Pets Corner is to donate £50,000 to the charity – the Peter Jones Foundation – to help budding young entrepreneurs succeed in business.
The family run business and ethical pet retailer is no stranger to entrepreneurial spirit. Managing Director Dean Richmond, who started out making bird feeders in his bedroom when he was a teenager, bought the business from his parents in 1998 when it consisted of seven stores.
With his long-term business partner and friend, Steve Charman, he has since grown the company to over 100 shops, employs more than 650 staff and has developed a range of innovative and market leading products including nutritionally balanced, healthy pet foods.
The Peter Jones Foundation was established in 2005 with the vision to educate, encourage and support the young people of Britain in achieving their potential.
The funds donated by Pets Corner, who will now be the charity’s second Cornerstone Partner, will go towards supporting current projects including the work at the Foundation’s key initiatives, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and Tycoon in Schools.
Commenting on the donation, Dean Richmond said: “I strongly believe that there are many young people out there who have the potential to achieve something great, but because they are at a huge financial disadvantage or lack support they consequently struggle to get the backing they need in order to flourish.
“I know the mammoth amount of effort and belief it takes to fulfil a vision, but it also takes a great deal of encouragement and investment from the people around you. By working with the Peter Jones Foundation I hope to be able to channel my own success into enabling others to create theirs.”
Peter Jones Foundation CEO Alice Barnard added: “We are absolutely delighted that Pets Corner has joined us as our second cornerstone patron. The £50,000 donation is extremely generous and will be of huge benefit to the many aspiring entrepreneurs that we work to support.
“We are already collaborating on a new business challenge for young people studying at the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and we’re looking forward to what will no doubt be a very successful partnership.”
For more information about the Peter Jones Foundation visit www.peterjonesfoundation.org
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Hit television programme The Apprentice will spotlight on the pet industry next week when candidates are shown choosing products to sell at the London Pet Show.
Lord Sugar instructs the candidates to tap into one of the UK's biggest markets - pet products.
The task is simple: choose some products that pet lovers will like and sell them at the London Pet Show. The pet episode, which was filmed in May, will be shown at 9pm on BBC1 next Wednesday (October 28). To view a clip of the programme click here
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Pets Paradise in East Grinstead, Sussex, is closing down at the end of this month.
Jane Johnson, who has run the pet shop for the past 10 years, said she had had regular customers in tears over the announcement of the closure, but it was no longer financially viable to keep her business going.
Competition from Pets at Home and local discount shops, plus the arrival of budget home store Wilco’s next Spring means that trade has fallen off said Jane, who admitted she will be very sad to close her doors for the last time on 31 October.
“But as long as I can walk out of here with my head held high and my debts all paid off, I will be happy,” she said.
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Orbiloc – the Danish maker of high visible, waterproof, shock- proof, durable safety lights – has appointed Pedigree Wholesale as its exclusive UK distributor.
Pedigree Wholesale will introduce Orbiloc Dog Dual into its extensive and focused network of pet stores and vet clinics, while a robust marketing, public relations, and retailer introduction and education will support sell-through and build awareness for Orbiloc´s high quality safety lights.
Pedigree Wholesale has a history of offering high quality and innovative products while working closely with both customers and suppliers and has earned a reputation for helping their customers grow both in terms of sales and profit. It's a reputation that was last rewarded when Pedigree Wholesale won the PetQuip Wholesaler of the Year for the second year in a row.
“We believe Orbiloc Dog Dual is the best safety light on the market, offering dog owners safety when walking their dog,” said Steve Brown, MD of Pedigree Wholesale.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get behind this brand and expand its reach in the UK market.
"No other dog light offers Orbiloc Dog Dual´s combination of visibility and quality and there’s no question there’s an untapped market for dog owners who are looking for a high quality dog light.”
Anette Kristensen, Orbiloc's sales and marketing manager, said: “We’ve been looking for the right distribution partner in the UK – a dedicated partner that have experience with brands combined with an extensive market knowledge.
“Pedigree Wholesale consists of a dedicated team with extensive market and product knowledge who have a knack for seeking out new innovative products, and then applying a level of focus to those brands that dramatically grow market share. I’m excited to be partnering with Pedigree Wholesale to help us develop our footprint within the UK.”
