A pet shop in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has ceased trading, with lack of business in the local area being blamed for the closure.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, five people lost their jobs after the Pet Warehouse shut its doors to the public on Christmas Eve.

The newspaper reported that owners Mark and Julie Bleasdale, whose family has been in the pet trade for over 100 years, have been forced to close the Oswaldtwistle store because of a lack of business in the area.

Manager Michelle Turner, 38, who worked at the store for more than 13 years, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I feel so sad. My time here has been amazing. We have so many wonderful customers who have brought all their pets in and I will miss them all.

“Sadly I think we are closing down because of a lack of business. I think people are shopping elsewhere and going online because they find it easier to do.”

Local councillor Glen Harrison said: “It’s another body blow for Oswaldtwistle. It’s a crying shame because we want our town to flourish but unfortunately if people do not do their shopping locally it damages the local economy. If you do not support local traders this is the horrible reality.”

And customer June Smith wrote on Facebook: Such a shame this is closing down, the staff were great always friendly and helpful and if what you wanted was not in the shop they would always order it in for you. Hope you all find jobs and enjoy them as much as you have at pet warehouse...good luck to all staff.”

Click here to read the full Lancashire Telegraph story.

It has been an amazing and eventful year for the UK pet industry with companies being bought and sold, as well as scores of exciting and innovative new products being launched. What better way to look back on 2017 than through the best-read stories of the year?

1. ‘Dragons’ Den’ firm to launch premium dog food range - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 48 2017
2. Vital Pet Products sold by the Steuart family for £12.8m - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 9 2017
3. Britain’s most dog-friendly pub revealed - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 46 2017
4. Pets at Home opens up store inside Tesco Extra - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 46 2017
5. Wynnstay to appoint administrators for Just for Pets - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 37 2017
6. Frozzys takes fresh approach to consumer shows - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 40 2017
7. Just for Pets back in business following acquisition by Pedigree Wholesale  - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 42 2017
8. PATS Sandown 2017 New Product Awards revealed - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 12 2017
9. PetQuip Awards 2017 finalists revealed - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 31 2017
10. Dog toy set to take the market by storm in 2018 - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 40 2017
11. Award-winning pet store stages successful charity event - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 15 2017
12. New pet store offers unique shopping experience - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 23 2017
13. Underperforming' Just for Pets set for change - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 21 2017
14. How pet shop owner overcame disability to win Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 46 2017
15. Pets at Home store to close at the end of the week - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 35 2017
16. Natures Menu celebrates successful launch of True Instinct  - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 41 2017
17. UK firm launches £150,000 luxury dog house - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 23 2017
18. Benyfit Natural set to launch new Mini recipes - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 11 2017
19. Forthglade backer invests £5m in Barking Heads - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 10 2017
20. Mars Petcare UK plans to axe scores of jobs - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 20 2017

Independent Vetcare, the UK’s largest veterinary group, is to release guidelines for its 500 practices giving them advice on how to educate clients and protect themselves from the illegal puppy trade.

The group’s Clinical Board set up a working party in 2017 to study the pitfalls that vets and their clients can fall into when they (often unwittingly) deal with illegal puppy breeders.

Clinical Board Chairmain Alistair Cliff explains: “Within the group we are lucky to have an expert on the puppy trade industry, David Martin MRCVS. He presented to the board the lengths to which puppy traders go to hoodwink clients and vets alike and we were all quite shocked by his research.

"With nearly a third of puppies in the UK being imported illegally we realised just how complex this situation has become. Both the public and the profession need to be aware of what is happening in order to make informed decisions and avoid risking themselves partaking in illegal activity.

"The way puppies are smuggled into this country and the conditions they endure before being presented as ‘family raised’ pets by bogus sellers in fake homes is disgusting.

"We have to reappraise the advice we have traditionally given clients because these criminals have developed work-arounds for all of it. 

"But it’s not only buyers that are being duped, many vets are often legitamising the criminals by vaccinating and microchipping puppies without challenging how they have been raised.

"As the UK’s largest group, with a reputation for excellence in clinical care, we thought it was incumbent upon us to act and give our colleagues guidelines on the issue.”

The guidelines have been warmly welcomed by vets in the group. Edward Davies MRCVS, one of the members of the working party, explains why.

“There is a genuine desire for this help and advice in what can be a lonely and uncertain profession. Initiatives like this are the reasons I joined IVC. When I ran CheshirePet as a standalone practice I could never have had access to this research and it’s great to our colleagues to feel supported in this way.”

Independent Vetcare are also developing a ‘How to choose a Puppy” booklet which will be released under the branding of their accredited My Family Vets network.

CEO David Hillier feels that this is an important point of differentiation for the group. “Recent consumer trends have led us all wanting to know more and more about the welfare and sourcing of animals and that obviously includes pets. I think our clients will appreciate the stance we are taking and the advice we are offering.”

Independent Vetcare was founded in 2011.

Pet companies have been congratulating PATS, the UK’s number one pet trade exhibition which will be staging its 10^th Sandown show in March. 

Those firms who exhibited at the first PATS Sandown in 2009 agree that over the years the show has proved to be a great platform for launching new products and services.

And that’s one of the main reasons why they have appeared in every exhibition since and will again be exhibiting at PATS Sandown in Surrey on March 20-21.

The 10^th PATS Sandown will see more than 140 brands and companies showcasing their new products to a growing number of buyers, including pet retailers, garden centres and international businesses.

