West Yorkshire-based Pure Pet Food, which turned down a Dragons’ Den investment offer in 2015, is on track to double its size this year.

After declining the £40,000 Dragons’ Den offer, the company has gone on to employ more than 70 people, sell over 30 million dog meals and be shortlisted for Yorkshire's Fastest Growing Company Award.

With just a £300 Calderdale council grant and an overdraft, co-founders Dan Valdur-Eha and Mathew Cockroft started the business because they couldn’t understand why dogs were fed little brown biscuits for every meal, every day. 

This then led them on a journey to change the face of pet food for the better. Months of research led them to an age-old preservation method of gently removing the moisture from food, resulting in natural, high-quality, convenient meals without any harmful processing. Owners simply add water and serve to create a natural low processed food that can be served in seconds without the need for freezer space, mess or clean up.

The pair admit that family and friends thought they were mad at first, but it was Dan and Mat’s belief in the product and their passion for pets, health and nutrition that kept them going. 

Mat said: “When we first started, our office space was Dan’s mum's spare room, and we celebrated each day when an order was placed. Dan even knew most of the customer's names. To think that we now work from a 15,000 sq ft food facility and send out an artic lorry of personalised orders each day is mind-blowing. We always believed Pure could be a household name, but the recent speed of growth and scale has even surprised us.”

The business got its break when it appeared on Dragons’ Den. Dan was famously asked to try the food on national TV. The Dragons loved the pitch, and Dan and Mat were even told it was the best pitch they’d ever seen in the Den. The pair were offered investment from Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen but decided to turn it down. At the time, they were told it was a decision they would live to regret, but from that point onwards, things only got better. 

Dan said: “We’ve come a long way from creating recipes in my mum's kitchen. Although we may have grown, what drives us remains the same: to provide happier, healthier, and longer lives for our pets. We would like to thank the judges for recognising us for such a prestigious award and we’re excited to continue to grow the business here in Yorkshire.”

Pure has trebled in size last year, employs over 70 people from its West Yorkshire base and will be recruiting to take that number to over 100 this year. 

You can find out more about Pure Pet Food by heading to www.purepetfood.co.uk

Burns Pet Shop Cardigan is set to close its doors for the final time this weekend, blaming the current retail climate for its decision.

The popular store announced the news on its Facebook page as it thanked customers for their support over the years.

The social media post said: “Our shop is closing. We’re very sad to say that as of Saturday 9th March we’ll be closing our shop. Given the current retail climate the decision to close has been a difficult one, and has come down to business-related issues.

“But we’d like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of our customers who have supported us over the past few years. Cardigan is a truly wonderful town with many fantastic businesses and we wish all of you the very best in the future. We will miss you. 

“If you're a continued Loyalty Club member please note that you can use your cards in any of our shops. They are located in Narberth, Haverfordwest, Llandeilo, Carmarthen, Kidwelly and Cardiff.

“Our final opening day will be Saturday, so please do pop in for any final purchases that you may need. We'd love to see you.

“Diolch o gallon.”

Customers have been posting their comments on the Facebook page:

• “So very sorry to hear this sad news. Such a lovely little shop, we were so lucky.”
• “That's so sad to hear.”
• “Oh no. You've always been so lovely. This is sad news.”

Picture of Burns Pet Shop Cardigan taken from the store’s Facebook page.

The owners of a popular Gloucestershire pet shop have opened a second store following the success of their Tetbury location, which they established in 2022.

Since its launch The Tetbury Pet Shop has set high standards in natural and sustainable pet products, a trend that will continue in the latest venture, The Dulverton Pet Shop & Coffee.

This expansion signifies a significant milestone for founders Amelia Black and Alastair Correya, who are committed to providing discerning pet owners with a distinctive retail experience.

With a firm commitment to offering only the highest quality products sourced from independent suppliers, The Dulverton Pet Shop & Coffee distinguishes itself from traditional pet stores. 

Amelia and Alastair, the driving forces behind healthy dog treat brand Nuts for Pets since 2019, have always prioritised crafting treats of unmatched quality. Drawing inspiration from their interactions with like-minded brands and pet enthusiasts at various events, they recognised an opportunity to redefine the retail landscape. Their inaugural store in Tetbury embodies this vision, featuring handpicked furnishings, a welcoming seating area, and a meticulously curated product range.

Central to their mission is an unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency. The shop steadfastly refuses to stock overly processed or misleadingly labelled products, ensuring that customers can shop with confidence. 

Among their offerings is the award-winning Naturaw raw food, celebrated for its use of free-range and organic ingredients. Additionally, environmentally conscious shoppers will appreciate their selection of toys made from recycled plastic and coconut fibres, promoting both pet health and environmental sustainability.

In an inspired fusion of passions, The Dulverton Pet Shop & Coffee introduces a new dimension to the retail experience. Building on Amelia's love for exceptional coffee, the shop proudly serves specialty brews from Bristol-based roaster, Extract. Whether it's a perfectly crafted flat white with oat milk or a comforting cup of tea from the nearby Exmoor Tea Company, patrons can savour a moment of indulgence amidst their shopping experience.

“We are excited to introduce The Dulverton Pet Shop & Coffee to our community,” said Amelia. “With a focus on quality, sustainability, and genuine connection, we aim to create a haven for pet lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.”

For more information visit www.thetetburypetshop.co.uk or email dulverton@nutsforpets.co.uk

PATS 2024 – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – will stage its biggest ever show at the Telford International Centre from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024, with pet stores and garden centres now being invited to register for free entry.

The first-ever three-day PATS will be hosted in four halls for the first time and will see the launch of a much-anticipated Aquatics Zone.

More than 200 companies and brands have already booked stand space, and the final total is expected to be well over 300, which would be a PATS record.

“The demand for stand space at PATS has been phenomenal, with many companies booking much larger stands as they seek to take advantage of the new three-day format,” said organiser Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions and Events.

“With the addition of the Aquatics Zone and a bigger New Starter Zone, the exhibition will cover four halls of the Telford International Centre, so I can confirm it will be the biggest PATS show ever.

“Registration for visitors is now open on our new-look website and I would urge all pet retailers and buyers to sign up for their free entry.”

HugglePets is thrilled by the prospect of exhibiting at PATS for the first time. Director Mike Dixon said: “It’s a big moment for us, and we can’t wait to be a part of this fantastic event. We love the fact it will be a three-day show. It gives us more time to meet new people, talk about pets, and show off our latest stuff. We’re excited to see people’s reactions and hear their thoughts. It’s going to be an awesome experience.”

Fast-growing pet treat supplier Sniffers Pet Care has recently secured private equity investment to accelerate production at its West Yorkshire site following the success of its leading brand NAW, which was launched in 2023. CEO Simon Brown admitted he was excited by the prospect of sharing the latest news of his company’s expansion with visitors to the show. “I’m really looking forward to the three-day format. PATS is without doubt the best place for specialist and independent retailers to see what’s new and exciting.”

