18 petcare firms recognised for outstanding achievement

Eighteen petcare companies were honoured on Sunday at the PetQuip Awards party, held at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate as part of the PATS exhibition programme...

In addition to awards in six industry categories, a special Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced into the awards for 2014 by the PetQuip association, and it went to Mary Boughton MBE of Dorwest Herbs, which also won the Supplier of the Year award. A delighted Mary reacted by saying: “We are only a small company so to pick up two awards from such an illustrious international organisation like PetQuip is wonderful. I believe it’s recognition for the connection we have with animals and the passion we show as a team. It’s an honour to receive a lifetime achievement.”

Piers Hampson, the marketing director of the Product Innovation of the Year award winner SureFlap, was determined to use the award to further boost his product, saying: “A lot of time and effort goes into producing innovative products like the Dualscan Micro-chip Cat Flap so we’re delighted to be recognised in this way. The product has been well received by consumers and it’s brilliant that it can now boast this accolade.”

A poignant reaction came from Angel Moore, general manager of UK Retailer of the Year award winner, Betty and Butch. He said: “I’m dedicating this prestigious award to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home following the tragedy there. It’s a bitter-sweet moment for us because of what’s happened at the dogs’ home, which is only two miles down the road from our store. But to be recognised in this way is fantastic for us, and gives everyone a boost, especially at this difficult time.”

When Stephen Turner, managing director of the Exporter of the Year award, Group 55, entered the pet market five years ago he always believed that export markets would be the key to the company’s success with the Animology brand. “We owe a lot to PetQuip, UKTI and the Chamber of Commerce, and to receive this award means a lot. We now sell in 40 countries, and this award will help us to develop even further. It’s very important for our international patrons to be associated with an award-winning brand.”

The award-winning firms for 2014 are:

Supplier of the Year

Gold – Dorwest Herbs

Silver – Natures Menu

Highly Commended – Burgess Pet Care

Wholesaler of the Year

Gold – Pedigree Wholesale

Silver – Peregrine Livefoods

HC - Collarways

Product Innovation of the Year

Gold – Sureflap (Dualscan Micro chip Cat flap)

Joint Silver – The Canny Co (Mag Lok) and Animology/Group 55 (Clean Sheets)