Inspired Pet Nutrition were the first company to book a stand with PATS in 2009 under the Wagg brand and they will be present at Sandown in 2018.

Trade Sales Director Ben Anderson said: ‘We have been at PATS since the start and have enjoyed every show. We had total confidence in the organisers from the beginning which is why we were the first exhibitor to sign up.

“The PATS team are experienced, knowledgeable, approachable and go out of their way to ensure the show is a success each and every year. 

“At IPN we believe in the concept of a trade show – how else can you fully display your entire range of products to your customers under one roof?  As our brands and ranges expand, we will continue to utilise the PATS event to showcase these to our customer base. 

“We’re looking forward to another successful 10 years and thanks to all the team at PATS for their hard work in organising such a well run trade show.”

Other companies to have attended every PATS Sandown since the start include: Antos, Barking Heads, Beaphar, Bern Pet Foods, Burns, Collarways, Earthbound, Fish 4 Dogs, Fold Hill Foods, Gor Pets, Hemmo, Hertford Shelving, Hills, Intelligent Retail, James Wellbeloved, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, Kennelpak, pbwnews, Pedigree Wholesale, Pet Gazette, Petlife, PetSafe, Pooch & Mutt, Royal Canin, The Bramton Company and Vitalin.

Many of these exhibitors were quick to congratulate the exhibition and reveal ways in which it has helped their business.

“Pedigree Wholesale are proud to have supported the PATS team from the outset. The show is an excellent platform for showcasing new products and brands, as well as meeting both existing and new customers from the specialist independent pet trade. The quality of visitors is excellent and we are always delighted with the high number of worthwhile enquiries we get at each show.” Ann Hodson, Pedigree Wholesale.

"Collarways have exhibited with PATS since the beginning, using both Sandown and Telford to launch new ranges to the market in the best way possible. The exhibitions are a fantastic way to get instant feedback from the most important people to us – our customers. Winning a New Product Award on numerous occasions has also paid huge dividends. We love the atmosphere at the shows and look forward to catching up with customers, peers and even our competition. PATS is one of the highlights of the year." Katie Goldsmith, Collarways.

“PATS has always been an integral part of our yearly exhibition calendar at Petlife. Both shows offer us as a company the best possible platform to launch new products to the wider trade – much of which we sometimes wouldn’t have access to – whilst also giving us the perfect opportunity to showcase our existing range of products. With such a diverse visitor demographic to both venues, PATS has enabled us to sign up countless new customers over the years – including multinationals, UK based chains, independent retailers and many more. We will definitely continue to exhibit at both PATS Shows for many years to come.” James Hancock, Sales & Marketing Director, Petlife.

“Antos have been exhibiting at PATS since it began. It is an integral part of our marketing and growth plans for the year. It is the best opportunity for us to meet as many of our customers and potential new customers face to face in one place over two days. The shows have grown and improved year on year and the growth in international visitors has been considerable over the past few years. The quality of customer is also good at both shows. The organisers are proactive and keen to improve PATS each year."

Antoon Murphy, Managing Director, Antos.

"I can't believe that it has been almost a decade since Pooch & Mutt first exhibited at the first ever PATS show. The industry has changed a lot in that time, and I would like to think that both PATS and Pooch & Mutt have driven a lot of that change, from very different angles. PATS has definitely played its part in Pooch & Mutt's continued success." Guy Blaskey, Founder, Pooch & Mutt.

“Bern Pet Foods have found PATS to be a great platform for our range of products. It also allows us to connect with our trade customers and build relationships with potential stockists. PATS supports us in promoting our brands’ mission and vision of providing Biologically Appropriate foods for all dogs and cats.” Jackie Osman, Bern Pet Foods.

“Hertford Shelving tried PATS as a ‘one-off’ and had such a successful show that we just kept going. Each year I have picked up many leads that have resulted in sales of my shelving products and accessories, plus complete ‘fit-outs’ of pet shops, animal feed outlets and garden centres. Working with Impact Exhibitions has been fun and easy as they are such a great team and are always available to help.” Steve Lodge, Hertford Shelving.

“PATS has been at the forefront of pet specialty for the past decade and has been a fantastic forum for Fold Hill Foods to launch new products to the trade. Sandown and Telford are the two key shows where we focus on bringing new launches to the market. They give us a great opportunity to speak to our existing customers and to sign up new ones to our family of brands of Laughing Dog, Chewdles and Pointer. We look forward to the next decade of success.” Ben Mankertz, Commercial Manager, Fold Hill Foods Ltd.

“PATS has been a crucial part of PetSafe’s marketing calendar for the past few years and has no doubt contributed to our UK growth. The shows have been great forums to test concepts, launch new products and sign-up new customers, as well as deepen our relationships with existing contacts. We’re really looking forward to PATS Sandown 2018 and can’t wait to show the trade the new products that will be coming to market this year.” Rob Steele, International Marketing Manager PetSafe Brand.

A full list of exhibitors can be found on the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk where buyers can also register for free entry to the exhibition.

A grieving pet owner has warned dog walkers to be vigilant after his golden retriever died within minutes of eating a dead fish washed up on a beach.

Mike Hamilton said his dog Hattie became unwell after a trip to Cley next the Sea, Norfolk, on 31 December.