Two companies – Scoff Paper and Inventor Cat – created lots of media attention following starring roles in the current series of hit programme Dragons’ Den on BBC One. PATS is pleased to announce that both have booked their stand space at the show.

Scoff Paper founder Gemma Connolly secured major backing from Dragon Sara Davies to allow her business to take full advantage of the growing pet treat market. Gemma, who has created a unique brand of edible greeting cards, is keen to share her experience with PATS buyers, stating: “Believe me there will be plenty to talk about – I can’t wait.”

Inventor Cat will be making its PATS debut following director Victor Carpio’s appearance on the show where he clinched an investment offer for his innovative Dental Wand from Deborah Meaden. “My appearance on Dragons’ Den generated a great buzz among cat owners, and it made sense to keep that emotion and momentum going. PATS is the perfect place to do this. Having three days to show our invention to an ever growing and captive audience is a great opportunity.”

If retailers and buyers need more encouragement to register now for free entry to the three-day exhibition, here’s just a quick summary of popular visitor attractions:

• The biggest ever showcase of new pet, aquatic and watergardening products
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Fantastic networking opportunities
• Free entry, free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.

Fettle, a leading manufacturer of 100% natural, wholefood pet toppers and supplements, has reached new partnership with retailer Just for Pets.

With Fettle's range of supplements, pet owners will be to access these offerings at all 23 Just for Pets locations from April, including the newly introduced DOG by Just for Pets flagship stores.

“We are delighted to welcome Just for Pets into the Fettle family as our newest stockist partner,” said Alex Taylor-Grout, co-founder at Fettle. “This partnership reflects a substantial milestone for us, having launched the business just four months ago. 

“To have Just for Pets as a trusted partner is a testament to what we are building for the good of the pet industry. Together we aim to make genuine wholefood natural supplements accessible to all pet owners, giving them the best opportunity to support their pets' nutrition.”

This partnership underscores Fettle and Just for Pets' shared mission to prioritise simple, clean, and nutritious solutions that aid longevity in our beloved pets, aligning perfectly with the retailer’s core values: ‘pets come first’, ‘love our customers’, and ‘do the right thing’.

By joining forces, the companies aim to expand access to natural, wholefood pet nutrition solutions and make a positive impact on the lives of both pets and their owners. Together, they are committed to enhancing pet health and happiness while upholding the values that both brands hold dear.

For more information about Fettle and its range of products visit https://fettlepets.com/

A new campaign has been launched by Pet Health Club, which will mean that every new subscriber to the pet health plan service will also be supporting IVC Evidensia’s charity partner, StreetVet.

For every new subscriber in March, £1 will be added to the fundraising total, which will go directly to the overall IVC Evidensia charity pot at the end of the month. The current total stands at just under £40,000. 

Previous fundraising campaigns have included a climb over the O2, a StreetVet calendar and raising £10,000 alone during a raffle at the group’s Leaders’ Forum in May 2023.

Collette Sheaf, Head of Marketing for StreetVet, commented: “This latest commitment by Pet Health Club to donate £1 to StreetVet for every new subscriber in March is a superb new campaign and will ensure that our partnership with IVC Evidensia goes from strength-to-strength. 

“Subscribers who are caring for pets will have the opportunity through this fantastic new initiative to also help care for the pets of those affected by homelessness, which shows a wonderful commitment to animal care and responsible pet ownership.”

StreetVet will use the money raised throughout the month to provide veterinary treatment to the pets of those experiencing homelessness via their outreach programmes across the UK. They became IVC Evidensia’s first charity partner in 2023, with the ultimate goal to raise £100,000 in total. 

Lisa Robb, Group Loyalty Marketing Director for IVC Evidensia, added: “We’re thrilled to be able to make this further commitment to StreetVet, enabling new subscribers to Pet Health Club to not only keep their own pets in good health, but to contribute to the health care of other less fortunate pets as well. 

“I hope that we are able to boost the overall fundraising to new heights in 2024.”

You can see the current total on the group JustGiving page here, or to find out more about StreetVet, head over to their website here.

iPET Network has been awarded grant funding to help support our development of a series of brand-new fully bilingual animal related qualifications.

In an effort to offer accessible qualifications in growth industries, including Dog Grooming and Animal Care, iPET Network has received funding from Qualifications Wales’ Welsh Language Support Grant to create five new qualifications.

The qualifications that will be available bilingually are:

• iPET Network Level 1 Award in Preparing for Work in Dog Grooming
• iPET Network Level 2 Diploma Animal Care and Management
• iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid
• iPET Network Level 3 Award in Equine Emergency First Aid
• iPET Network Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs

The qualifications, which will be available for delivery from April 2024, will enable learners for whom Welsh is their preferred language to have the opportunity to learn and complete the qualifications in Welsh. With the support of iPET Networks approved Training Providers, the qualifications will be designated for funding allowing those who can teach and train in Welsh the option to register learners.

As well as being fully available in Welsh, these qualifications have been designed to meet the needs of the Welsh market and preparing leaners for work in the Animal Care Sector. Colleges and private training providers who would like to know more about offering the qualifications are being asked to come forward to help support the roll out and designation of the qualifications.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, founders of iPET Network, said: "We are so thrilled to be offering these new qualifications in Wales, and hope that more colleges sign up to deliver them.

The largest development in education offering for the sector will be the roll out of the iPET Network Level 2 Diploma Animal Care and Management. Development of this qualification started over two years ago taking feedback from colleges of how the current qualifications being delivered could be improved. We always like to be different, so we have created all the workbooks, assessment documentation and resources to support effective delivery of this new qualification.”

"As well as being more accessible for those who’s preferred language is Welsh, the qualifications are far more based on becoming ready for work than anything else out there and smaller qualifications to support additional learning.

"In the Animal Care and Management qualification there are practical mandatory subjects such as Animal Health and Diseases and Health Safety and Hygiene, and optional units including Animal Nursing Skills and Customer Care, the focus is on getting learners ready to start work as soon as they qualify or progress on to a higher qualification, in sectors which have been identified as 'in need' by Welsh Government."

The purpose of Qualifications Wales’ Welsh Language Support Grant is to support awarding bodies in offering qualifications and assessment through the medium of Welsh, with priority given to qualifications for use by learners aged 14-19 on full-time funded programmes of learning or publicly funded apprenticeships.

Dr. Alex Lovell, Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, said: "We are pleased to have awarded grant funding to iPET Network to ensure that these brand-new qualifications will be available in both Welsh and English from the point of first delivery.

Providing an active and equal offer to learners in Wales from the outset reflects best practice and increases the likelihood that learners will take up new qualifications in Welsh.

We are grateful to iPET Network for working collaboratively with us in our work to increase the availability of Welsh-medium qualifications.” 

To find out more about the iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

The EasyEat has been created in the UK by passionate pet lovers Callum Saunders and Declan Poole in order to alleviate the harm that is caused by the unhealthy eating position from traditional and even raised bowls.  

