A record number of visitors attended this week’s PATS Sandown, making it the biggest and busiest show in the event’s five-year history.

A total of 1,847 retailers visited the show, representing an increase of 8% on the number who attended PATS Sandown in 2012. The total number of visitors even outstripped that of PATS Harrogate in September, which was itself a record-breaking event that had welcomed 1,813 visitors.

The feeling from the 160 companies exhibiting was very positive, and this year’s show was the kind of boost the pet industry needed.

Sallie-Ann King from Natures Menu summed up the feeling by saying: “We have not stopped talking to people during both days of the show. It has been brilliant.

“It’s our first time at Sandown and I can’t believe the amount of visitors we’ve had on our stand. It has been a great opportunity to speak to so many people. RAW food is very current and is interesting to a lot of people. We secured lots of business, including signing up a new export partner in Germany,” added Sallie-Ann, pictured below at the show.

And Ray Foard from Pet Rebellion added: “Eighty per cent of the visitors to our stand were new customers, which was great. We’ve seen a lot of garden centres, who are the main focus of our business. We’ve taken bigger orders today than ever before at PATS – two to three times bigger in fact. It’s by far our busiest show ever.”

James Hancock from Petlife International remarked:“The first day was the busiest one we’ve experienced during our time exhibiting at PATS. Our pet+new grooming brushes created a lot of interest with retailers and we’re hopeful of turning the inquiries into firm orders. It has all been positive.”

It was a similar story for Martyn Barklett-Judge from Pet Remedy. “In just one morning we placed orders for 30 starter packs, which tops our two days in Harrogate,” said Martyn.

Visitors were equally enthusiastic about the outcome. Janine Tozer from Bath Pets said: “I think this show is excellent. I like the layout because it’s easy to navigate around both halls. It’s a great place to network and see if we’ve missed any new product launches.” 

And Yvonne Hiscock from Pets Plus remarked: “PATS is improving every year and this year is no exception.

Karen Cooper and Dan Fuller from Fin & Fur said:“It’s a fabulous show. It gives you an opportunity to speak to manufacturers and bounce off ideas. Every manufacturer is helpful, supportive and interested in your business. We find that this gives us renewed vigour and enthusiasm when we return to our own shop. We also take the opportunity to network with other retailers and share ideas. And the free bacon rolls are still a nice touch.”



These visitors got dressed up for their day out at PATS Sandown.

PetproBio, an all-natural liquid probiotic feed additive for a pet’s health and overall vitality, was launched by Dog Rocks at PATS...and then given an immediate boost by being voted Best Pet Care Product.

Carina Evans of Dog Rocks said: “A lot of hard worked went into getting our new product PetproBio ready for the show but it paid off. I’ve had a lot of interest in the product today, and to win the award is just brilliant.”

The product can help with better digestion, leading to healthy stools, reduced odour, healthy skin and coat, increased immunity, and increased metabolic efficiency aiding weight issues.

PetproBio contains billions of strains of probiotics which have not been frozen and killed. – the more strains of probiotic, the more effective the product.

Once PetproBio is in the digestive system, friendly bacteria start to multiply, suppressing growth of unhealthy, undesirable and pathogenic bacteria. Gradually, harmful bacteria will be crowded out as friendly bacteria populate the lining of the bowel where pathogenic bacteria would normally attach and multiply. 

PetproBio ensures friendly bacteria compete for common nutrients thereby reducing the chances of unwanted bacteria multiplying. 

For more information visit www.petprobio.com

Winners of the PATS Sandown 2013 New Product Awards were announced on the opening day of the show...

The winners were chosen by a team of expert retail judges, who arrived at the show before 8am in order to make their choices from more than 140 new products entered into the New Products Showcase.

Their decisions were made taking into account a number of guideline criteria such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging and value for money.

Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:

Aquatics/Reptile Product or Service

Winner: API Pond Treatments

Entered by: Mars Fishcare

Judges’ comments: The winning entry has eye-catching packaging, and the judges feel “it does what it says on the tin”. They particularly like the way individual products are paired together to make it a one-product starter kit.

