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 Pets at Home opened its first one-stop store in Dorking, Surrey, last Friday. Whiskers ‘n Paws by Pets at Home is said to be a new concept in convenience shopping and could be the first of many to be rolled out throughout the UK.
The store has a particular focus on the needs of cats and dogs, and contains a Groom Room, offering a wide range of services, including full grooming, bath and blow dry, puppy grooming and nail clipping.
Wayne Kemp, group development director at Pets at Home, said: “This store opening in Dorking is the first of our new concept stores to launch, providing a convenient way for pet owners to grab the essentials they need to care for their animals. “Whiskers 'n Paws by Pets at Home makes it easier for our customers to pick up the items they need on-the-go and means visits can be combined with other high street shopping.” Area manager, Nick Roberts, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open a brand new, store in this convenient high street location, making purchasing everyday pet supplies simpler than ever for Dorking pet owners. We look forward to meeting Dorking’s pets and their owners, who are all welcome to shop in our store!” Store manager, Dan Peacock, has been with Pets at Home for over 10 years and is also a nutrition consultant. Dan said: “It’s been a busy few months and now my team and I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.” Whiskers 'n Paws by Pets at Home will provide thousands of dedicated pet products, catering primarily for local cats and dogs, although essential items for pets including aquatics, reptiles, birds and small furry animals will also be available.
The store was opened by Councillor Margaret Cooksey, Chairman of Mole Valley District Council. The company, founded in 1991, has more than 400 sites across the UK.
Above: One of the first dogs to receive a groom at the newly opened store.
Below: The Leader of the Council tours the store's Groom Room.
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The future of many independent pet shops could be threatened if Pets at Home decide to launch convenience-style stores in high streets across the UK. That's the view of award-winning retailer of the year Ingleby Pet Supplies.
"Pets At Home already dominate the pet retail sector," said Dawn Worton, pictured above with husband Craig receiving the Independent Retailer of the Year award from actor Brian Blessed at the Pet Industry Awards.
"With Pets at Home stores situated in most out of town retail parks I feel there is no need for them to move on to the high street.
"For many small local independent pet retailers a new Pets at Home convenience type store opening on their high street could be the beginning of the end.
"I think it's a shame that Pets at Home have decided to move in this direction and hopefully pet owners will continue to support their local independent pet stores who rely on their custom to survive."
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Tina's Pet Pantry in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, will be closing its doors in January with the owner admitting "it's time to do something different"...
Tina Edgar took on the shop five years ago when the previous owner decided to move on.
She said: "I'd been here for about 20 years before I owned it, and I'll be so sad to see it go."
But before she closes up, Tina has a message for her beloved customers. "Thank you very much to everyone who's supported me," said the 54-year-old.
"I've met some lovely friends and good people over the years. It's going to be a gut-wrenching experience to let go of this place. But I'm looking to do something different."
Over the years, Tina said she has enjoyed having a natter and a laugh with customers. "Back when we used to keep birds, we had a cockatiel who would wolf-whistle.
"This guy came in, bent down to look at something and the bird wolf-whistled and he thought it was me. You can have such a good giggle."
Having been in the shop for more than two decades, there are plenty of wonderful memories Tina will take with her.
But her stand out moment surrounds Shepton Prison. She said: "The prisoners were allowed to have budgies and they used to ring up to ask what birds were in, how much they cost and asked if I'd deliver.
"I told them they'd have to send a prison officer to pick up the birds. Once they had them, they used to ring me up and tell me how the birds were getting on. I visited the prison recently and could see the cells where the birds had been, which made me smile."
The shop is expected to close in January, although an exact date is not yet known.
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Pets Corner has donated £6,000 to the charity the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund to help combat the unlicensed and unregulated selling of rabbits online.
Rabbits are one of the most neglected pets in the UK and the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund is working to improve the lives of domestic rabbits through education and communication.
The donation from Pets Corner has gone towards employing a part time member of staff to oversee the charity’s latest initiative ‘The Capone Campaign’, which aims to identify unlicensed pet traders and report them to local authorities, the HMRC and DEFRA for further investigation.
Rae Todd at the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund commented: “Unlicensed and unregulated online pet shops are illegal and present huge concerns for rabbit welfare. Rabbits being sold by these traders are often housed in poor conditions and will not be receiving the level of care and attention required to ensure they remain happy and healthy. Buyers will not be screened nor be given essential advice relating to the rabbit’s handling, diet or wellbeing, which means rabbits may end up in the wrong hands and face neglect. There is also the added problem of a ‘hidden economy’ amongst illegal traders - undeclared income and tax avoidance is rife.
