In This Issue
PetSafe launching new Busy Buddy toys at PATS
EXCLUSIVE! Britain's 'most eco-conscious dog food' to be launched at PATS Sandown by Beco Pets
Launching at PATS Sandown: New Own Label Grain Free Duck, Sweet Potato & Orange for Adult Dogs
Alfie and Molly’s to launch new air dried treats
North Norfolk pet shop for sale
Smart thinking for pet drinking from Torus
Still time to register to attend PATS Sandown
TastyBone founder reveals why he decided to sell up
Win great prizes in PIF’s free ‘lucky numbers’ competition
Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards venue announced
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Pet shop owner claims Nottingham tram put him out of business
OATA applauds prosecution of unlicensed pet shop
New pension support package launched for PIF members
Sales of rabbits on hold at pet retailer
Overseas buyers impressed with UK pet products
Vets respond to government pet licensing consultation
Prime exhibitor location for British exhibitors at Interzoo
'Hands Off My Hobby' campaign re-launched
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PetSafe launching new Busy Buddy toys at PATS
Stand G1, PATS Sandown, 22nd-23rd March


Global pet product expert, PetSafe® is taking the opportunity to unveil three new additions to its popular Busy Buddy® range at this year’s PATS Sandown –  the Busy Buddy® Cow Wow™, Elephunk™ and Hippster™...


Global pet product expert, PetSafe® is taking the opportunity to unveil three new additions to its popular Busy Buddy® range at this year’s PATS Sandown –  the Busy Buddy® Cow Wow™, Elephunk™ and Hippster™.

Cow Wow™ is a vibrant purple cow, round in shape to help with games of throw and fetch. Elephunk™ the green elephant is another brightly coloured ball-shaped companion, and Hippster™ is a round blue hippo with chewable ears. All three animal companions are available in Small and Medium/Large and are made from super durable materials to stand up to even the most persistent chewer.

PetSafe® will also be showcasing its ever-popular FroliCat range with its two latest additions launched last year - FroliCat CHATTER and FroliCat CHEESE™. Visitors will also be able to find out more about the Busy Buddy® Ultra Sub™, the Busy Buddy® Ultra Stratos™ and Busy Buddy® Ultra Woofer™.



As well as the wide selection of toys on the stand, PetSafe® will be showing its successful Drinkwell® Pet Fountains from the PetSafe® Health and Wellness range. A number of training products will also be on show including; the EasySport™ Harness in newcolours blue, red, apple green and pink and the Easy Walk® Harness in new raspberry colour.

International Marketing Director, Angela Critchley says: “PATS is a great platform to promote new products and we always enjoy exhibiting these at the show. This year we are looking forward to launching our new Busy Buddy® Cow Wow™, Elephunk™ and Hippster™.”

For further information please contact International Marketing Director, Angela Critchley, tel: +44 (0)7899 663319 or visit www.petsafe.net 
EXCLUSIVE! Britain's 'most eco-conscious dog food' to be launched at PATS Sandown by Beco Pets


Pet Trade Xtra can exclusively reveal that Beco Pets is set to launch its biggest new range yet – ‘Britain's most eco-conscious dog food’. After two years of secret research and development, the award-winning company will unveil its new food at PATS Sandown next Tuesday...



Pet Trade Xtra can exclusively reveal that Beco Pets is set to launch its biggest new range yet – ‘Britain's most eco-conscious dog food’.

After two years of secret research and development, the award-winning company will unveil its new food at PATS Sandown next Tuesday...

The ground-breaking new range uses only ethically and locally sourced ingredients with food provenance listed at the top of Beco’s production priorities.

Notably, Beco Pets’ Food for Dogs is THE FIRST British brand on the market to use sustainably caught fish, carrying the respected blue MSC mark, the official certification of sustainable seafood from The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) which sets standards for sustainable fishing.

Beco Food for Dogs, which is gluten free, hypoallergenic, and a completely natural food, comes in three new flavours – MSC cod and haddock, free-range Norfolk chicken and free-roaming wild boar.

FISH: Beco’s North Atlantic fish recipe is crammed with natural prebiotics and superfoods like kale and chickpeas, helping dogs’ digestion and immune system. One of the world’s most nutrient-dense foods, kale is a fantastic anti-oxidant and is packed with Vitamin A, helping dogs’ urinary health. Overfishing and the global depletion of fish stocks have become a huge problem for our oceans. By using MSC-certified fish, Beco is reassuring customers that its dog food only contains sustainably caught fish, helping to preserve our oceans for generations to come.

CHICKEN: Beco is THE FIRST dry dog food to use free-range chicken. The free-range hens are happier than battery hens, are reared in an ethical environment and are given the freedom to roam outdoors as Nature intended. They have access to grubs, wild flowers, green pastures and sunlight, all natural sources of Vitamins A & D. Beco chickens live happier lives, and your dog enjoys tastier food.

