Independent pet retailer Not Just Pets has urged politicians to help small businesses to survive on the high street by providing realistic business rates.
Janine Tozer, owner of the award-winning Bath-based business, said: “As a company we have worked very hard in 2015 to keep our business going with downsizing one shop, revamping another and we are in the process of renegotiating the lease and getting ready for a revitalisation of our third store.
“We are also looking closely at our website and the best way forward as a multi-channel business. “In-store trade has been very unpredictable throughout the year and we are delighted to still be here as an independent company trading on the high street, although it has not been easy. “Our main problems are high business rates (hence the downsize), parking problems for customers and online competition.” Janine says independent stores need to offer something more than their rivals by giving customers a real, tangible, worthwhile shopping experience. “If we cannot compete on price, we must compete on service. We offer free local delivery to compensate for the parking issues and we offer the best possible customer service, a strong knowledge base and range of products and the ability to 'get something in quickly' to help compete with online competitors. “The UK does much more shopping online now than it has ever done before and e-commerce is the fastest growing retail market in Europe, with around 15% of sales in the UK done online. Black Friday was a prime example of this where there was an unexpected huge surge of online sales, unexpected empty high street and shopping mall stores and an alleged 62% increase of online sales took place between midnight and 7am, compared with 2014. Food for thought there! “We need supplier backing and support, with an understanding of the problems and challenges of independent traders and we definitely need the Government's help with realistic business rates and other incentives to drive folks back to the high street.”
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OASE expands with purchase of biOrb
The OASE Group, headquartered in Hörstel, Germany, has acquired the assets of Reef One Ltd (Norwich, UK), the company behind the successful biOrb brand. The transaction has been closed with immediate effect and the terms were not disclosed.
The OASE Group, headquartered in Hörstel, Germany, has acquired the assets of the company Reef One Ltd (Norwich, UK). The transaction has been closed with immediate effect and the terms were not disclosed.
Reef One has been very successful in building the biOrb brand into what it is today; a premium range of aquarium products which stands for quality, unique design, service and innovation. This is a perfect fit to the OASE brand which for more than 60 years stands for quality and innovation in the water gardening segment. The aim of this acquisition is to couple these strengths together along with OASE’s own indoor aquatics products which will be launched in February 2016. Ansgar Paul; CEO of OASE Group, commented: “We are very excited about the addition of biOrb to our range. For several years we have watched and admired the design of the aquariums and the marketing around it. The unique biOrb program will be the perfect complement to our own OASE indoor aquatics products which will be available soon."
Paul Stevenson; Managing Director of Reef One Ltd, said: “When I decided to retire having built biOrb up from scratch we could have chosen a number of partners.
"I saw OASE as the perfect fit to take the business to the next level and further cement our position as a key player in the UK market as well as build up distribution in North America and mainland Europe where OASE has several subsidiaries and local salesforces. In particular I am very happy that my great team will now be part of the OASE organisation." “This transaction represents a further successful step in the execution of our strategic expansion plan for OASE," states Michael H. Bork, Senior Partner of Equistone Partners Europe, Munich.
After the acquisition of the Italian business EDEN S.r.l. in 2013 and Geo Global Partners 2014, the financial investor, which is advising the main shareholders of OASE, once again has proven its continuous support to invest in a well-established company with high growth potential.
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 A Springer Spaniel from Durham has received an animal award from PDSA for helping her owner to find happiness again, following a period of intense personal tragedy.
Three-year-old Tilly was nominated by owner Heather Purdy, for providing help and support following a very challenging time in her life. A life-changing illness left Heather’s husband needing round the clock care. She also suffered a string of family bereavements.
Tilly has been awarded a PDSA Commendation for her devotion to Heather, who said: “Over the last few years, my husband was left severely disabled from a massive brain haemorrhage, my daughter died from cystic fibrosis and I also lost my mother, grandparents and a cousin. I could see myself staring into a black hole and feared, if I fell into it, that I would not be able to come out.”
Heather decided to throw herself back into her work as a business partner at HPPL Canine Security Services, which provides detection dogs to sniff out drugs and weapons at events, and training to dogs with behavioural problems.
Poised to return to work and in need of a new detection dog to work with her, Heather visited a local rescue centre where she came across a Springer Spaniel that would transform her life.