“Our mission is to identify and monitor any rabbit traders we believe to be illegal so that we can report them to local authorities and the HMRC, and then compile a report to present to DEFRA so that that we can highlight which areas need further action to ensure rabbits are no longer suffering as a consequence of these illegal practices.”
Georgia McCormick has been appointed to take on the campaign. She joins the charity following six years working in the animal welfare sector.
She said: “In this modern age, the online selling of pets needs to be regulated in order to safeguard the welfare of animals - people need to understand that animals should not be exploited in order to just make a profit. I believe this campaign can make a real difference by making Local Authorities aware of the problems that unlicensed sellers cause as well as detecting poor welfare standards. By managing this campaign I aim to create an increased awareness to the problems that are going undetected on the internet and use those results to help achieve safer, healthier and happier lives for rabbits.”
Dean Richmond, Managing Director at Pets Corner, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund to help stamp out the illegal and unregulated trading of rabbits.
“At Pets Corner we take our responsibility for animal welfare very seriously and spend a great deal of time ensuring all of our staff are classroom trained so that they are able to offer the right information and advice for rabbit owners and rabbits can benefit from the care and attention they deserve.
“We are committed to supporting the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund so that the lives of rabbits across the UK can be greatly improved.”
Rae added: “We would urge anyone planning to buy a rabbit to avoid doing it online and visit a rescue centre instead.”
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Westland’s factory at Driffield in Yorkshire manufactures just over 40,000 tonnes of bird food for its brands Bucktons, Nature's Feast and Peckish every year, making it the largest producer with purpose built facilities in the UK.
The factory has also earned A-grade accreditation for its quality and traceability of ingredients, ensuring that products on garden centre shelves are top notch. Westland is rightly proud of the Driffield site and of its branded products, and is keen to share its vision for this lucrative sector of the market. Pet Trade Xtra was given a tour round the factory. What’s the difference between your three main brands – Peckish, Nature’s Feast and Bucktons?
Each brand has its own identify and targets a different consumer group. - Bucktons is a specialist brand, exclusive to the pet trade. It offers a range of products, including wild bird, aviary and feeding mixes for racing pigeons. Bucktons is the principle sponsor of many key events in the racing calendar, including the annual British Homing World Show of the Year.
- Nature’s Feast emphasises the natural message and is a more specialist brand for those feeding wild birds. It promotes the benefits to the environment of feeding the birds and, where possible, uses ingredients from farmers signed up to the Environmental Stewardship (ES) Scheme.
- Peckish targets newcomers to feeding wild birds. It’s positioned at the fun, innovative end and encourages consumers to have a go at feeding wild birds. Because of this, it’s available in all channels where there could be newcomers, including grocery, garden centres, pet shops and DIY outlets.
The Driffield factory has earned British Retail Consortium A-grade accreditation for its quality and traceability of ingredients, how hard is it to reach this standard?It took over 3 years’ preparation and the introduction of a dedicated Quality Assurance team to implement new standards and auditing procedures before we had our first BRC Audit in 2010. The annual BRC Audit itself covers 2 days and checks over 300 manufacturing criteria, including processes, hygiene and safety and full traceability of ingredients. Raw materials are sourced from over 50 countries with many crops checked when still in the field, as the company works closely with farmers and employs an agronomist to carry out this work. Raw material is checked again on delivery for purity and moisture content, and continues throughout the entire production line. We’ve just completed our 6th successive year achieving A Grade certification.
What does the accreditation actually mean to the consumer?
Consumers can be sure all our products are 100% as described on pack and are safe. We follow best practice in everything allowing traceability of raw materials through to finished product on the shelf. It means both consumers and retailers can purchase with absolute confidence that they have a safe and quality product.
All the ingredients used in your new products have immune-boosting properties. Does this help to set your products apart from other brands on the market?
Yes, we strive to add value to all these products by providing market leading innovation. We invest a significant amount of money into nutrition, employing our own in-house Nutritional Technologist, Lorron Bright. Our aim is for wild birds, aviary birds and pigeons to be happy and healthy for longer. These products are assessed by an external specialist vet (Matt Brash) to ensure they live up to their claims and offer the very best nutritional benefits. Our 3 immune boosting ingredients are: - Quorum Sensing Technology – a scientifically-recognised pellet unique to Bucktons which supports healthy immune systems, stimulates natural enzymes and prevents bacteria replicating.