This especially affects flat-faced breeds of dogs. Working with numerous vets they have created a beautifully designed raised pet feeder that will enhance your dog’s life and with its aesthetic design, will add style to your home.

The EasyEat’s open, edgeless entry creates a natural feeding position - a straight back and elongated neck with a forward facing head creating open airways. Opening airways is essential for flat faced breeds as they are prone to suffer with narrow nasal passages and windpipes which can lead to breathing problems.

The inspiration for this design came from one of the creator’s dogs, Benji. He was diagnosed with pug myelopathy about 4-5 years ago and at the age of 7 found himself in a lot of pain, couldn’t really use his back legs and would cry during feeding times as he would be bending down putting pressure on his joints and spine. It was only after experimenting with a plate on a flat surface that Callum and Declan found the correct feeding position which has now been replicated in The EasyEat feeder.

“The EasyEat feeder has an open entry design, with very little depth which is the catalyst to unlocking the health benefits of the product. There is nothing else like it on the market in terms of the technical measurements and design. We have a design patent across the UK, EU and a patent in the USA,” says Callum.

“Incorporated in our design are a number of features such as: built in handles for easy manoeuvrability, over-moulded TPE feet to help stability and protect floors, stacking feature for easy storage, removable inserts to help with a slow feeder option and our ergonomic design which helps cleaning and keeping everything hygienic.  All of this together helps make us truly unique.”

The EasyEat feeder is available in a range of colours, original beige and five pastel colours. RRP: £39.99-£44.99 depending on finish. Slow feeder extra insert £19.99

For further information visit www.easyeatofficial.com

Donald Cooke Ltd has become the exclusive distributor for Boil and Broth, a UK manufacturer of Dehydrated Bone Broth for dogs and Kefir Water for dogs.

Founder Rachel Down said: “We are delighted to be working with the Donald Cooke team to help drive our visibility and sales into pet retailers up and down the country for our new 50g dehydrated bone broth pouches and cans of kefir water. Our company has recently undergone a significant rebrand as we work hard to appeal to a wider range of audiences and spread the message about the benefits of bone broth. The relationship with Donald Cooke is exciting and a great opportunity to gain more attention in this coming year.”  

Boil and Broth Ltd, was founded by Rachel in March 2018. Gaining a dual Food Standards Agency license to manufacture both bone broth for humans and pets. The business has grown from strength to strength since then.

Head of Business Development for Donald Cooke Ltd, Simon Lewis-Dale said: “I’m over the moon to be able to support Boil and Broth reach new customers across the UK with their top-of-the-range broth and unique kefir water cans.  The range that we will sell compliments our natural treat range perfectly and will be an excellent add-on for customers who already stock our treats and the Tick Twister® range as well, which we also distribute to the UK Pet Trade”.

Bone Broth is a food supplement for dogs that supports digestive health as well as skin, coat, nails, and many other health benefits too. 

Boil and Broth bone broth is unique in that they are manufactured using only human-grade bones from British farmers in their factory in Dorset.  Rachel and the team use only three ingredients in each of the six flavours of broth they manufacture meaning they are 100% natural and have no added fillers, bulking agents, or additives. 

Available in 50g Recyclable, Resealable pouches, which include a serving spoon in the following flavours: Venison, Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Goat and Pork. 50g can be rehydrated back to 1 litre of broth – for small dogs, this is up to 30 servings.

Simply sprinkle on the dog’s food, rehydrate by adding hot water or adding to the water bowl. This broth can also be rehydrated back into a collagen jelly or frozen as well.

Trade Price of £11.07, with a Retail Price of £19.99 per pouch.

Kefir Water is an all-natural Probiotic drink. Each can contains 34 billion CFU-friendly bacteria to help support a healthy gut for your dog or cat.  

Uniquely this product is in a 330ml can allowing it to be fully recyclable.

Made with only three ingredients at the Dorset factory, it is 100% natural with no artificial colourings or flavour and is the same quality as the human product that they manufacture!  Also, it is both dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Simply pour the water into a bowl on its own, add to water, pour directly onto the food or freeze it as a daily treat in the summer!

Sold in a pack of 6 cans with a Trade price of £13.50 (£2.25 per can) with an RRP of £4.50 per can.

Ted’s Bowl is set to transform the pet food scene by launching a range of ready meals for pets. The brand has already secured a major listing with Ocado.com.

Ted’s Bowl takes dog and cat mealtimes to the next level, delivering fresh-frozen goodness that can be briefly cooked in the microwave straight from the freezer. Made with quality ingredients: human grade prime cuts of meat, fish, and poultry (minimum 70% for dogs and 98%* for cats), mixed with seasonal British vegetables, and augmented with additional vitamins and minerals.

The recipes do NOT contain bone, grains, fillers, or preservatives - just premium ingredients that are optimum for promoting health and happiness in dogs and cats. The Ted’s Bowl range comes in fully recyclable microwavable containers with resealable lids. 

For dogs, choose from Lamb with Garden Mint, Chicken with Carrots, Beef with Sweet Potato, and Venison with Blackberries. And for cats: Just Beef, Just Salmon, and Salmon with Chicken.

Meri La Bella, Ocado’s Pet Food Buyer, said: “We know that a key reason why our customers love shopping at Ocado is because of our extensive range. With the launch of Ted’s Bowl, our all-important family pets can enjoy even more choice and diversity in what they eat too. The convenience of quality frozen ready meals that can be cooked in the microwave straight from the freezer is very appealing and we think they will be the next big thing in pet food”.

Sara Pearson, co-founder of Ted’s Bowl, added, “With the surge in pet numbers, a new wave of pet parents is emerging. They're young, urban, and eager to provide the best nutrition for their beloved cats and dogs. These shoppers are familiar in their own lives with quality ready meals with brands such as Cook and byRuby, so recognise the convenience in giving a superior balanced ready meal to their pets. Ted’s Bowl is both fine dining and responsible dining for dogs and cats.”

Herbal pet care expert Dorwest Herbs has launched a rebrand of its supplements, topicals and homoeopathics ranges’ packaging.

The rebrand project was started 12 months ago, surveying existing Dorwest customers to gain valuable insight into what matters most to them in the world of supplements. 

Dorwest received nearly 1000 survey responses from Retail and Trade customers, partners and ambassadors, that they used to update the brand proposition and Dorwest customer profile.

Dorwest’s new look packaging encompasses all survey feedback with the exact same products and herbal expertise, with changes including:

• Stronger navigation through category icons to easily shop by condition.
• Bio-plastic tablet pots made from renewable plant-based resources. 
• Clearer naming & new herbal illustration. 
• Tweaked colour palette to signify product categories. 
• Silver band for Expert Collection to signify flagship products.

Survey findings showed that sustainability is extremely important to customers and Dorwest is delighted to reveal the switch to Bio-plastic tablet pots made from renewable plant-based resources, striving for greener credentials alongside 100% plastic free delivery packaging.

