Natures Menu, Europe’s leading expert in raw pet food, is promising to reveal its latest innovations for the pet food industry at PATS Telford.

Natures Menu, based in Watton near Thetford will be at Stand A36 at PATS between 24^th and 25^th September and will reveal its next exciting venture in the pet food market, as well as special show offers for stand visitors. In addition to sharing its exciting news, Natures Menu will also be offering further insights into the industry with a seminar at 11:30AM on Sunday 24^th and Monday 25^th on ‘market overview and predicted future trends’.

Commercial Director at Natures Menu, James Langan said: “We’re very much looking forward to PATS Telford, especially as we’ve been exhibiting at the event for over 25 years. We’ve had a hugely successful year, with our new factory opening imminently, but we’ve certainly saved our most exciting news for PATS, which will be revealed exclusively to attendees on the day. There will be show specials and lots to talk about, so I would encourage everyone to visit our stand to be one of the first to find out about Natures Menu’s latest news!”

Natures Menu is the UK’s number one for raw pet food and Europe’s leading expert in raw. Specialising in nutritionally balanced, complete raw feeding, Natures Menu aims to give dogs and cats a diet appropriate to their digestive system and is as close as possible to what they might have eaten in the wild, free from artificial colourings, meat derivatives and other unnecessary additives. It has been shown on countless occasions by experienced vets, nurses and owners to make an extraordinary difference to a pet’s health and wellbeing.

 With over 35 years in the business, Natures Menu was recently named as one of London Stock Exchange’s top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain, just one of two businesses and Norfolk and one of 100 in the East of England to be featured in the list.

As the largest natural pet food brand in the UK, Natures Menu makes 15,000 deliveries every month, feeding over four million meals to pets across the world.

The business has grown from £10million to £30million in revenue, in just five years.

With a new state-of-the art factory due to open in Snetterton in the Autumn, the company aims to go from strength to strength and continue transforming pets’ lives through quality products whilst delivering unrivalled customer service.

For retailers wanting more information on feeding raw, please visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk or speak to an expert for advice on 0800 0183770.  

Contact details:

T:  0800 0183770

W: www.naturesmenu.co.uk

E: trade@naturesmenu.co.uk

There are 25 pet stores affected and the administrators are sure to be investigating the possibility of finding a buyer for them.

Wynnstay director Paul Godwin said: “The Just for Pets stores will remain operational and we would like to reassure everyone that every effort is bring made to achieve the best outcome for all stakeholders.”

He added: “We will work closely with all advisers involved in the process in order to preserve as much value as possible in the business, and we hope that the current uncertainty will be resolved promptly, and with minimal impact for all.”

Is it possible that a buyer can be found for Just for Pets? But that might prove tricky as it’s understood Wynnstay tried to find a new owner for the pet business before putting it into administration.

The company said: “Discussions and negotiations with a number of interested parties have been held but have not concluded with any acceptable offers.”

Whether any of these parties are still ‘interested’ remains to be seen.

With 25 stores, Just for Pets is the fifth biggest UK pet retail chain behind Pets at Home, Pets Corner, the Pet Hut and Jollyes.

Record numbers of exhibitors…the biggest ever showcase of new products…scores of show offers and competitions. It all adds up to PATS Telford – the most exciting event in the pet trade for years.

Final preparations are being made as the eagerly awaited exhibition gets set to open its doors at Telford International Centre at 9.30am on Sunday, September 24^th.

The excitement has been building for months with over 300 brands planning their new launches around PATS Telford.

Now the wait is almost over for both exhibitors and visitors…and the two-day show can soon begin.

“There is a tremendous buzz surrounding the show,” says organiser Annie Foord. “So much is happening at PATS Telford over both days of the exhibition, it really is a must-visit event for retailers and buyers. You won’t be disappointed.

“All the latest new product launches will be unveiled as well as great talks from some of the industry’s most respected names and demonstrations from the country’s top groomers.