Hattie along with Mr Hamilton's spaniel Bramble, who is now seriously ill, had been scavenging along the tide line.

The RNLI warned owners to be vigilant, while the Environment Agency said it hoped to take samples from the fish.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said many fish had been washed up along the north Norfolk beach in recent storms.

Mr Hamilton, of Quidenham, Norfolk, said Hattie would have a post-mortem examination on Wednesday.

"What we found so distressing was the speed we lost Hattie - that was really shocking," he said.

The Environment Agency said a number of fish, starfish and marine life had been washed up at the beach following a spate of storms

Cocker spaniel Bramble has received antibiotics and rehydration treatment after she also became ill hours after Hattie's death.

Hattie and Bramble had been picking up and eating bits of washed-up fish and starfish, while his other three dogs played in the sea.

On the walk back to the car, the four-year-old retriever started vomiting, which Mr Hamilton and his partner Julie Thomas initially blamed on her swallowing seawater.

But just an hour later, he found Hattie dead in the back of the car after driving home.

"We are not trying to spread panic, we are just saying be mindful, be vigilant," said Mr Hamilton.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust advised dog walkers to keep pets under "close supervision".

It warned dogs should not "eat anything washed up on the shore, as some dead animals can be toxic".

The PetQuip export association has been successful in the Government’s latest Tradeshow Access Programme bidding round in securing cash grants for three major international pet product trade exhibitions in 2018-19. 

The funding is available to eligible SMEs under the DIT’s Tradeshow Access Programme and will enable British companies to exhibit their products at international exhibitions in a cost-effective way, while also benefiting from the wide range of practical research, logistical and promotional support offered by the Association.

In addition to Global Pet Expo in Florida and Interzoo in Nuremberg, where PetQuip has extensive experience of organising exhibitor groups, the Association has secured funding for the CIPS International Pet Show in Guangzhou, China, a key pet and aquarium products show in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The association had already secured funding for this year’s Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida (22-24 March 2018).  Funding of £2,000 is available to eligible SMEs.  PetQuip has now secured cash grants for exhibitors at next year’s edition from 20-22 March 2019.

In 2017 the show attracted 6,761 qualified pet product buyers covering the vast majority of the pet specialist chains and independents, mail order companies and online retailers, distributors and wholesalers from the US and Canada. 

Attendance also included an impressive number of international retailers, importers and distributors from around the world. The show has a reputation for attracting a high number of bona fide buyers, and the British group at last year’s event reaped the benefits and reported on securing business with the US, Canada, South America, Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The PetQuip team on the British information stand also held meaningful discussions with over 60 buyers from 20 countries.

The next international trade exhibition with funding on the exhibition calendar is Interzoo in Nuremberg, Germany (8-11 May 2018), where PetQuip has been organising the British group since 2006. Held every two years, Interzoo’s attendance has grown with every event and the 2016 edition attracting 39,075 visitors from 117 countries. 

The 62-strong British group in 2016 consisted of regular exhibitors and many companies that were making their debut at the show.  The results for these companies in terms of orders, solid business enquiries and the appointments of overseas distributors were outstanding. 

For any company wishing to enter export markets or expand their existing export portfolio, Interzoo is a show not to be missed. Remaining space is extremely limited so interested suppliers should contact PetQuip as a matter of urgency.

CIPS International Pet Show, Guangzhou, China (27-30 September 2018) is an exciting addition to PetQuip’s international exhibition programme for 2018, and follows an exploratory visit made by PetQuip in 2016 and the inaugural exhibiting group at the Shanghai edition of the show in 2017.  The CIPS show has grown rapidly in recent years and has become a gateway to enter the fast growing Chinese and Asian markets. 

Following 22 years of development, CIPS is a leading pet and aquarium supplies show in the Asia-Pacific region. CIPS 2018 is expected to have 1500 exhibitors representing pet product and aquarium manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world.   China’s population of 1.35 billion includes a growing middle class that choose to spend money on their pets, so the market for pet products has scope for considerable expansion.  Euromonitor estimates that the market will reach US$2.6 billion by 2019.

Commenting on the programme of export initiatives planned for 2018-19, Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip said: “I am delighted that all of the bids made by the Association in support of the UK pet product industry have been successful, including the inclusion of CIPS Guangzhou in China to help open up a whole new shop window for British suppliers. 

"The cash grants available to eligible British suppliers will help pave the way for further expansion of exports to markets around the world.  In addition to major international exhibition involvement, the Association’s schedule will encompass several of our highly successful ‘Meet the International Buyers’ events, export support at both PATS and Glee and a comprehensive range of other export services that are available on a day-to-day basis to our member companies. Our export support programme will help deliver exciting opportunities for British exporters of pet products and services.” 

Full details on these initiatives and how to apply will issued during the year but in the meantime interested companies should contact PetQuip to register their initial interest and to obtain full information on the comprehensive range of export advice, market research, sales leads and practical advice available to member companies.

A Jack Russell was saved from a sticky situation by PDSA vets after munching on a glossy leaflet that glued his teeth together.

Oscar, 10, had to be rushed to the charity’s Blackpool Pet Hospital for emergency treatment after he was unable to open his mouth.

The beloved pet was given a general anaesthetic so that PDSA vets could remove the “papier mâché-like” substance, which had glued his jaws shut.

PDSA Vet Rachel Smith said: “Oscar was brought into us in an extremely distressed state. Chewing the leaflet had turned into a sticky wallpaper-like substance inside his mouth, which had glued his teeth together.

