PATS 2024 will see the biggest-ever gathering of pet professionals when it opens its doors to visitors in just under three months’ time.

So far, 331 companies, supplying pet food and accessories, pet grooming, aquatics, reptiles and watergardening, will be showcasing their products and services in front of what promises to be a record-breaking audience of buyers.

In 2024, PATS - the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show - takes place over three days at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire on Sunday 29^th, Monday 30^th September and Tuesday 1^st October 2024, providing buyers with so many networking opportunities over the longer three-day period.

 “The response to PATS 2024 as an all-encompassing three-day exhibition has been fantastic,” said organiser Gordon Thomas. “The UK’s major pet and aquatics companies have booked their space, with many of them taking larger stands, alongside a growing number of start-up businesses and international exhibitors.

“PATS prides itself on being the place where the pet and aquatics industry meet to do business. This year’s exhibition is poised to set so many records, from the biggest number of exhibitors and visitors, to the largest-ever showcase of new products in the show’s 15 year history.

Register for free entry now at www.patshow.co.uk.   

Here is a taste of the visitor features at PATS 2024:

• The biggest ever New Product Showcase and Awards
• Dedicated Aquatics Zone for reptile, aquatics and watergardening specialists
• New Starter Zone for start-ups and new businesses
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Grooming Workshop including insightful demonstrations, competitions and talks
• Fantastic networking opportunities
• Free entry, free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.
• 331 exhibitors booked so far

Leading trade association PetQuip, which has been working with PATS to tempt international pet retail chains and distributors to the Autumn showpiece, will be staging its prestigious PetQuip Awards after the second day of the exhibition. Reflecting the dynamism of the UK petcare sector, the annual awards recognise and reward the energy, achievement and innovation realised within the pet trade over the past year.

You can find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue at www.patshow.co.uk

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes opened its 103rd store and its first in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on Friday.

The store was officially opened by NFRSA’s founder and chairman The Countess Bathurst alongside NFRSA ambassador and England rugby union player Lewis Ludlow and Warwickshire police dogs. Also joining them was Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes, store manager Andy Kineton, his store team and mascots Molly and Jolly.

Jollyes chosen Ambassadogs also attended the opening biting through a string of sausages. They were Hugo who also celebrated his fourth birthday on Friday alongside owner Ruta Pranckunaite and Diesel with owner Rebecca Alexander.

Mascots Jolly and Molly took to the streets of Nuneaton to launch their ‘Pet Manifesto’. Jollyes’ pet manifesto attempts to answer the question ‘What would pets ask for from candidates if they could vote?’ and has been compiled from the top suggestions made by Jollyes colleagues and its customers.

Activity continued on Saturday 29 June with an entertainer and pet theme gameshows and every customer over the weekend had the chance to spin Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’ to win prizes. Customers were also entertained by animal themed stilt walkers.

Jollyes new store provides pet owners in Nuneaton access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ and a community pet clinic.

Store manager Andy said: “It was a great day and I’d like to thank the whole team for getting the store ready to open as well as new charity partners NFRSA.  We’re really looking forward to working with them and also showing the pet parents of Warrington what we offer.”

Jollyes has also re-opened its revamped Newcastle store at West Denton Retail Park, after a significant refurbishment.

An official red ribbon cutting took place with Jollyes’ mascot Molly, regional manager Kerry Midgley, store manager Sean Landless and store colleagues.

The makeover of one of Jollyes’ most popular stores will now make the shopping experience even more convenient for Newcastle customers and their pets, giving them more room to shop.  

Its new store will provide pet parents access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ alongside high quality private label pet food such as its own Lifestage, K9 and Rileys brands which offer a premium experience without a big brand price tag.

It also offers a Community Pet Clinic that offers vet services such as microchipping and vaccinations at much lower prices than traditional vets. It will operate on Fridays from 2pm to 7pm with vets accredited by the Royal Veterinary College will offer transparent and low pricing on essential services that pet owners need.

Kerry Midgley, Jollyes regional manager, said: “We couldn’t wait to open the doors again and to show customers our big revamp.

“I’m really proud of the whole team who’ve worked so hard to relaunch the store - it looks fantastic.

“Our existing customers know the amazing service and value we provide – and while we look forward to inviting them back into store, we also encourage pet parents from across the north east to come and see for themselves what makes us special.”

See gallery of pictures from the store opening...

It’s a summer of celebrations at Healthy Pet Store in Totton, Southampton, as it gets ready to toast 10 years of providing only good things to cats and dogs across the south this Autumn.

Deborah Burrows first opened the doors to the store in 2014, and has since grown into one of the country’s biggest retailers of raw pet food. 

Healthy Pet Store has since evolved and expanded into the successful high-street operation and online delivery service it is today. 