BOAR: Beco’s wild boar recipe is also packed with natural prebiotics and superfoods like broccoli and pumpkin, so Beco Food for Dogs helps dogs’ digestions and immune system. Pumpkin is super-nutritious for dogs. It's a rich source of fibre and is loaded with lots of disease-fighting nutrients, including potassium, magnesium and Vitamins C & E. It's a true superfood!

Beco Pets Food for Dogs is grain-free and, unlike many other products, is also meat-meal free. Its fresh meat content and other low-carbon type materials are ethically farmed and locally sourced. Beco decided to use high-quality fresh meat over meat meal, as they felt dogs deserve the best. Fresh meat tastes better and, most importantly, is more digestible.

Beco dog food’s other ingredients include bilberries (that are great for dogs’ eye health), Marigold flowers (that are a natural antiseptic and are great for shiny coats), milk thistle (that is full of antioxidants), nettles (that are full of vitamins that help dogs’ joints), cleavers (a rich source of vitamin C), chamomile (which has calming properties), fennel (which aids digestion) and Burdock root (which is anti-bacterial and supports a dog’s liver and kidneys).



Beco Pets, founded in 2009 by the leading pet trade duo George Bramble (above right) and Toby Massey (above left) took conscious decisions when sourcing their ingredients which they say are more eco-friendly and ethical than traditional foods.

George Bramble said: “There are other grain-free foods with high meat content on the market. But we couldn’t find any foods that really focused on where the ingredients came from and how much of an environmental impact the production process would have.

"I’m a keen fisherman myself, and the idea that there may be no wild fish left in our oceans in 40 years’ time really scares me. So whether I’m buying dog food or fish for my own consumption, I want to know that it’s high-quality, fresh fish, and also that it’s been sustainably caught. That’s why we came up with Beco Food for Dogs.

"Today we can offer Britain’s nine million dogs a balanced diet that is both delicious and nutritious. To their owners, our message is simply that Beco Pets dog food is better for your pet, and better for the environment.”

Toby Massey added: "There are so many products on the market all competing to tell you that their product is better dogs. But we knew the truth: that choosing premium ingredients is what makes a product better for your dog. Fresh meat is far more palatable than disgusting powdered meat meal. Our meat is more nutritious, healthier and tastier. As a dog owner myself, why would I want to feed my dog anything else?"

The number of overweight and obese dogs in Britain is booming, with 3 million UK dogs judged too fat. Research by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), say owners admit to indulging their pets, giving them cake, biscuits, crisps, chips, takeaway and even alcohol. 2.6 million dogs are fed table scraps or leftovers as their main meals.

The animals used in the preparation of Beco Pets dog food are bred in humane ways; Beco chose ingredients that are as locally sourced as possible in order to minimise their carbon footprint. They also use white potato, not sweet potato, plus a host of other ingredients that help improve and maintain dogs’ general health.

At PATS Sandown, a special promotional offer will be launched for retailers, offering any retailer who signs up for Beco dog food a gift of one month’s worth of free stock.

Retailers who order dog food at the show will be given POS, and free sample packs to give to their customers. They will even be offered free packed lunches for their own consumption. This follows in the wake of Beco’s hugely successful Beco Poop Bag campaign, which was aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership. Beco gave away free nearly two million poop bags to 750 retailers across the UK.

The Beco Buyers' Lounge (M1) at PATS Sandown can be found in the Surrey Hall.
 
Launching at PATS Sandown: New Own Label Grain Free Duck, Sweet Potato & Orange for Adult Dogs
Due to extremely popular demand GA Direct is launching its new Grain Free Duck, Sweet Potato & Orange at PATS Sandown next week. The Grain Free range has been hugely popular with retailers and GA hope to add even more new recipes to the range this coming year...
Due to extremely popular demand GA Direct is launching its new Grain Free Duck, Sweet Potato & Orange at PATS Sandown next week. The Grain Free range has been hugely popular with retailers and GA hope to add even more new recipes to the range this coming year.

As with all recipes within GA’s Grain Free Range there is no artificial colors and preservatives. The recipe is made with 50% Duck and a minimum 26% freshly prepared Duck.

All GA Direct products are available to brand as your own, with your own designed label completely free of charge.

The 2kg bags also boasts a velcro re-sealable seal, to keep the product fresh once opened.

The product is available in the following sizes and trade prices:
  •  4x2kg - £15.95
  • 12kg -   £19.95
  • 15kg Working Dog - £25.07

Pop by GA’s stand at PATS (Stand:L3) to pick up your free sample of Grain Free Duck, Sweet Potato and Orange.

For more information, contact GA Direct on 01257 633125 or email gadirect@ga-petfoodpartners.co.uk .

Alfie and Molly’s to launch new air dried treats

Alfie and Molly’s Dog Bakery is launching a new air dried range of treats at PATS Sandown next week, and also offering 10% off all orders for new customers placed at the show...