Managing Director Jo Boughton-White said: “The rebrand project has been crucial in evolving the look and feel of the brand, all thanks to customer feedback. We’re proud to have such amazing customers, some of which have shopped with us for over 40 years!”

Furr Boost, the healthy hydration smoothie drink that scooped the Best Product Innovation Awards at both PetQuip and the PIF Awards in 2022, is now available to buy at B&M both in store and online. 

The Shropshire-based company has grown rapidly over the last two years and as well as the deal with B&M, it also secured a nationwide distribution deal with Pedigree Wholesale.

From its first store in Blackpool, Lancashire, B&M has grown to over 700+ stores and employs over 35,000+ staff. B&M believes in selling top branded products at sensational prices and attracts over 4 million happy customers through their doors a week. B&M has stores throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The new varieties of Furr Boost, Venison, Butternut Squash and Cranberry, Salmon, Sweet Potato and Blueberry and Vegan Plant Based will be launched to the consumer at Crufts 7-10 March at the NEC HALL 1 STAND 127.  

Commenting on the deal with B&M Louise Toad said: “We are absolutely delighted to be in B&M. This allows more of our customers to buy Furr Boost at their convenience and it is great to see our product alongside some of the most prestigious and well known names in the pet market.”

For further information visit: www.furrboost.com

You can order from Pedigree Wholesale | Pedigree (petproducts.co.uk)

For trade enquiries contact Louise Toal on Tel: 01746 785 410 email: customerservices@furrboost.com or visit the wholesale page: www.furrboost.com/wholesale

Battersea Park is going to be the venue for the launch of PAWD DRINKS, a revolutionary and groundbreaking range of liquid health supplements, scientifically crafted to target the common health issues faced by dogs. 

These innovative products are the result of extensive research and development by world-leading animal nutritionists including Dr. Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni and are veterinary-approved. Each formula has been carefully crafted to not only address specific health concerns but also contribute to the overall well-being of our four-legged friends.  

PAWD DRINKS are the inspiration of founders and London-based Rory Hanna and Archie Wilson who met at school and went on to become business partners. The idea for the drinks came from Rory’s family dog, Scrumpy, a Jack Russell / Patterdale Terrier that lived to 17, and despite remaining fairly healthy and loving life, he did from time to time face common health issues prone to dogs such as arthritis and anxiety. 

“Scrumpy refused to take pills however hard we tried to hide them in his food, and this put the idea into my head that there must be a better way to administer supplements” says Rory. “Liquids are the most efficient and effective way of transporting vitamins, minerals, and nutrients into a body, whether it is human or dog. The balance between food and drink in the human world is pretty even, whereas in the dog world, it is very uneven, and this needs to change!”

PAWD DRINKS Joints has been formulated to address arthritis and joint mobility with up to 80% of all dogs suffering from some form of arthritis over the age of 8. PAWD DRINKS Joints contains natural ingredients, such as ginger and devils claw root to support joint mobility. 

Studies also suggest that up to 70% of dogs exhibit anxiety-related behaviours at some point in their lives. This anxiety can be in the form of separation anxiety, social anxiety, travel anxiety or noise anxiety. Approximately 50% of dogs show significant fear or anxiety in response to loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks.. PAWD DRINKS Calming will help to relax and soothe your dog in any anxious situations.

PAWD DRINKS Active provides all the necessary ingredients to keep your dog, fit, healthy and hydrated. PAWD DRINKS Active is suitable for dogs who tend to over-exercise and require recovery or younger dogs who need a supplement to support their muscle development.

PAWD DRINKS are pH neutral and contain no acidifiers or preservatives. They are easy to consume and administer and are fast and efficient. They provide full hydration for your dogs, contain 100% natural ingredients, are low cost per portion and are loved by dogs! What’s more to love?

All dog lovers are invited to join a gentle walk around Battersea Park on Sunday 17 March. It will start at12.30 pm and will roughly take an hour. Dog walkers will then be offered a glass of something, followed by a few speeches from the founders and the scientists behind the product. Events will then move to The Lighthouse pub in Battersea, for nibbles, a drink and a few more words about the product. On the day, there will be an opportunity to try samples, purchase products, and in general have a nice day out meeting the PAWD team, but also meeting new dog owners in the PAWD community.

If you wish to attend email: hello@pawddrinks.com

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The British Independent Retailers Association has said it is optimistic about the spring budget where the Chancellor announced the reduction of National Insurance rates.

Bira, who work with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said the news from Jeremy Hunt that NI rates would be reduced could offer a 'glimmer of hope' for struggling retailers who are desperate for consumer confidence to return to the high street.

The Chancellor has announced a significant cut in the main rate of class 1 National Insurance, reducing it to 8% from 6th April 2024. This follows a prior cut from 12% to 10% in January. Additionally, the class 4 self-employed NICs rate will be reduced from 9% to 6%, along with the abolition of class 2 self-employed NICs.

The Treasury estimates substantial savings for individuals, with an average worker on £35,400 saving more than £900 annually. The average teacher on £44,300 is expected to gain £1,250 per year. For example, those earning £20,000 will benefit from a £148.60 yearly saving, while those earning £50,000 will save £748.60. The average self-employed individual earning £28,000 is anticipated to save about £650 annually as a result of the NI rate cuts.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We welcome the Chancellor's decision to reduce National Insurance rates, providing consumers with additional disposable income. We hope that this financial relief will boost consumer confidence, enabling them to spend more on the high streets.

"However, while we acknowledge the positive impact of the NI rate cuts on consumer spending, there is a missed opportunity in not addressing the planned 7% increase in business rates, which remains a concern for the retail sector."

He added: "We remain cautious about long-term economic growth, and there is the need for initiatives that drive employment and production. The association believes that sustained economic growth is crucial for the growth of businesses, and more measures are needed to support this aspect."

Crufts will welcome well over 24,000 dogs at the NEC Birmingham from today until Sunday, taking part in a wide variety of competitions and displays. The entry is slightly up on last year, with 19,252 dogs entered into the breed, agility and obedience championship competitions, and includes more overseas dogs entered than ever before.

Crufts 2024 will see over 200 pedigree breeds in contention for Best in Show, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of Sunday 10 March. There will be more than 15 hours of Crufts TV coverage, as all the four days action will be broadcast on Channel 4 and More4.

The show continues to maintain its international flavour and this year has attracted more overseas entries than ever before – 3,766 dogs – with the Netherlands leading the way with 382 dogs, just ahead of Germany (375), France (371) and Italy (330). Other countries to attract entries of 150 dogs or more are: Ireland (290), Poland (263), Belgium (242), Spain (193), Czech Republic (188) and Sweden (179).

For the first time at Crufts, the Kooikerhondje, Jack Russell Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo have Challenge Certificate status. 42 Kooikerhondjes and 123 Jack Russell Terriers are entered for the 2024 show, while last year’s Best in Show, the Lagotto Romagnolo, has attracted an entry of 91 dogs.

