Princess Anne visits award-winning pet food firm
West Yorkshire-based business Pure Pet Food had visit from Princess Anne on Tuesday when she was given a tour of the innovative manufacturing facility and met the team behind the now globally sold dog food brand...
West Yorkshire-based business Pure Pet Food had visit from Princess Anne on Tuesday when she was given a tour of the innovative manufacturing facility and met the team behind the now globally sold dog food brand.
Founded by childhood friends Daniel Valdur Eha and Mathew Cockroft, Pure Pet Food has quickly grown from a tiny business which started life in Daniel’s kitchen to a brand that is now sold around the world and in major retailers.
Founder Daniel said: “It was a huge honour to welcome HRH Princess Anne to our factory. Our business has come a long way in the last few years, we started with an idea to create a wholesome dog food, made of purely natural ingredients without the inconveniences that preparing a raw diet can come with.
"Following extensive research and development we came across the concept of food dehydration. Our small local business has now gained major global reach and we look forward to our continued growth and providing pets of the world with healthy, nutritious diets for many more years to come.”
The visit was the pinnacle of a host of recent accolades and achievements for the business. Most recently, Pure won Lloyds TSB’s National Best Start-up award and the PetQuip Pet Product Innovation award. Pure’s founders also famously turned down funding after successfully receiving offers from Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen on the hit BBC show Dragons' Den.
“Pure is an example that innovation and a belief in your idea can be all you need to start a business. The future looks bright for Pure, with cat food and other innovative natural pet products in the pipeline for 2017," Daniel continued.
Being a well-known dog lover herself, Her Royal Highness was keen to visit the growing business and even received a special doggy hamper for her two corgis.
Now out of Daniels kitchen, Pure produces their natural dehydrated dog food products in their own human grade food facility in West Yorkshire. The company started with just £3,000 in 2012, now employs seven members of staff and is rapidly expanding as it continues to build traction in the UK and Europe.
Co-founder Mat commented: “Our range has several unique advantages over other pet food currently on offer. We believe there is a real opportunity to grow a healthy sustainable business here in West Yorkshire and create jobs in our local area."
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PATS Sandown has secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.
The talks, produced in association with Pedigree Wholesale, will take place in the Seminar Theatre in the Esher Hall of Sandown Park Exhibition Centre on both days of the show – Tuesday and Wednesday, March 21-22, 2017.
The free-to-attend series of retailer-focused seminars will cover a wide range of topics including: preventative care for pets; psychological basis of the human-animal bond (the driver to our pet industry);recognising and rewarding excellence (premium pet schemes); optimising your eCommerce website; and how to use social media to enhance your business.
There will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar on protecting pets and your business, by animal healthcare specialists Merial. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry.
Guy Blaskey, from Pooch and Mutt, has delivered seminars at PATS for the past six years, and he said: “At every show the audience seems to be full of people who are really interested in pushing their businesses forward and learning about modern marketing techniques.
“I always get some very interesting questions at the end of the talk and people often follow up with queries via email, twitter or facebook.”
At PATS Sandown, Guy will be giving talk on an introduction to condition-appropriate feeding.
“One of the easiest ways to discover new ideas that could help boost your business is to attend the free seminars at PATS,” said organiser Annie Foord.
“If there’s a subject that catches your eye then make a mental note of the time or write it down in your diary so you don’t miss it.
“Most seminars last half-an-hour so there’s no time to become bored. In fact, because of the time limit, there’s a lot of information packed into such a short session and often it’s a good idea to take notes or write down bullet points. Usually, the speaker will take questions at the end of the talk.”
As well as this free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see on the 140 exhibitor stands packing two halls at Sandown, including an impressive list of new products.
PATS Sandown will see the return of the Grooming Workshops by popular demand after a two-year absence at the Surrey venue. Highly talented members of Groom Team England will be showing off their skills in the Esher Hall where visitors will be able to witness the expertise required to become an accomplished groomer.
To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers.
There will also be a wide range of food available from all the various outlets and all visitors will receive a free cup of tea or coffee voucher, which will be redeemable all day. Those arriving before 10.30am will also get a free breakfast voucher.
To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk
Opening times
Tuesday 21st March: 9.30am-5.30pm
Wednesday 22nd March: 9.30am-4.30pm
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Mr Johnson’s broke into the small animal treat market 12 months ago with the launch of a comprehensive range of delicious wholesome treats for small animals, sold under the ‘Niblets’ brand.
They have been well received by retailers and consumers alike, and as a result the company has added three more wholesome treats to the range.