- Spiralife – a unique blend of vitamins and antioxidants to enhance plumage and boost health in aviary birds. Again, unique to Bucktons.
- Calvita – a specially developed supplement that gives wild birds the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy bone, beak and feather growth and healthy egg production. Unique to Peckish.
Is it correct that your new fat ball manufacturing equipment means that you can produce all products in house and that you’re the only bird food manufacturer to do this?
We now have the machinery to produce all suet cakes, suet pellets and fat balls in-house. This machinery complements our already advanced cleaning, blending and packaging production facilities of seed blends. The new fat ball lines represents a million pound investment by us, and we now have the capacity to make over 200,000 fat balls a day. Westland is a company which has grown significantly since its launch 25 years ago. It has done this through continually investing in its infrastructure and innovation of its products. The new fat ball lines mean that we have complete control over the quality of ingredients used in our fat balls. We use high quality ingredients such as beef tallow and locally sourced wheat.
Britain has a strong tradition of being pigeon fanciers and keepers of aviary birds – is this tradition still as strong as it once was?
Yes, the tradition is still as strong as ever among fanciers. Pigeon fanciers talk about their racing passion being ‘in their blood.’ Bucktons remains a highly respected brand in racing pigeons and its strong ties within the community through sponsorship keeps it as prominent as ever in the marketplace. Although the aviary market is relatively small, those who keep aviary birds often have a long tradition of doing so. Many may have inherited a bird from a relative and keep the tradition alive.
Is the trend of attracting wild birds to our gardens as strong as ever?
Our own research shows as many as 50% of people in the UK feed the birds and this is increasing thanks to recent media coverage on the plight of some species. The UK is definitely a nation that wants to ‘do their bit’ for the nation’s birds. This represents a great opportunity for wild bird manufacturers and retailers to convert these people into product consumers.
 How has the new look for Bucktons plus the new products been received since the launch at PATS Telford in September? We’ve had really positive feedback so far this year. The innovation in categories which have had very little activity in recent years has added new interest and excitement to the fixture. Consumers understand the benefits of providing added value pet food and the benefits they bring and so we are excited to prove the same is the case for pigeons and aviary birds.
Justin Heaton has joined the company from a specialist in small pet products, does this mean that Westland will soon be extending its range to include small furries? Bucktons is looking at the bigger pet picture, and will at some point launch new food products across multiple pet categories. Its long-term mission is to build ‘a better kind of bird and pet food brand’.
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 Petface is expanding its popular Toyz range with the addition of the Rota Dental & Treat device.
This clever device has been specially designed to provide dogs with hours of chew time whilst providing their gums and teeth with a non-evasive environment that has the benefits of cleaning their teeth.
Made with two styles of rotas, one with soft pimples that gently remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, the other more durable finish holds the treats whilst having a positive effect on gums. Both surfaces are made from non-toxic rubber and nylon. By adding the treats to the Rota Treat device at a time to suit you, your companion will be encouraged to return to the device each day, ensuring they maintain their ‘dental routine’ as well as providing a positive and diet controlled play time. The initial starter pack contains the Rota dispenser and 20-sugar free bone shaped treats, additional refill packs contain 40 dental treats and will be available to purchase along side the dispenser.
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Revealed – UK’s pet slimmer of the year
 
A formerly bulging Bullmastiff – who used to enjoy a roast on Sundays and cornflakes for breakfast – has been crowned pet slimmer of the year after shedding nearly a third of her bodyweight in just six months..
A formerly bulging Bullmastiff – who used to enjoy a roast on Sundays and cornflakes for breakfast – has been crowned pet slimmer of the year after shedding nearly a third of her bodyweight in just six months.
Kayla (7), from Glasgow, has lost an incredible 2st 9lb (17kg) and beaten off competition from 14 other super slimmers to be crowned PDSA Pet Fit Club Champ 2015!
Each year, vet charity PDSA recruits the UK’s fattest pets to undertake a six-month diet and exercise competition. Supervised by the charity’s vets and nurses, Pet Fit Club helps them back into shape and creates awareness of the serious issue of pet obesity, which affects millions of household pets.