The store has also picked up many prestigious awards and accolades over the years, including the New Forest Brilliance Awards ‘Business Growth Award’, BizX’s ‘Best Retailer of the Year’ and Modern Retail’s ‘Bricks ‘N’ Clicks.’

Deborah said she is thrilled to be celebrating the milestone with her team this summer.

Deborah added: “I can clearly remember the first customer walking through the doors of our first location. Looking back, it is incredible just how much Healthy Pet Store has grown and flourished into what it is today.

“I’ve learnt so much as a business owner during the last 10 years. There have been challenges and pressures along the way, but thanks to the support of loyal customers, colleagues and local partners we have been able to overcome them.

The first smaller shop across the arcade started out with seven freezers and a feature of wooden crates in the middle. After its move during the COVID pandemic to the bigger Totton store, the store now holds 32 freezers packed with the store’s own-recipe raw meals and a select few other brands.

“We provide a unique supermarket-style shopping experience that makes feeding a raw diet a breeze - it’s why our customers have been visiting us since their pets were puppies or kittens.

“Continuous growth and expansion is now a priority for us. There are a number of exciting plans on the horizon over the next nine months - I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Healthy Pet Store.”

Nova Dog Chews, a leading provider of natural high-quality dog chews and treats to the independent pet trade, has launched three new flavours in its Yak Snack Chews range – Apple, Blueberry, and Strawberry. 

The brand offers a wide range of nutritious products that dogs love. The dedication to excellence has led to remarkable growth and an ever-expanding product range.

These new Yak Snack Chews are 100% natural and healthy, containing 9.9% natural flavour and 90% cow’s milk. They are low in fat and perfect for promoting dental health and providing long-lasting enrichment and enjoyment for dogs. Available in two sizes, Medium and Large, they accommodate dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Lloyd Murdoch, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to expand our Yak Snack range with these innovative flavours. Our goal is to continually provide nutritious and enjoyable options for our customers’ dogs, and we believe these new flavours will be a big hit.”

To order or for more information, visit www.novadogchews.com or contact info@novadogchews.com. 

Small animal feed specialist Mr Johnson’s has unveiled its exciting new website, mrjohnsons.co.uk, providing a bright, attractive product showcase for the brand’s stockists and their customers.

Part of Henry Bell & Co, a family business that has been manufacturing feeds in the UK for 200 years, Mr Johnson’s offers an extensive range for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils, rats and mice, chinchillas and degus, and ferrets. It also makes excellent feeds for poultry and wildlife, including squirrels and hedgehogs.

Each feed range is featured on the website, with separate pages for each type of animal. There is a handy, fact-filled section with advice on different aspects of pet care and behaviour, as well as a link to Henry Bell’s Dog Gone Fishin’ – a brand offering delicious, grain-free, expertly sourced fish treats for dogs.

The pages, each designed in a colour that mirrors Mr Johnson’s feed packaging, can be accessed from an easy-to-navigate menu bar for an intuitive user experience. Customers and consumers can check out the brand’s full range and a handy search facility locates the user’s nearest Mr Johson’s stockist.

“We are delighted that the new website has gone live,” said Mr Johnson’s Sales Manager, Alan Gittins. “The brand has been around for many years and our feeds and treats reflect the wealth of experience we have in producing nutritionally balanced diets for small animal health and vitality. We have continued to remain ahead of new product developments and trends in this vibrant sector, and felt it was incredibly important that our website did, too.”

Leading pet food and wellbeing company, Bella & Duke has found that three quarters (73%) of pet owners don't know how to check if their pet is the right weight.

As a result the brand is calling upon pet owners to check their pets weight to avoid an obesity crisis, with the PDSA reporting that up to 65% of the UK's pet dogs are overweight or have obesity.

Bella & Duke champions health and wellbeing in pets through the most natural nutrition for dog and cat breeds. As many commit to exercise and a healthy diet to manage their own health and happiness, the same applies to our four-legged friends. Yet shockingly, only a fifth (22%) of pet owners regularly weigh their pet, and only 17% look out for the best diet to feed their pets.

With only a quarter (26%) of pet owners knowing their pet’s optimum weight, Bella & Duke is championing for pet owners to do right by their pets and learn what is best for them in order to avoid possible future health issues.

Just like people, overweight and obese dogs are more prone to several health issues such as arthritis, heart and breathing problems, diabetes and some cancers. This can result in a shorter lifespan and a reduced quality of life – so keeping your dog fit and trim is fundamental to a longer and happier life.

While each breed of dog has its own optimal weight to be, Bella & Duke has shared a guideline for the UK’s top ten most popular breeds with male dogs usually being on the heavier side.