These treats are now available to order from your wholesaler.Mr Johnson's Banana Niblets (6 x100g): Tasty, crunchy, banana treat for small animals – suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice. Mr Johnson's Carrot Niblets (6 x 80g): Tasty, nutritious carrot treat for small animals – suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, chinchilla and degu. Mr Johnson's Apple Niblets (6 x 70g): Tasty, succulent apple treat for small animals – suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice. Take a look on the company's website www.mrjohnsons.co.uk. If you require any further information telephone 01476 577670.
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To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, Arden Grange is inviting independent stockists of its products to take part in a product display competition with the chance of winning £1,000 in holiday vouchers.
Retailers simply need to create a memorable Arden Grange-themed display either in their window or store, take a picture of it and send it to competitions@ardengrange.com by March 31 2017.
There will be four lucky winners each winning £1,000 each.
To request a 20th Anniversary point of sale pack email marketing@ardengrange.com
For full terms and conditions visit www.ardengrange.com
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Danish Design won a major award at the BETA International trade show at the NEC this week, picking up the Best Small Stand accolade.
The judges commented: "A striking, simple stand making great use of a small space. Products were thoughtfully displayed and attractively merchandised, and staff were engaging, enthusiastic and extremely helpful."
Annelise Lockley, from Danish Design, said: "We are thrilled to win the Best Stand under 32m at BETA. It is our first time exhibiting at the show and a lot of hard work went into the organisation of the stand. The award is also a credit to the Danish Design team who worked at the show."
Polished and professional exhibition stands at BETA International enjoy a fabulous reputation as some of the finest in the world. Carefully planned and constructed, they create powerful and effective commercial space that is both attractive and engaging. The BETA International Best Stand Awards seek to reward companies that go the extra mile.
Every exhibitor is automatically entered into the awards and placed in one of two categories – Best Large Stand (32 sq m and over) or Best Small Stand (under 32 sq m). Judges Sally Atkinson and Jay Hare, of the show’s chosen charities, the Riding for the Disabled Association and HorseBack UK, selected the winners.
This year, the trophies went to...
BEST SMALL STAND
Winner: Danish Design Pet Products
Judges’ comments: A striking, simple stand making great use of a small space. Products were thoughtfully displayed and attractively merchandised, and staff were engaging, enthusiastic and extremely helpful.
Highly commended: Etree
Judges’ comments: A small stand that utilised every inch of space to great effect. It was extremely well thought-out, giving high importance to attractive visuals, yet retaining plenty of room to do business.
BEST LARGE STAND
Winner: Carr & Day & Martin
Judges’ comments: An elegant stand created in a traditional style with a classy feel. Staff were extremely helpful, friendly and had great product knowledge.
Highly commended: Shires Equestrian Products
Judges’ comments: An eye-catching, modern stand with a stunning central display of horse rugs and effective lighting. Displays were well thought-out easy for retailers to view.
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Stolen baby tortoise returned to pet shop
A baby tortoise which was stolen from a Skelmersdale pet shop has been returned, the shop's owners have revealed. The owners of Lathom's Pets and Aquatics had issued an appeal after the tortoise was taken from a tank on Thursday, January 17.
A baby tortoise which was stolen from a Skelmersdale pet shop has been returned, the shop's owners have revealed.
The owners of Lathom's Pets and Aquatics had issued an appeal after the tortoise was taken from a tank on Thursday, January 17.
CCTV images had been released and the public asked to pass any information to Lancashire Police. However, the pet, which is worth £120, has now been anonymously returned to the store.
A post on the shop's Facebook page states: "Just to let you all know that our tortoise has now been returned!! He was anonymously dropped off at the garden center tills!
"A massive thank you to everyone who commented, shared and messaged us! We are overwhelmed by the amount of support from everyone and we are so appreciative of it all!
"We're so glad to have this little guy back too, the first thing he did was go straight over to the food bowl to fill up his little tummy!"
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A loyal Spaniel has been awarded the prestigious PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – for outstanding devotion to her disabled owner.
Three-year-old Working Cocker Spaniel, Molly, was honoured by the veterinary charity after being nominated by owner Lucy Watts MBE (23). The award acknowledges the tremendous impact Molly has on Lucy’s life and the unique bond they share.
Molly’s medal was presented at the Watts’ family home in Benfleet, Essex, by PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin, who said: “Lucy and Molly share a very special bond so it was my privilege to meet them both and honour this wonderful relationship with the PDSA Order of Merit.”