Tilly was a very timid nine-month-old puppy who had a tough start in life. But taking on the challenge of transforming Tilly would also work wonders for Heather.
Heather added: “Tilly took an instant shine to me and I brought her home. I totally lost my heart to her and didn’t give a second thought to any of the qualities I’d initially been looking for in a working dog! I just knew Tilly needed help.
“She was scared of everything and everyone. She would wee, shake and bark when confronted with anything new. Gradually, I managed to build up her confidence, first by basic training, then taking her to markets, museums and eventually bigger events including air shows and even the hustle and bustle of travelling on the London Underground. I didn’t realise at the time, but as Tilly became more confident, I did too. For the first time in years, I was enjoying myself.
 “When Tilly and I became a team, we were both at the lowest points of our lives. We have helped each other and if it wasn’t for Tilly, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I might just have been sucked into that black hole. Seeing her take on every challenge thrown at her and taking it all in her stride to become a bigger, better dog inspired me to keep going and get on with my own life. I have been to hell and back on more than one occasion and it is Tilly who has pulled me back on track.”
PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin presented Tilly with her certificate at a ceremony at the charity’s Sunderland Pet Hospital, The Reay Hudson Centre.
Jan said: “At PDSA we understand the strength and power of the bond between a pet and their owner. The PDSA Commendation recognises the outstanding devotion that pets display and celebrates the amazing ways that pets enrich our lives. It is clear that Tilly has had a massive impact on Heather’s life and is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Commendation.”
For more information about PDSA’s Animal Awards programme visit www.pdsa.org.uk/awards.
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Visitors to PATS Sandown in March can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold.
The Surrey and Esher Halls at Sandown Park will be packed with stands showcasing new products. And with the ‘Sold Out’ signs being posted already, there will be lots to see and talk about with over 140 companies exhibiting. As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Tuesday, March 22, and Wednesday, March 23, 2016. A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors. And more international exhibitors are also using PATS as a platform to launch their products on to the UK market. PATS Sandown attracted a total of 1,859 visitors in 2015, with the number of pet retailers attending the show increasing by 2% compared to the previous year, and with so many exciting plans for 2016 it could easily be another record-breaking year. Kevin Milner Countryside, a firm specialising in outdoor photography and greetings cards, will be exhibiting for the first time. “PATS Sandown was recommended to me by a pet store as the best place for the company to present its products to a wider audience,” admits Kevin Milner. “I’m hoping to sign up more pet shops, garden centres and wholesalers to stock our extensive range of animal greetings cards.” Broadreach Nature Plus was a PATS newcomer at Telford last September and following a successful show the company has decided to exhibit at Sandown. “We are keen to promote our product range of veterinary health supplements for pets to both the UK and international markets,” said Anne Wood. “We have recently started exporting to Hong Kong and are looking for retailers, distributions and wholesalers to work with us in other countries as well as the UK market. PATS Sandown is the perfect place to meet prospective clients and discuss these possibilities.” It’s a similar story for Woof & Brew, whose National Sales Manager Steve Tearle said: “Following on from the brilliant success of PATS Telford we are looking to Sandown to be even better. The launch of our ready-made tonics was a huge success and we are looking to grow sales even further by adding new stockists nationwide. At Sandown 2016 we will be unveiling new specially designed eye-catching POS, and offering comprehensive support package for stockists of our healthy herbal teas and tonics.” One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which saw an impressive number of over 170 entries last year. Early indications suggest this figure will increase in 2016, and all items will be displayed prominently in the Esher Hall. The Showcase entries will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show. The results will be known and highlighted throughout the halls for the rest of the exhibition. Winning an award in the PATS New Product Showcase can be the launch pad to huge sales. That’s according to companies whose new products have been recognised at previous exhibitions. The Southern show will also see the return of the Beco Buyers’ Lounge in the Surrey Hall where visitors can relax and enjoy free tea and coffee.
 To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers. There will also be a full programme of free seminars.
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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Think chips for your New Year’s Resolution, urge vets
With less than 100 days to go until microchipping becomes compulsory for all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales (6 April), the British Veterinary Association is urging dog owners to make it a New Year’s Resolution to get their canine companions chipped...
