Ahead-of-the-game ideas on new profit potential

PATS Telford 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 UK’s national pet trade exhibition, taking place at Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, September 24-25, promises to be a spectacular event with over 200 UK and international companies exhibiting.

And the talks by prominent industry figures, staged in association with Pedigree Wholesale, look set to keep visitors entertained and informed throughout both days of the show.

The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover a wide range of topics including: how to drive sales of pet products; predicted future trends; getting more online visitors to your website; transforming a declining pet shop; do dogs need natural/grain free diets?; and what the Government’s changes to the licensing system in 2018 will mean for your pet business.

There will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar by animal healthcare specialists Merial. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry.

“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 the free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see on the exhibitor stands packing the exhibition hall at Telford.

One of the show’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which sees an increasing numbers of entries each year. Early indications suggest the trend will continue at Telford, and as a result the Showcase will have a huge presence at the exhibition. Visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.

Visitors are now being urged to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk.

The full PATS Telford Seminar Line-Up

Sunday, September 24

10.10-10.40

Digital Marketing for the Independent PET Channel

Speaker: Michael Graham, Hill’s Pet Nutrition

10.50-11.20

How to drive sales of pet products using expertise, engagement and ethics

Speakers: Paul Manktelow Principal of Regional Veterinary Services - PDSA; Sarah Newble, PDSA Veterinary Nursing Team Leader and Lead Vet Care Advisor - PDSA

11.30-12.00

Market overview and predicted future trends

Speaker: James Langan, Commercial Director - Natures Menu

12.10-13.10

Frontline: Protecting Pets and Your Business – CPD accredited

Speaker: Steve Moffat, Key Account Manager - Merial Animal Health Ltd

13.20-13.50

eCommerce: Get more online visitors. Optimizing your website for Google in 2017

Speakers: Nathan Stevens and Tina Jones, Intelligent Retail

14.00-14.30

A retailer’s journey: sharing the experiences and challenges of transforming a declining pet shop

Speaker: Jamie Gleave - Paws & Claws

14.40-15.10

Do you need a license to run your business?

Speaker: Nigel Baker - Pet Industry Federation

Monday, September 25