Elsewhere, the Golden Retriever has drawn the largest entry for an individual breed from the whole show, with 538 dogs. This is just ahead of the Labrador Retriever (519) which held that distinction at Crufts last year.

The highest number of dogs in a single breed set to compete in each group is as follows:

• Utility: Dalmatian – 223

• Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 278

• Gundog: Golden Retriever – 538

• Working: Newfoundland – 176

• Pastoral: Border Collie – 288

• Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 364

• Hound: Whippet – 395

The following four breeds, in addition to those mentioned above, have exceeded an entry of 250 or more: Cocker Spaniel (421), Flat Coated Retriever (349), Irish Setter (262), and Rhodesian Ridgeback (251).

In contrast, the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Foxhound has attracted 3 dogs each, while the Turkish Kangal Dog has 2 dogs entered, which highlights how the show is a true celebration of all dogs, from the well-known to the more unusual.

Channel 4 and More 4 who will be broadcasting the action over the show’s four days; the details of times and channels are as follows:

THURSDAY 7 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 – More4

1930-2100 – Channel 4

FRIDAY 8 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 - More4

1930-2030 – Channel 4

SATURDAY 9 MARCH:

1530-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2130 – Channel 4

SUNDAY 10 MARCH:

1600-1800 - Channel 4

1900-2100 - Channel 4 Crufts 2024: Best in Show live.

As well as the breed class judging, visitors will be able to watch some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, flyball and for the first time, a hoopers display.

The Obedience Championships for dogs are on Saturday, with bitches on Sunday. In Agility, the Small and Medium Championships are on the Thursday while the Intermediate and Large Championships are on the Sunday.

Other highlights of a busy programme taking place in the Resorts World Arena are The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, which celebrates those dogs in our lives that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts.

Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are delighted that the show has attracted more dogs than last year and that Crufts has once again drawn a large overseas entry, proving its worldwide appeal.

“Crufts would not be Crufts without our exhibitors. We thank everybody who has entered the show and look forward to welcoming all dogs and their owners who make Crufts such a wonderful event, whether it is those who have been loyally returning year after year, or those who are experiencing the show for the first time.

“Crufts offers something for everyone and this year is no exception with particular interest in Kooikerhondjes, Jack Russell Terriers and Lagotto Romagnolo breeds who have Challenge Certificate status for the first time. The show is set to be a wonderful showcase of our much loved dogs, exciting canine activities and our fantastic and committed community.”

The Kennel Club and Mars Petcare join forces to launch Partners in Petcare, a five-year partnership to create a better world for pets and enhance the experience of pets, pet owners and breeders.

The Kennel Club community will benefit from access to leading Mars Petcare brands including Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved as well as other veterinary care services, nutrition, and wellness products. As well as a recommendation programme offering a smooth transition for the new puppy, giving peace of mind for the breeder and new pet owner.

By combining Mars Petcare’s nutritional expertise with The Kennel Club’s long heritage and wealth of experience, the partnership will bring to life the special relationship between pets, their owners and the professional community of breeders and vets for better care outcomes.

The Kennel Club is showcasing this new partnership at Crufts 2024.

Mark Beazley, Chief Executive, The Kennel Club, said: “We only exist for our community of pets, pet owners and breeders and this partnership will help support their needs and enable us to enhance our offering and drive improved care and benefits for pets. We are thrilled to enter this long term partnership with Mars Petcare to enhance The Kennel Club experience for pet owners.”

Nick Foster, General Manager, Royal Canin UK and Ireland, commented: “We are excited to partner with The Kennel Club and share our knowledge, passion and expertise in pet nutrition that has been forged over 50 years with veterinarians, breeders, and other professionals. We believe in giving the right nutrition to the right pet at the right time. We will support Breed Clubs through education, expertise, and, in some cases, a dedicated portfolio. Through this partnership we will jointly reach more pets, pet owners and breeders at critical moments with our innovative products and deliver further on our purpose: A better world for pets.”

Paolo Rigamonti, General Manager, Mars Pet Nutrition UK, said: “Our Mars Petcare purpose is to make a better world for pets, and we do this by putting pets and pet parents at the heart of everything we do. This partnership is all about helping to share our knowledge and the benefits of our naturally healthy nutrition and expertise through James Wellbeloved with the Kennel Club community and, through them, supporting many pet parents as possible at critical stages in their pet’s life. We’re very pleased to be working even more closely with the Kennel Club and its members.”

Successful Pomeranian breeder Averil Cawthera-Purdy heads to Crufts this week in the hope she might make history by becoming the first person ever to win the Kennel Club Breeders Competition, sponsored by Agria, for a record third time.

Averil heads to Birmingham as the reigning champion, having won the class last year, and has led the qualifying League through the current season on points accumulation. But some 40 finalists appearing at Crufts start with a clean slate as they strive to make the top four.

The Kennel Club Breeders Competition invites breeders to enter a team of four dogs they have bred themselves, to demonstrate their ability to breed to a type and high quality consistently, as judged against their breed standard.

“The competition shows that you’re breeding to a type, and doing it very well. It’s judged on beauty — against the breed standard — but obviously the dogs have got to move well and show themselves off too,” explains Ms Cawthera-Purdy. “Just to take part in the main ring in the evening they need to be pretty bombproof — it’s loud, bright and hot.”

Averil is an experienced hobby breeder of Pomeranians from Gloucestershire, and has taken part in this competition for many years. “The dogs love it because it’s the one time they go into the ring together.” Nevertheless as she heads to Birmingham, her goal is simply to do her best and have a brilliant time:

“The chances of winning again are quite slim — there was a 10-year gap between my first win and my second. I hope we might get shortlisted to make the final 8-10 teams through to the final round of judging. Anything is a bonus.”

Her team will be an all-dog team, selected from five potential candidates, close to the competition, and will include members of last year’s winning team.

The number of puppies Averil breeds per year varies very much since she mainly breeds for herself, but whenever puppies are sold they are always covered under the free five-week puppy plan offered by Agria Pet Insurance. “It gives me peace of mind to know that they are covered, the moment that they leave my house, should there be a vet bill,” says Averil.

“Much as you hope desperately that nothing goes wrong, the first month to six weeks is the most high-risk time for a new puppy — they are quite fast and can soon get under your feet or shoot through a door, and owner and pup are still getting to know one another.”

Pet shops and garden centres are being urged to stock up on hedgehog food as the loveable creatures wake up from hibernation.

David Tracey, of Brambles Pet and Wildlife Ltd, said: “Many hedgehogs haven’t hibernated over winter but those that have been hibernating are beginning to wake up and will be very hungry and thirsty.

“We’ve noticed an increase in sales of Brambles Hedgehog Food so make sure you have plenty in stock. Don’t forget to make plans for Hedgehog Awareness Week which takes place the first week in May.