“Once he was anaesthetised, we used our dentistry equipment to remove it from his mouth.

“Thankfully he made a good recovery and he was able to go home the same day.”

The health scare comes as new PDSA research reveals one-in-ten pet owners face an emergency trip to the vets over the Christmas period*

Owner Pat Finnerty, 55, of Marton Moss, said she had gone shopping with her daughter, and returned home around an hour later to find Oscar in an extremely anxious state.

She said: “I brought him back a treat and he wanted to eat it, but he couldn’t open his mouth and there was all this saliva everywhere.

“When I looked closer at his mouth, I could see that he couldn’t open his jaw but I didn’t know what it was. I then noticed a chewed up leaflet that must have been posted through the letterbox and realised what had happened.”

They contacted PDSA and were advised to bring Oscar straight to the Pet Hospital in Hawes Side Lane.

Pat said she was hugely grateful to PDSA for the treatment Oscar received and now takes extra precautions to prevent him going for the mail again:

“He hasn’t learned his lesson and, given the chance, he still tries to get the post. I now take extra care to shut the door between the lounge and the front door when I go out. Oscar means the world to us, so I don’t want him getting into trouble again!”

PDSA vets advise taking steps to ensure pets can’t get at any mail such as keeping hallway doors shut or using a letter cage on the inside of the front door. Letters and leaflets dropping through the door can be particularly enticing for dogs as they often like to explore new items with their mouths. Of particular concern at this time of year would be any packages containing chocolate or other potentially dangerous foods.

Every December, pet wellbeing charity PDSA cares for 50,000 pets in need. Demand for its vital services never stops. Animal lovers can help PDSA’s #SaveAStar campaign at www.pdsa.org.uk/star or by texting STAR to 70020 to give a one-off donation of £5 (you’ll also be charged one standard rate message*).

Inspired Pet Nutrition held a Christmas Jumper Day just before the festive break to raise money for Macmillan.

The day was a great success with many showcasing their most festive Christmas jumpers and donating money to Macmillan’s great cause.

On the day there was also a raffle held with all proceeds going to Jerry Dog Sanctuary.

IAMS has launched a Pet Pledge initiative encouraging owners to give their pets a happy and healthy lifestyle.

The company says with a shocking 49% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK now considered overweight or obese by vets, it’s time for pet lovers to take action with the IAMS Pet Pledge.

Whether it’s a promise to improve their nutrition, more weekend walkies or those purrfect snuggles, IAMS is encouraging owners to make a pledge this new year for happier and healthier family pets all over the country.

The IAMS Pet Pledge launches as new research reveals that despite that fact that almost three quarters (72%) of us understand the negative health impacts of sharing our meals, most owners (70%) will still ‘treat’ their pet with human food. And almost a quarter (24%) of pet lovers are guilty of giving their pet daily human titbits as they believe that they enjoy the taste, despite what impact it may have on their health.

With one in ten (11%) believing that their pets prefer human treats, and a further 15% giving into their furry friend’s yearning look, it poses the question – do we believe the way to our pets’ hearts is through sharing our food?

Over half of those surveyed claimed the perfect feeding routine is two healthy and balanced meals but with treats in between. And the typical UK dog or cat will enjoy breakfast at 7.43am with dinner being served 10 hours and 45 minutes later, at precisely 6.28pm. Plenty of time in-between meals for those unnecessary treats.

Cat lovers are more concerned about how their feline friend feels about the dish they are serving, expressing concerns about liking the taste, seeking variety and even believing that our food is better for them. Whereas, those with pet pooches literally serve up a dog’s dinner, with a whopping 44% admiting they feed the family dog leftovers!

Other ‘treats’ given to pets include naan bread, muffins and cereal. Rather shockingly, 14% of pet owners will share foods they know could upset their pet’s health, with one in five admitting their cat or dog has suffered from vomitting or diarrhoea as a direct result of eating human food that they have given them. 

It’s not just diet that needs a new year overhaul for our pets, many are lacking in regular, quality exercise with 30% exercising their dog for less than 30 minutes each day. For those who do walk their dogs daily, the average dog walk for most medium sized breeds takes just over one hour (one hour and four minutes to be exact).

When it comes to cats, they enjoy 34 minutes of play each day, often playing on their own and chasing things such as string or toys. Perhaps this could be a reason why only one in ten (10%) cat owners believe exercise is a key factor in maintaining overall health (vs. 41% of dog owners).

The research also asked pet owners when their pet was at their happiest, and for dogs it was when going for a walk and for cats it was sleeping in the same bed as their owners – proving that human interaction is more important to our pet’s happiness than human food!

According to IAMS Nutrition Expert and Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli, the secret to your pet’s wellness is all about understanding what your pet needs to be happy and healthy:

“As a pet parent myself, I completely understand how hard it is to say no when faced with puppy-dog eyes, or a little meow begging for a taste of something you are eating. Although some human foods are not harmful, such as boneless chicken or white boneless fish, some human foods can be dangerous. Feeding titbits often leads to obesity, which in turn increases the risk of heart problems, diabetes and joint issues.

As the survey shows, we feed our pets treats because  we believe they enjoy the taste and it makes them happy. To ensure your pet is truly happy, we have to make sure they’re healthy. That’s why we’re launching the IAMS Pet Pledge; asking people to make a promise to their pet that we hope will become a lifelong commitment to their health through nutrition, activity,play and of course, plenty of cuddle time.”

