Do you have a business to be proud of? If the answer is yes, then why not enter the 2017 Pet Industry Federation Awards and get the recognition you and your team deserve?

Entry for the Pet Industry Federation Awards is quick, simple and absolutely free. To be in with a chance of winning you need to outline, in no more than 500 words, why you think your business should receive the award. Judging criteria and entry is available online at www.petbusinessworld.co.uk

The winners will be announced at the 2017 Pet Industry Federation Awards dinner, which will take place at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester in Northamptonshire on Tuesday 28 November, and tickets are on sale now.

The spectacular birthday-themed evening will provide the backdrop for the celebration of our thriving industry, as PIF celebrates its 70^th birthday in 2017. The event provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole industry to come together, socialise and network in convivial atmosphere over a three-course meal with entertainment and a live music.

The deadline for the receipt of entries into the PIF awards is Monday 21 August.

The 12 award categories are:

1. Retail Chain of the Year – sponsored by Natures Menu
2. Independent Retailer of the Year - sponsored by Crown Pet Foods
3. Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by PATS
4. Wholesaler of the Year – sponsored by PATS
5. Exporter of the Year
6. Grooming Business of the Year
7. Kennel or Cattery of the Year -sponsored by Jelf
8. Pet Service of the Year
9. Sales Representative of the Year
10. Charity of the Year – sponsored by Mars Petcare
11. Sustainability Awards of the Year
12. Innovation Award of the Year

A Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, will also be presented to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry over the years.

The Awards are announced following the daytime Pet Industry Forum - a conference aimed at all pet businesses which will cover important issues affecting the pet industry, such as effective packaging; the US market; product innovation and the importance of creating retail theatre.