The biggest-ever PATS show being held at Telford International Centre on September 27-28 will be the only place this Autumn to see all the new pet products to be launched in the UK.

Britain’s No.1 pet trade exhibition is THE show where the whole of the industry gather under one roof with over 180 companies showcasing their products in one massive hall.

It’s the ideal event for pet retailers and garden centres to decide what products to stock over the next year with hundreds of items being exhibited, many of which are new launches.

“There will be so much to see and do over the two days of the show,” said organiser Annie Foord. “It’s great to see the pet industry come together for this major event, and visitors can be sure of meeting representatives from all the leading names as well as many new ones.

“And there will be an international flavour to the show with companies from across mainland Europe and China choosing to book a stand and unveil their latest creations.”

Exhibitors from Poland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France and Denmark, will be joining their counterparts from the UK and Ireland to make PATS Telford a truly international show.

Pets Corner have nearly 100 retail stores throughout the UK and co-owner Steve Charman reveals why PATS is a ‘must-visit’ event. “A trip to PATS always gives me a good feeling about the trade,” he says. “There is a fantastic buzz about the exhibition halls, and it makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products. I find the show to be very uplifting.”

And Jenny Wiscombe, of the Pug & Puffin pet shop in Lyme Regis, Dorset, states:“I have attended many trade fairs over the past five years, and without a doubt PATS creates the biggest buzz. It is worth taking the time out of our busy schedule because we can save as much as 30% from existing suppliers by ordering at the show. We have always had an amazing time.”

A growing number of garden centres are also finding PATS to be the best place to buy products for their pet departments. Danielle Berry, of Chessington Garden Centre in Surrey, admits: “I have been attending PATS for the past five years and every year there seems to be a lot more new things to see, especially in the New Product Showcase. The show is well organised and there is a great atmosphere throughout the day.”

The New Product Showcase is one the event’s most popular features and entries for PATS Telford are currently pouring in to the organisers’ office.

Products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Sunday, September 27) to decide the winners of the New Products Awards.

“Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the New Product Showcase first,” adds Annie Foord. “They can view all the latest items in one place, and once they’ve seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”

There are seven categories in the New Product Showcase and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.

Dogs Dogs Dogs won the Dog Accessory Award at PATS last September and Joanna Way said: "We were over the moon to win a New Product Award. It meant a great deal to us in terms of business and marketing potential. It also gave our clients confidence in the product and its place in the market. We're now looking forward to PATS Telford where we'll be launching some great new products."

As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers and listen to talks from prominent industry figures.

There will be an International Buyers’ Centre at Telford, run in association with PetQuip, where overseas visitors will be able to have meetings with clients. PetQuip will also be staging their prestigious Awards Party in the Ludlow Suite, part of the Telford International Centre, at 7.30pm on September 27.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. Visitors will also be able to relax and chat further with exhibitors at a free drinks reception once the show closes on Day One.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

Register to enter free at http://www.onlineregistration.co.uk/shows/pats/telford15/regpats.php

The Foobler can be set to dispense one of its six treat compartments at 15, 30, 60 or 90 minute intervals. A bell chime alerts the dog when a treat pod is ready and it’s time to play.

The six compartments can be filled with treats or dry food and provide enough capacity for meal feeding so it is also great as a slow feeder to provide a dog its daily meals.

Leading animal psychologist and The Company of Animals CEO, Dr Roger Mugford said: “I am delighted to add Foobler to the company’s range of problem solving products.

"Foobler is an innovative and fun product which provides a great way to help your pet stay mentally fit and physically healthy by spreading treats/meals throughout the day.”

With quality design Foobler is robust enough even for active dogs while being simple and easy to use. Foobler comes in two sizes small and large, retailing at £22.99 and £24.99 respectively.

See Foobler at PATS Telford Stand C36. Available from wholesale suppliers October 2015.

For more information go to http://companyofanimals.co.uk/brands/foobler

Two innovative new products from the USA – the AKC Calming Coat and the Twigo Pet ID Tag – are set to send visitors flocking to the AmPet Products stand (A43) at PATS Telford later this month.

AmPet, who recently secured the UK distribution rights of both products, is showcasing them at Britain’s leading pet trade show being held at Telford International Centre on September 27-28.

The AKC Calming Coat, endorsed by the American Kennel Club along with New York vet Jeff Lavine and UK Tellington TTouch practitioner Alex Wilson, is an easy and cost effective solution for helping dogs and puppies suffering from anxiety.

The Calming Coat uses a hugging technique to relax the dog and works by applying constant, gentle pressure to the animal's torso. Similar to swaddling a newborn baby, gently wrapping a dog in a Calming Coat has a peaceful effect that is beneficial for both the owner and pet.

Demand for the Calming Coat will be high in the coming months, especially with the firework season fast approaching.

AmPet will also showcase the Twigo Pet ID Tag, a unique tag that is simple, affordable, and instantly personalisable. All that is needed is a ballpoint pen to simply write, boil in water, and then slip onto our pet’s collar. 