Overall, this year’s 15 Pet Fit Club finalists lost a total of 11st 7lb (73kg) – equivalent to Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor.
Back in June, Kayla from Glasgow weighed 9st 4lb (59.4kg) leaving her dangerously at risk from serious health problems and a shorter life span. But she wowed the PDSA judges with her amazing 2st 9lb (17kg) weight loss (28.5% of her total body weight) to be named the UK-wide winner.
Kayla’s owner Agnes Higgins, admits to being at fault for her beloved pooch’s once-bulging waistline. She used to cook enough for two portions at every meal – one for her and one for Kayla, with the portly pooch regularly enjoying Sunday roasts, pizza and even bowls of cereal for breakfast.
But all that changed with Pet Fit Club. Agnes says: “As soon as we enrolled in the competition the extra treats and leftovers stopped. It took her a while to stop begging and expecting food whenever I ate but she has adjusted and doesn’t grumble at all now.”
Prior to her weight loss Kayla would get breathless on short walks and rarely exercised. But the new slim-line Kayla is bursting with energy and can be regularly found playing ‘football’ with balloons in her garden (they get through two or three balloons a day!), she also loves running around her local field and playing with Agnes’ grandchildren.
“I’m thrilled Kayla has won Pet Fit Club, but for me the real achievement is her weight loss. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I didn’t realise before that I was slowly killing her with huge portions and unhealthy treats. Hopefully she will live a longer and happier life as a result of the changes that we’ve made.”
Kayla’s weight-loss has been supervised by PDSA vet Hannah McIvor, from Glasgow Shamrock Street PDSA Pet Hospital. She said: “Kayla has done unbelievably well on Pet Fit Club. Agnes has been so dedicated and worked incredibly hard to help her shift every one of her excess pounds. They have stuck to the diet and they’re now reaping the rewards for all of their hard work.
“Kayla looks amazing, is much happier and more energetic. I’m very proud of how far she’s come and I hope it encourages other owners to do the same for their four legged friends.”
PDSA Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones, who helped to judge the competition, added: “Kayla’s transformation on Pet Fit Club is amazing. Her success proves that it’s never too late to make positive changes to improve our pet’s health and wellbeing. All of this year’s Pet Fit Club slimmers are enjoying a better quality of life thanks to their weight loss. I encourage any owner who is concerned about their pet’s weight to speak to their vet, they will be able to help start them on the road to a happier, healthier life.”
Other top pet slimmers in the annual competition include:
Second place: Springer Spaniel, Poppy (3), from Liverpool has reached her ideal weight after losing 1st 2lb (7.3kg) - nearly a quarter of her bodyweight (23.7%).
Third place: Rolo (3) the Pug from Surrey weighed 2st 1lb (13.3kg) when adopted by his owner. She immediately put the ‘food motivated’ pooch on a diet and now, thanks to PDSA, he weighs a healthier 1st 10lb (10.8kg), having lost around a fifth of his bodyweight.
Top cat: Ruby (9), who has been known to steal ham and cheese sandwiches when her owner isn’t looking, weighed in at 1st 3lb (7.9kg) at the beginning of Pet Fit Club. Six months later she has lost nearly 18% of her total body weight, an incredible 3lb (1.4kg).
More information is available at www.petfitclub.org.uk
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Nutriment win through on a tight budget
Nutriment’s bonanza 2015 just got a little extra special when Suzanne Brock and her team followed up winning two Startup awards with a barnstorming NatWest Business Woman of the year gong...
Nutriment’s bonanza 2015 just got a little extra special when Suzanne Brock and her team followed up winning two Startup awards with a barnstorming NatWest Business Woman of the year gong.
The ‘Lean Business Start-up’ & Businesswoman tributes are two accolades that really resonate with single mum Suzanne, because it was only back in 2013 that she and her mother had no alternative but to remortgage their respective houses in order to get their ‘pet’ Nutriment project off the ground when her local bank lost its nerve at the 11th hour.
As hard as the bank’s heavy-handed actions were to stomach at the time, a reflective Suzanne remains adamant that their reticence was integral to Nutriment’s subsequent ssucces.
"I learned early on to be very careful about who I trusted, which has led to me being blessed with a close-knit team, whose never-say-die mindset and infectious energy have been at the very heart of Nutriment’s ongoing success," said Suzanne.
Nutriment is certainly no flash-in-the-pan operation with three successful range launches bedded down in 2015 and more ground-breaking initiatives ready to roll in 2016.