Owner Lucy suffers with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which, coupled with other health complications, can leave her feeling withdrawn, isolated and unhappy. Lucy’s condition is classed as life-limiting. Prior to Molly’s arrival in her life, she had been struggling to cope with the chronic pain and was bed-bound due to complications.
 Molly joined the Watts household as an eight-week-old puppy and immediately lifted Lucy’s spirits. Lucy said: “Molly helped give me something to focus on. Puppies bring so much joy anyway but Molly was like a ray of light for me. She gave me the motivation to get up and out of bed again.”
Before Molly, Lucy recalls that she often felt ignored when out in public. Now, taking Molly out gives her greater confidence to interact with people and she feels they see past her wheelchair.
Their bond was so strong that when Molly was 10-months-old she began working with Dog Assistance In Disability (Dog A.I.D), who help people with disabilities to train their pet dogs to become Assistance Dogs.
Molly’s skills are now a lifeline to Lucy on a daily basis as she supports with everyday tasks that would otherwise be impossible. She can pick up and fetch items on demand, remove clothing, untie shoe laces, open doors and even helps do with washing.
As well as household tasks, Molly also protects Lucy: she warns if her temperature spikes by licking her hands and arms. The high temperatures are an early sign of septicemia, which is life-threatening, so the warnings give Lucy vital time to seek help. Molly also alerts Lucy when her blood pressure drops, allowing her to lie her wheelchair down to prevent a collapse.
Lucy continued: “Molly is the best companion I could ask for. She seems to instinctively know if I’m in pain or not. She never tries to jump up for a cuddle if I’m uncomfortable.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled she has been awarded the PDSA Order of Merit. She was never intended as an assistance dog but her devotion to me and her training has never wavered. I would be lost without her.”
 The confidence Molly gave Lucy led to her working with charities as an Ambassador and Trustee, which included giving speeches and writing blogs. For this work Lucy was awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours.
Commenting on Molly’s award, PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin said: “PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme celebrates the incredible bond that we share with animals and our latest award is a shining example of that very special relationship. Molly has helped Lucy in so many remarkable ways; she makes a vast difference to her life on a daily basis. It’s an honour to award the PDSA Order of Merit to such a worthy recipient.”
Molly is the fourth dog and fourteenth animal to receive the PDSA Order of Merit since its institution in June 2014. The Medal is awarded to recognise animals that have shown outstanding acts of devotion and that symbolise the special relationship between animals and humans. For more information about PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme visit www.pdsa.org.uk/medals
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, treating nearly 500,000 pets a year across its 51 Pet Hospitals. The charity strives to improve all pets’ lives through education, preventive care and emergency treatment. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk
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LOGIC Diar-stop renamed LOGIC Firm
Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of the leading range of veterinary strength supplements LOGIC for cats and dogs, has renamed its supplement to support digestion, LOGIC Firm...
Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of the leading range of veterinary strength supplements LOGIC for cats and dogs, has renamed its supplement to support digestion, LOGIC Firm.
LOGIC Firm, which was previously known as LOGIC Diar-stop, is a palatable oral paste that contains intestinal protectants including montmorillonite, electrolytes and dextrose to maintain intestinal function by coating and protecting the intestinal cells, and absorbing toxins.
LOGIC Firm also contains prebiotics called fruco-oligosaccharides, which help to maintain normal intestinal flora by promoting the growth of good bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, at the expense of potentially pathogenic bacteria.
It also stimulates the production of the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate and butyrate, which are important energy sources for the large intestine.
LOGIC Firm is available in 10ml, 24ml and 60ml tubes; the 10ml tube is suitable for animals weighing 2 to 7 kg, the 24ml tube is suitable for animals weighing 7 to 30 kg and the 60ml tube is suitable for animals weighing 30 to 60 kg.
For information on LOGIC Firm visit www.logicforpets.co.uk.
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Pet food company Cotswold RAW is halfway towards its £250,000 crowdfund target after only two weeks, having secured £127,740 from 93 investors.
Cotswold RAW is offering the crowd a 10% stake in its bustling rural business as it seeks to raise £250k that will deployed to expand its product range whilst evolving both its distribution and production infrastructure.
The comopany says:
"With some 8.5million dog owners in the UK it makes real sense to invest in a food arena which has enjoyed enviable growth, both in times of economic boom and austerity.
"With 1-3 dogs currently suffering from ‘obesity-related’ issues it’s vital that the same ‘healthier living’ momentum that is slowly but surely changing the face of human consumption is allowed to migrate into pet food.