Twigo is a great option for pet families planning to travel for the holidays since owners can easily create a new tag with updated lodging and contact information in a blink of an eye.

More information about the Twigo Tags, including a video, can be found at www.ampetproducts.com/our-range/twigo-pet-id-tag/

“We’re really excited by the prospect of exhibiting at PATS Telford,” said Alex Wilson, AmPet’s Sales and Marketing Director.

“To secure the UK distribution rights for both the AKC Calming Coat and the Twigo Tags was a coup for AmPet. They are innovative products ideally suited to the British market. Pet owners here will love them.”

Also on the AmPet stand will be DOOG outdoor pet products, including dog-walking and running belts, collars and leads, and treat pouches from Australia.

If you’re interested in stocking products from AmPet contact Alex Wilson or Matt Wildman on 0330 088 1673, email alexw@ampet.dog or view the range at www.ampet.dog

Based at stand F30, the Burgess team, who now cater for the nation’s top nine favourite family pets, will be on hand with their brand new support packs to discuss how businesses can benefit from the rise in multi-pet households.

Richard Rockett, Head of Marketing at Burgess Pet Care, said: “It’s an exciting time for Burgess as we believe we have a clear, simple plan to drive growth for our customers.  We hope to see you at PATS to share our plans with you.”

Very competitively priced when compared to other calming products on the market, the Beaphar Calming range will provide retailers with the opportunity to supply effective products at an attractive price point, giving pet owners a welcome choice. The range includes:

Beaphar Calming Spot On for cats naturally and effectively calms and reduces problem behaviour in cats of all breeds and ages. Containing Valerian Extract, a herbal supplement noted for its calming properties, a single application will start to work within one hour and last for up to one week. Each pack contains 3 applications, with an RRP of £5.99.

Beaphar Calming Spot On for dogs naturally and effectively calms and reduces problem behaviour in dogs of all breeds and ages. Containing Valerian Extract, a single application will start to work within one hour and last for up to one week. Each pack contains 3 applications, with an RRP of £5.99.

Beaphar Calming Tablets are a herbal supplement for cats and dogs. The tablets contain Melissa officianalis, sometimes called Lemon Balm, which is recognised for its calming properties, along with other beneficial ingredients including Rosemary, Hop flowers & Lime Tree blossom. Beaphar Calming Tablets can help alleviate nervousness, for example, during firework parties, thunderstorms and other noisy occasions, without causing drowsiness. Beaphar Calming Tablets start to work after 1½ hours and at full dose rate one packet will treat a large dog for three days, or a small dog or a cat for fourteen days. RRP £4.49.

NEW Beaphar Calming Cat Treats are a delicious, meaty-flavoured treat, formulated with Valerian to reduce anxiety in cats during stressful times. Cats can be especially sensitive to changes in their environment which can lead to problem behaviour and health complications. A 35g pack of treats has an RRP of £2.99.

For a limited time, Beaphar has an in-store support package to help increase sales in the run up to Bonfire night, including an eye-catching point of sale kit and consumer leaflets.

To find out more about our Calming campaign for 2015, contact your Local Area Sales Executive, call the Customer Care Team on 01440 715700 or visit www.beaphar.co.uk

Always popular with customers is Ancol’s Stormguard range. Inspired by skiwear, it boasts an all-weather style chest protector with velcro fastening, elasticated leg straps and reflective edge tape.

This winter sees new additions to the All Weather range, a premium range of coats designed with the changeable British weather in mind. This includes the Green Parker – a traditional green and orange coat with faux fur hood, thermal lining and padding for extra warmth and protection from the rain. Also launched this year is the 2-in-1 Harness Coat, which can be used with an assorted harness. It comprises a detachable polar fleece inner coat for extra warmth and a heavy waterproof nylon top coat for wet weather protection.

Another new addition is the navy blue Quilted Coat to complement the damson and black colours. Beautifully tailored with a fashionable quilted design, these coats are showerproof and include under-chest protection to keep dogs warm and cosy on winter walks.

Sales Director Sarah Lane says: “This year we’re offering our best ever selection of dog coats and we’re pleased to have kept prices the same as last year so you can enjoy some great sales margins. Contact your sales representative to discuss your requirements this winter – and don’t forget to also order any Christmas items as these sold out very quickly last year."

Ancol’s Christmas outfits were very popular last year, such as Ancol’s traditional ‘nan knit’ reindeer sweater for dogs of all sizes, or the cute reindeer or Santa suit for smaller dogs. Also a sell-out last year were Ancol’s Christmas party collars – complete with their very own jingle bells!

To find out more about Ancol’s dog coats and Christmas items, talk to your Ancol representative, email sales@ancol.co.uk or call 01922 402428.