"Yes there have certainly been times when I craved a bigger war chest to participate in such a competitive UK pet food marketplace, but in truth, it’s made me more disciplined with regards to which projects I prioritize and which I put on the backburner for a little longer, she added.
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Johnson's Veterinary Products has come up with a unique way to promote its 4fleas range with the launch of a 'flea jumper'.
"This hand knitted jumper is a one-size-fits-all for all fleas," says Johnson's. "Available in Johnson's blue only, the jumper will keep pests warm this winter in hibernation.
"Alternatively, use the pet trade exclusive 4fleas range for all year round protection!"
For more information visit www.4fleas.co.uk
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The local community is being encouraged to nominate a very special canine for the chance to be crowned ‘Tunbridge Wells’ Most Deserving Dog’.
The award is being launched by McAdams Pet Foods, a new, ultra-premium dog food brand that is the first and only to be made using whole British free range chickens – never from stripped carcass, and is meat meal and grain free.
McAdams is seeking a dog that has gone above and beyond being man’s best friend and has done something amazing.
Perhaps the dog has saved its owner or helped them through a difficult time. Maybe it supports a child or has overcome a particular challenge. Whatever the reason, McAdams would like to hear about it.
Not only will the winning pooch be crowned ‘Tunbridge Wells’ Most Deserving Dog’, but they will also win a McAdams food hamper, doggie toys and a grooming session, courtesy of local dog parlour, Dolly Dogs Grooming Studio.
Neil McAdam, creator of McAdams Pet Foods, commented: “Dogs really are a man’s or woman’s best friend and some go out of their way to be outstanding pets. With the Most Deserving Dog Awards, we want to give a special dog the recognition it deserves. We are encouraging the local community of Tunbridge Wells to nominate an amazing dog they know to be crowned ‘Tunbridge Wells’ Most Deserving Dog’.
 Natalie Lucas, owner of Dolly Dogs Grooming Studio, adds: “The McAdams Most Deserving Dog Award is a great way to celebrate our pets in the local community and I’m very happy to be part of this by giving the winning dog a special pampering treat.”
To nominate a deserving dog, McAdams would like to know their name, breed, age and why they deserve to win. Nominations can be made by emailing mcadams@pmwcom.co.uk, via the McAdams Facebook page or by writing to McAdams Deserving Dog Tunbridge Wells, C/o Liz Crosley, PMW Communications, Stane Court, Stane Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9HP. The closing date for nominations is 31st December 2015.
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A manager at Pets Corner has raised more than £1,500 for the charity, Harrison’s Fund, after conquering his fear of heights.
Tim James, who works at the Beaconsfield Pets Corner store, bravely skydived 12,000 feet - but not before waiting an extra nail biting week to take on the challenge after his first and second attempts were cancelled due to inclement weather.
 Commenting on his plucky plunge, Tim said: “The additional wait was a bit nerve wracking but thankfully on my third attempt the weather was glorious. After my morning briefing with the instructors and donning a rather unflattering navy blue jumpsuit we were ready to go. I was one of the last to jump so I had three hours to sit and ponder what was about to come. My mum was really nervous!
“When it was finally my turn, I was the last to get on the plane before it took off, which meant I was the first person to have to jump out! Something I had overlooked as I was happily boarding! However, I held my nerve and it was honestly the most exhilarating, incredible and amazing experience of my life so far. I feel so proud that I was able to overcome my fear of heights and raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Harrison’s Fund helps fund research to cure Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children around the world.
Managing Director at Pets Corner, Dean Richmond, who donated 10p per foot towards Tim’s challenge, said: “Huge congratulations to Tim. This is an amazing accomplishment and a fabulous way to overcome his fears and raise money for charity. I’m really pleased that we could support him in his adventure and help him beat his fundraising target of £1,000.”
For more information about the charity, visit the website www.harrisonsfund.com
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Dogs and cats are being given the opportunity to experience a Christmas tradition normally reserved for children, thanks to the opening of a Santa's grotto for pets.
Pet lovers can take their animals to Garden King garden centre, in Park Road, Newhall, for the festive grotto where they will have the chance to have a photo with Father Christmas and receive a gift.
The garden centre is following in the footsteps of a similar successful event held last year at its sister centre Planters, in Tamworth.