Alfie and Molly’s Dog Bakery is launching a new air dried range of treats at PATS Sandown next week, and also offering 10% off all orders for new customers placed at the show.

Alfie & Molly’s is a family-run business founded in Bristol in 2013, and products were inspired by Maria Szabo’s two springer border collies who loved their treats.

After trying different branded treats full of additives and preservatives, it became apparent they were affecting Molly – not so much Alfie – in her temperament, general well-being and energy.

Maria decided to start baking her own treats and the change in Molly was almost instant.


The treats are home-baked and made from 100% human grade ingredient, and organic as far as possible.

The company doesn’t use anything artificial, and there are no additives, preservatives, artificial colours or flavourings – everything is 100% natural.

To see Alfie & Molly’s new range of air dried treats and take advantage of the 10% discount offer for new customers visit stand F7 at PATS Sandown.

For more information about the company visit www.alfieandmolly.co.uk or call 01454 855767.

North Norfolk pet shop for sale



Pets Emporium, a well established business of over 35 years in the beautiful coastal area of North Norfolk, has been put up for sale...




Pets Emporium is a well established business of over 35 years.

It's situated in the beautiful coastal area of North Norfolk in the village of Snettisham.

The shop is in a good location, is well presented with quality fixtures and fittings, holding a wide variety of food and accessories all merchandised to a high standard.



We have a loyal customer base throughout the year – the area is very dog friendly, with many hotels, holiday parks and second home owners. It all adds up to being a very busy area.

There are opportunities to re-establish boarding which was very viable and a profitable part of the business, and having the pet shop alongside makes it a good proposition.

It is a large detached property. The downstairs consists of shop, WC , staff room, two store rooms, kitchen and office. It has a spacious flat with kitchen, dining area, large lounge, master bedroom with en-suite, double bedroom and shower room. Outside there are large gardens, a garage and out buildings, and the property has ample customer parking.

It is a lovely life style business – the reason for sale is purely personal.

For more information contact Susan Hall on 07825581857 or email Susan.hall31@hotmail.co.uk

 
Smart thinking for pet drinking from Torus
The new Torus Water Bowl range – 'Smart thinking for Pet Drinking' – is being launched to the pet trade on the Dog Rocks stand at PATS Sandown.


The new Torus Water Bowl range – 'Smart thinking for Pet Drinking' – is being launched to the pet trade on the Dog Rocks stand at PATS Sandown.

The Torus bowl, which filters and stores water, making it ideal for traveling, has seen recent success winning 'Product Innovation of the Year' from Pet Product Marketing, as well as 'New Product' recognition at the ANIDO Trade Show.

The bowl holds up to 2 litres of filtered water, keeping water fresh and clean, and the ergonomic design prevents spills. It's also lockable, making it easy to take travelling.

Torus recently conducted a survey to gain a deeper understanding of pet drinking habits and how pet owners currently accommodate their animal’s needs. The survey was sent to pet owners and pet retailers across the UK, Europe, United States and Canada.

Overall, 66 pet owners took part in the survey, owning more than 163 pets between them. Of this figure, 70% of people asked had two or more pets, with 15% owning more than five pets per household.

In terms of drinking habits, the result revealed that 59% of pets were drinking more than a litre of water a day, and in order to keep their pets hydrated 91% of owners replenished their pet’s water more than once a day, with 44% answering more than twice a day.

This can often be the result of a conventional bowl only holding a limited amount of water, becoming dirty or the water becoming warm and evaporating. However, spillages appeared to be a common issue for many pet owners with 72% answering water spills from the bowl on a regular basis.

Finally, when asked about drinking habits away from the home, 90% of pet owners ensure their pets remain hydrated by taking water and a bowl with them when travelling.

Just like humans, animals need plenty of fresh, clean water every day to remain healthy. How much a pet drinks is dependent on their size and activity levels, however, as their bodies are made up of 80% water, without regular hydration their health can easily suffer.

The Torus bowl not only stores up to 2 litres of water per day, eliminating the need for owners to replenish water on a regular basis, but it also locks away the water, turning it into a travel bowl.

As the water auto-replenishes into the drinking well, it is carbon-filtered to provide clean and fresh water throughout the day. The ergonomic design and rubber feet prevent spillages, even from the largest of dogs.

For more information about the Torus Bowl, visit stand H6 at  PATS Sandown, visit their website www.torusbowl.com or call 01628 822243.
Still time to register to attend PATS Sandown


Pet retailers are being reminded there’s still time to register for free entry to next week’s PATS Sandown, where 140 suppliers and manufacturers will be unveiling hundreds of new products...



Pet retailers are being reminded there’s still time to register for free entry to next week’s PATS Sandown, where 140 suppliers and manufacturers will be unveiling hundreds of new products.

The largest gathering of pet businesses takes place at Sandown Park in Surrey on March 22-23.