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Cases of UK dogs affected by a killer parasite spread by slugs and snails have rocketed by more than 30% in just five years, according to PDSA.
And the vet charity today warned this could be just the tip of the iceberg as many cases of lungworm go unreported.
Lungworm can cause weight loss, difficulty breathing, a chronic cough and can even be fatal, warn vets.
Comparing data for 2009 and 2014, PDSA vets found there had been a 35% increase in confirmed cases of the worm across its 51 UK pet hospitals.
PDSA Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones said: "There has been a significant increase in the number of confirmed cases of lungworm at our pet hospitals. In 2009 there were 49 confirmed cases and this had risen to 66 cases in 2014. However, the true figure is likely to be much higher, as not all infected animals can be positively diagnosed."
The hotspots for cases used to be Wales and southern England, but experts say the problem is now far more widespread.
Vicki added: "The larvae of the lungworm parasite are carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys.
"Thanks to funding support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we’ll be delivering over 100,000 worming treatments in 12 months. We’re also able to educate more owners about the dangers and the importance of good, preventive healthcare. "
Foxes can become infected with lungworm, and have been implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country. A recent study by University of Bristol scientists found that in some areas, up to 50% of foxes are infected with lungworm. Frogs can also carry the lungworm larvae, presenting a risk to dogs.
Case study
Staffordshire bull terrier Chloe’s lungworm ordeal highlights how serious the parasite can be.
The beloved five-year-old pet was taken to PDSA’s Bristol Pet Hospital in June by owner Dennis Williams after suffering a severe cough.
Vets examined her and prescribed lungworm medication as a precaution. However, despite initially responding well to treatment, the symptoms returned.
Further tests confirmed the presence of the parasite and vets decided to carry out more aggressive treatment.
PDSA Vet Bekki Pacini said: "It’s good that we saw Chloe when we did, as these infections can be very serious, even fatal. Lungworm can often be difficult to get rid of and despite treatment it can take up to six months in some cases for a dog to recover.
"Chloe has responded well to treatment, but several months on she is still displaying some symptoms. We’re confident that with continued treatment she will go on to make a full recovery.
"This case highlights the importance of regularly worming your dog with a product that specifically targets lungworm because this parasite is becoming a more serious problem across the UK."
Mr Williams, 47, of Withywood, Bristol, said he had never even heard of lungworm prior to his dog becoming infected.
He said: "Chloe loves playing in the garden and I understand it could have been something as minor as her nuzzling her nose in the grass or playing with a toy where a slug or snail had been for her to contract the lungworm.
"I’m grateful to PDSA for the treatment they’ve given Chloe and I want to help raise awareness of how serious it can be, because people just don’t know. I’ve owned dogs for 30 odd years and I’d never even heard of it."
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A flurry of appointments at Pets Choice
UK pet food manufacturer Pets Choice has bolstered its expanding team with four new recruits. Peter Birch joins the company as head of operations, Paschalina Papadogkona as new product development manager, Ben Windeatt as senior national account manager, and Charlie Jenkins as brand manager...
UK pet food manufacturer Pets Choice has bolstered its expanding team with four new recruits.
Peter Birch joins the company as head of operations, Paschalina Papadogkona as new product development manager, Ben Windeatt as senior national account manager, and Charlie Jenkins as brand manager
Tony Raeburn, CEO of Pets Choice, comments: “Pets Choice is experiencing a fantastic period of growth thanks to the continued success of our broad product range. Our new recruits are joining at an exciting time for the company and we are confident that they will be great assets to the team.”
Head of operations Peter Birch has previously worked for high-profile brands such as Soreen and Greggs. He comments: “Pets Choice has ambitious and exciting growth plans for the future, which is something I’m incredibly excited to be a part of. I have a lot of experience in building businesses and developing production sites, so I’m excited to put this to good use in the coming months.”