More details http://www.iams.co.uk/iams-pet-pledge

The owner of UK brand Billy + Margot has been sold to an Asian consortium for one billion Australian dollars in a deal which will see the ‘Dragons’ Den’ company launch a range of premium dog food products.

Real Pet Food Company has ambitious plans to become one of the world's top five pet food companies from its current position of No.15 after the sale was announced.

The company has been acquired by a consortium comprising Chinese agribusiness company New Hope Group, Beijing private equity firm Hosen Capital and the Singapore Government-backed investment vehicle Temasek.

The firm, previously known as VIP Pet Foods until a name change in August 2015, operates from seven plants in Australia and two in New Zealand and it has made multiple acquisitions in the past two years including Billy + Margot. 

The Billy + Margot brand is being redeveloped and will be used as a main weapon in the company’s US and UK expansion plans.

The founder of Billy + Margot, Marie Jones (pictured with Margot above), said: “From its humble beginnings in 2012, Billy + Margot has had an extraordinary journey from BBC Dragons’ Den in the UK to the Australian acquisition in 2016.

“This latest announcement is another exciting development which will see Billy + Margot launch a range of super premium dog food products covering four key areas of pet food nutrition – dry, wet, chilled and raw. What started as a one product, UK based company, is now becoming a global brand, which is very exciting.”

The New Billy + Margot Brand will be showcased at Interzoo 2018, along with two other brands – Ivory Coat and Farmers Market – that Real Pet Food Company will be launching in to Europe next year.

Real Pet Food CEO David Grant said high-spending ‘millennials’ in North America and China, who are becoming cat and dog owners, were behind strong growth rates.

Real Pet Food Company generated revenue growth in ‘double digits’ and is on course to deliver sales of A$500 million in 2017-18.

VIP Pet Foods was originally established in 1994 by the Quinn family, and Quadrant bought the business in mid-2015 for $410 million. The overall business now employs 900 staff and produces 200,000 tonnes of pet food annually.

A five-year plan had been put in place to expand the operations. New Hope Group's Australasian chief executive Nick Dowling said: "The future of this business is in the northern hemisphere", adding that the Chinese consortium had extensive knowledge of the Chinese market, where a large proportion of pet food sales occurred online.”

The Subura Group (‘SG’) completed the acquisition of Vital Pet Products (‘VPP’) from the Steuart family for the sum of £12.8m, at 2pm yesterday. The global pet market is experiencing strong growth and the acquisition is expected to deliver efficiency throughout the supply chain, benefiting both retailers and suppliers.

Employing 280 staff, Vital Pet Products is one of the industry’s leading pet supply businesses in the UK, with over 2,800 customers in the UK and across Europe. VPP has warehouses in Exeter, Bolton, Glasgow, Salisbury and Bristol and the company specialises in distributing 28,000 products to the pet specialist retail sector.

The Subura Group brings together some of the industry’s leading experts who already currently operate in the wholesale market. The acquisition allows customers to benefit from new and exciting opportunities driven by a management team with broad ranging experience within the sector and a proven track record of success for growth.

A spokesperson for SG commented: “This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to the pet sector in the UK and further afield. We’re incredibly excited to have the opportunity to service new markets as well as customers that Vital has served for so many years. We aim to bring clients and suppliers a more robust distribution business able to support the changes in demand driven by a competitive marketplace.”

SG has been formed to facilitate the purchase of VPP with investments driven by its shareholders. Over the coming weeks, the management team will be meeting customers and suppliers to discuss how they can work effectively together and drive growth within the channel,

Irwin Mitchell and RSM Tenon advised on the acquisition.

The Fox and Hounds Theale has earned the title of Dog-friendly Pub Award 2017, in a nationwide competition organised by leading online dog-sitting platform, DogBuddy.com.

Now in their second year, the awards recognise the deserving pubs across the UK that truly embrace ‘paw power’ and welcome not just two, but four legged customers too.

Encouraging hound-lovers and pup parents up and down the UK to show some well-deserved appreciation of existing dog-friendly establishments, the Dog-friendly Pub Awards also promote dog-friendly values across all pubs nationwide, inspiring UK dog owners to discover and visit their local pubs. 

The winner was selected by the RSPCA, Snuffle Dog Beer, The Morning Advertiser, Your Dog Magazine and founder and CEO of DogBuddy, Richard Setterwall.

Jayne Tilsley, The Fox and Hounds Theale’s general manager, is delighted with the results.

“Dogs are not pets, they are family, and to us this means that they should join you everywhere, be it just for a drink or dinner too,” said Jayne.

“We have one regular guest, Cookie, who is a rescue dog. When Cookie first joined us he was very nervous and would bark when we were anywhere in the vicinity of him. Now, just two years on, he even lets us stroke him. Our neighbour’s dog, Lord Dobbington of Sunnyside, regularly brings himself to the pub for a solo visit.”

The Fox and Hounds Theale beat 11 other regional finalists – voted for by dog lovers across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales - in this year’s nation-wide Dog-friendly Pub Awards.