At show new products like beer for dogs, portable pet toilets, duffle coats and sleeping bags will be showcased.

Show visitors will also be able to choose from an amazing amount of pet food containing ingredients like venison, duck and pheasant. There’s also a Coronation Chicken variety to stimulate doggy taste buds.

“British people love their pets and they also love to spoil them,” says Gordon Thomas, organiser of PATS Sandown.

“UK companies have responded to the call for new and innovative products and every year we see a whole host of fresh launches into the marketplace.

“It’s not just home-based retailers benefitting from these developments, as international buyers are seeing British designed products as potential bestsellers.”

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces and new products. A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to announce their plans for the year ahead.

The New Products Showcase is a great way for visitors to see and touch the new products they will be stocking. In previous years more than 200 new items have been entered into the Showcase so it is the best place to view potential bestsellers. All items entered by manufacturers will be put forward for the New Products Awards judged by a panel of pet retailers.

And a free-to-attend series of seminars will cover topics including: your ultimate guide to independent success; driving growth in independents, what customers want from the pet trade; retailing raw pet food; and how to get more online users on your website. There is also a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar on ‘why pet health care is important to your business’ by animal healthcare specialists Merial.

Visitors are now being urged to register online on the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk.

 
TastyBone founder reveals why he decided to sell up
Ken Seymour has been a well-known face in the UK pet industry for over 40 years so it was a surprise to many when he announced his retirement last week. He will still act as a consultant for TastyBone for a year but is looking forward to spending more time following his passion of sailing. Now the dust has settled on the sale of his company to Pets Choice, Ken reflects on an outstanding career...


Ken Seymour has been a well-known face in the UK pet industry for over 40 years so it was a surprise to many when he announced his retirement last week. He will still act as a consultant for TastyBone for a year but is looking forward to spending more time following his passion of sailing. Now the dust has settled on the sale of his company to Pets Choice, Ken reflects on an outstanding career.

How and when did you start in the pet industry?

I left school at 15 in 1963 and joined the Royal Navy. On my discharge in 1970 I didnt know what to do so went into the motor trade as a salesman with Lucas. (I used to hunt Russian submarines in the Navy, not a trade I could pursue in civvy street).

Lucas wasn't really for me and as we had a labrador I started to knock on doors asking if I could deliver pet food. It was just an idea at the time to help pay the mortgage. I used to go to the local cash and carry and buy Winalot and Chum. I found a company that sold a frozen brawn - Dinnodog Pet Products.

So with those three products I spent every Tuesday and Thursday evening building a delivery round while still working for Lucas during the day. It became a lucrative little business and I decided to try it full time.

How did the business progress?

I had just got married to Barbara, who worked for British Airways. We decided that we could just about exist on her wages while I built up the business. Everything was delivered in my old Ford car. We lived in a tiny flat at the time and products were stored all over the place.

As the business became larger I decided that we needed a van so that I could deliver more products. I purchased a beaten-up old Transit van that wouldn't pass an MOT let alone emission tests today!

My customers were always asking me for frozen meat, so I found a supplier, and installed two chest freezers in our kitchen. Saturday morning became ‘meat cutting and packing day’ with our parents helping with the packing. I spent four days delivering and one day knocking on doors.

After six months I purchased a very small shop in Ealing, West London, and turned it into a pet food shop. My mum and a friend ran the shop while I carried on with the deliveries. Eighteen months later a much larger shop became available in South Ruislip, Middlesex. We sold the small shop in Ealing to concentrate on the new one, which was called Pets Gourmet.


Was the new shop an instant success?

The business took off from day one, so much so that I couldn't carry on with the delivery rounds. The shop featured in ‘Which!’ magazine as one of the best five pet shops in the country. A film crew from the BBC came to the shop to film a feature for John Craven’s News Round. Our five minutes of fame was broadcast that evening. Business boomed. After 23 years in the shop I decided that we couldn't expand any more and decided to sell it.  By this time we had two sons and moved into a larger house.


So what did you do next?

I put on a suit, put some squeaky toys in a bag that I was importing from the States, made a four-page catalogue, turned the garage into a ‘warehouse’ and off I went to sell my products. I spent all day on the road, wrote the invoices up in the evening and boxed up the orders first thing in the morning for a friend to deliver the orders and then back out on the road again. It was great fun and long hours but most of all we made money.


What did you call the business?

It was a one-man band called Best Friends Pet Products Ltd and it became a very lucrative business. After six months I decided to move to a proper warehouse in Aylesbury, employ sales and office staff and a driver. I became the distributor of quality products that I was purchasing from the USA and Germany.

We were now really flying and the next step was to manufacture our own products, bedding from the UK and toys from around the world under the Best Friends label. We employed more sales and office staff as we were getting even busier.

We were always more expensive than our competitors but the products we sold were the best – that was our USP. TastyBone became part of our range of products in 2002.


What are your fondest memories from that time?