As senior national account manager, Ben Windeatt will be responsible for managing the brand’s relationship with various key customers including, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Pets at Home, and brings more than 15 years industry experience to the role. He comments: “Pets Choice is a rapidly growing business, operating in a fast-paced industry, so I cannot wait to get stuck in. Healthier pet food products are becoming increasingly popular and as this is an area of expertise for Pets Choice, it’s a great time to be joining.”
Charlie Jenkins, who joins the company as brand manager, comes from confectionary brand Cloetta where she has worked for over two years. She adds: “I have always had a love for animals, having two dogs of my own, so I’m excited to be working within a sector that I am so passionate about. With consumers consistently spending more on their pets and the recent shift towards the humanisation of pet products, this industry is always innovating, and I’m excited to now be a part of that with the Pets Choice family.”
New product development manager, Paschalina Papadogkona, who joins from Butchers Pet Care, explains: “I’m excited to be part of a company as fast-growing as Pets Choice. There are lots of new product developments in the pipeline, so it’s an exciting time to be joining.”
Pets Choice is expanding following a recent move to new premises and a number of successful new product launches, including the recent introduction of a brand new range of toys within the Webbox range.
Tony concludes: “We’re thrilled to have Peter, Charlie, Ben and Paschalina on board and we are confident that they will be instrumental in the continued growth of the company.”
Pets Choice is a Lancashire-based pet food manufacturer with a family of well-known brands, including Webbox, Davies, Oceanic and Goodwyns.
For further information on Pets Choice, please visit www.petschoice.co.uk
Pictured, from left to right: Peter Birch, Paschalina Papadogkona, Ben Windeatt and Charlie Jenkins.
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Tickets are selling fast for this year’s Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards, taking place on 17-18 November at the Crowne Plaza City Centre Hotel in Liverpool.
An inspirational programme of talks aimed specifically at pet businesses will leave delegates with plenty of food for thought, and as ever, there will be lots of crucial networking and socialising opportunities throughout the event to ensure that delegates get the most out of their time in Liverpool. A cutting-edge range of pet business related topics, which will help delegates stay ahead of the game, will include: - A discussion on pet food labelling, with the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association and pet manufacturer Applaws joining the Forum to give their perspectives on the issue
- The release of nine months' worth of UK pet food data (non-grocery) giving an indication of brand performance, as a result of PIF’s exciting collaboration with market research specialists, GfK
- An overview of Pet at Home’s Pet Report 2015 and its insights into UK pet ownership
- A discussion on how the industry can work together on the issue of obese pets, and how retailers can engage with pet owners creating a strong relationship that benefits animal health and helps sales
- An insight from successful European retailer on how to grow your retail business
- A new look at the way your customers shop online and how you can tap into that market in a new and exciting way
In the evening of Tuesday 17 November, stage and screen actor Brian Blessed will reveal the winners of the 2015 Pet Industry Awards at the legendary black-tie Awards dinner. All pet businesses are welcome to attend this glittering culmination of the year, complete with three course dinner and wine, entertainment, awards, live music and a bar open until the early hours. A range of ticket prices are available, and PIF members receive a 20% discount on the cost of any ticket price. Visit www.petfederation.co.uk for details and to book online; or call 01234 273933 to secure your place.
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Pets at Home has taken delivery of six new double deck step frame curtainsider trailers from Cheshire-based commercial vehicle manufacturer Cartwright.
This is the latest order by Pets at Home for Cartwright products and includes not only specification advice from the trailer manufacturer but also input from the expanding retailer’s drivers.
Special features include rear mounted Moffett forklift mounting kits, as well as a bungee rear-mounted load restraint strapping system installed on both the top and bottom decks together with EN12642XL curtains.
Pets at Home has also taken advantage of the available space on the side of the trailer to include newly designed digital printed livery on the curtains.
These new curtainsider trailers will carry a mix of the Pets at Home range of products between manufacturers and the company’s distribution centres at Northampton and Stoke as well as delivery to its network of almost 400 retail outlets throughout the UK.
The company currently has 56 double deck trailers, predominantly Cartwright, and eight single deck trailers, plus 41 all new Renault T range tractor units.
Campbell Baxter, Transport Manager of Pets at Home, commented: “We have updated the last specification of our last trailers from Cartwright for this latest order.
“We also asked our drivers to give their input about what they thought about the trailer specification and took their points into account.