• Labrador retriever 28 - 36kg
• Cavalier King Charles spaniel 5.9 - 8.2kg
• English cocker spaniel 13 - 14.5kg
• Smooth haired dachshund 9 - 12kg
• Whippet 6 - 15kg
• Golden retriever 27 - 34kg
• English springer spaniel 16 - 25kg
• Boxer 25 - 32kg 
• Great Dane 46 - 54kg
• Border terrier - 5 - 7kg

Safely weighing your furry friend without causing discomfort or pain is generally easier for healthy smaller to medium sized breeds. When weighing bigger dogs or those that are visibly uncomfortable being picked up you can head to your local vet to use their pet scales for an accurate reading. Owners can also gently feel for their dog's ribs to check on weight, you should be able to feel them with slight pressure, If you can't your dog might be overweight. Next, look at your dog's waist from above, there should be a noticeable tuck behind the ribs. Finally, view your dog from the side, the abdomen should have a slight upward tuck. If you are concerned about your pet's weight, it is always best to consult your vet. 

Earlier this year, Bella & Duke called for clarity on what goes into pet food with clearer packaging to help pet owners make informed decisions and do right by their pets. With greater understanding on what we feed ourselves and the impact of ultra processed foods, Bella & Duke believe it is time our pets are treated the same.  This was after research found three quarters (74%) of pet owners don’t know what ingredients are in the food they feed their pets.

Every single Bella & Duke meal is filled with nutritious, nourishing and purposeful ingredients that are easy to understand. Every ingredient is there to help pets live long and healthy lives and as many look to avoid ultra-processed foods that have high levels of unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and salt, Bella & Duke want the same for our pets.

James Sturrock, CEO at Bella & Duke, said: “Keeping on top of your dog’s weight is a sure-fire way to help give them the healthy, happy and long lives they deserve. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a nutritious diet is essential in minimising potential health risks and chronic illnesses, so it is concerning the number of pet owners who don’t weigh their pets or know what their ideal weight is. We only want what is best for our pets, so urge all owners to understand what exercises and diet will help their pet live the happiest life possible and keep our pets healthy.”

To see Bella & Duke’s comprehensive list of healthy dog breed weights, visit: https://www.bellaandduke.com/learn/dog-health/how-much-should-my-dog-weigh/

You can find out more about the nutritional benefits and Bella & Duke’s product offering, as well as information on what you can and cannot feed your pet, visit:www.bellaandduke.com  

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College has revealed that delaying spaying (neutering) of female dogs (bitches) until between seven and 18 months reduces the risk of early-onset urinary incontinence by 20%, compared with early-age spaying between three and six months.

Three-quarters of all bitches in the UK are spayed, with spaying offering both health-related benefits to the dog (eg avoiding uterine infections later in life) and behavioural benefits for owners (eg issues of the bitch coming in season twice yearly). However, some disadvantages have also been linked to spaying, with increased risk of urinary incontinence (leaking urine while lying down) reported following spaying.

Urinary incontinence affects one-in-thirty bitches in the UK, with spayed bitches over three times more likely to become urinary incontinent. The condition can be distressing and costly for owners and can also harm the welfare of affected dogs due to an increased risk of urinary tract infections and skin sores stemming from urine-soaked skin.

Once a decision to spay a bitch has been taken, the next question is about the best age to spay. Until now, there was some evidence linking age at spay and subsequent urinary incontinence in bitches but most previous veterinary studies only reported on the association between various factors rather than showing true causal links between spaying and urinary incontinence.

To fill this information gap, this new RVC study evaluated whether spaying between three and six months caused a difference in the risk of early-onset urinary incontinence (urinary incontinence diagnosed at any age up to eight years) compared with spaying between seven and 18 months.

Led by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme, the study explored anonymised veterinary clinical records from more than 30,000 bitches born from 2010 to 2012 under first-opinion veterinary care in the UK. As a world first for a study on urinary incontinence in bitches, the study applied a new research method that the RVC is developing called veterinary causal inference, which uses anonymised veterinary electronic clinical records to emulate a randomised controlled trial without requiring the participation of live animals.

Data were analysed from a random sample of 1,500 bitches to replicate a randomised clinical trial and explore the impact of delaying spaying from 3-6 months to instead be spayed from 7-18 months. The new causal inference method created two mirrored groups of study animals that were balanced for characteristics including breed, veterinary group and insurance status so that the researchers could compare the risk of urinary incontinence between bitches that differed only by the age of spaying.

The results showed that spaying between seven and 18 months caused a 20 percent reduction in the risk of early-onset urinary incontinence compared with spaying between three and six months. These new results will help vets to make evidence-based recommendations on the timing of spaying, and owners to make an informed decision, whilst taking other spaying considerations into account.

Camilla Pegram, VetCompass PhD student at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “This study is now one in a series using an exciting new approach, allowing us to determine ‘cause’ rather than being limited to ‘association’.Spaying is something that every owner will need to consider at some stage and so the findings of this study can feed into spay decision-making. Although a decision to spay a bitch is based on many other factors other than urinary incontinence risk, the results suggest early-age spaying should be carefully considered and well justified.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the paper, said: These new findings help vets and owners to rely more on evidence rather than opinion when making decisions about when to spay bitches. The new scientific methods of causal inference developed by the RVC for this research series are also contributing to reducing the need to use live animals to answer vital research questions.”