It was fun, tremendous hard work and long hours, I made many friends in the trade.


What have been the biggest changes in the industry over the years?

The industry has changed beyond all recognition. It has become very professional. The ‘old’ shops have virtually disappeared and been replaced by modern well run businesses with knowledgeable staff. The enormous variety and ideas of products for sale now are incredible.



What’s the story behind the TastyBone brand?

TastyBone was started after a game of croquet with my friend. His dogs kept on picking up the balls and tried to chew them. We had a Labrador-cross at the time and as we all know they would chew through a brick wall. An idea was born –what if I could flavour and colour a croquet ball!? A few months later we launched The TastyBall in two sizes and three flavours. TastyBall became part of the range of products that we sold when we had BFPP Ltd. We manufactured and hoped to sell a few hundred at Petindex/Glee in 2003 – in fact we secured orders for 15,000 balls, mostly for export . In those days we had no idea how to export. We decided to expand the range into TastyBones, producing more flavours and sizes than the leading brand at the time.

We realised that TastyBone was the future for us. It was and still is a unique product with many USPs – all TastyBone products are designed, manufactured and packed in the UK.

We sold BFPP Ltd two and a half years ago to concentrate on TastyBone Ltd and we now have 35 distributors across the globe. It has become a worldwide brand winning export awards along the way.


Why have you decided to sell TastyBone?

We made the decision to sell the company as we were not getting any younger and it was becoming too big for us to take further without employing more staff and taking on more warehouse space. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with TastyBone in such a short time and it was a difficult decision to sell it on. TastyBone is now in safe hands and has become part of Pets Choice who I am sure will take it to further heights.


Are you sad to be leaving the industry?

Yes but it really is time to retire. Barbara and I have worked very long hours and it's now time to realise our asset. I feel we have done almost everything that the pet trade could throw at us.


What are you going to do in your retirement?

My hobby and passion has always been sailing. I have owned racing dinghies and become a sailing and power boat instructor. I will probably volunteer to teach disabled people to sail and drive power boats. I also have a small yacht based in Portsmouth and intend to sail around the coast of Britain. I have also been offered a job in the yachting business - not sure I will take it up.

We intend to travel extensively and most of all have fun. We have a great family and many friends and we will spend more time with them. All of the above couldn't have been possible without the support, encouragement and hard work of Barbara, who has always supported me 100% no matter what idea I came up with next.


Will you keep in touch with people in the industry?

Hopefully yes. I am staying on as a consultant for TastyBone for about a year. I will be in Orlando for the Global show followed by PATS and then Nuremburg in May for Interzoo
Win great prizes in PIF’s free ‘lucky numbers’ competition


The Pet Industry Federation will be running a free ‘Lucky Numbers’ competition from its stand (P1) at PATS Sandown next week, giving lucky visitors to the show the chance to walk away with some fantastic prizes...



The Pet Industry Federation will be running a free ‘Lucky Numbers’ competition from its stand (P1) at PATS Sandown next week, giving lucky visitors to the show the chance to walk away with some fantastic prizes.

Visitors to PATS Sandown just need to find the PIF flyer in their visitor bags with its unique number printed on the front and take it to the PIF stand, where they will find out if they have won something amazing for their store.

There are hundreds of pounds worth of prizes and many of them have been generously donated by PIF members including Natures Menu, Grove Pet Foods, Collarways, PetSafe, Benyfit Natural, Pillow Wad, Elisa Live, Supa, Pet Remedy, Envirosmart, Fish4Dogs, Armitage Pet Care, Pitpat, Ampet Pet Products and Jelf.

Aside from the fun of the ‘Lucky Numbers’ competition, PIF staff will be on hand to talk to pet businesses about PIF membership and how its tailored range of benefits support businesses; as well being available to update visitors on PIF’s work on pet vending licensing, qualifications, training, market research data and range of events throughout 2016.

For further information about PIF and how it supports pet businesses, see www.petfederation.co.uk or telephone 01234 273933 to speak to one of the customer service team.
 
Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards venue announced
The Pet Industry Federation has announced that its annual Forum & Awards will held at Wokefield Park, near Reading, with the event being packed into one day on Tuesday, November 1...


The Pet Industry Federation has announced that its annual Forum & Awards event will held on Tuesday, November 1, at Wokefield Park, near Reading.

This year’s event will be packed into one day, filled with important workshops and debates that tackle some of the most pressing issues affecting the UK pet industry today.

Details are currently being confirmed but topics will address engaging with the next generation of pet owners, the future of the specialist channel, should pet shops sell pets and ways in which pet businesses can tap into pet health.

The 2016 Pet Industry Awards Dinner will then take place in the evening after the daytime Forum.

These Awards are the leading pet industry honours which have grown in popularity year on year. Last year over 250 guests attended.

The event not only celebrates those pet businesses that have made outstanding achievements throughout the year, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole industry to come together, socialise and network in convivial atmosphere with three-course meal, entertainment and live band, all within the stunning setting of Wokefield Park.