“The build is typical Cartwright – a good solid trailer not only built to our specification but with their input as well which is always useful.
“Our relationship with Cartwright has been ongoing since well before we brought the product in-house. We have a good relationship and that will continue.”
Andy Jarvis, Technical Sales Manager of Cartwright, added: “Pets at Home is a long established and valued customer of Cartwright and we have worked closely with them to create this latest specification trailer in order to meet their specific requirements.”
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An increasing number of aquatic retailers are looking to move into the growth area of reptiles, according to award-winning Peregrine Livefoods.
The company has just experienced a highly successful AQUA 2015 show, the second time it has exhibited at the event.
“The synergy between aquatics and reptiles continues, and we have made contact with a number of aquatic retailers looking to move into the growth area of reptiles,” said Peregrine’s Sally Goldthorpe.
"With our wide range of products and 27 years of reptile expertise, we are able to supply not only the dry goods, but also the reptile and livefood required and to advise on what product selection will work best."
Peregrine picked up the award for the Best New Reptile Product in the AQUA New Product Showcase for its new additions to the “Life series“ of specie- specific substrates, which now includes Beardie Life, Leo Life and Crestie Life. These substrates are designed with the specific requirements of bearded dragons, leopard geckos and crested geckos in mind. The exciting new Cavern Kit from Zoo Med also entered by Peregrine Livefoods was marked as highly recommended in the same category.
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 Puppies are being treated worse than scrap metal, according to the RSPCA which has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to clamp down on people selling sick dogs in England.
Due to its low cost, low risk and high yield appeal, puppy dealing is an attractive option for people willing to make money at the expense of puppies’ health and welfare and the heartache of families up and down the country.
The charity says that more laws exist to regulate the trade in scrap metal than the puppies and has launched a petition calling on the Westminster to introduce the ‘Puppy Dealers Act’ in England and clampdown on puppy dealers in the same way.
RSPCA chief vet James Yeates said: “Puppy trafficking is big business with dealers getting rich and leaving a trail of dead puppies and heartbroken families in their wake.
“We believe these poor pups are bought in bulk by dealers looking for the highest profit margin. In many cases the puppies are too young to be away from their mothers and are sick when they are loaded onto vans, before travelling hundreds of miles.
“In 2013 the government brought in new laws to tackle the criminal scrap metal trade in England. But now it's puppies who are being traded like scrap with no regard for their welfare, or even if they live or die.
“It is far too easy to sell puppies and current laws are failing puppies and their parents. The RSPCA wants to see Westminster treat the issue of puppy dealing in England as seriously as they did scrap metal and license anyone who sells a puppy.”
The RSPCA is calling for mandatory licensing for anyone selling puppies in England to try to hit puppy trade as a whole - from organised illegal trafficking to opportunistic backstreet breeding. This would mean:
- Anyone selling a puppy must have a licence.
- Strong penalties & fines for anyone caught selling a puppy without a licence.
- A national database of puppy sellers (funded by licence fees) to aid enforcement.
- All internet and offline advertisers must display the licence number of the seller in order to list an advert.
“While this would not stop illegal trading altogether, it would help to remove the huge layer of unregulated puppy dealing we’re currently battling, it would give local authorities the tools they need to act and improve protections for puppy buyers,” added James.
In response to a survey* carried out on behalf of the RSPCA in June 2015, more than 2 million (2,040,000) people* said they had bought a puppy in the last year. The RSPCA believes that huge numbers of puppies are being trafficked into the country from other EU countries to meet the high demand for pedigree and designer cross-breed puppies in the UK.
Only 63% of adults who have purchased a puppy within the last year surveyed were able to say they were confident that the person they bought the puppy from bred the puppy.
This week the RSPCA uncovered the deception by one set of dealers who made around £140,000 a month in undeclared cash duping unsuspecting members of the public and selling them sick and suffering puppies.
Under different guises this trio lied to buyers, telling them the puppies for sale had been bred in a homely, family environment and were the first litter. The reality was that weekly deliveries of pups arrived via the ferry from the Republic of Ireland and be kept in pods at a ‘holding’ address while advertised on the internet, before being sold from a network of rented residential properties set up to look like family homes.