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, said: “Dogs Trust is delighted to have supported this evidence-based research which will lead to improved dog welfare. The study will help vets and dog owners make informed decisions about the best time to neuter a dog to reduce the risk and prevalence of urinary incontinence developing throughout their lifetime.”

This research was supported by an award from Dogs Trust.

Pickles Pet Pantry has achieved significant recognition at the prestigious SME Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Business Awards, winning gold in both the New Business and Retailer of the Year categories.

The SME Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Business Awards, comprising 22 competitive categories, celebrate the excellence and achievements of businesses across the area. Judged by panels of up to four esteemed judges per category, the awards recognise exceptional growth, innovation, and community impact.

Katie Parker, owner of Pickles Pet Pantry, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive these awards. Winning gold for both New Business and Retailer of the Year is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. We strive to provide the best products and services to our customers and their beloved pets. This recognition motivates us to continue our mission of enhancing the lives of pets and their owners in our community."

Since its inception, Pickles Pet Pantry has quickly become a trusted destination for pet owners in Olney and beyond. The store offers a comprehensive range of high-quality pet products, including food, accessories, toys, and healthcare essentials, all carefully curated to meet the needs of various pets.

Katie Parker added: "We are passionate about pets and committed to offering personalised service and expert advice to ensure every pet receives the care and attention they deserve. Our success is deeply rooted in our community, and we are grateful for the continued support from our customers."

The double accolade at the SME Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Business Awards marks a significant milestone for Pickles Pet Pantry, reinforcing its reputation as a leading independent pet retailer and a thriving new business in the region.

Horsham-based The Dog G8 Company, inventor of the concertina dog gate as seen on BBC One Dragons’ Den last year, is lending its support to National Dog Awareness Week (1-7 July), a campaign which is conducted each year to raise awareness of the number of dog attacks on postal and delivery workers by the Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union. 

For the past few years The Dog G8 Company has been conducting collaborative research with the University of Liverpool and developing products to prevent dog attacks at the front door.

Even the most docile dog can lash out when feeling frightened, startled, hurt, confused or provoked, leading to a nightmare scenario for the injured party, the pet parent and their canine companion. 

Over the last 12 months, there were more than 2026 dog attacks on postmen and women across the UK.  This is an increase of 15% from the previous year. Over 30,000 postmen and women have been attacked by dogs in the last decade! Over 80% at the front door. 42 postal workers are attacked by dogs every week, and over 1000 postmen and women have had a finger bitten off or severely injured whilst delivering the mail through the letterbox in the last 5 years. Some of the injuries have prevented people coming back to work and have in some cases, proven fatal.

The Key Objectives of Dog Awareness Week are firstly and primarily to remind the public to be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities to control their dogs and prevent dog attacks on postal workers and also a reminder to all postmen and women members to be vigilant, keep safe and take no risks. The public need to be aware that if their dog attacks a postal worker, they will be prosecuted either by the Police, Local Authority or by Royal Mail via a private prosecution under the agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU.

There are approximately 13.5 million pet dogs in the UK, according to UK Pet Food’s Pet Data Report 2024. The number has risen due to the number of dogs taken on during Covid lockdowns. These dogs were largely un-socialised and now with owners back at work, some dogs have behavioural problems or suffer with separation anxiety.

There is a whole host of reasons why dogs may bite. It can be to do with behaviour fallout resulting from a lack of early positive exposure, experience and comfort of being handled. 

Other reasons a dog may bite could be to so with possessive guarding of items such as bowl, toy or bed. A dog may also be sensitive to handling or could be suffering with pain. Some dogs are fearful or are easily startled. Inappropriate handling especially from children can make a dog agitated. Some dogs are also easily redirected where a dog can become agitated on the leash and bite the first thing that comes to hand and this can then happen in the home environment leading to dog attacks.

The Dog-G8 Company has created a range of highly versatile, concertina gates that aid dog owners with training, prevent dogs from escaping, and reduce the potential risk of an attack on postal and delivery workers coming to the house.

The Dog-G8 gate was the inspiration of Peter Maxted, the founder of the company who has been a pet sitter for over 20 years and a dog owner for the same amount of time. He was very aware of the risks associated with dogs at front doors e.g. escapes, attacks, thefts and although there were other gates on the market, he felt they were inadequate and ineffective enough to work for all breeds. He therefore decided to design and sell his own version so he could keep his and client’s dogs safer at the front door. 