“I can promise it will be great day out so make sure you travel to Telford and attend the biggest pet trade show for years.”

With so many exciting plans it could easily be a record-breaking year for attendance numbers as well.

On arrival at Telford International Centre, a large majority of visitors will head for the New Product Showcase, which will have a huge presence at the exhibition. All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, and the winners will be presented with their certificates at the PetQuip Awards on Sunday evening.

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.

Peter Roy, of Natures Menu, summed up the level of excitement by saying: “I’m hoping this PATS, with all the new product and brand development we can showcase, will exceed all previous years. When deciding when to launch our new brand to the UK market it was a natural decision to launch at PATS, for the exposure and the quality of the business-to-business footfall we experience.”

And Suzanne Rothman, of Pet Munchies, said: “PATS Telford is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our extensive range of varieties to many different buyers.”

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces. Innocent Hound’s Chloe Heaton explained why her company had chosen to take a stand at the Telford show. “It is our first time exhibiting at PATS and we believe it is the ideal place for us to showcase our products to both UK and international buyers.”

Purely Fish is another new exhibitor and business development manager Karen Scott, said: “We’re looking forward to introducing Purely Fish to the UK pet trade at PATS Telford, where we will be showcasing our range of dog treats and launching some new products.”

All visitors to PATS Telford will receive a free catalogue, free tea and coffee, and free parking, and you can register online for free entry at the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website together with information on how to reach both venues and regularly updated show news.

Opening times

Sunday, 24^th September, 2017: 9.30am-5.00pm

Monday, 25^th September, 2017: 9.30am-4.00pm

PATS Telford 2017 marks one year since health brand Edgard & Cooper launched in the UK, and they have lots of reasons to invite you to celebrate with them at this year’s exhibition.

Since their launch the brand has moved from strength to strength in its revolutionary approach to pet food using only fresh meat in their kibbles and other exquisite ingredients straight out of nature.

The pet trade has welcomed the world’s first fresh meat kibble for dogs onto its shelves and the company is attending PATS Telford this September to build upon its success.

 

Jurgen Degrande, founder of EdgardCooper says: ‘We have been overwhelmed by our first year in the UK –  it’s amazing to see how many pet parents have embraced our natural, nutritious, no-nonsense foods. 

"We would love to see familiar and new faces at our stand A5 for a delicious cold pressed juice – we can’t wait to tell you about our story and how you can be a part of our fresh mission, helping us to conduct business with a heart.’ 

Edgard & Cooper will also be launching three brand new recipes as part of their ‘Goodness from up North’ – showcased for the first time at PATS Telford 2017.  

Also new to the range are two festive products to offer furry friends the perfect gift this Christmas. See it first on stand A5 at PATS Telford.

Fish4Dogs is looking for pet food retailers to become ‘fishionaries’ with great deals for new and existing stockists at the PATS show in Telford.

There are two new bundles to get new stockists ‘into the swim’ with an extensive range of fish-based foods for dogs and cats.

There’s also promotional deals for existing trade customers with introductions to 2017 additions including Cornish Sardine Complete, Fiskur Teningur and Sweet Ocean Wraps- a chewy treat with apple for dogs.

Fish is deemed to be a ‘superfood’ due to its nutrients and associated health benefits to pets, including coat and skin condition, joint and digestive health and how it can address food sensitivities. It is high in omega 3 and low in calories.

All stockists get membership of the Fish4Dogs ‘Fishionaries’ VIP Club which is an exclusive arrangement designed to reward loyal retailers.

Fishionary members benefit from:

• Sales incentives
• Membership of the Reward Card Scheme for customers – Buy 5 bags and get 1 FREE*
• Special offers
• Display units
• Point of Sale merchandise
• Free samples
• Preferred stockist status
• Regular sales support

Fish4Dogs will be on stand B10 at tPATS where its dedicated team will be on hand to meet customers old and new over the two-day event.

New research fhas revealed that a large number of pet owners are going out of their way to do things for their animals as they turn to them for comfort and company amid the stresses and strains of modern life.