“Also, as many people start thinking about gardening, make sure you have a good look for hedgehogs before any work begins. It’s a very busy time of year for rescues with needless injuries caused by people in the garden.”

For more information visit www.bramblespaw.co.uk

A shocking reminder of CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds’ grass roots pedigree came when Ceri Rundle posted a message on 21st February.

“Managed to smash my right knee on Sunday – with a bit of help from a ‘mad’ Black Welsh Mountain sheep. Specialist surgery planned for Friday. In hospital and being well cared for. Thank you everybody for your kind messages received and apologies for not replying to all.”

After breeding, training and competing with many dogs over the years, Ceri founded CSJ in 1998 after she and her father H. Glynn Jones - the multi-award winning and former International Supreme and Reserve Supreme Champion with his dog Gel - simply couldn’t find a quality food at a reasonable price for their Border Collies which competed in trials and worked hard on the family farm.

Twenty-five years on Ceri and husband Phil still manage the farm alongside running CSJ, which now feeds legions of Champions across all working and competitive activities ranging from gundogs, agility dogs, racing sled dogs to show dogs and more. 

After over two weeks in hospital and having had surgery, Ceri is scheduled to go home imminently.  Whilst still keeping her finger on the pulse of CSJ, she has had time during her enforced lack of physical activity to look back at memories of her huge sheepdog trialling successes, which include being the first ever lady to compete in T.V’s One Man and His Dog and representing Wales in the first Young Handlers competition held at the Supreme International Championships in 1980.

In a recent post with photo she commented: “This memory just popped up from early 1990’s. One of my proudest trialling moments - being first lady to win Vivod Sheepdog Trial with 'K'. “

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

Approved veterinary SQP regulator, Vetpol Ltd, has welcomed Lisa Giddings to its experienced team as Professional Development Lead.

Drawing on her wealth of experience in the veterinary sector and strong reputation in the industry, Lisa will play a large part in assisting with the planning of Vetpol’s first ever SQP Congress, taking place in Solihull on April 16^th 2024, as well as the Vetpol 2024 Munch and Learn Online CPD event. Tickets for SQP Congress can be found on the Vetpol website.

Having previously worked for many years in the veterinary business field, Lisa has developed strong relationships throughout the community and has an appreciation of the benefits SQPs can deliver in veterinary practices and in retail. Lisa also works as a freelance consultant for Virbac, Westpoint Vets and her own project, Nurture Nature Farm bringing experience of farm projects to her already diverse skillset.

Lisa will join Vetpol to help the team in its planning for the upcoming SQP Congress. The congress will be the first of its kind, offering an opportunity for SQPs across the UK to meet other like-minded individuals, network and learn. Serving as 7.5 hours of accredited CPD, Lisa and the team are working tirelessly to ensure the event is highly interactive and a big success.

Caroline, Director at Vetpol, commented on Lisa’s addition, saying: “We are so pleased to be welcoming Lisa as a fully-fledged member of the Vetpol team. With her business background, extensive knowledge in the field and clear commitment to making sure SQPs have a dedicated space to find support and resources, we are sure she will be an excellent addition and will help us to further enhance the opportunities that we can offer to SQPs.”

Lisa is looking forward to working with qualified SQPs, SQP students, employers and suppliers providing CPD. “In my new role as Professional Development Lead, I’ll be working closely with Caroline and the team to raise awareness of what SQPs can deliver, so that everyone understands how they can help to improve animal welfare along with the wider benefits for the practices and businesses they work within. It’s really important to all of us at Vetpol to ensure that our learners and qualified SQPs have the opportunity to access high quality CPD and enjoy relevant learning experiences. I’m delighted to be working in a role where I can make such a positive difference.”

Anyone interested in SQP Congress and the Munch and Learn programmes, can visit the Vetpol website or contact Lisa directly lisa@vetpol.uk.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has identified that each year, more than one in seven companion rabbits under primary veterinary care in the UK are suffering from dental disease, a condition which can cause severe pain.

The most significant demographic risk factors for rabbits in developing dental disease were found to be older age, being male, and having low bodyweight.

Veterinary professionals have always believed dental disease to be one of the most common and serious disorders in companion rabbits, often resulting in significant pain, enforced selective eating and behavioural changes in the animal, but now this new study provides evidence to show the true scale of the issue.

Previous studies suggested that lop ear and brachycephalic (flat-faced) skull conformations were associated with an increased risk of dental disease, but those studies were limited by small sample size and selection bias. This new study, therefore, aimed to strengthen the evidence base on demographic and conformational risk factors for dental disease in rabbits by using the largest sample of rabbits ever investigated for a study of this kind.

The RVC research team, consisting of experts from VetCompass, the Animal Welfare team, Exotics team and an MRes (Master of Research) student, collated patient records from 161,979 rabbits under UK first opinion veterinary care in 2019. A random sample of 2,219 confirmed cases of dental disease was extracted and compared against 117,890 rabbits without recorded dental disease. Using these data, the team analysed conformational characteristics, including ear type and skull shape of the rabbits, to explore associations with the disease.

The research found that a significant 15.36% of all rabbits were formally diagnosed with dental disease in 2019, though this figure may only be the tip of the iceberg, with many more rabbits believed to be affected but not formally diagnosed. Of the rabbits diagnosed, there were 3.14% with incisor teeth affected and 13.72% with cheek teeth affected. Over half of the affected rabbits (8.20% of all rabbits) were newly diagnosed with dental disease in 2019.

The findings identified that older age, lower bodyweight and being male were the most important demographic risk factors for rabbits in developing dental disease. Additional findings also include that:

• Lop-eared compared to erect-eared rabbits, and brachycephalic skull shapes compared to normocephalic skull shapes, were not significant risk factors for dental disease, suggesting the conformation of a rabbit plays a much lesser role in whether the animal develops the disease than other factors such as age and diet.
• Rabbits that were five years old and older had 7.58 times the risk of dental disease compared to rabbits aged less than one.
• Rabbits weighing more than 2kg had a significantly lower risk of developing dental disease compared with rabbits weighing less than 1.49kg.
• Male rabbits had a 1.23 times higher risk of having dental disease than female rabbits.

This research highlights a dental disease crisis in pet rabbits and suggests that all companion rabbits would benefit from regular dental examinations, irrespective of breed, ear type or skull shape. Particular emphasis should be placed on rabbits with a lower-than-expected bodyweight, that are older or male. Owners should also be vigilant for subtle signs of dental issues, such as selective eating, reluctance to eat hay, drooling and pawing at the face. Owners with any concerns about dental disease in their rabbit should seek advice from their veterinary practice.

Maria Jackson, Veterinary Nurse and Research Assistant in Rabbit Health at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said:

“Despite being the third most popular pet in the UK, I feel rabbits have been largely overlooked in companion animal research. Our study shows over 230,000 pet rabbits in the UK may be suffering with dental disease at this moment in time. Routine dental checks and feeding a diet predominantly of good quality hay is clearly important for all our rabbits, not just those with lopped ears or a short face.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC, and co-author of the study, said:

“This new research highlights a major welfare crisis in pet rabbits caused by dental disease. Owners have a legal duty to protect their animals from unnecessary suffering. This can begin with ensuring all rabbits get an appropriate diet of mainly hay and grass. The biggest single risk factor for pet rabbits developing dental disease appears to be captivity.”

Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science at the RVC, said:

“Any rabbit can suffer dental disease, and these new findings suggest that owners and vets should particularly watch out for it as rabbits get older, especially if the rabbits are thin and male.

“Interestingly, this very large study didn’t show any association between rabbit head and ear shape and dental disease at all, casting doubt on whether brachycephalic and lop-eared rabbits may be more affected than other rabbits.”

This study was supported by a grant from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).

Dr Huw College, Chief Executive and Scientific Director of UFAW, said:

“A crucial part of our work as an animal welfare charity is providing grants and awards to support innovative research which helps us better understand animal welfare problems. We were therefore delighted to support this study which has advanced our understanding of dental disease in pet rabbits and suggested some practical steps to improving welfare for these animals too.”

Fast-growing pet treat supplier Sniffers Pet Care has secured £850k in follow-on funding from Traditum Private Equity, following an initial investment of £1.75m by the West Yorkshire based private equity house in September 2022.

Sniffers, which is based near Halifax, supplies natural pet treats for customers including Pets at Home and Jollyes under its challenger brand NAW, which was successfully launched in 2023.

The funding will enable Sniffers to accelerate production at its site in Elland and deliver an incremental uplift of £3.3m in annual revenue.

The business has experienced rapid growth in the past 24 months, with a 40% year-on-year increase in turnover and an 85% growth in headcount in the last 12 months, taking full-time employee numbers to 37.

The first round of funding enabled Sniffers to expand operationally and scale manufacturing and distribution capabilities. It also invested heavily in building its own IP through the re-brand of its natural dog treat brands, Buffalo and Walter Smith, to NAW, which stands for No Animal Wasted.

The range is made from 100% air-dried animal parts which would usually go to waste and is now stocked in large chains such Ocado, as well as a range of independent and specialist retailers. The brand will be showcased at Crufts next month in front of 250,000 entrants.

The latest round of funding has been supported strategically by Sniffers’ senior leadership team, which includes chief financial officer Peter Harrison and non-executive directors Tom Page, and George Page. The brothers were appointed in 2023 to provide both marketing and operational expertise, drawing on their extensive industry experience acquired at family firm, Inspired Pet Nutrition.

Speaking about the investment, Simon Brown, CEO of Sniffers Pet Care, said: “The follow-on funding from Traditum is a real endorsement of our plan and the launch of our brand NAW last year.

“It will enable us to accelerate our growth in 2024 and make a real impact in the pet market with some exciting launches ahead.”

Iain Marlow, head of investments for Traditum commented: “Following on from our investment into Sniffers in 2022 the business has successfully launched the NAW brand, expanded the senior management team and entered into new distribution channels, which have delivered transformational growth for the business.

“At Traditum we seek to invest in and support exceptional management teams and we could not be prouder to support Simon Brown and his whole team at Sniffers. We are delighted to be able to provide further funding to the business to support continued growth in what are exciting times for the business”.

Traditum was supported with legal advice from Paul Johnson and Nina Latham of law firm Mills and Reeve. Jonathan Simms, Hitesh Tailor and Jonathan Schneider from Clarion Solicitors supported Sniffers Pet Care.

Dog treat firm PARK LiFE was the latest pet brand to appear of Dragons’ Den with founder Richard Marles turning down investment from Peter Jones and Touker Suleyman, after both offered the investment amount sought but proposed larger shares. 

Marles had sought £150,000 in exchange for a 5% share in the business, which offers all-natural dog treats, to fund growth, increase stock levels and fuel product innovation and NPD.

Marles pitched award-winning product Fris-Bix to the Dragons – the first frisbee-shaped dog biscuit – focusing on the fun and playful personality of the brand as well as highlighting existing organic traction on the website, and the brand’s potential to scale. 

While the Dragons bought into PARK LiFE’s vibrant branding and its fun personality, it was Marles himself who sold it with his impressive business acumen and grasp of the numbers.

Showcasing the true heart of the brand, Marles brought his family dog Penny into the pitch, with the Dragons getting involved by throwing Fris-Bix for her to catch.

Later in the pitch, Penny inadvertently showed off another of PARK LiFE’s hero products – the best-selling calming treat, Chill-Bix – by falling asleep, with Peter Jones commenting that she was the most relaxed contestant they’d ever had on the show.

While Richard chose not to take the investment offered, he did take on board insightful feedback from the Dragons – following Steven Bartlett’s comments that the brand’s packaging could be more impactful, Park Life hired a new illustrator to revamp their designs, and invested in more premium packaging to ensure the colours pop and stand out.

PARK LiFE has gone from strength to strength since participating, even exceeding the goals they’d outlined to the Dragons, having exceeded £1 million in sales. Further highlights have seen the brand expand its current range in Jollyes Pet Stores, partner with Disney to launch Mickey-Bix, participation in Aldi’s recent pet event, becoming a supplier for Pets At Home, and landing permanent listings in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

Marles said: “Pitching in front of the Dragons was the most nerve-racking experience of my life, but something I’m delighted I put myself outside my comfort zone for. Even though we did not leave the Den with an investment or a Dragon onboard, we’ve already had so much support from retail customers requesting to stock our range, and from pet parents across the UK who are ordering direct from our website. I’d like to say a huge thank you for

supporting our family business.”

Jollyes, the Pet Industry Federation’s current retail chain of the year, has secured significant backing from investment funds managed by TDR Capital LLP to enable it to accelerate its UK store growth plans.

The investment will enable Jollyes to continue to grow its store estate at pace, as it strengthens its position as a highly competitive number two in the UK retail pet market.

The deal with TDR Capital is expected to complete in April with retailer Andy Bond (executive chairman of Pepco Group and a former CEO of Asda) due to become non-executive chairman.

On completion of the investment, TDR Capital will take a majority stake in Jollyes alongside Andy Bond and management.  The investment will help to provide important new growth and support customers, colleagues and suppliers.

Jollyes chief executive officer Joe Wykes, pictured above left with Andy Bond, said: “Jollyes has been growing at pace over the past two years, with our people providing pet parents a level of expertise and service that is hard to find.

“This new investment will help us build a much bigger stage, accelerating our growth plans and giving us the resources we need to bring more value to more places.

“We look forward to partnering with TDR on the exciting next phase of our growth in the UK.

“I’d also like to thank our chairman Richard Cotter for its stewardship of this business over the last six years and formally welcome Andy Bond to our board.

“Andy’s retail credentials and ‘know-how’ in the value sector make him an ideal chair for Jollyes, customers and colleagues.  I’m looking forward to his counsel and guidance as we continue to grow at pace.”