The full list of regional winners for the awards is as follows:

1. The Fox and Hounds Theale (South East) 
2. The Fox and Hounds (South West)
3. The Hand in Hand (London)
4. The Three Tuns (East of England)
5. The Fullerton Arms (Northern Ireland)
6. The Caledonia (North West)
7. The Keel Row (North East)
8. The Lion Inn (East Midlands)
9. The Bryntirion Inn (Wales)
10. The Old Glen House (Yorkshire)
11. Failford Inn (Scotland)
12. The Bailey Head (West Midlands)

Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of DogBuddy, said: “For the second year running, DogBuddy – with the help of dog lovers up and down the country - has been searching for the best of the best when it comes to dog-friendly pubs, with The Fox and Hounds Theale, we’ve found just that.

“The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness, which we at DogBuddy.com value above all. The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate The Fox and Hounds Theale on their achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs.”

Pets at Home has opened a store within a Tesco Extra in Durham, and the news has already raised concern among independent pet retailers.

One pet shop in ther North-East told Pet Trade Xtra: “This is a worry for independent pet shops which have relied on lines not in the supermarket to draw customer into their shops.

“Products that have never appeared in Tesco are now on the shelves inside the supermarket.”

Pets at Home have yet to confirm whether this new store inside the Tesco Extra on Dragonville Industrial Estate will be repeated throughout the rest of the country but independent retailers fear it could be the first of many.

The store was officially opened by Lisa and Thomas Dixon from Dogs for Good and their assistance dog, Vito, on Saturday.

Store manager Jill Allen has been with Pets at Home for over two years, having previously worked at the Alnwick branch.

She said: “What a fantastic start! Our opening weekend went even better than we had hoped and it was great to have Lisa, Thomas and Vito attend the launch and show them all the products we have on offer at the store.

“Our new store features thousands of dedicated pet products for not only local dogs and cats but small animals, fish and local wildlife too.”

According to Pets at Home, all staff at the new store receive extensive training on pet care and pet knowledge which is endorsed by City & Guilds, providing a stamp of approval that demonstrates the value of its training. Colleagues at the Durham store are dedicated to providing the highest levels of customer service, and are trained to offer great pet care tips and product knowledge.

The store includes a pet pharmacy which will provide a large range of health care products including supplements, first aid, dental care and flea and worms treatments.

The new store opening hours will be 8am-10pm Monday – Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Wynnstay Group PLC said today (Thursday) it will give a notice of intention to appoint administrators for its Just for Pets Ltd subsidiary, following the pet product retailer becoming loss-making.

In June, Wynnstay Group, which supplies services and products to the agricultural industry, said in its results for the six months ended April 30 that it had commenced a review of options for Just For Pets and had booked a GBP3.9 million goodwill impairment charge related to the business.

The group said this followed a marked deterioration in Just for Pets' trading environment, with changing consumer behaviour, new sources of competition and greater cost pressure leading the 25-store chain to become loss making.

Wynnstay said it expects to recognise exceptional charges related to the write off of net assets and associated costs.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, and we are saddened by the announcement of the notice of the intention to appoint administrators for the Just for Pets business. Having thoroughly investigated and pursued other options, it has been concluded that this was the correct path to take, both for Just for Pets and Wynnstay, given the difficult circumstances in which JfP has found itself in recent years. We will be working closely with advisers to ensure that Just for Pets employees, customers, suppliers and Wynnstay shareholders are best served," said Wynnstay Chief Executive Ken Greetham.

Shares in Wynnstay Group were up 0.5% at 510.00 on Thursday.

Frozzys aims to spread the word about its popular frozen yoghurt for dogs at consumer shows and country fairs by appointing Chris Prince as its dog show co-ordinator.

Former police officer Chris, who worked on the Frozzys stand at PATS Telford, will be at the Family Pets Show at Event City, Manchester, this weekend.

"My skill is to organise, plan, and follow things through to their conclusion with a positive result,  which is now in relation to the Frozzys brand," said Chris. "I will be keeping it at the forefront of the pet product business whilst still maintaining its uniqueness and prime place as a quality product.

"I will be promoting Frozzys at dog shows and championships across the United Kingdom, and raising the profile as a distributor of this product within Wales and further, by promoting it within pet friendly locations like pub chains and campsites."

The future of specialist pet retailer Just for Pets has been secured following the acquisition of the business this week by newly formed company PSR Trading Limited, a sister company to established pet sector business Pedigree Wholesale.

The deal enables Just for Pets to be rescued from Administration and to maintain employment of nearly 200 staff from its head office and store operations in 18 locations across the country.

The acquisition is driven by Pedigree Wholesale’s commitment to support a strong pet retail market offer for consumers and maintain the presence of specialist pet retailers on the high street and in retail locations across the country.

In addition to safeguarding the future of the business, Pedigree Wholesale will work closely with Just for Pets to ensure stock continuity together with investment to ensure the ongoing development of the Just for Pets product range.

Day-to-day management of Just for Pets will continue under the direction of its existing operational team who will continue to focus on customer engagement, staff development and instore activity.

As part of the acquisition process it was determined that with regret, seven stores could not be maintained and employees based at these stores have been issued with redundancy notices by the Administrator appointed by previous owners Just for Pets Ltd.