Almost half of those surveyed (47%) allow their pets to sleep in their bed, a quarter (26%) have them accompany them to the toilet and some even let their pets join them when they have a shower or bath.

The research, commissioned by Lily’s Kitchen to mark the launch of their ‘It’s Not Loopy, It’s Love’ campaign, highlights the lengths UK pet owners will go to to demonstrate love for their animal companions that those who don’t have pets would surely find a little odd. The results of the research should give pet parents the confidence and freedom to celebrate the things they do for their pets.

Almost a third (31%) kiss their pets goodbye before leaving for work, 39% let them lick their face and 16% even kiss them on the lips.

• According to the survey, the nation’s pets are also ruling the roost at mealtimes.  36% cook for our pets, more than one in 10 (12%) get up in the early hours of the morning to feed them and some even have their own designated seat at the dinner table.
• It is clear that UK pet owners see their pet as part of the family with a third (34%) referring to themselves as their pet’s mummy or daddy. One in three buy birthday presents for their pets, 32% sign their name in greetings cards and 15% have taken the day off work to look after their pet when it has been feeling under the weather.
• 15% admitted to having a friend or relative call them so they could speak to their pet on the phone and some have even resorted to chatting with our animals over WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype suggesting that Brits find being away from their pets very difficult.
• Other things we do for our pets include reading to them, letting them choose what to watch on TV, throwing them birthday parties, taking them to the pub and creating social media profiles for them.
• Over a quarter (28%) have even turned down going out so they could stay at home and have a night in with their pet.
• Almost two thirds (64%) say they are closer to their pets than they are to some family members so it is no surprise that a quarter (26%) have confided in their pets telling them a secret that they haven’t told anyone else.
• The research suggests that pet owners are aware that their relationships with their animals is a bit odd. Over a third (34%) admit to thinking that their human behaviour with their pet is a bit weird and 17% have been told that they are too close to their pets. Yet 66 per cent believe this behaviour is totally normal - with nine in 10 owners saying they 'don't care' what people think of their relationships with their animals and 85 per cent believe only other pet owners can really understand the bond between a person and a pet.

Commenting on the research, Dr Deborah Wells, an animal psychologist based at Queen’s University of Belfast said: “This research highlights the intensity of owners’ attachments to their dogs and cats and the lengths some people go to to ensure their pets’ needs are not only catered for, but, in many cases, exceeded.

"The acceptance by wider society that our pets are an integral part of the family unit has made it easier to indulge in our dogs and cats, enabling us to do things with our pets such as taking them out to dinner that several years ago simply wouldn’t have been possible.

“As a social species, we are programmed to seek out relationships with others, human or otherwise. The infantile features common to dogs and cats, such as their big eyes and clumsy movements, can trigger care-giving behaviour. 

"This may explain some of the findings of the research, notably why we treat dogs and cats in much the same way as our children; we have simply evolved to love and care for soft, helpless things, human or otherwise.”

Henrietta Morrison, CEO and founder of Lily's Kitchen said: “We are renowned for being a nation of pet lovers and this research reinforces just how much our pets are family members and such an integral part of our lives. 

“It lifts the lid on what non pet owners might perceive to be crazy or loopy behaviour, which makes us feel a bit uncomfortable about confessing for fear of ridicule, but what pet parents will relate to and know stems from love."

The research was commissioned to coincide with the natural pet food company’s first ever advertising campaign, 'It’s not loopy, it’s love’ which is a playful celebration of all the things we do out of love for our pets.

It highlights family behaviours only pet owners understand, from eating Sunday lunch together and choosing only dog friendly restaurants, to being slaves to our cats, whether that’s serving breakfast at 4am or sacrificing our furniture for theirs.

Purely Fish is a Cornish based company, offering premium pet treats produced in Cornwall and made from fish fit for human consumption.