The Dog-G8 product is British made and features a concertina, modular and retractable design. The product is incredibly versatile and can be used on multiple configurations ranging from the front door to stairways, hallways and many more. The gates modular design enables it to be spanned to any width, allowing the gate to be fitted to the widest of configurations such as patio doors where standard, conventional gates cannot fit.

The gate is made from mild steel, coated in chrome or white powder coat, bolted together with bespoke, customised clips which give the gate strength and durability.

When the gate is not in use it sits flat and compact to one side it’s neat, unobtrusive, and out of the way. Finally, it is removable, enabling it to be easily stored away or docked to other configurations such as the Stairway to the Doorway (if extra brackets are purchased).

The Dog-G8 can also be used in horse boxes, mobile home and caravans. When the gate is spanned across the entrance, this allows any motor home or caravan user to have their habitation door open, without the risk of their dog dashing out. The gate will provide dogs with much needed ventilation and offers great visibility.

The gate is excellent for when you’re parked up at campsites or beaches where perimeters cannot be formed but you wish to have the door open. 

Since launch the company has seen massive growth and now sells directly to customer in the UK, Canada, United States, and Europe. The product went viral on Tiktok and Facebook attracting over 100 million organic views across all videos.

The Dog-G8 Company was the Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday Winner in March 2021 and last year was a Silver Award winner for innovation at the PetQuip Awards.

The gates are available to buy directly from www.dog-g8.com

Contact details for Dog-G8 

Chris Maxted Tel: 01403 560168/07887 515630

Prices start from £62.95 for a standard gate and come with a range of accessories, extensions and brackets.

In support of their ongoing Little Miracles appeal, Birmingham Dogs Home's popular Family Fun Day and Dog Show returned to Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, signalling the start of summer for the charity. 

Over £5,000 was raised at the event, with activities ranging from the Waggiest Tail and Best Trick competitions, to Raffles and Tombola, and an exclusive prize draw.

The charity welcomed hundreds of dogs and their owners to the event, supported by Ancol Pet Products, as they continue to raise money towards a specialist ‘maternity wing’ for Mums-to-be and their pups at Birmingham Dog Home’s rescue centre in Solihull.

Sponsored by Miraculous Meals, the Little Miracles appeal aims to provide a safe environment for abandoned female pregnant dogs, as the cases continue to dramatically increase across the Midlands.

Eighteen mums gave birth under the care of the Birmingham Dogs Home in 2023, and three litters have already been born this year.

By creating more ‘whelping units’ within the charities various sites, this will enable the charity to offer a safe and caring environment for both mum and puppies during birth and the early stages of their life.

Donations can be made via the charity’s website www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk or by telephone T. 0121 643 5211 Option 3.

“We are delighted to have raised so much money to help towards our fundraising goals” said Fi Harrison, BDH’s Head of Fundraising & Communications.

“We always love welcoming back our rescue dogs and meeting our supporters.We are so grateful to Ancol Pet Products, our headline sponsors, who do so much to support our charity. We really need to give the best support we can to new mums vulnerable new pups which are on the increase at our Solihull rescue centre."

To find out more about the Birmingham Dogs Home Little Miracles Appeal and how you can support visit: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/little-miracles-appeal/."

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

Specialist marketing and PR agency, Companion Consultancy, has appointed a new account manager who will be dedicated to the pet and equine trade. 

Francesca La Rosa has 14 years of experience operating in the independent pet sector, working in collaboration with supply partners and specialist retailers. 

She has been instrumental in launching new products to the UK market. Additionally, she has supported established brands with bespoke sales and marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness and deliver success. 

Fran said: “I am excited to take on the new role of account manager for pet and equine at Companion Consultancy. I’ve known the agency and its strong reputation across pet and vet for some time, so it’s been great to become part of all that it has to offer.” She attributes her positive results to her passion for animals and a preference for dynamic work environments, where she thrives on collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, “Being able to offer a range of services to help brands and retailers reach their audiences is invaluable – Companion can do everything from social media, copywriting, design, video, podcasts, website SEO, and animation as well as sales force product training and customer service support. With today’s pet owner becoming increasingly well informed, having access to expert support is really important.”

Since 2002 Companion Consultancy has been helping animal health, veterinary and pet trade companies with their veterinary PR and communications. 

Director, Susan McKay, commented: “I am delighted that Fran has joined our team. We have a lot of experience in the pet trade sector, with many long standing clients and it’s an area we are keen to expand. An understanding of pets goes with territory – as we have three vets working in the agency – and we also have an appreciation for the challenges around gaining retail distribution and consumer engagement. Fran’s insight into pet trade complements all of that and also offers additional perspectives around retail channels and environments for the benefits of our clients.”

Outside of work, Fran enjoys long walks on the beach with her family and two small dogs, paddleboarding and volunteering as a Team Leader for the RSPB. 

Fran, can be contacted by emailing francesca@companionconsultancy.com or call 07354 847815  For further information visit www.companionconsultancy.com

The British Independent Retailers Association has said recent figures from the BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index are encouraging for retailers.