Puppies that died were callously dumped in wheelie bins.
Nacho the Pomeranian puppy, a victim of the puppy trade One victim of the deceit was Leanne Lamont from Glasgow (pictured). Her young Pomeranian puppy died in her arms just days after she travelled to England and unknowingly bought him from the underground puppy dealing ring.
Leanne said: “I found the advert for the puppies online and everything seemed really good. They would only sell to loving homes, they would show outstanding examples of how tiny puppies should be bred and cared for. They seemed perfect.
“When I arrived at the house I was met by a woman who told me her auntie was the breeder. The house was very clean and everything looked fine. She gave the impression these puppies were coming from a loving family home.”
However Nacho was seriously ill and just days later took a turn for the worse and started having seizures and Leanne made the difficult decision to put her pet to sleep.
She said: “He was incredibly ill and I didn’t want him to be in pain any more. I held him in my arms. He was just so tiny. All skin and bones. He was still gorgeous but just so very ill. The vet gave him the injection and he died there in my arms.”
“They told me Nacho was 12 weeks old when I picked him up but I think he was closer to six weeks old. He was so ill. I just could not believe someone could be so cruel and calculating as those dealers.”
The RSPCA is now urging people to join help tell Westminster that puppies are more precious than pieces of metal by signing our petition at www.rspca.org.uk/scrapthepuppytrade.
* This study was conducted in Great Britain via TNS OnLineBus, an Internet omnibus survey. A sample of 4018 GB adults aged 16-64 were interviewed and interviewing was conducted by online self-completion from 16/06/2015 - 29/06/2015. The sample has been weighted to represent the adult population of Great Britain 16-64.
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A focus on innovation and customer needs has long been key to Pet-ID Microchips, already resulting in advanced coatings on its microchips to help prevent migration and narrower sharper needles for ease of application.
Now the company is opening an online shop so that veterinary professionals can place their orders online. For added convenience the shop will be hosted by Vbay (www.vbay.co.uk) the veterinary professionals online marketplace, where practice teams can go to buy and sell anything veterinary.
Managing Director, Jo Briault (pictured), says it's another example of how the company is thinking outside the box.
"It's certainly true that we could easily add an integral shop to our current website but we fully appreciate that busy practice staff dont want to be visiting multiple sites to place their orders," said Jo.
"We have decided that our best location for online ordering is within a thriving marketplace where the veterinary community can engage with suppliers that are completely focused on meeting their needs."
Now when vets are looking for a dog microchip, or a cat microchip, or indeed a microchip for any other animal, theres no need to wait. The online system will go live in November and offers 24-7 ordering, complementing the current telephone ordering system, providing both convenience and choice.
Caroline Johnson, Vbay Director, is delighted to welcome Pet ID to the growing list of suppliers who have Vbay stores,
"In this increasingly digital world it's easy to get lost in the plethora of URLs, so bringing everything together in one central veterinary shopping mall designed with professional needs in mind, makes perfect sense," said Caroline.
Vets, RVNs and practice managers can find Vbay stores at http://www.vbay.co.uk/list-stores.html where the Pet ID store is expected to go live in time for London Vet Show.
For more information visit www.pet-idmicrochips.com, telephone 01273 837676, or visit Pet-ID Microchips at stand 151 at London Vet Show.
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Terrier crossbreed Benny got himself and his canine pal into a sticky spot after snaffling a whole chocolate orange.
When Siubhan Goldup and fiancé Robert Wisbey came home to find a ripped chocolate box and a pile of empty wrappers, they didn’t know which of their two dogs was responsible, so decided to take both Benny and his brother Dexter to PDSA’s Pet Hospital in Bournemouth for a check up.
Siubhan, 24, from Kinson in Bournemouth, said: "We knew that chocolate is poisonous to dogs and that one of them had eaten it, so we thought it best to get them both checked out."
PDSA Vet Nurse Team Leader Rachael Rolfe said: "We didn’t know which dog had eaten the chocolate so had to make both sick. Once we did, it soon became very apparent that Benny was the culprit!"