Details of the 2016 awards categories and how pet businesses can enter are available now under the Events section of www.petfederation.co.uk

 
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Pet shop owner claims Nottingham tram put him out of business
A Nottingham pet shop owner claims an expanding train network in the city has "driven him out of business’ – despite receiving financial aid from operators NET...


A Nottingham pet shop owner claims an expanding train network in the city has "driven him out of business’ – despite receiving financial aid from operators NET.

The store, called 1st 4 Pets, in Southchurch Drive, Clifton, shut earlier this month after seeing a rapid decline in business since work to expand the tram network began four years ago.

Owner John Barlow, 45, ran the business for 16 years, but says he is now moving to premises in nearby Ilkeston after seeing a huge drop in customers.

Mr Barlow says the tram has led to people shopping outside the Clifton area, and he also blamed restricted parking since the tram platform was built outside his shop's door.

Nottingham City Council, which was behind the expansion, said it had given financial aid to Mr Barlow during the tram works and there were parking spaces nearby.

Mr Barlow said: "I've been here for 30 years and I feel angry and annoyed that the tram has effectively driven me out of business here.

"They gave us 70% of our losses, which was just under £1,000 for the two-and-a-half-years. Despite that, we're still between £35,000 and £40,000 down overall, including our losses since the expansion.

"What annoys me is that they said the tram would bring more business to the area, but in reality it's 16 years down the swanny.

"We have literally had one person come in from the tram in the past nine months. It's absolutely pathetic. This boost that the tram promised for businesses in the area clearly hasn't worked out.

"The council also need to hold their hands up and say they haven't done enough to help the decline of small businesses in Clifton. Its disheartening that they won't do anything to stop it from happening."

An NET project spokesperson from the city council said: "We have been supporting the owners of 1st 4 Pets throughout the development of the tram, through Clifton including providing them with financial assistance well beyond the start of tram services.

"The amount of parking available in this part of Clifton remains largely unchanged since the introduction of the tram, with spaces just a short way from the shop.

"Any business planning will need to consider the general trading situation that exists today, which is very different to the situation that existed four years ago."

OATA applauds prosecution of unlicensed pet shop
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has welcomed action by Kettering Borough Council which took an unlicensed pet shop owner to court...
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has welcomed action by Kettering Borough Council which took an unlicensed pet shop owner to court.

“I very much welcome the actions taken by Kettering Borough Council and hope it sets an example to other councils,” said OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

“We are concerned that ‘enterprises’ that trade on and through the internet and social media sites can avoid the inspections and costs that bona-fide businesses like our members have to incur. And of course the public do not get the same consumer protection buying from an individual that they do buying from a business.

“We hope this will encourage people to report sellers to their local council if they are selling large quantities of fish online or through social media sites like closed Facebook pages. These sellers should have pet shop licence if they are a business and it’s not acceptable that their welfare standards should avoid inspection and scrutiny by the relevant authority as any aquatics shop selling fish must do.

“Royal Mail has also recently confirmed to us that it will not accept fish (except small fish fry) or hard corals for postage so we would urge customers not to buy from people who say they ship fish or hard corals through the post.”

Read the Kettering Borough Council press release here.
 
New pension support package launched for PIF members
The Pet Industry Federation has launched a new discounted membership benefit to help companies comply with new pension laws...


The Pet Industry Federation has launched a new discounted membership benefit to help its members comply with their forthcoming Pension Auto Enrolment duties that require all employers to have a pension scheme in place for their staff. This is being offered in partnership with Jelf Employee Benefits.

Jelf offers a choice of two fantastic support Auto-Enrolment packages which will help PIF member businesses negotiate the minefield of Pension Auto-Enrolment and ensure that they correctly comply with the Pension Regulator’s legislation. With an offer of 5% discount off the standard cost of Jelf’s Auto-Enrolment support, PIF members will be able to access high quality streamlined guidance and information to help them establish which option is most suitable for their business.

Features covered within the package include both initial Consultancy and ongoing technical support to make sure things remain on track with frequently changing pension and auto-enrolment issues.

Nigel Baker, PIF Chief Executive said: ‘Many businesses could be unaware of their need to comply with new pensions laws.

"There can be heavy fines if you fail to meet the Government’s auto-enrolment deadlines, something which can be easily overlooked if your priority is running your business and keeping your clients happy.

"There are certain deadlines which small businesses will need to hit, so our new arrangement with Jelf has arrived just at the right time. We’d urge our members to speak to Jelf and find out more."

For further details of how to sign up to the Jelf Auto-Enrolment scheme, visit www.petfederation.co.uk or telephone 01234 273933 to speak to a member of the customer service team.

 
Sales of rabbits on hold at pet retailer
Ethical pet retailer Pets Corner is urging those who are looking to invest in a pet rabbit to think very carefully before making such a serious commitment...especially at Easter...


