Pet start-up companies are being given the chance to showcase their products in front of the largest collection of retailers and buyers at PATS Telford on Sunday, 1st October, and Monday, 2nd October 2023.
The PATS New Starter Zone, supported by trade association PetQuip with media partner PPM, is a space entirely dedicated to new businesses and start-ups. It will be located in Hall 3 at the Telford International Centre.
Four companies reveal why they are taking advantage of the PATS New Starter Zone and what they are hoping to achieve at the UK’s National Pet Industry Event.
- Marleybones
- Walker & Drake
- Bark Avenue
- Tillymint Communications
Marleybones (stand P8) – Co-founder Josephine Rode Bager
Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?
As a new company in the pet industry, we see PATS Telford as an exceptional opportunity to introduce ourselves for the very first time to a targeted audience of industry professionals. We believe that participating in this event will help us establish our presence, make valuable connections, and showcase our unique products and services.
What makes the exhibition so special?
PATS is special for us as a new company because it provides an inclusive environment, where we can introduce our brand to a wide range of potential partners and customers. The event's reputation for fostering collaboration and learning about industry trends is particularly attractive to us as newcomers in the retail space.
How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers, especially new ones, to have a show like PATS?
For new suppliers, trade shows like PATS are of utmost importance. They offer a centralised platform to kickstart our journey in the retail world. PATS also allows us to engage with established players, gain market insights, and lay the foundation for future partnerships, making it a fantastic stepping-stone for our growth.
Will you be unveiling new products there?
Absolutely, we’re excited to use PATS as a platform to unveil our newest product offering. As a new company, introducing innovative and unique offerings is vital to our success, and PATS offers a concentrated audience of industry experts, hopefully eager to discover new, innovative products that we’ll be bringing.
Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show, especially when there are new companies exhibiting?
We believe it’s an exciting opportunity for retailers to discover new and innovative products that could set their stores apart. New companies, such as Marleybones, bring unique perspectives and offerings to the market, and being among the first to explore these options can give retailers a competitive edge in meeting customer demands and trends. Additionally, engaging with new companies can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships and early access to exciting products.
Walker & Drake (stand N14) – Sales director Tim Matthews
Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?
As relative newcomers to the industry we feel that it is important for us to attend industry events and get our faces and our brand out there. We felt that PATS should be one of the main events we invested in.
What makes the exhibition so special?
As a manufacturer based in the North of the UK, we think the location is perfect.
How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers, especially new ones, to have a show like PATS?
The opportunities to network with buyers and other trade contracts from across the country shouldn’t be underestimated. Without a show like PATS it would be difficult for industry peers to get together. It’s the best opportunity to get our brand in front of the trade.
Will you be unveiling new products there?
We will, we are excited to be showcasing our new wet dog food which is being produced in the next few weeks. It will complement our cold pressed dog food which we manufacture ourselves and is something that customers have been asking for, so we are really pleased to be able to give it to them.
Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show, especially when there are new companies exhibiting?
If retailers want to stay ahead of their competition with the most innovative and exciting new products then a show like this is the simplest way for them to do that with all the potential suppliers under one roof and show offers to take advantage of.
Bark Avenue (stand N8) – Owner Jade Hartwell
Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?
I have chosen to exhibit at PATS this year as I believe it gives me and my business Bark Avenue the best chance of reaching out to retailers and show them my amazing products following recommendations from other business owners. This in turn gives me the best opportunity for Bark Avenue to succeed and to enjoy meeting new people who are also in the pet industry.
What makes the exhibition so special?
It’s a place with all the right people at the right time. There is nothing as good as showing your products in real life. Being able to show my display stands and wide range of products to buyers in the right market is a truly great opportunity.
How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers, especially new ones, to have a show like PATS?
Having run a pet business for three years, I realise the importance of having valuable relationships in the pet sector. That’s why when I decided to launch Bark Avenue, I wanted to make sure I was involved in incredible events like PATS.
Will you be unveiling new products there?
I will! I’m very excited to launch the Bark Avenue hands-free dog walking bag. I honestly can’t wait to bring this incredible product to market and there’s no better way than being involved in PATS.
Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show, especially when there are new companies exhibiting?
There is so much passion when it comes to pets. Existing products get better and new people come along and design functional and brilliant items. Retailers should visit the show to source new products they can share with their customers, to not only keep up to date with what is on the market, but to expand their offering and make their stores the best available.
Tillymint Communications (stand P12) – founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes
Alison Gallagher-Hughes has regularly attended the event over the past decade. Last year, she made the commitment to take a trade stand at the event to showcase the services of her marketing communications agency which specialises in pet industry clients.
Said Alison: “PATS draws visitors from across the industry including those that need services and expertise to help support their businesses. I decided that having a designated space to demonstrate the range of Tillymint’s services and have a place where I could meet existing clients would be a real advantage.”
The experience was a positive one – generating many business leads, some of which have turned into exciting projects.
“Over the past year, we have undertaken a number of projects: website development, product launches, brand building through public relations and the creative design of marketing collateral, which either started as a conversation at PATS, or enabled further discussion with prospective clients. Exhibiting at PATS shows our commitment to the industry. We love working with pet industry clients and being there demonstrates that we understand the sector, its various markets and can provide bespoke solutions to meet individual business needs.
“Having the opportunity to meet and chat with business leaders from all facets of the industry in one place is enormously valuable. It can be very difficult to generate new business with a cold call or mailshot. Nothing can replicate meeting people face-to-face and having quality conversations.”
Alison first discovered PATS when one of her clients, a pet food manufacturer, returned to exhibit at the Telford show.
“I found it absolutely fascinating. To witness the range innovation, products and services showcased under one roof was a real eye opener. It helped me acquire a wider understanding of the industry, how it works at different levels and keep on top of new trends and emerging brands.”
Tillymint Communications is based in the West Midlands, making Telford an ideal location, to exhibit.
“Although we have clients across the UK, logistically it makes things much easier and more affordable to exhibit at the International Exhibition Centre which is a great venue, easy to reach, and has good parking facilities. It has become a highlight on our calendar and we are very much looking forward to this year’s show.”
To book a specific time to discuss your project with Tillymint at the show (stand P12) contact: info@tillymint.co.uk or call 07412 465462.
Registration for free entry to PATS Telford is open for retailers and buyers at www.patshow.co.uk