With less than 100 days to go until microchipping becomes compulsory for all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales (6 April), the British Veterinary Association is urging dog owners to make it a New Year’s Resolution to get their canine companions chipped.
Microchipping a dog is an easy and harmless procedure and provides your pet with a form of identification that lasts a lifetime. Each chip has its own code that is revealed when scanned by a vet, which correlate to owner’s details on a database. A microchip provides vets with all of the information required to reunite stray or lost dogs with owners, with figures from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealing that the most common reason vets could not reunite missing dogs with their owners was due to a lack of identifier (reported by 71% of vets); followed by 23% of vets citing incorrect information on the microchip database as the second most common reason.
Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: “Getting your dog microchipped is a great way to start the New Year. It’s also essential, and part of the new legal requirement, that details on the microchip database, such as a change of address and contact numbers, are kept up to date by owners. It’s not uncommon for vets in practice to see pets with out-of-date information that they are then unable to reunite with their worried owners.”
As a member of the Microchipping Alliance, BVA was part of a coalition of animal health organisations and charities that campaigned to secure compulsory microchipping of all dogs across the UK – with Northern Ireland leading the way as the first country to introduce legislation in April 2012. From 6 April 2016, failure to have a dog microchipped or to not update database details can lead to a fine of up to £500.
More information on the incoming legislation, as well as posters for veterinary reception areas can be found at www.bva.co.uk/Microchipping.
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Lily’s Kitchen has introduced M’Hearties - heart-shaped, premium treats made from 100% Icelandic pressed cod fillets.
They come in a keepsake tin, providing new treating and gifting opportunities for your dog owning customers for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Super-practical with a flip lid for easy access as well as stylish with its nautical design, the reusable tin is the perfect size to fit in the palm of the hand or pocket making M’Hearties an essential part of the discerning owner’s canine kit for everyday walking, training or fuelling doggy adventures. Just the thing for the Captain’s best mate…
Offering a good source of natural protein and Omega 3, these low fat, complementary heart-shaped treats contain no grain, sugar, carbohydrate, colours, flavour enhancers or preservatives and can help to maintain a shiny coat and strong bones. They are perfect for dogs with food allergies and can also be added on top of meals to entice fussy eaters.
Provenance and sustainability are fast becoming top factors in purchase decisions across the pet food market. The Icelandic water where the wild cod is sourced is amongst the purest in the world. The catch consistently meets top standards for purity and its reputation for being the best, is known worldwide.
The tins are also ‘counter ready’ and come in eye-catching display boxes designed to look good merchandised at till points and to provide impulse purchase opportunity.
The RRP is £5.95. For more information visit www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
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Pet Love has announced an extended range of durable dog toys, adapting the hugely successful Mighty Mutts to suit even more dogs.
Now every owner can benefit by introducing their tough chewing dogs to the toy that has taken the market by storm, still with a 3 year guarantee.
This launch sees Mighty Mutts expand with both a new size and new design plus the addition of rope for added dental benefit and entertainment. Mighty Mutts Mini and Mighty Mutts Mini Raggers bring Mighty Mutts to smaller dogs, up to 10kg (not puppies). Whilst Mighty Mutts Raggers adds rope to the original designs for even more fun. Despite the new size and added rope, Pet Love maintains the chew proof guarantee (rope element not covered) that sees the Mighty Mutts range fast becoming a dog’s favourite toy. Prices start from £2.99.
Mini, Mini Raggers & Mighty Mutts Ragger provides a broader range of choice of 9 more products to add to the existing range of 8. These 9 new toys consist of 6 “Mini” Mighty Mutts (3 with rope, 3 without) which are suitable for dogs up to 10kg, and 3 regular sized (2 medium, 1 large) products with rope. These new toys come with the 3 year guarantee that has helped make dogs and consumers alike barking mad about getting their hands on Mighty Mutts products.
“We certainly didn’t expect the huge success we have already had with this range, Mighty Mutts has received some great feedback which has led to us expanding the range to help out dog owners with smaller, feisty mutts. The rope element has also been added to provide owners with the confidence that playing tug will not end in another trip to the pet shop.” says Harry Scott of Pet Love.