The 18 stores that will continue to be operated by PSR Trading Ltd are confirmed as:

• Bristol
• Bromsgrove
• Cambourne
• Cambridge
• Coventry
• Droitwich
• Evesham
• Kidderminster
• Long Eaton
• Malvern
• Maypole
• Northfield
• Nuneaton
• Stourbridge
• Swadlincote
• Telford
• Wolverhampton
• Worcester

Existing Just for Pet stores in the following locations will no longer operate as part of PSR Trading Ltd:

• Bessie & Boo (Evesham)
• Burton upon Trent
• Northampton
• Nottingham
• Reading
• Wellington
• Yardley

Commenting on the acquisition Steve Brown, MD of Pedigree Wholesale commented: “On hearing that the future of Just for Pets was under threat Pedigree Wholesale felt we could play a role in using our pet business expertise to secure a new future for the business. 

"We know Just for Pets has a great reputation for offering outstanding customer service and has developed a loyal customer base so we are pleased that Pedigree Wholesale can now create a future for the business and the brand.”

“The addition of Just for Pets to the Pedigree Wholesale family reinforces our commitment to investing and driving innovation within the pet sector which we believe will support the interests of all who have a stake in the continued success of our industry. 

"We remain committed to developing our core wholesale business and expect to announce further significant investment which will directly support all of our wholesale customers.”

The winners of the PATS Sandown 2017 New Product Awards were chosen by a team of expert pet retail judges, who arrived at the show before 9.30am on Tuesday in order to make their choices from a record number of more than 200 new products entered.

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

The judges agreed that the New Product Showcase had produced a high calibre of entries with a tremendous amount of innovation. They were pleased to see such a wide range of products, and felt the majority of items on display showed some great innovation.

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



CAT PRODUCT
Winner: ZiwiPeak Air Dried Cat Food
Entered by: Natural Pet Products
Judges’ comments: This unique product brings air-dried food into the cat category – in line with the dog food market. The packaging is innovative and incorporates a special window so that customers can see the contents.



DOG FOOD AND TREATS
Winner: Pure Buffalo Chew
Entered by: Loving Pets UK
Judges’ comments: Everything about this product is good – good re-sealable packing, good value and good natural ingredients.



DOG ACCESSORY PRODUCT
Winner: Drive Harness
Entered by: EzyDog
Judges’ comments: With car safety for pets high on everyone’s agenda with law changes in the pipeline, this dog harness was a unanimous winner. This well thought-out product incorporates good padding for comfort and safety.



BIRD PRODUCT
Winner: Super Suet Starter Pack
Entered by: Unipet International
Judges’ comments: A great value product that is well packaged, making it attractive to the customer. It will also help to encourage more people to feed the birds in their garden.



SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCT
Winner: SnuggleSafe I’ll Eat My Hat
Entered by: SnuggleSafe
Judges’ comments: It’s a fun product that will sell in big numbers because of its ‘pocket-money’ pricing.



PET CARE PRODUCT
Winner: WildWash Flea and Bug Spray with Horsetail, Eucalyptus and Nettle
Entered by: WildWash
Judges’ comments: The thought and development that went into this product is impressive, with ingredients being ethically sourced from four continents.



GROOMING PRODUCT
Winner: Dirty Dogs Have All The Fun Shampoo Range
Entered by: House of Paws
Judges’ comments: Stand-out packaging and a great price point will make this product fly off the shelves.



GIFTWARE PRODUCT
Winner: Pawsecco Wine For Dogs and Cats
Entered by: Woof & Brew
Judges’ comments: This product has a great price point, the ingredients are natural, and it looks like a gift.  It caters for both cats and dogs, and can even be drunk by pet owners.

The prestigious PetQuip Awards and gala presentation evening is to celebrate its fifth year on the first evening of PATS Telford in September.

The awards are acclaimed across the pet industry and attract a wide range of suppliers, retailers and press to the presentation dinner and party, and the organisers are excited to have the opportunity to present the exhibition’s own new product awards at this vibrant and popular evening.

Commenting on this further enhancement to the awards evening, Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip said: “We are delighted to welcome the presentation of the PATS New Product Awards which will be a further attraction during the awards event in 2017.  

"New product launches attract many buyers to visit important trade exhibitions such as PATS and we are very pleased that the organisers have chosen our event at which to celebrate and reward the best of those on show in 2017.”

 
The association’s PetQuip Awards attracted another record number of nominations, described by the judges as being of a very high standard with colourful, innovative entries and the occasional quirky product, the list of 55 finalists has been disclosed. They are as follows:

FINALISTS

Business of the Year

• Beco Pets
• Bunty Pet Products
• Collarways
• Danish Designs
• First Aid for Life
• Forthglade
• Friends for Pets
• Naturediet
• Natures Menu
• Phoenox Textiles
• Pedigree Wholesale
• Scruffs
• Unipet

Exporter of the Year

• Armitage Pet Care
• Danish Designs
• Natures Menu
• Pero (Foods)
• Phoenox Textiles
• Pet Revolution

Marketing Project of the Year

• Cotswold Raw
• Hownd
• Pet London
• The Dog Treat Co
• Unipet

Pet Product of the Year

3 categories:

• Food & Treats – Beco Pet;Burgess; Huxley Hound; JR Pet Products; Pet Munchies; Naturediet; The Dog Treat Co; Verity & Voss
• Accessories – Accapi; Collarways; Danish Designs; Haypigs; Hownd; Krafty Creature; Phoenox Textiles; Scruffs
• Health & Technical – Blumen International; First Aid for Life; Pet Revolution; Scout Traks

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/ Wholesaler of the Year

• blue gray, s.r.o (Petpark) – Slovakia
• Faunatar – Finland
• Häromi Hundtillbehör AB – Sweden
• Meiko Heimtierbedarf AG – Switzerland
• Ranzijn tuin & dier - The Netherlands

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

• Fetch.co.uk – based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
• Paws & Claws, Frodsham, Cheshire
• Pet London, Wigmore Street, London
• Pets Pantry, Market Deeping, Lincolnshire
• Pets Pantry, Warrington, Cheshire
• The Wandering Dog, Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear

Lifetime Achievement

To be revealed on 24th September at the PetQuip Awards dinner.