With Easter just around the corner, some of us may be considering giving an alternative gift to the usual chocolate eggs. 

However, although a twist on the traditional can be a nice idea, ethical pet retailer Pets Corner is urging those who are looking to invest in a pet rabbit to think very carefully before making such a serious commitment.

Head of Training at Pets Corner Lucy Ross is responsible for the company’s renowned staff classroom training programme and has a wealth of experience in animal husbandry and pet behaviour. 

She said: “Every year in the UK around 35,000 rabbits are handed in to rescue centres simply because people are not aware of the commitment they are making, or the care a rabbit needs to keep it happy and healthy.

“This is why during the Easter period we run our ‘Bunnies aren’t for Easter’ campaign and stop all sales of rabbits to deter impulse or spontaneous purchases.”

According to the charity the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, despite being the third most popular pet in Britain, rabbits are still one of the most neglected.

Lucy continues: “Rabbits need plenty of space to roam, such as a spacious and secure run, so they can get the necessary exercise - a hutch is simply not enough.  Many people underestimate this essential requirement as they see rabbits as small animals and therefore think that they need less space.  

“Rabbits are also sociable creatures and like fellow bunny company so they should be housed together rather than alone otherwise there is a real danger they will become lonely and depressed. This means you will be making double the commitment to care for two animals so you should not only consider space but also the financial investment involved. 

"For example, neutering can cost anything from £45 upwards and, of course, there is food and bedding on top. As rabbits have a life expectancy of up to 15 years owning one is a long-term commitment and should be considered very carefully.”

To find out more about the work Pets Corner is doing to improve animal welfare, visit www.petscorner.co.uk/difference
 
Overseas buyers impressed with UK pet products
Thirty-six British pet and garden product suppliers presented their latest ranges to the visiting buyers from Dubai, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and the US at the latest ‘Meet the Buyers’ events held by the PetQuip and Gardenex...


Early reaction from overseas buyers who participated in the latest highly successful ‘Meet the Buyers’ events held by the PetQuip and Gardenex associations has been extremely positive.

Thirty-six British pet and garden product suppliers presented their latest ranges to the visiting buyers from Dubai, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and the US. Over seventy one-to-one meetings were held during the day’s programme.

The Finnish pet product buyer said the meetings had exceeded expectations, which had the added benefit of resulting in a greater understanding of the British companies and their products.

Feedback from more of the buyers included comments from Dubai’s largest garden centre chain, saying that it intends to work as a distributor for up to six of the UK companies that attended the event, in addition to sourcing products for its Dubai retail outlet from two of the other participating suppliers. The Dubai company is looking to expand its activities by setting up distribution across the GCC states – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and across the UAE, as well as India.

A similar reaction has been received from the French distributor who attended the event. Potentially the firm could be doing business with half of the companies it met at the ‘Meet the Buyers’ event. Other pet and garden product overseas buyers who participated expect to deal with up to five of the suppliers seen, and the specialist US mail order and online retailer that met with UK suppliers has stated that it is interested initially in sourcing products from three of the companies.

The positive reaction from the overseas buyers was echoed by the UK suppliers and the organisations that manned information desks at the event. Following their presentation, Factum Partners, which provides business improvement and growth strategies for SMEs, had been approached by a number of companies about their services to the US market, and representatives from both UKT Trade & Investment and UK Export Finance reported similar results.

The latest PetQuip and Gardenex ‘Meet the Buyers’ event was held on 2 March 2016 at Lea Marston Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. The date of the next ‘Meet the Buyers’ event is 8th June 2016 and it will be held at the Federation’s offices in Brasted, and a leading German mail order company has already confirmed attendance.

 
Vets respond to government pet licensing consultation
Anyone breeding from a dog should be required to register with their local authority and quote their registration number in any advert for puppy sales, says leading vet Sean Wensley...
Leading veterinary organisations the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) have submitted a joint response to Defra’s landmark consultation on animal establishment licensing in the UK to ensure the veterinary profession’s voice and view is heard.

The 12 week consultation, which closed on Saturday (11 March), is the biggest review the Government has ever undertaken on animal establishment licensing and takes into consideration a range of animal welfare issues.

In their joint response, BVA, BSAVA and BVZS agree that much of the current animal licensing legislation is out of date and needs to be revised to take account of the changes that have occurred since it was originally introduced (Pet Animals Act 1951, Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963), while supporting the proposal to bring existing licensing schemes under the Animal Welfare Act in order to ensure that the focus of inspection is on animal welfare and the five welfare needs.

One key recommendation in BVA, BSAVA and BVZS’s consultation response is that anyone breeding from a dog should be required to register, preferably online, with their local authority - in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. This would mean that the local authority has a list of contact details for all dog breeders in their area, aiding enforcement bodies and ensuring that dog breeders were aware of the legal requirements. The veterinary organisations continued that, if possible, there should be a publicly available national list of dog breeders to provide intelligence for enforcers and allow the public to check the list. Then, should the threshold of three or more litters per year be met, this would trigger a dog breeding licensing inspection.