 
Bird Product or Service

Winner: Cluckers Red Comb Superior Poultry Food

Entered by: Bamfords Top Flight

Judges’ comments: This product has good visual appearance with strong practical packaging. The judges are impressed with its dust-free properties and feel it is good value for money.

Cat Product or Service

Winner: Scratch ’n Roll

Entered by: Gor Pets

Judges’ comments: It meets the needs of the consumer because of its versatility. It is multi-functional because you can hang it up, lay it flat, roll it up and pack it away easily. The judges also like the fact that catnip is included in the product. It is well priced, offering the consumer good value for money.

Dog Product or Service

Winner: Bailey Bites

Entered by: Barking Heads

Judges’ comments: The colourful packaging makes this product stand out and it is a well-priced item. Coming in four flavours with catchy names like ‘Nitie Nite’ and ‘Minties’, Bailey Bites will encourage repeat sales from consumers.

Grooming Product or Service

Winner: Manuka Honey Shampoo

Entered by: Johnson's Veterinary Products

Judges’ comments: They like all aspects of this product, especially the presentation, consistency and smell. It is also good value for money.

Pet Care Product or Service

Winner: PetproBio

Entered by: Dog Rocks

Judges’ comments: PetproBio has eye-catching packaging and strong branding. This pre-biotic supplement is a new concept, and the judges feel that it’s a product that will encourage repeat buying. Value for money is again an important factor in their decision.

Small Animal Product or Service

Winner: Mini Cardboard Slot and Go

Entered by: Envirosmart

Judges’ comments: The judges like the way that this product encourages interaction with pets while creating a stimulating and changing environment for the animal. They feel it is a good ‘pocket money’ purchase.

The Pet Care Trade Association is changing its name to the Pet Industry Federation, in a move designed to establish the organisation as the pet industry’s foremost trade body.

The Federation will operate as an umbrella organisation for the British Dog Groomers’ Association and the re-named UK Kennel & Cattery Association (formerly British Kennel & Cattery Association). 

Three new associations will be formed to join them:  the Pet Retailers’ Association, the Pet Manufacturers and Suppliers’ Association and the Pet Services Association. All existing members will automatically become members of the associations relevant to their business.

"Since joining the organisation in December 2012, I have been impressed by the diversity of our membership," said Nigel Baker, chief executive of the Pet Industry Federation.

"The task of representing members that differ so widely in scale and nature is complex. Creating associations for each sector of membership allows us to rise to the challenge and better represent our members’ interests.

"Each association will have its own committee which will be made up of a board director and members. The committees will help to develop our membership benefits and help form policy for better communications with government decision makers. As we grow in numbers the authorities will be compelled to give greater credence to the organisation and its members’ views, which means the industry will have an even more powerful voice.

"One of the main advantages of the name change is to give the Pet Industry Federation a separate identity to that of the Pet Care Trust. The name change will bring greater clarity to both organisations and allow the Pet Care Trust to launch a number of new initiatives. The Pet Care Trust is the public-facing charitable arm of the Federation."

The launch of the Pet Industry Federation is accompanied by a raft of new membership benefits, tailor-made to each divisional association.

"Our extensive membership benefits are designed to add value to membership in real monetary terms," explained Nigel, pictured above.

"We are able to capitalise on our unique position as the only body encompassing all sectors of the pet industry and will be offering exclusive member to member opportunities on a regular basis."

The Federation will continue to support its members in striving for excellence in their businesses through its comprehensive education programme and an exciting events calendar. Further developments will be announced shortly.

The new name was launched at PATS Sandown.

For more information about joining the Pet Industry Federation, visit www.petfederation.co.uk or call 01234 273933.

More than 18 million pets are being fed deadly diets putting them at risk of a miserable life and an early grave, a leading veterinary charity has warned.

Research by PDSA shows that more dogs, cats and rabbits than ever are being fed a potentially life-threatening mix of high calorie, inappropriate diets. If coupled with little or no exercise their life-spans will often be cut short by preventable obesity-related conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.