Darren Sanders, manager at Garden King, said the centre had decided to host the unusual event to make sure pets were able to take part in Christmas too.
He said: "For the first year, we are inviting our customers to come in and bring their pets. We know that for many of our customers their pets are their lives and a lot of them do not have any children. This gives them the chance to bring their pets in to see Santa like a child would.
"There is nothing else pet-specific around anywhere else. For one day, the owners get to make sure their pets are really pampered."
This is the first year that the garden centre has hosted an event like this but all the sessions sold out at the one-day event at Planters, in Tamworth, last year, so Garden King decided to offer the service to its animal-loving customers too.
Mr Sanders added: "The pet will go into the grotto where they will meet Santa and pose for a photo with him. Santa will then give them a treat and a toy to take home with them, while mum and dad get a nice photo of Santa and their pet.
"However, sessions are filling up fast so anyone who would like to come along should book as soon as they can."
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As part of its plans for continued growth, Dog Rocks is looking to appoint a Head of Sales in the UK. It is a new role within the company.
"We are looking for a Head of Sales now and will assign them largely existing UK accounts," said Dog Rocks CEO Carina Evans. "If all goes to plan we will be looking for territory heads – i.e. HOS USA and HOS UK and HOS Europe, probably in March 2016.
"Our leading product Dog Rocks has generated a good deal of sales but more importantly its our relationship with buyers that we really value. We exist to aid the pet parenting journey, to bring to market innovative, unique and where possible natural products that help to fulfil the joy and responsibility that owning a pet brings. If we can do more work with existing accounts then we are onto a good thing.
'As we have grown we are nowadays asked for and presented with a number of products that fit our bill, (a recent example is the Torus Watering System). That said, however, we must as a first stage, capitiise on the products that are already in our stable and the accounts we already service. We want to pay back their faith in us by generating more income all round."
The successful candidate will concentrate on existing accounts and will farm relationships the company has already. They will also be expected to gather new business.
"As we bring new products to market we value excellent customer care with frictionless delivery and we have a really empowered and engaged team," added Carina. "This feeds through to our customers and we want to engage further with that customer so that we can play an important part of the pet service and product industry.
"We are proud of where we are but know we can improve and the various roles advertised on our website are all part of that journey.
"The values we hold dear should be demonstrated by the new Head of Sales. To name a few, we value honesty, integrity, creativity, energy, flexibility, problem solving and the desire to improve. These values are core to our business and the service we provide and so need to be core to any new member of our team."
Full details of the Head of Sales position and how to apply are advertised in this week's Pet Trade Xtra. Click here to read the advertisement.
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A Co Tyrone pet food company has landed a major £1.5m deal to supply its products to a Dutch supermarket giant.
Dungannon's Mackle Petfoods has signed a deal to supply its Naturo petfood to Albert Heijn.
The company, which has received support from Invest NI, makes a range of products for both dogs and cats.
Managing director John Mackle said: "We quickly realised through intensive market research, storechecks and market visits that there was nothing quite like Naturo on the Dutch supermarket shelves.
"In a pet-loving country like the Netherlands, with 4.5 million cats and dogs, we saw an opportunity for Naturo, especially as the Dutch prefer quality natural products.
"We also did our homework before entering the Dutch market and realised that there were some differences between the Netherlands and our domestic market.
"This helped us to ensure our product offering was exactly what the market wanted and included determining that we needed to launch the product in full colour Dutch language sleeves."
Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell said the company's success was a "good example for other Northern Ireland businesses considering exporting as it highlights the significant opportunities in overseas markets with the right determination and ambition".
"Mackle Petfoods' Naturo range was launched in the UK and Ireland in 2013 and the deal being announced here will now see the product on the shelves of 200 Albert Heijn stores in the Netherlands," he added.
"One of my core priorities is to help local businesses grow and develop through export success and innovation.
"Local companies are continuing to broaden their horizons and explore new horizons."
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CSJ’s film makers captured the atmosphere at the 2015 European Canicross Federation Championships and two videos totalling 32 minutes are now on CSJ’s website www.csjk9.com
With competitors from 13 EU countries and 260 runs on each of the two days there is tons of action and thrills and the film makers also include interviews with muddy athletes and information about Canicross, Bike-Jor and Scootering.
The event was held at Bowland Trails, Perthshire on 10th and 11th October on behalf of the British Sleddog Sports Federation.