Whether your dog is a Chihuahua, Spaniel or Rottweiler they will be able to chew this toy to their hearts content without any worry of having to replace it the next day.
The full terms and conditions of the guarantee can be found (http://www.interpet.co.uk/brands/petlove/mighty-mutts-3-year-guarantee/) The tough structure of the toys creates a perfect chewing experience for your dog. With 5 different shapes, across 4 sizes, Mighty Mutts will appeal to a whole variety of dogs. The rubber structure provides a great surface to chew whilst also avoiding damage to the teeth and gums of your pet. The added rope brings a new texture to the toy to help keep teeth healthy and hold the attention of your pet for even longer
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Raiders stole thousands of pounds worth of goods in a burglary at a Christchurch pet shop in Dorset.
Offenders broke in to a steel container at the back of Pets at Home in Bailey Drive and fled with items including fish tanks, kennels, rabbit hutches and vivariums.
The burglary took place between 4pm on Wednesday December 30 and 3pm the following day and police in Christchurch have appealed for information from the public.
Police Constable Paul Craig, of Christchurch police, said: "I would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the relevant times by calling me on 101.
"I am also particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have been offered any of the items taken in suspicious circumstances."
Two men, aged 19 and 26, and a 22-year-old woman, all from the Bournemouth area, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently helping police with their inquiries.
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 1:346 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
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 Anthony Preston, who founded Pets at Home in 1991, has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List.
He received the award or services to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
Preston opened the first store in Chester before building it up into a nationwide chain and later selling the group to Bridgepoint for £230m in 2004.
It was a slow start for the business, which launched in the retail recession of the early 1990s, but perseverance and determination helped the chain grow.
The group now has nearly 400 stores and current management are keen to expand it further, boosting the chain to more than 500 outlets and trebling the small animal veterinary surgeries it operates to over 700.
Pets at Home was sold to another private equity firm, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for £955 million in 2010 before listing on the London stock market last March in a £1.2bn flotation.
Preston stepped away from the boardroom of Cheshire-headquartered Pets at Home in 2010, but retained a small stake in the firm.
The father-of-three, who is on the Sunday Times Rich List, has since launched a joint venture fashion business, Socialwear, with his eldest son, Martin.
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BVA President congratulates UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer on CBE
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) sent warm congratulations to the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and BVA member, Nigel Gibbens, on being awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the veterinary profession and animal welfare...
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) sent warm congratulations to the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and BVA member, Nigel Gibbens, on being awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the veterinary profession and animal welfare.
BVA President Sean Wensley said: “BVA is delighted to see veterinary surgeons recognised in the New Year’s Honours list, and it is particularly gratifying to see Nigel recognised for the critical role he has played at the heart of government, advising on issues crucial to animal health and welfare as well as public health.
"It is typical of Nigel that, in accepting this honour, he pointed to the work of his veterinary colleagues across government.
"The work of all vets in government is indeed indispensable in protecting and promoting animal health and welfare and vital for public health, and BVA hopes to see the role of vets across government strengthened.
"BVA and vets throughout the UK have benefitted from Nigel’s calm and knowledgeable advice and support. Nigel has been, and will remain, a critical friend to BVA and we are proud to count him as a member.”
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Heroic French police dog Diesel, tragically killed as he led a raid on the Paris terror cell, is to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal – recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross.
The medal was instituted by the UK’s leading vet charity, PDSA, in 1943. It is the highest animal honour in the world and Diesel’s will be the 66th PDSA Dickin Medal to be awarded.
Diesel’s Story
Diesel, a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois, served with the French National Research, Assistance, Intervention and Deterrence special anti-terrorism force (RAID).
On the morning of Wednesday 18 November, five days after the Paris attacks which killed 130 people, the French national police forces, including RAID, were involved in a security operation in the suburb of St-Denis.
Armed police began searching an apartment where the suspected leader of the Paris attacks, along with six other terrorists, was staying.
Diesel’s handler was on duty as sporadic gunfire came from the apartment. When the shooting stopped, Diesel’s handler* reports: “After a few minutes we decided to send in the dog to see if the zone was clear.
“He did a tour of the first room, then he went into the second room and dashed forward. I think he’d found someone. Then I lost sight of him and the gunfire started again.