"With a state-of-the-art, Defra approved kitchen facility (7000sq ft) Cotswold RAW stands tall as a proud family-owned, rural voice championing human-grade ingredients (meat, bones, seasonal veg and beneficial herbs), local sourcing (wherever feasible), ingredient traceability and long-term countryside sustainability.
"Pet humanisation is the popular movement which recognises that dogs are less pets and more integral members of the family, a thought-provoking realization that encourages health conscious pet owners to apply the same sensible choices to their pet’s food as they would their own: all-natural, nutrient-rich, flavoursome, the welcome presence of superfood.
"We’d love you to join us on the next stage of our adventure, however if you’re not quite sure why not watch our informative 3 minute video at www.crowdcube.com/cotswoldraw."
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The Accapi Group has added to its team after reaching record sales in 2016.
The North-East based company that distributes canine brands Ruffwear, Kurgo and Planet Dog saw sales increase by almost 50% on the previous year. From January 2017 two new key members of staff join the team.
 James Mortlock takes on the role of UK Account Manager, extending the sales team in the UK.
Prior to joining Accapi, James was regional sales manager at the Draper Group, a global market leader in the manufacture of projection screens.
Before that he worked at Rutland Cycling in various customer service and sales roles, building a solid understanding of the outdoor market. His new role will focus on providing additional support to customers to assist with the sell-through of the Accapi brands.
James said: “I am delighted to join the Accapi Group at a time when the business is in a period of rapid growth. The sales over the past year have been phenomenal and I look forward to playing my part in that continued success.
"Over the coming weeks and months I’ll be focusing on getting out and meeting my accounts to find out what, as a company, we can do to support them further in the sell-through of our products.”
 Kate English joins as PR and Marketing Manager. Kate’s role, which is based at the company’s headquarters in Stanley, County Durham, will focus on providing strategic communications for the group, supporting customers with media coverage and marketing stories for the brands and their products.
Kate said: “When an opportunity to join Accapi came up I jumped at it. The brands they distribute are market leaders in their fields, with fantastic heritage and continual innovation meaning there is always something fresh to bring to the market.
"As a dog owner myself, I have used some of the products from the Ruffwear range and have first-hand experience of the quality and functionality they offer.”Accapi Group CEO Andrew Geere said: “Over the past year we’ve expanded rapidly across all of our markets.
"We now have more than 1000 customers and distribute in 24 countries across Europe.
"We are committed to developing the brands we represent further in all our markets to continue the business growth.
"Our most recent appointments, along with the addition of Kurgo Sales Director Kevin Price who joined us late last year, support our plans to do this.”
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Pets Corner is set to open a new store in Horsham, West Sussex. It will be relocating from its current site in Piries Place to a new shop at the Tanfield Centre, in Guildford Road.
Signs have gone up outside the unit, formerly home to Horsham Matters next to the Co-op store, announcing ‘your new local pet shop is on its way’.
Work is currently underway to convert the shop into a pet store.
Horsham Matters left the unit at the beginning of the month as it opened a new ‘superstore’.
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A new study from the University of Cambridge has found that children value the companionship of their pet even more than their siblings.
They say the research supports evidence that pets may have a major influence on child development.
Matt Cassels, the study's lead researcher, said: "Anyone who has loved a childhood pet knows that we turn to them for companionship and disclosure, just like relationships between people."
"We wanted to know how strong these relationships are with pets relative to other close family ties. Ultimately this may enable us to understand how animals contribute to healthy child development."
The research, conducted in collaboration with the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, part of Mars Petcare and the Economic and Social Research Council, is part of a larger project, led by Prof Claire Hughes at the University of Cambridge Centre for Family Research.
Researchers surveyed 12-year-olds from 77 families with pets and were told by the children that many felt strong relationships with their pets compared to a brother or sister.
Dogs were revealed to be a child's best friend, with lower levels of conflict and greater satisfactions reported by canine owners.
Mr Cassels added: "Even though pets may not fully understand or respond verbally, the level of disclosure to pets was no less than to siblings.
"The fact that pets cannot understand or talk back may even be a benefit as it means they are completely non-judgmental.
"While previous research has often found that boys report stronger relationships with their pets than girls do, we actually found the opposite.
“While boys and girls were equally satisfied with their pets, girls reported more disclosure, companionship, and conflict with their pet than did boys, perhaps indicating that girls may interact with their pets in more nuanced ways."
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A woman who admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Violet Holmes, 60, appeared before Wirral magistrates court charged with failing to seek veterinary treatment for German Shepherd 'Yarna' who had an infected tumour.
Her partner had previously been jailed after admitting he had beaten the dog to death with a shovel "to ease its suffering".