Above: Forthglade won Marketing Project of the Year in 2016. Top picture: Beco Pets celebrate winning Exporter of the Year.

Commenting on the finalists list, PetQuip’s association manager, Pat Flynn said: “The standard of award entries across all sectors this year, means that our independent retailer judges will have a difficult task at the end of August when deciding on the winners and runners up. 

"The sheer number and quality of the award nominees is a clear indication of the strength of the UK pet care industry.”

Now firmly established as a not-to-be-missed fun evening, the 2017 PetQuip awards presentation and party will be awarding accolades to deserving winners from the pet industry on the first evening of PATS Telford  in the Ludlow Suite at the Telford International Centre on Sunday, September 24.

Ticket prices include a drinks reception, three course dinner with wine, the prestigious awards presentations and afterwards a casino which was an extremely popular entertainment last year. 

Tickets are already being sold and are available at £80 plus VAT (or only £70 plus VAT for PetQuip members). Companies can also book their own tables and invite their customers and colleagues to share the fun and networking opportunity this event provides for the industry at PATS. Telephone 01959 565995 or Pat Flynn on 07778 313623 to pay by credit card, visit www.petquip.com/awards or email info@petquip.com for more details and a booking form.

One of the most talked about new products at PATS Telford this week was the PetBloon, a colourful and fun dog toy which is set to take the pet market by storm in the year ahead.

The PetBloon is modelled on a successful children's toy – the BubaBloon – and it certainly caught the attention of pet retailers during the PATS exhibition.

Much like the old fashioned bladder that was inside a leather football, you place a latex balloon into a hole in the outer fabric and blow it up. The USP of the product is the fact that you do not require to tie a knot. You merely twist the latex about 10 times and tuck in as the pressure from the inflated balloon against the fabric keeps it from going down.  If it does get burst, you simply replace the balloon.

The level of interest was a surprise to BubaBloon's CEO, Lorna Edwards, who spoke to Pet Trade Xtra following a successful show for the company.

How did first come across the concept of the BubaBloon?
I was asked to look at the product my friend Elena had received as a gift from Australia – it was a homemade version of what we call BubaBloon. She asked me if I thought it was a product that she could commercialise.  I looked at it and did some research, wrote a business plan, found a local manufacturer and had some samples made. Then she asked if I would invest. I said yes, and put down £25k. Then two months later she got pregnant with her second child. The initial concept was to create an online business. In March 2016 I took over the majority share in the business as she didn’t have the time to return full time to work and I saw the business going in a different direction.
 
You appeared on Dragons' Den with the BubaBloon, how did you find that experience?
I got really positive feedback from Deborah Meadon. She got the product and understood I was a business woman who knew what I was doing. Peter Jones was his usual self, trying to make his point, and they showed him stamping on the product with his size 14 feet and it burst.
 
What made you think it could work in the form of a dog toy?
I have an amazing business partner, Jane Johnstone, who has an Airedale hound. Jane took a BubaBloon home one evening and the dog got hold of it. Whilst he did burst it she got on the phone to me and said she thought we could change the fabric and dogs could have fun too. The rest is history. We have spent a year developing the designs and product with the support and creativity of Jamie Sterling. PetBloon is born, the pup is here.


 
What reaction did you get at PATS?
Quite astonishing really. I wondered if attendees would understand it, but we have over 200 business cards and I know we must have had over 300 on our stand in the two days.
 
Are you please you took a stand at the show?
Absolutely. 95% of Bubabloons are supplied to our export market and I now have several contacts abroad who are likely to take the PetBloon.
 
Has the reaction at PATS given you the confidence to go ahead with the PetBloon?
For me it was never a case of not proceeding, it was how big was the first order going to be to our manufacturer.
 
Were you taking orders or just gauging interest?
It was more about getting the packaging right, ensuring that the MOQ for smaller retailers weren’t too high and that the carton sizes we have packed in China aren’t split!  We also wanted to see where the product sat with the size of the dog. We were pitching it at smaller dogs but we may tweak the wording and up the safe play for larger dogs.
 
Will you modify the product in any way following feedback from visitors to your stand?
The packaging will be changed slightly and the samples we had on the stand were working samples. We are overall very happy with the product, we just want to tighten up the stitching and use larger balloons.


 
What’s the next step regarding getting the product to market?
We intend to exhibit at PATS Sandown, I walked the show this year so meeting with importers from other countries is very important to the growth of the business. We will also be in Nuremberg if all goes to plan.
 
When can we expect to see the product in the shops?
The first orders will arrive in the UK mid January 2018.  Once Christmas is over and the January sales finished it will give retailers a great chance to introduce a brand new product to their shelves.
 
For those retailers and pet buyers who didn’t make the show, how do they make contact with you?
Via the website Petbloon.com which should be live any day now or email lorna@bloonco.com