To help tackle this, PDSA has launched its annual pet slimming competition to find the UK’s fattest pets and help them get fit. The charity aims to transform them from obese and unhappy into happier, healthier animals. Owners can enter their pets at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub – the deadline for entries is Friday 12 April.

New findings from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report show that a massive 18.5 million pets are regularly being fed inappropriate diets that aren’t as healthy as they should be, with 13.5 million of these regularly receiving fatty and sugary treats such as takeaways, crisps and cakes.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Pet obesity poses not only major health risks such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease, but sadly also means daily misery for millions of pets who are feeling the strain from carrying too much weight.

“Vet practices across the UK see the consequences of pet obesity every single day such as obese dogs unable to enjoy regular walks due to exhaustion, fat cats that can’t jump or play, and rabbits so hopelessly overweight they can’t clean themselves properly. And then there are other obesity-related health conditions which can mean pets don’t lead the long and happy lives they should.

Many owners do realise the devastating impact obesity can cause – 91% understand that pets will have a shortened lifespan if overweight and 93% realise that pets can get the same obesity-related conditions as people. However, this is not translating into positive behaviour change by owners.

Dr Alex German, leading animal obesity specialist at the University of Liverpool Veterinary School says: “Our own clinical study demonstrated that overweight pets suffer from decreased vitality, as well as more anxiety and emotional disturbances, whilst other studies demonstrate increased risk of developing obesity-related diseases and greater likelihood of experiencing pain when supersized. I’m pleased that PDSA is highlighting the national pet obesity problem, which is entirely preventable and can be reversed with veterinary supervision and owner dedication.”

Elaine adds: “Diet is one of the most misunderstood welfare needs for pets. But it’s never too late to make a positive change and over the years the pets taking part in our Pet fit Club competition have all been given a new lease of life. Owners have reported that once their pet has lost weight it has made their pet much happier as well as healthier.”

The closure of the Mars Petcare factory in Peterborough was confirmed this week with the loss of more than 80 jobs.

The entire workforce of 82 people is set to be axed at Mars Petcare, in Shrewsbury Avenue, Woodston, following the company’s decision to move production to sites in Bokros Hungary, Minden in Germany and Sochaczew in Poland.

The possible closure had been announced to workers on January 28, and after a consultation period, Mars Petcare has now confirmed the Peterborough factory is to close.

A Mars Petcare spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to close the Mars Petcare factory in Peterborough, following a thorough consultation.

“The site will close later this year at a date that is yet to be confirmed.

“In the meantime we will continue to support employees affected by this difficult decision and will offer them the best advice and help to find alternative employment.”

MP for North West Cambridgeshire Shailesh Vara said on Monday: “This is deeply disappointing news. I had hoped that there would be a way forward without the need for closure.

“I am pressing Mars Petcare to give as much support as possible - and that means over and above the legal minimum to all those who will be affected.

“Clearly the Melton Mowbray factory is an option but it will not be possible for many employees to simply relocate for a whole variety of reasons.”

John Bridge, chief executive of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is very sad for those affected when a company has to make such a decision.”

The pet food factory was first opened in October 1974, and working alongside the conpany’s Melton Mowbray factory, produced more than 400,000 tonnes of pet food every year, with the Peterborough factory employing 200 people during the 1970s.

The Pet Care Trust – the charitable arm of the Pet Industry Federation – has appointed Burgess Pet Care MD Paul Miley as its new chairman.

"We are delighted Paul Miley has taken on this important role," commented Keith Aldis, chair of the Pet Industry Federation. "Now is the right time for the Pet Care Trust to make a bigger impact with the public and to show consumers the philanthropic and responsible nature of our industry. Paul has the ideal skillset for moving the Trust forwards."

Ahead of publishing details about the Trust’s strategy and forthcoming activities, Paul introduces his vision for the charity:

"I have been involved with the industry trade associations for some years now and am delighted to be taking up the role of chair of the Pet Care Trust.