Owners of Bowland Trails John and Mary Carter said they have been seriously preparing for the spectacular competition since May and are grateful to everyone including the major financial and dog food product sponsor CSJ for helping to make it happen and run so smoothly.
Tune in for day one at http://www.csjk9.com/news/day-1-of-2015-european-canicro_p1473.html and for day two at http://www.csjk9.com/news/day-2-of-2015-european-canicro_p1474.html
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Job Title: Head of Sales
Job Category: Experienced
Job Code: DR/Nov15
Location: Hurley, near Maidenhead
Travel: As required
Level/Salary Range: £40,000 + OTE (up to £60,000)
Position Type: Full-time
Will Train Applicant(s): Yes
Posting Expires: When filled
Applications Accepted By:
E-mail but tentative enquiries and questions welcome by telephone: 01628822243
Subject Line: Head of Sales
Attention: Carina Evans
E-mail: talent@dogrocks.co.uk
The Business
We exist to aid the responsibility & fulfil the joy that pets bring to pet parents by bringing to market unique, innovative & where possible natural products, solutions & services. Our values underpin our motivation and our empowered & engaged team provide excellent customer care and frictionless service as we manufacture market, distribute & sell pet products worldwide.
Role and Objectives:
Head of Sales working alongside the managing director with the responsibility to grow revenue from a designated set of key accounts and developing new business opportunities.
Delegated Authority:- Management of dedicated accounts with account development proposals & guidelines
Scope: - Management of assigned key accounts
- Development of business within assigned accounts, the general customer base and through identified and agreed opportunities
The role is office based and required travel to customer premises and trade fairs
Key Responsibilities: General: - Preparing sales budgets and forecasts
- Identifying gap closing actions
- Identifying business opportunities
- Management of designated key accounts and development of account development plans
- Preparation of promotional campaigns
- Liaising with marketing to ensure that sales and customer collateral are available in a timely manner (copy, photographs, images etc.)
- Prepare, produce and implement sales strategies, promotions & rep incentive plans
- Attend trade shows in the UK, USA & Canada
- Liaising with sales administration and logistics to ensure timely and accurate delivery of customer orders
- Resolving customer issues, problems or concerns
- Ensuring that cash is received within payment terms
- Work with Marketing & PR Manager to manage, maintain and improve the sales routes to market, using them to increase brand awareness across our territories and monitor any competitor activity – always being understanding of and one step ahead of competition.
Budgeting & Reviews:- Work with the MD to coordinate budget preparations
- Provide management information (pipeline metrics, KPIs etc.) for review & analysis
- Appraise monthly the performance of within account base & a revised forecast
- Reporting weekly metrics and KPIs.
Administration - Monitoring invoicing and accounts receivable
- Recording of travel and expenses
- Maintaining accurate customer records.
Metrics: - Delivery of revenue growth and targeted GP
- Timely preparation of budgets and forecasts
- Communication of customer requirements and expectations
- Development and timely reporting of key performance indicators and pipeline activity e.g. Customer based net promoter score.
Personal Attributes: A leader through influence with specialism expertise required to support the company’s ambitious growth targets: - Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
- Strong business and commercial acumen.
- Proven sales experience and analytic capabilities
- Strong negotiation skills
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to deliver against tight deadlines
- Competent in MS Office software packages incl. excel and PowerPoint.
Company Values: Able to demonstrate a good fit with the company values - Honesty, integrity and respect
- Creativity
- Speed of thought
- Sparky and energetic
- Flexibility
- Problem solving / solution finding
- Always learning & remaining aware of & 1 step ahead of the competition
- Strong work ethic – work hard / play hard.
Skills Qualifications Required:The successful candidate will: - Be technically savvy with strong experience in the Microsoft Office software packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook as a basic requirement with experience in other software packages such as Sales Force, Infusionsoft, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign as a bonus.
- Good written & spoken communication skills in the English language
- Have a full UK driving license.
- Have a passport & be able & willing to travel internationally
- Have experience of Sales
- A good understanding of a second language would be an advantage.
Working relationshipReports to: MD Works with: - MD, H.O Marketing and Marketing assistant, Sales & Administration assistant
- Assigned customers.
Manager of: No direct reports.
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Pets at Home opened its first 'one-stop store' on Dorking high street in Surrey last Friday. Whiskers ‘n Paws by Pets at Home is said to be a new concept in convenience shopping and could be the first of many to be rolled out throughout the UK...