Purely Fish first launched less than six months ago, but our products are already proving to be very popular.  In the UK, Purely Fish is sold in TK MAXX and online, via Amazon, EBay and our own website, purelyfish.co.uk.  Our products are also stocked in more than 25 independent pet stores and farm shops across the South West.

Karen Scott, Business Development Manager comments: “The provenance of food products including pet food has become a primary buying choice for consumers. With many pet treat brands being produced overseas, our British customers like that they are buying a UK produced pet treat and this has been a major contributor to our early successes.”

“We’re looking forward to introducing Purely Fish to the UK Pet Trade at PATS Telford, where we will be showcasing our range of dog treats and launching some new products.”

Sales Director, Jeanette Turpin added: “We’re excited for the future of our Purely Fish range, following the international launch of our retail packaging at Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai, last month.  The response has been outstanding and we have already taken orders from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

Ideal Foods wanted to use ‘all of the fish’ and therefore in 2007 set about finding markets. They now successfully export these products worldwide for human consumption. Salmon heads to the Far East, salmon trimmings and frames to Eastern Europe, to name but a few.

Karen Scott continues: “Our story is very simply.  As a company of pet owners, we are incredibly proud that our pet treats are produced in our home county of Cornwall, within a family run business and made from a product with so many health benefits.”

For more information you can go to www.purelyfish.co.uk or contact Karen Scott on 01579 346777.

Professional dog walking is becoming an increasingly common service due to the changing habits of the general population and a heightened awareness of animal welfare. The code aims to provide guidelines that professional dog walkers should conform to, ensuring the highest standards of welfare to the dog and with respect to the environment, as well as peace of mind to the owner.

The comprehensive ten-page code of practice is designed to provide dog walkers with guidance that will help them comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It covers issues such as the health and welfare of dogs, in particular:

• Understanding each individual dog’s needs
• Transport
• Exercise
• Group walking

The code also covers the professional conduct of dog walkers, with regard to their impact on other animals and the environment; as well as the various pieces of legislation that they need to consider in order to comply with the law and qualifications they might like to consider undertaking.

The code of practice will be published shortly and its use will be promoted to dog walking businesses, local authorities, DEFRA, welfare groups and the pet owning public. PIF will be attending PATS Telford on 24-25 September and staff will be able to talk to visitors to their stand (A31) about this and the other exciting initiatives PIF has been developing.

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Fluffy Paws Pet Supplies in Bucknell Road, Bicester, has been trading for over 25 years but Rob Douglas has decided to close the shop as the pressure of the internet continues to hit the town’s traders.

The pet shop is the latest in a long line of stores that have closed, with owners saying they are unable to compete with online competitors.

Mr Douglas, 50, said: "I have loved growing the shop as a business, it is just a shame that the internet has destroyed us as people shop more online.

"Also, supermarkets are becoming the main retailer for pet supplies where there may be more choice and people feel they may be cheaper.

"More people just need to support local businesses or they will lose them."

He added: "I am upset to be closing and will miss all the customers and regulars that have supported me and kept the business running.

The shop is expected to close on Saturday.

An assistant manager stole from the Worcester pet shop where she had worked for 14 years, breaching the trust placed in her by staff.

Kirsty Phillips of Fielden Row, Warndon Villages, Worcester, admitted stealing £135 from Just for Pets in Worcester when she appeared before magistrates in Worcester.

The 36-year-old stole the money between March 15 and March 17 but told police she planned to pay the money back when she was paid.

Kerry Lovegrove, prosecuting, said she stole the money on four separate occasions, obtaining the money through fraudulent refunds.

Mrs Lovegrove said Phillips was suspended and immediately resigned.

“She stated that she did intend to pay the money back on pay day. She did say she was sorry” Mrs Lovegrove told the court.

Gary Harper, defending, said the issue which would concern magistrates would be the breach of trust which he said placed it in the ‘higher culpability’ sentencing bracket. However, he also said it was also 'lesser harm' in terms of the impact because the amount of money taken was relatively low.

Phillips was interviewed by a probation officer before she was sentenced.