The 11-year-old animal was found by RSPCA inspectors in a garden at Birkenhead in June last year after they'd received calls from neighbours who heard "distressing screams" coming from the property on Falcon Road.
A post-mortem revealed the animal suffered liver failure after being given a cocktail of painkillers.
The court was told the pet was killed by several blows to the head.
In November of last year Ms Holmes' partner Graham Williams, 60, was jailed for four months after admitting force-feeding painkillers to Yarna before beating her to death.
Defending solicitor Quentin Neal said Holmes, who has no previous convictions, was full of remorse for what happened but had been too ill to take Yarna to the vet for treatment.
Holmes told the hearing: "I'm ashamed, I love animals."
District Judge Michael Abelson said: "Cruelty to animals in civilised society cannot be tolerated.
"Far too many cases like this come before me.
"I'd like to compliment RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes and his team for their help in this matter."
He continued: "By her plea she has indicated she is guilty - but she's basically a decent woman.
"I get the impression her partner was quite an assertive individual who put her in a difficult position.
"He accepted he was not prepared to spend the money on vet care."
Judge Abelson sentenced Holmes to four months' jail suspended for two years.
A lifetime ban from owning animals was also imposed.
RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes told the Globe afterwards: "Holmes was clearly the lesser party in this awful case and the sentence obviously reflects that. "However it does not change the fact that Yarna had been left suffering unnecessarily for a prolonged period of time. "That suffering could and should have been alleviated by her owners by them seeking prompt Veterinary attention. "This was such a sad case that was completely avoidable. "I'm grateful to the District Judge for handing down lifetime disqualifications in respect of both defendants. "I feel content that at least through this investigation, Yarna's suffering hasn't gone completely unanswered."
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Underwear, international flights, a shed and pet food all feature in the list of rejected claims released by HMRC ahead of the Self Assessment deadline
HM Revenue and Customs has released some of the most optimistic Self Assessment expense claims, which include glamorous holidays abroad and luxury watches.
The department has released the list of rejected expenses claims ahead of the January 31 Self Assessment deadline, in order to ensure people do not make the same errors.
Among the rejected claims were holiday flights to the Caribbean, underwear for personal use, betting slips and designer Armani jeans as 'protective clothing' for a painter and decorater.
Cheeky claimants also filed for luxury watches claiming they were Christmas gifts for staff, despite the company having no employees, international flights for dental treatment ahead of business meetings, pet food for a Shih Tzu ‘guard dog’ and a garden shed.
Caravan hire for the Easter weekend and the cost of a regular Friday night 'bonding' sessions, running into thousands of pounds, also featured in the rejected expenses list.
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 Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in free wild bird workshops at Pets at Home stores throughout the country...
The My Pet Pals Wild Bird sessions started on Monday to coincide with the RSPB’s Big Garden Workshop.
They are aimed at educating the next generation of bird-lovers on how to care responsibly for their feathered friends and provide them with the tools they need.
Children will learn how to recognise which bird is which and ways to attract certain species to their gardens and local outdoor spaces via materials provided through the My Pet Pals workshops.
Pets at Home staff will use their expertise to ensure children learn everything they can to help wild birds while having fun.
After completing the workshops, each child will receive an A3 poster to help them identify the birds around where they live, activity sheets and stickers to take home, along with information on how they can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.
Visit petsathome.com/workshops for more information on the workshops.
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Bit specialist Neue Schule has pledged its commitment to BETA International by agreeing to continue as main sponsor of the trade fair for the next three years.
The exciting news was revealed to journalists during the 2017 show as they gathered to see organiser Claire Thomas and Neue Schule CEO Sarfraz Mian sign the formal sponsorship agreement. “We are thrilled with the company's decision and extremely honoured,” said Claire.
“The new agreement means that Neue Schule will have been our main sponsor for seven years – that's the longest in the trade fair's history. During this time, we have worked extremely closely with Sarfraz, company founder Heather Hyde and their fantastic team, and we are really looking forward to joining forces once again. We couldn't be more delighted with this fantastic endorsement of the show.” Sarfraz added: “BETA International has proved to be incredibly valuable for Neue Schule throughout our four years of sponsorship. The trade fair delivers excellent UK and international exposure, and has brought results that have far exceeded our expectations. I am very excited that we have been able to commit to a further three years of sponsorship and very much look forward to supporting the remarkable BETA International team in delivering the world's best equestrian trade fair.” BETA International is the leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2018 show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 21 to 23 January. For further information or to book a stand, contact James Palmer, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com. For further information about Neue Schule, visit www.nsbits.com.
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