Speaking about the report, which can be downloaded here, Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said encouraging figures, now was the time for policy makers to support the high street.
 

Also reported:

• Shop Price annual inflation eased to 0.2% in June, down from 0.6% in May. This is below the 3-month average rate of 0.5%. Shop price annual growth is its lowest since October 2021.
• Non-Food remained in deflation at -1.0% in June, down from -0.8% in the preceding month. This is below the 3-month average rate of -0.8%. Inflation is its lowest since October 2021.
• Food inflation decelerated to 2.5% in June, down from 3.2% in May. This is below the 3-month average rate of 3.0% and is the fourteenth consecutive deceleration in the food category. Inflation is its lowest since December 2021.
• Fresh Food inflation slowed further in June, to 1.5%, down from 2.0% in May. This is below the 3-month average rate of 1.9%. Inflation is its lowest since November 2021.
• Ambient Food inflation decelerated to 3.9% in June, down from 4.8% in May. This is below the 3-month average rate of 4.5% and is the lowest since April 2022.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO said: "These latest inflation indicators are again encouraging and show that retailers are doing their best to create economic growth. With shop price annual inflation easing to just 0.2% in June, we're seeing retailers' efforts bear fruit. These figures present two key opportunities.

"Firstly, for the Bank of England to reduce interest rates, which could further stimulate consumer spending. The second opportunity is for the new government to address the concerns of retailers by reducing the heavy burden of business rates and reforming corporation tax for smaller retailers. With food inflation decelerating and non-food prices in deflation, it's clear our shops are working hard to keep prices down. Now is the time for policymakers to support their efforts and foster a more favourable business environment," he added.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium, said: “During the height of the cost of living crisis, retailers invested heavily in improving their operations and supply chains to compensate for the impact of global shocks on input costs. This is clearly paying off, with shop prices having risen just 0.2% over the past 12 months. Food inflation is now lower than any time since 2021 helped by falling prices for key products such as butter and coffee. Meanwhile, non-food prices went deeper into deflation as retailers tried to drive sales by discounting. This was particularly true for TVs with great deals to capitalise on the Euros fever. 

“Whoever wins Thursday’s election will benefit from the work of retailers to cut their costs and prices, easing the cost of living for millions of households. The last few years should serve as a warning that where business costs rise significantly, consumer prices are forced up too. The next Government must address some of the major cost burdens weighing down the retail industry, including the broken business rates system, and inflexible apprenticeship levy. By doing so, retailers can invest in lower prices for the future – helping to reduce the cost of living pressures that many families face.”

A new, long-term partnership has launched between Agria Pet Insurance and puppies.co.uk, with the welfare-focused lifetime pet insurer now featuring prominently on the website.

In this Financial Conduct Authority approved agreement, the opportunity to protect pets with insurance is now integrated into the very start of the puppy-buying process.

Known as the UK's most ethical place to buy and sell dogs and puppies, puppies.co.ukis a natural fit for Agria, with its focus on supporting and rewarding responsible breeding. 

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, says, "We're thrilled to have begun an innovative and dynamic relationship with puppies.co.uk, giving pet owners an easy start to protect their new puppies for life. Aligning with another organisation that cares as deeply about puppy health and welfare as we do, is an exciting step for Agria and will hopefully give more puppies access to any veterinary care they may need."

Jeremy Sharman, Director of puppies.co.uk added, “As a leading marketplace for buyers and breeders, driven by promoting responsible breeding, finding an insurance partner who shared our values was of paramount importance to puppies.co.uk. We’re delighted to be partnering with Agria to further our shared mission of promoting responsible breeding and responsible pet ownership.”

Agria has provided pet insurance since 1890, and their lifetime dog and cat lifetime policies have recently been awarded Which? Best Buys for the second time.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has started its Summer of Safety campaign for 2024.

This is the fourth year that one of BETA's most popular campaigns has been celebrated, growing each year in terms of retailer support, brand support, rider engagement and information shared. This year's is set to be incredible.

“Equestrian sport isn't free from risk, but through the Summer of Safety, we work with our members across the retail and trade space, to demystify safety, educate equestrians, share some great prizes, and celebrate our sport,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director for BETA.

“Although riding hats, body protectors and the associated standards will always make up part of the Summer of Safety, we also look at other aspects, such as feed, tack and yard safety, along with horse health and biosecurity. It's a campaign we're incredibly proud of and each year we're blown away by the support received from all areas.”

The campaign is supported by BETA retailers who provide professional advice on all things safety, and many run great offers during the flight of the campaign too. Additionally, brands have provided prizes, tips and videos that BETA will be sharing across its social media, which complements the series of lives that are planning to be shared too.