Gary Lindsay, Managing Partner at TDR Capital, said:  “It is fantastic to be partnering with Joe and the Jollyes team to provide even more momentum behind the strong growth of recent years.

“In Jollyes, we identified a solid business with excellent foundations and significant potential to grow even more ambitiously in the years to come.

“Through our investment, we will deploy our significant retail expertise and support the company in rolling out its store expansion plans even more rapidly, including opening more grooming and veterinary-led community pet clinics.

“We are confident that Jollyes can further cement itself in the pet retail sector and increase the competitiveness of the market, which will benefit customers, colleagues and suppliers alike.”

Adam Maidment, Managing Partner at Kester Capital, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved with Jollyes. We have doubled the workforce, doubled the revenue and more than doubled the profitability, building one of the largest specialty pet retailers in the country.

“It’s a great success story and exactly the kind of value creation story Kester is about.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Joe, Richard and the wider team over the last six years. We wish the management team and the business every success for the future.” 

Lower prices for pet parents

The accelerated opening of new stores will help Jollyes continue to drive down prices for customers, as it extends its reach into new locations, increasing competition in the £6 billion UK pet market.

Jollyes has ambitious plans to open an additional 12 new stores over the next 12 months and already has agreements secured for locations in Northampton, Nuneaton, Chester and East Kilbride.

The retailer has grown it’s estate by 50 per cent in three years, opening 33 stores in 26 months.

Last week it opened its 99th new store at Belfast Connswater, Northern Ireland and will open its 100th store at Newport in Gwent on Friday (1 March) and its 101st in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on 22 March.

Jollyes’ 100th store in Newport opens on St David’s Day and underscores its commitment to South Wales having recently opened stores in Llanelli and Merthyr Tydfil.

TDR’s investment in Jollyes will also allow it to accelerate the roll out of grooming and veterinary-led community pet clinics for customers as it lowers the total cost of pet care. 

Rewards for colleagues

The deal also demonstrates Jollyes’ commitment to its colleagues and to becoming one of the best employers in retail. 

In the last 12 months it has already introduced a package of benefits for all its 1,200-plus colleagues nationwide, including birthday leave, a ‘pet-eternity’ day for colleagues getting a new pet in the family, a week off on full pay for all colleagues on when they get married, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and an enhanced 20 per cent discount off all Jollyes services.

The new investment will create even more career development opportunities for the Jollyes team, including new roles with broader responsibilities.

Opportunities for suppliers

TDR’s investment will also provide new opportunities for suppliers, making Jollyes the natural partner for like-minded, ambitious and entrepreneurial partners.

Over the last 12 months, Jollyes has helped small North East raw dog food supplier Durham Animal Feeds reach a nationwide audience through the roll out of raw frozen ‘shop-in-shops’.

It has also concluded a three-year contract with United Petfood,  creating new jobs at production facilities at Llangadog and Pencader in South Wales and Longridge near Preston as Jollyes build its growing private label business.

As part of the new deal to supply Jollyes with a growing range of Lifestage brand food and treats, United is creating 36 new jobs at production facilities at Llangadog and Pencader in South Wales and Longridge near Preston.

TDR Capital was advised by HSBC and Barclays (M&A), PwC (financial and tax) and CMS (legal). Kester Capital was advised by Houlihan Lokey (M&A), PwC (financial and tax) and Osborne Clarke (legal). Management was advised by Jamieson (financial), Blick Rothenberg (tax) and Osborne Clarke (legal).

Award-winning company Pet Treats Wholesale is expanding into a 7,750 sq ft industrial unit which will provide a larger packing and fulfilment provision for the firm’s continued growth.

The business, which won a New Product Award with its Gourmet Advent Calendar at PATS Telford in 2023, will move into the new unit on Crown Industrial Estate in Burton upon Trent.

Business founder and owner Dominic Jolivet said: “Pet Treats has its roots firmly established in Burton upon Trent. From humble beginnings using just a single oven, to becoming the largest manufacturer of gourmet sausages for dogs in the UK, Pet Treats Wholesale Ltd has been supplying treats to dogs (and their owners) since 2011. 

“We manufacture our range of sausages, sticks, slices, and pate, as well as many of our dried natural products, using British meat, right here in our factory in Staffordshire. For everything else, we only work with trusted UK and EU suppliers, to ensure your pets are getting the very best natural treats. We sell to members of the public directly from our website and store, as well as to trade and wholesale customers, including large companies with multiple stores nationwide.

"As a trained chef, I came up with the idea when trying to purchase treats for my own dogs, becoming increasingly frustrated with inferior, poor quality and sometimes mis-labelled imports on offer, which often made my dogs ill. 

“By launching Pet Treats, we continue to offer pet owners high quality natural treats, including gourmet sausages made with only the finest quality British meats. We only provide British and EU approved products to ensure wholesome goodness, whilst supporting the British Farming Industry."

Pet Treats Wholesale won a New Product Award at PATS Telford last year with Louis Jolivet (pictured second from left) and Dominic Jolivet (second from right).

Director Louis Jolivet added: “Due to our continued growth, we needed to find a larger unit to house our packing and fulfilment part of the business. Personal thanks to Simon – local Salloway Agent, for alerting me to this unit as it was coming to market and for the speed in which lease matters were progressed. From initially viewing the unit to taking occupation, the whole process took just six weeks.”

Salloway Commercial Agency Surveyor, Simon Walker commented: Timing was crucial for this lease deal to happen, and all parties are extremely happy that letting terms were agreed and matters concluded very swiftly.”

“It is always a joy to witness continued success and growth with any local business in the area and I am delighted that Unit 6 Crown Industrial Estate was a very suitable and timely property solution to be able to provide to Pet Treats.”

Plans for the first ever three-day PATS are well underway as the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show gets set to stage its first-ever THREE-DAY event at Telford International Centre from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024.

More than 200 companies have already booked their stand space for the showpiece with still seven months to go, and the final number of exhibitors is set to be well over 300, making it the biggest PATS ever staged.

With PATS 2024 taking over all of the exhibition space at Telford International Centre, this year’s event will also feature the Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for aquatics and watergardening exhibitors.

The new three-day show will also retain all its popular features: 

• New Product Showcase and Awards
• New Starter Zone
• Grooming Workshop
• Deals and Discounts
• Networking events

Showcasing all the latest product launches under one roof, the show’s reputation has grown impressively over the past 15 years since launching in 2009. With such a winning formula, PATS has become the ‘must-visit’ event for UK and international retailers and buyers.

There will be free entry for visitors, a free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

Retailers and buyers can register their interest in visiting PATS 2024 by going to the new-look website www.patshow.co.uk, which has all the up-to-date information about the show.

PATS organisers will also be working closely with PetQuip to encourage an increasing number of international buyers to this year’s show. Travelling to and from Telford for overseas visitors is straightforward because of the close proximity of two of the UK’s largest international airports outside of London – Birmingham and Manchester.