Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation, has urged the government to back small businesses in 2026 and create a financial climate where they plan, invest and grow. 

What’s your abiding memory of 2025 from a pet industry perspective?
Raw feeding has continued to grow and really move well into the mainstream this year. Retailers have adopted it wholeheartedly and there has certainly been a shift in the way owners view it, and the balance of type of food that people feed their pets. The other big area for us was finally getting the pet grooming code launched with the Canine & Feline Sector Group. That was a long time coming, and it’s a huge step for standards across the industry.

Is there one moment or experience that stands out for you?
The Ukraine support campaign, without a doubt. I spoke about it earlier in the year at a Kormotech conference, but raising £15,000 at the PIF Awards to help transport pet supplies out there was fantastic. The response from the industry was remarkable. It puts things into perspective and reminds you how strong and compassionate this sector is when it comes to animal welfare.

What are the challenges facing the pet trade in 2026?
Independent retailers are still under a lot of pressure. Costs keep climbing, customers are more cautious, and small businesses are operating on incredibly tight margins. They need stability and support, not more uncertainty. If we’re going to keep specialist pet retail alive, we need to help those shops stay competitive and keep doing what they do best: giving owners proper advice.

How will you and PIF be approaching the year ahead?
By upping our game even further. Members want clarity, practical support and someone fighting their corner, and that’s exactly what we’re focusing on. More guidance, stronger advocacy, and better tools, whether that’s through the PIF Awards, Business of Pets, Executive Briefings or the day-to-day support we give. I want 2026 to be the year people really feel the benefit of being a PIF member.

Is there one thing that the government could do to support the pet industry?
Yes: to actually back small businesses. Stop piling on costs, stop overcomplicating things, and create a climate where SMEs can plan, invest and grow. Most of our industry is made up of small companies doing their best under constant pressure. A genuinely pro-business approach would make a huge difference. And of course, even for the big companies, it’s important that the small pet business survive and grow, because the small businesses (retailers and pet services) are often at the coalface of the industry, with direct, regular access to the pet owners themselves. These small business can advocate for brands, so it’s really crucial that small businesses aren’t squeezed out. 

What are your hopes for 2026?
I’d like to see some stability return. The sector needs room to breathe with more investment, more confidence, and the chance for small businesses to grow again. And for PIF, I want us to keep strengthening our position as the go-to home for responsible pet businesses.

And what should the pet industry look forward to?
We’ve got a packed year ahead. The Business of Pets conference in June will be a major opportunity for learning, networking and growth. Then the PIF Awards in November, always the highlight of the industry calendar, and after this year we’ve set ourselves quite a bar to beat. And of course, PATS 2026 is shaping up nicely; we’re having some exciting conversations with the organisers already.

For more information on the Pet Industry Federeation visit https://petfederation.co.uk