“His role was to open the way for the rest of us. He uses all his senses to detect if anyone is present and if he can get to them, to go and bite them. If not, he stands and barks to indicate where the person is hiding.
“I had absolute confidence in him, and him in me. Both of us knew how the other would behave in the situation.”
At 10am local time, Diesel was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
Major RULP Jean-Marc Lenglet from the French National Police, said: “Diesel’s handler has been deeply affected by the death of his dog, as have many thousands of well-wishers who sent messages of condolence for Diesel who died in the service of his country.”
The formal presentation of Diesel’s PDSA Dickin Medal will be made in 2016. PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Following the tragic terrorist events in Paris last month, where many innocent people lost their lives, Diesel was instrumental in helping the French police locate and deal with the perpetrators.
“When news emerged of Diesel’s death there was a huge outpouring of grief . As guardians of the world’s most prestigious animal awards programme, we were inundated by messages from members of the public to recognise his heroism.
“The PDSA Dickin Medal recognises conspicuous devotion to duty in the theatre of conflict and Diesel is a truly deserving recipient. His gallant actions helped to protect human life in the face of imminent danger and we are very proud to honour him in this way.”
Since the introduction of the Medal by PDSA founder Maria Dickin CBE in 1943 it has been awarded to 30 dogs (including Diesel), 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.
*For security reasons, the identity of Diesel’s handler has not been disclosed.
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American firm Petco has released its latest range of bedding and accessories for pets, which all boast a Star Wars theme.
The new products from the Star Wars Pet Fans Collection boasts a Darth Vader Dog Hat, a Chewbacca Treat Jar, Chewbacca Socks and a Clone Trooper Commander Stick, to name a few.
"Response to the highly anticipated Star Wars Pet Fans Collection has been exceptional," said Rebecca Frechette, senior VP for merchandising for Petco.
Pet owners of cats and dogs can enjoy the new collection online or in stores nationwide.
Products from the Star Wars Pet Fans Collection includes a Darth Vader Dog Hat, a Chewbacca Treat Jar, Chewbacca Socks and a Clone Trooper Commander Stick.
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A couple who slept in a skip, doorways and a tent after they lost their home have said they wanted to thank the many people who had shown them kindness, including a Leicester pet shop.Paul Deacon, 49, and partner Sheena Rudy, 50, said they were evicted by their landlord six months ago after falling behind with their rent. For a while, they relied on the hospitality of friends and lived with anyone who would take them. But shortly before Christmas, the couple found themselves on the streets. Paul said he wanted to thank all the people, most of them strangers, who had shown the couple kindness over the past few weeks. They include staff at Natural World pet shop, in Syston, who gave the couple food, hot drinks and even bought them a tent after realising they had spent a couple of nights in a nearby skip. "The Natural World was brilliant," said Paul. "They bought us a tent when they saw we were sleeping in a skip, and filled up our flasks every day. "I can't thank them enough." Paul and Sheena are currently staying at the Falcon Centre shelter in Loughborough.
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No Ake! tincture…hits pain where it hurts
No Ake! tincture – the potent herbal tincture for dogs getting over injury or experiencing acute joint stiffness – has succeeded in relieving pain without the need for expensive medicines or resorting to steroids...
No Ake! tincture – the potent herbal tincture for dogs getting over injury or experiencing acute joint stiffness – has succeeded in relieving pain without the need for expensive medicines or resorting to steroids. CSJ says: “It is a highly potent herb extract that is aimed at the nutritional maintenance of the dog's musculo-skeletal system and in particular the inflammatory response. "We decided to put our hugely popular dry herb mix into liquid form due to demand and now dog owners are telling us they have been so thrilled with results on their dogs they have also been using it themselves too." "Based on Devil’s Claw Root, No Ake! tincture is highly potent and targets the musculo-skeletal system and in particular the inflammatory response so owners do need to be aware that it can mask pain. "The added bonus ofNo Ake! tincture is that it won’t upset the dog’s tummy whilst providing the extra help the dog needs in extreme circumstances." At just £15.90 for a 250ml container No Ake! tincture is made from human grade herbs. For advice or supply contact CSJ on 01745 710470 or www.csjk9.com
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