Phillips told him she was a mother-of-two and had started working at Just for Pets at the age of 22. She told him she had suffered from post-natal depression and both financial and marital problems although her depression had since eased.

Keith Stokes-Smith, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "It's sad in a way that you committed this offence. You say you intended to repay your employer. We will never know know if that's the case.

"It is a very small amount of money but you were in a senior position. You were an assistant manager. They trusted you and you breached that trust. Whatever the amount it would have been a breach of their trust."

He said he hoped she had learned a lesson and that it would have been better if she could have borrowed the money.

He added: "You pay a high price both job-wise and in the court record."

Magistrates handed her a 12 month community order which will include her having to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £185, a victim surcharge of £85 costs and compensation to Just for Pets of £135.28.

She offered to pay at a rate of £10 per week.

The super-premium pet food company are encouraging customers to share pictures of their cherished canines or favourite feline making the most of the outdoors. The competition simply asks participants to upload their entries to www.ardengrange20.com or post them directly to Arden Grange HQ in West Sussex.

This follows on from the retailer competition Arden Grange ran earlier in the year, asking pet shops to create an Arden Grange window display. The winners of this competition included; A Coombs in Hove; Aarons Pet Shop in Portishead; Creature Comforts in Rugeley; and M&L Pets World in Wrexham, who all created imaginative and vibrant window displays featuring Arden Grange products.

This latest competition is running from 8^th September until 2^nd January and Arden Grange are encouraging pet retailers to get involved. Point of sale packs are available, which include; posters, shelf barkers and leaflets. To receive a competition point of sale pack simply email marketing@ardengrange.com , phone 01273 833390 or request a pack from your Arden Grange Area Manager.

With some great prizes available, including; £1000 in holiday vouchers and a year’s supply of pet food, iPads and Arden Grange goody bags, and an advertising campaign to promote the competition it will be a fun competition for customers and retailers to get involved in.

• The dog is a member of the Pastoral Group
• The breed is well known for starring in adverts and films
• It’s a breed native to the UK
• Typically this breed can take up to 3 hours to groom

The pet product wholesaler in North Tawton is looking for 10 warehouse operatives, five drivers, two warehouse supervisors.

The company is also in the process of recruiting a Regional Transport Manager (South) to be based at the North Tawton site and a National Transport Manager to lead and develop the transport function.

Director Sunny Sharma said the company is looking to attract new talent.

He said: “There will be opportunities within the new organisation and we appreciate that drivers in particular are an important contact point between the customer and our business. We’ll therefore be giving them the tools to deliver a first class service and special promotional offers that will allow them to earn bonuses.

“In the warehouse, there have been significant improvements already which make the depot a better place to work.

“By recruiting great people, we’ll make our business stronger and that’s good news for us and also for the local community.”

It comes after the acquisition of Vital Pet Products by the Subura Group in February.

The aim is to be much more than a wholesaler to the pet trade and the changes that have been made in the first few months have helped secure the future of the business, said Mr Sharma.

Having been in business for 35 years, Vital is a well-known name in the area and supplies pet shops, aquatic centres, kennels and catteries.

As part of the streamlining process, a regional site in Salisbury has been consolidated with Exeter, making it Vital’s National Delivery Centre.

Operations Manager, Des Corfield will lead in Exeter, while regional teams will provide customer contact points and business support.

Improvements have been made to the infrastructure and operational processes to allow direct supply across a wider network of retailers.

For vacancy information email: jobs@vitalpetproducts.co.uk

WildWash will be launching its new tinned natural candles to combat pet odour at PATS Telford...

Utilising the amazing natural perfumes for which WildWash is known, the new range of tinned candles are versatile, colourful, fun and uber cost effective. 

Long burning and emitting no nasty toxins, these candles fit in beautifully in a variety of locations including homes, grooming salons, pet friendly hotels, kennels and holiday locations from cabins to caravans to villas! 

Light a WildWash Tin and those sneaky pet odours will vanish almost immediately.

There are four colour coded fragrances.