Entries for the 2018 Pet Industry Federation Awards are now being received online through PBW News’s website (www.pbwnews.com), the event’s media sponsor.

This year sees the pet services category split into three separate awards recognising the growth of these types of business within the pet industry; namely, Dog Walking Business of the Year, Home Boarding Business of the Year and Dog Daycare Business of the Year.

In addition, the independent retailer category has been divided into livestock retailer and non-livestock retailer, acknowledging the difference in these businesses and the role that livestock retailers play in safeguarding the industry by supplying pets to new pet owners.

There is also the addition of a Groomer Achievement Award, to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to the UK pet grooming industry.

It is free to enter the Pet Industry Federation Awards. Those interested in applying should check the list of criteria which are available online and cover the areas that judges will be specifically looking for in the entries.

The winners will benrevealed, alongside the Lifetime Achievement Award and a Special Recognition Award, at the Pet Industry Federation Awards dinner on Tuesday 27 November at Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, Northamptonshire.

The Pet Industry Award categories are:

1. Pet Retail Chain of the Year (sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance)

2. Non-Livestock Retailer of the Year

3. Livestock Retailer of the Year

4. Manufacturer of the Year (sponsored by PATS)

5. Wholesaler of the Year (sponsored by PATS)

6. Export Strategy Award

7. Grooming Business of the Year (sponsored by Jelf)

8. Groomer Achievement Award

9. Kennel of the Year

10. Cattery of the Year

11. Dog Walking Business of the Year

12. Home Boarding Business of the Year

13. Dog Daycare Business of the Year

14. Product Innovation Award

15. Sustainability Award

The deadline for the receipt of entries is Tuesday 28 August.

The PIF Awards take place after the annual PIF Forum, where topics such as UK market trends, non-specialist competition and the effect of ‘Brexit’ on our industry, will be on the agenda.

Tickets for the Forum conference & Awards will shortly be available online at www.petfederation.co.uk.