"The pet industry is a vibrant and developing part of the UK’s GDP but, more importantly, it is pets that are at the centre of many families. We all know what joy a pet can bring, whether as a first responsibility for a child, a friend to a troubled teenager or companion to an older person who has lost their partner. For me, no walk in the countryside is complete without a dog (or three) along to add vitality and fun to the outdoors.

"What better, on a chilly autumnal evening, than  to have a cat curled up on your lap? How many of us in our all too often stressed lives are soothed by an aquarium? And for some, pet keeping has extended into a hobby with private individuals acquiring sufficient knowledge to learn how to care for more exotic pets. So why is this positive image of pets all too often missed by the media, intent on the next negative story?

“The vast majority of pets live long and happy lives: properly acquired, fed and housed, in the company of others, attended to by vets and in many cases these days insured. The incidences of cruelty, neglect and abuse must be dealt with.

"Similarly, any pet related business falling short of the high standards that are necessary to operate in an industry that has live animals at its heart cannot expect to exist long in the 21^st century. The acceptance of this image of responsible pet ownership as ‘the norm’ has been driven by many great organisations, but in large part by the industry itself. The Pet Industry Federation will continue this work, to establish even higher levels of education and standards throughout all aspects of our industry. Any pet specialist business should be a member and work to establish the standards that the public (but also potentially legislators and those in authority) deem to be sufficient.

“In perfect synergy, the Pet Care Trust will be public facing. We will highlight the benefits that pets bring to our society and communicate to the public that a responsible industry is there to assist any owner in all aspects of their pets’ care. An owner or prospective owner should seek out Federation members as a mark of quality and standards.

“With Nigel Baker, our new Chief Executive in place, and a strong Federation Chairman in Keith Aldis, I am confident to take on the role of driving the industry’s charity into the consciousness of the British public. We will be publishing our strategy shortly to the industry, as it is, after all, your charity. It won’t happen overnight, but our vision is to be seen as the ‘positive about pets’ charity, working closely with all those that support pets, pet ownership and the joy that pet ownership brings.”

Croft Pet Foods in Banbury has been crowned Shop Retailer of the Year by the Pet Product Retailer Association.

Suppliers were asked to choose their Retailer of the Year, considering the criteria of business etiquette, professionalism, reputation and store ambience.

The winner’s business was established in 1976 and covers every aspect of domestic pet from cats and dogs, to all the small animals, horses, chickens, ducks, wild birds.

Selling all types of beddings, specialised feeds, feeding bowls and feeders, Croft retail all aspects of pet keeping. They also offer specialised advice on nutrition and medicines. They are very proud of their high standard of customer service and their staff are always pleased to answer any queries about pets. Comments made about them include:

“They have knowledgeable and experienced staff who offer a pleasant shopping experience."

“This is a lovely shop, with very friendly staff, offering a wide choice of product for the consumer."

The award was presented to Croft Pet Foods at PATS Sandown.

For a full list of all PPRA award winners click here

Donations from staff were collected throughout the day and donated to Comic Relief.

Monty was one of 15 finalists who were invited to attend a casting day at Ancol’s offices on 9 March. Birmingham Dogs Home Sunnyside Manager Karen Doy joined Ancol’s Sales Director Sarah Lane in helping to choose the winner.

Ancol Sales Director Sarah Lane says: “I am delighted that we have chosen Monty who will now become the new face of Ancol. It was a really difficult decision as we had so many great entries and all the finalists were fantastic on the day.”

Mike Brooman, owner of Monty, from Melton Mowbray added: “Big thanks to Ancol for putting on a great competition and huge thanks for choosing our Monty! I'm sure he will take the news humbly!”

Monty will feature on the front cover of Ancol’s 2013/14 catalogue and receive £100 in dog products. All finalists received a photo from the casting day and a goody bag.

For more information about Ancol Pet Products, call 01922 402428, visit www.ancol.co.uk or talk to your local sales representative.