved the layout and all the new products.”
The New Product Showcase is one the event’s most popular features and entries for PATS Telford are currently pouring in to the organisers’ office.
Products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Sunday, September 25) to decide the winners of the New Products Awards.
“Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the New Product Showcase first,” said Annie Foord. “They can view all the latest items in one place, and once they’ve 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.”
There are eight categories in the New Product Showcase and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.
For All Dogkind won the Grooming Product Award at PATS Sandown in March, and Laura Redstone said: "Since winning the award we have been overwhelmed by the trade enquiries we have received from both the UK and overseas. The accolade has given DogKind a superb launch platform into the pet and grooming industry.”
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.
There will be Buyers’ Centre at Telford, run in association with PetQuip, where international visitors will be able to have meetings with clients. PetQuip will also be staging their prestigious Awards Party in the Ludlow Suite, part of the Telford International Centre, at 7.30pm on September 25.
Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. Those arriving before 10am will also receive a refreshment voucher, redeemable throughout the day (subject to availability).
With good catering facilities and plenty of seating areas taken care of, visitors can concentrate fully on the main business of the day – seeing top-class products from the biggest range of suppliers and manufacturers…all under one roof.
A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk where you can also register for free entry to the show.
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