The 175g chocolate orange contained enough theobromine – the chemical highly toxic to dogs – to seriously harm Benny. Weighing just 8kg, he could have suffered damage to his heart, central nervous system and kidneys.
Vet Nurse Rachael added: "Benny could have caused himself some serious and lasting damage to his internal organs. There is no doubt that without the quick thinking of Siubhan, he may not be here now.
"If owners even suspect that their dog has eaten chocolate, it’s always best to get them checked over by a vet as the consequences can be fatal."
Siubhan continues: "The staff at PDSA were absolutely brilliant with both Benny and Dexter. I am disabled and find it very difficult and painful getting around. When we walk the boys I use an electric trike. The dogs are a very important part of our lives and we would be lost without them. Thank you PDSA for helping Benny out of a very sticky spot!"
PDSA is on a mission to educate the nation on pet wellbeing and thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, is helping the charity to continue this vital work.
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. With 51 Pet Hospitals across the UK, the charity administered 2.7 million treatments to 470,000 pets last year. For more information, visit www.pdsa.org.uk
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Frozzys, the lickable frozen yoghurt for dogs, has helped an owner to treat her poorly pup.Samantha emailed Frozzys saying: “My pup loves Frozzys! She has been very ill and at death’s door due to a condition called megaesophogus, which is where the food doesn't go down properly and leads to a lot of weight loss and pneumonia. “Her food has to be of a certain consistency and she needs to be fed upright so the food falls down into her stomach. This means she can't have ‘normal’ dog treats or biscuits “However when I saw your product it seemed perfect for her. She could lick it slowly so it goes down her throat and she loves the taste of it! It's the only treat she's allowed and I'm so pleased I found something tasty that she can handle with her condition. “I will definitely be recommending you to all others who have dogs with megaesophagus.”
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 Continuing its tradition for producing health-giving treats CSJ tasked its nutritionists to formulate a natural treat aimed at combatting stiffness, pain and inflammation...and also suitable for elderly and overweight dogs. The result is ‘Fish’n’Hips’. With its blend of 70% low fat white fish owners can now pamper their pets with the deliciously chewy treats which also combine Devils Claw, Turmeric and Oleograph to help maintain healthy joints. Fish’n’Hips are now available in handy 100g re-sealable packs at £3.95 with a feeding guideline of one per 10kg of body weight per day. Checkout Fish‘n’Hips on CSJ’s menu of Natural Herbs and Supplementsatwww.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470 for more information.
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Johnson’s has introduced a specially designed toothbrush to its dental range... The Fresh Breath Toothbrush has a special easy-to-use design which fits comfortably on a finger, and due to its special shape, is easy to use around a pet’s mouth to help make regular cleaning of the teeth much easier than with a conventional shape of brush. Regular brushing of pet’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar is an essential part of good oral care and helps to prevent serious dental problems in the future.
Regular use with Johnson’s Triple Action Toothpaste and Johnson’s Anti-Plaque Dental Rinse in pet’s drinking water, is recommended for maxium benefit. This will help to promote fresh breath and prevent the build up of plaque and tartar which can cause unpleasant breath and gum disease leading to painful loss of teeth. For more information visit www.johnsons-vet.com
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Professor Noel Fitzpatrick will return to the National Pet Show at the NEC on 7th-8th November for the final stop of his Eukanuba Supervet Live Tour 2015.
Fans of popular Channel 4 show The Supervet will have the chance to hear first-hand from Noel, as he talks about his personal journey as a veterinary surgeon, recounting heart-warming new stories from his popular Channel 4 show The Supervet and revealing the latest advances in the veterinary profession. Noel will also invite special guests on stage, who fans will recognise from the television series.
Supervet Live will take place at the Eukanuba SuperTheatre throughout the weekend, concluding an exciting tour which included appearances at the London Pet Show (ExCeL London in May) and DogFest (Arley Hall, Cheshire and Loseley Park, Surrey in June).
As well as Supervet Live, the Eukanuba SuperTheatre will play host to a whole line-up of exciting shows and experts talks. To view the timetable for the Eukanuba SuperTheatre, visit www.thenationalpetshow.com/files/est_timetable.pdf
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