The campaign will cover:

• Rider safety – hats, body protectors, shoulder protectors, air vests and safety standards
• Tack safety – bridle, bit and saddle safety in addition to leather care
• Yard safety – biosecurity, horse health and horse and rider safety
• Riding and road safety
• Feed room safety

For more information, see www.beta-uk.org and make sure you follow BETA on Facebook /betaequestrian and Instagram @beta_equestrian.

Norfolk-based IFD (International Freeze Dried), which specialises in own label freeze-dried pet innovation for dogs and cats with treats, toppers, foods and kibble plus products, has acquired freeze-dried raw only brand COYA Pet Foods in a move to accelerate the category growth and demand for freeze-dried products.

 “I’m delighted to have acquired COYA,” said Craig Taylor, MD of IFD Group Ltd. “We have had a long-standing relationship with them, making their products since their launch in May 2023 and seen them grow with distribution, with over 1,400 stores across the Pet Specialty channel. 

“By bringing this brand in house we hope to grow the sector of freeze-dried to where it is in North America, where it has been so successful in providing convenient raw and a new super premium natural category.

“We are proud to be brand partners for our private label customers and are looking forward to developing this exciting technology with them and now helping to drive the category.

Peter Roy, the founder of COYA, said: “Launching COYA was a very exciting time, seeing how freeze-dried raw would participate in the £360m UK raw market.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the brand and the team behind its success over the last 12 months, and a big thank you to everyone that helped, including consumers and retailers.

“IFD Group Ltd were an integral partner, their team really helped shape the new product launches and the new product development which will follow.  I’ve known Craig for over 15 years, and delighted COYA has landed in excellent hands.”

 For more information on own label freeze-dried enquiries pleased contact hello@ifdgroup.co.uk

Pedigree Wholesale has announced the appointment of Julian Grindey as the new Managing Director. Julian, known for his dynamic leadership and transformative vision in retail and digital growth, promises to be a valuable addition to the Pedigree Wholesale team.

Bringing a wealth of experience from his successful tenure at companies such as Aldi, where he spearheaded market expansion, Matalan, where he enhanced operational efficiencies, and Studio Retail, where he led digital transformation, Julian's extensive expertise in driving strategic initiatives and leading high-performing teams aligns perfectly with Pedigree Wholesale's goals and vision for the future.

“Julian's proven track record in retail and digital transformation, combined with his ability to inspire and deliver strategic plans, makes him an ideal fit for our company,” said Steve Brown, CEO. “His innovative approach and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive our strategic initiatives and contribute significantly to our business success.”

In his new role, Julian Grindey will be responsible for steering Pedigree Wholesale towards continued growth and innovation. In the coming weeks, he will engage with each department to familiarise himself with current projects and activities, ensuring a seamless transition and a collaborative approach to achieving the company's objectives.

“Joining Pedigree Wholesale as Managing Director is a tremendous opportunity,” said Julian Grindey. “I am excited to work with such a committed and proud team and look forward to contributing to the company's future successes.”

Pedigree eagerly anticipates Julian’s fresh perspectives and strategic insights. His appointment marks a significant step forward in the company's journey towards achieving its long-term goals. Together, we aim to solidify our position as the Specialist Pet Wholesaler of Choice in the UK, continually prioritising our customers in everything we do.

Petbuddy Group (PBG), a leading consortium of super-premium pet food brands, has announced theacquisition of Thrive Pet Foods. Founded in 2018 with its flagship brand Buddy Pet Foods, PBG has rapidly grown to become a major player in the pet food industry, now boasting a portfolio of eight premium brands. 

This acquisition marks a significant milestone in PBG’s ambitious journey to build a global portfolio of market-leading pet food brands.

At the core of PBG’s philosophy is a commitment to providing high-quality, natural pet food products. Each brand under the PBG umbrella adheres to stringent standards, ensuring that only the finest, natural ingredients are used. For example, this dedication to quality is evident in Buddy Pet Foods, which offers all-natural, high-quality pet food, snacks, and supplements for dogs from Sweden, and Nutrolin, the Nordic leader in supplements.

Thrive Pet Foods, with a market presence spanning over 20 years, is cherished by European customers for its exceptional quality, consistency, transparency, and brand values. Known for its unparalleled product quality, Thrive has built a loyal customer base who trust the brand’s commitment to high standards. Thrive, already the European market leader in freeze-dried products, brings a robust portfolio of wet cat and dog food to PBG. The integration of Thrive into the PBG family is set to accelerate the brand’s growth and reach, leveraging PBG’s extensive network of leading global retailers.

Alexander Retzlik, CEO of PBG, highlighted the acquisition as a pivotal step in building a group of forward-thinking pet food brands. “Thrive's innovative product range and market leadership in freeze-dried products complement our vision perfectly. We are committed to making significant investments in the Thrive brand to elevate it to a global leader,” Retzlik stated. These investments will focus on expanding product lines and enhancing distribution channels to meet the growing demand for high-quality pet food globally.