BVA President Sean Wensley said: “Animal welfare is always the top priority for vets, and we believe that starts right at the beginning of a pet’s life. If people are regularly breeding puppies then it is necessary and right that measures are in place to protect the health and welfare of the mother and her puppies. Anyone breeding from a dog should be required to register with their local authority and quote their registration number in any advert for puppy sales.

“This is not about targeting individual dog owners, but about best breeding practices and, moreover, the health and welfare of animals across the UK, which is why we are proposing that the licence and inspection criteria applies to the establishment rather than individuals.”

BVA, BSAVA and BVZS also noted that this review is an appropriate opportunity for Defra to consider whether any other activities or animal establishments should be licensed in order to ensure that they meet appropriate animal welfare standards, from animal rescue and rehoming centres to falconry displays and dog training businesses.

In the consultation response, BVA, BSAVA and BVZS acknowledge that while there is a need for change there is no point in introducing new legislation if it is not properly enforced, and this will need appropriate resources to be made available especially given the current resource constraints of Defra and local authorities.
 
Prime exhibitor location for British exhibitors at Interzoo
PetQuip has been able to secure and reserve a prime location for the British Pavilion at Interzoo in May...



The PetQuip association is organising the British group at Interzoo 2016 in Nuremberg in May this year, and in its role as a UK Trade & Investment Trade Challenge Partner has been successful in its bid for cash grants for eligible exhibitors. 

PetQuip has been able to secure and reserve a prime location for the British Pavilion at the show, which is the world’s biggest trade fair for pet supplies. 

Exhibitors in the group at previous shows have returned to the UK with significant overseas business, bringing the comment from one exhibitor: “It was the most successful event that we have exhibited at in our 12 years of being manufacturers in the trade."

A survey carried out by PetQuip at the close of the previous Interzoo exhibition recorded that the British group exhibitors saw visitors from over 75 different countries and that the UK firms received an average of 75 enquiries each.

The British pet product business information stand, manned by multi-lingual PetQuip personnel, also welcomed buyers from 55 countries and generated over 50 more direct business leads for its member companies.  The information stand will be organised and manned by the PetQuip team again in 2016.

The show will provide exhibitors with an ideal opportunity to present products to a global professional audience.  More than 37,000 visitors travel to Interzoo from over 100 countries, attracted to the show by Interzoo’s comprehensive product spectrum, with themes such as equestrian sports, pet food technology, shop fittings and IT systems displayed alongside more traditional products for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, aquaria and terraria.

Comprehensive exhibition package from PetQuip

In addition to securing a prime location for the British pavilion at the front of one of the main halls, PetQuip is offering its comprehensive package of exhibition support services aimed at simplifying the whole process of exhibiting for British companies. 

The association will offer advice and information about how to prepare for the show, from free press and promotion to attracting the right buyers to the stand and advice on the best approach to following up sales leads following the show. 

The package includes everything from floor space and lighting to stand cleaning, assistance with freight, travel and accommodation, pre-show guidance and promotion, on-site assistance and post-show promotion and market research. 

Interested companies should contact Theresa Swann theresa@petquip.com or Emma Lewis emma@petquip.com

 
'Hands Off My Hobby' campaign re-launched
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is re-launching its #handsoffmyhobby campaign as Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish voters go to the polls in May...
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is re-launching its #handsoffmyhobby campaign as Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish voters go to the polls in May.

This time, the trade association is asking businesses and hobbyists to ask their local politicians where they stand on the issue of exotic pets and proclaim their pride at keeping exotic species like ornamental fish.

“All ornamental fish are exotic in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so anyone who keeps fish essentially has an exotic pet. It’s probably not what many people think of when they use that term but we need to make sure politicians know what’s involved if they seek further controls on exotic pet-keeping,” said OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

The exotic pet trade – especially businesses that supply ornamental fish and reptiles – are already under scrutiny by the Scottish government. And OATA believes it is only a matter of time before animal campaign groups push for similar reviews of the trade in Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

“These elections give us a great opportunity to start raising local politicians’ awareness that exotic pets cover a wide spectrum of species that perhaps they haven’t realised. Their decisions could stop a whole host of animals from being kept as companions. Ask them - do they really want to see pets like goldfish and guppies banned from our homes?”

The trade association has come up with a list of simple ideas that people can use to show their support for the campaign – and it’s particularly asking businesses and fish-keepers to write to their politicians to ask their position on exotic pet keeping. Example letters and other ideas can be found at the campaign website www.handsoffmyhobby.org

Local council and mayoral elections are taking place across England and OATA also wants businesses and fish-keepers to talk about exotic pet keeping to candidates and canvassers.

Elections are taking place for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Irish Assembly and some councils in England on Thursday May 5.
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