With its strong foothold in the Nordics and the UK, PBG plans to use its established distribution networks to introduce Thrive products to new markets. The group’s strategic approach includes leveraging synergies in sales, distribution, and production to ensure efficient market penetration and sustained growth. As a combined group, PBG exports to over 50 countries, significantly broadening the market reach for Thrive’s products. Paul Finger, the former owner of Thrive, will continue to work closely with PBG to drive the brand’s global expansion efforts.

PBG is committed to sustainable goals in society and in environment. In conducting business this means that we constantly look for ways to reduce our environmental footprint and to conserve natural resources. This commitment to sustainability, combined with innovative product offerings, positions PBG as a leader in the premium pet food market.

Nutrolin, a unique star in PBG’s portfolio, exemplifies commitment to innovation and science. As the Nordic leader in pet oil supplements, Nutrolin recently launched a new range of nutritional pastes developed after years of research. These oleogel pastes, likely the most effective dog and cat supplements globally, leverage the synergies between highest doses of Omega-3s and other active ingredients to provide unparalleled health benefits. Own production facility guarantees quality and prompt deliveries. Nutrolin’s ongoing innovation is a testament to PBG’s mission to set new pet nutrition and care standards.

Petbuddy Group’s acquisition of Thrive Pet Foods is a testament to its commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability. Co-founder Erik Wide Gustafsson emphasized the group's excitement in building high-quality brands with integrity. "We are passionate about using the best manufacturing processes and ingredients to ensure the best life for all pets. Our mission is to create pet food brands that pet parents can trust and pets will love," Gustafsson remarked.

For more information about Petbuddy Group and its portfolio of brands, visit Petbuddy Group. For more information about Thrive Pet Foods, visit Thrive's website.

Woof and Brew has appointed Karl Atkinson as its new Managing Director.

Co-founder Steve Bennett said: “Karl has over 12 years’ experience within the pet industry and has accumulated a broad set of skills across multiple disciplines. His leadership style and strategic vision fit perfectly with our company ambitions.

“The appointment marks our continued commitment to take Woof and Brew to the next chapter of growth, and I am personally thrilled that Karl is joining at such an exciting time.”

Karl commented: “I am so pleased to be joining Woof and Brew. The business has both a talented team and a unique range of products that genuinely support pet health and wellbeing, something that I am extremely passionate about.”

Entries are now open for the Pet Industry Federation Awards, sponsored by leading pet wholesaler Su-Bridge Pet Supplies.

These prestigious awards showcase excellence across 22 different categories, with new categories launched this year, including Pet Tech of the Year and Garden Centre Pet Department of the Year, as well as the existence of the firm favourites across a range of activities in the pet sector. 

The PIF Awards have grown year on year and judges are expecting a higher than ever standard this year. Entries will remain open until Monday 2 September.

Winners of the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2024 will be revealed at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Stoke on Trent on Thursday 7 November. 

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “We are delighted to be hosting the PIF Awards again this year and are looking forward to receiving the applications over the coming weeks. We have secured some excellent partners for this year’s awards, including Su-Bridge Pet Supplies, the Big Biscuit Company, Cliverton, Collar App, Impact Exhibtions, Associated Veterinary Services, Garden Centre Expo, Naturo, Tuft and Anthesis, who will help ensure we can put together an event which is testament to the quality we expect from our entries this year.”

There are still some sponsorship spots available, which provide outstanding promotional and networking opportunities. To find out more about sponsorship, telephone Daniel Everett, PIF’s Events Coordinator, on 01234 224507 or email daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk.

To enter your business for an Award visit www.petfederation.co.uk

The nation’s pet owners, including Harry Potter novelist JK Rowling, ensured that the 11th annual Bring Your Dog to Work Day on Friday was a huge success, as thousands shared pictures of the big day on social media.

JK Rowling posted a picture of her two dogs on X (formerly known as twitter), saying: “My dogs live at work with me, so here they are being an immense help to my creative process.”

Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND and the Bring Your Dog to Work Day initiative, was pleased with the outcome of the day.

She said: “The annual event was a resounding success once again, with thousands of social media accounts sharing fabulous photos of their dogs at work. 

“This joyful national celebration has grown over the last 11 years, allowing countless dogs to accompany their owners in a wide array of professions across the country. 

“From ambulance workers to helicopter pilots, and even the renowned Harry Potter novelist JK Rowling, everyone joined in the fun, making it a truly memorable occasion.”

The official website www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk received tens of thousands of hits in the lead up to the big day, and over the years the event has had coverage in The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, Lad Bible, Waitrose Weekend, The Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent and hundreds of  media titles, with ITV The Lorraine Show, BBC and other broadcasters and media outlets covering the nation’s favourite day out for dogs.

Below are a couple more tweets from the day…