“As a part of my job I have to travel often and either take my dog with me or leave him with friends. I found that I was constantly rooting around in the bag I used before to check I had a spare lead, enough poo bags, the treats he likes etc. Everything was totally unorganised,” says Collarways director Katie Goldsmith.

“Using the Stay Over Rover makes it all so much easier as I can clearly see what needs topping up and if anything is missing.  It also takes away some of the guilt feeling that maybe I forgot his favourite toy or treats, when I leave him with other people.”

Ideal for so many situations other than just travelling with your dog the Stay Over Rover is a great way of keeping everything in one place at home and in the car too.

Another quality product from Collarways, which is also manufactured in the UK.

For more information visit www.collarways.com  or call 0845 4568395.

Award-winning pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen has appointed Helen Barr as sales director to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.

Helen joins Lily’s Kitchen from the UK’s best selling baby food company Ella’s Kitchen. Before that, she started her career at Mars working across chocolate, pet food and ice cream businesses.

Helen comments:  “Lily’s Kitchen is a hugely dynamic, innovative and engaging young brand with a fantastic opportunity to take it to the next stage, as more and more people opt for more nutritious food for their pets and become aware of what really goes into pet food. 

"After five years at Ella’s Kitchen on its whirlwind journey of fast growth and success, I am delighted to be joining Lily’s Kitchen and I’m really looking forward to leading and inspiring the UK sales team who are already delivering fantastic results but with plenty of opportunity to accelerate growth and success over the coming years."

Henrietta Morrison, founder and CEO, said of Helen's appointment: “We are lucky that we are able to attract and recruit such high calibre personnel who we know will bring so much experience to the team but also I’m sure Helen will be a passionate leader. 

"We have strong growth ambitions for the company and Helen has just the right skills to help us to maximise this opportunity, thanks to her extensive knowledge.

"These are exciting times for Lily’s Kitchen and we look forward to Helen becoming part of our future growth plans.”

Freeze Dried Norwegian White Fish and Mackerel Morsels Conditioning Treats will be officially unveiled at PATS Telford.

Fish4Dogs were the first to bring to market treats made from fish with their multiple award winning Original Sea Jerky – dried fish skins. 

“Fish is ideal for dog treats, low calorie and very healthy but combined with a taste dogs adore," says CEO Graham Smith.

"This range extension will ensure the Fish4Dogs brand remains innovative and exciting. Discerning dog owners are looking to provide their pets with an increasing variety of treats but also treats that have defined health benefits and are not simply an indulgence."

The Fish4Dogs Freeze Dried Treats are made from Norwegian Pollock – this species being chosen as giving the most palatable treat and are available in 25g stand up pouches with a new design to reflect the Norwegian provenance. Freeze dried to preserve taste and goodness. Nothing more nothing less.

Fish4Dogs Mackerel Morsels are small fish shaped functional treats made from Salmon and Mackerel.  With added Krill – a superior form of Omega 3 with high levels of bio availability.  Available in 2 varieties- coat skin and joint with added green lipped mussels, spirulina and algae and Digestive aid with added Yucca and prebiotics.

"At Fish4Dogs we make a range of tasty, natural and healthy fish-based premium dog foods and dog treats," adds Graham. "Fish4Dogs is made from fish - gluten free, hypo-allergenic and packed with naturally occurring Omega 3. We believe that fish is a healthy and nutritious food, good for the health of your dog, which is why at Fish4Dogs we only make products from fish."

A palatable, fish-rich diet can help with coat condition, skin condition, joint mobility, digestion, energy and brain and eye development.

For further information visit www.fish4dogs.com or contact Rebecca Hatch by email rebecca@fish4dogs.com

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a robbery at Pets at Home in Southport last Thursday (September 3).

At just before 6.30am a man, dressed in black, wearing a balaclava and carrying a large laptop-type holdall, approached the rear of the store, on Ocean Plaza Retail Park, Marine Parade, and knocked on the door.

A female member of staff, believing it to be a delivery driver, opened the door to be confronted by the man brandishing a knife.

A male member of staff arrived and the masked man escorted him into an office area. The offender then asked the member of staff to open the safe.

The offender took a large quantity of cash from the safe and left the store through the rear door still carrying the knife and holdall.

It is believed he left the area in the direction of the Marine Lake towards one of the bridges.

Enquiries are ongoing and CCTV opportunities are being explored.

Detective Sergeant Sue Hinds said: “Although this incident occurred early in the morning people may have been in the vicinity of the store, possibly on their way to or from work, and seen the man either arriving or leaving the scene.

“We know he was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava and carrying a laptop-type bag and spoke with a local accent.

“We believe that following the robbery he may have spoken to someone on the bridge and we would ask that person to come forward.

“The scene has been forensically examined and CCTV from the scene and surrounding area is being examined.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3833 or the Crimestoppers line, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The alarm was raised at 8.30pm on Sunday with reports that the building, at Priory Fields, could be on fire.

Fire crews found two containers behind the Pets at Home store were well alight. The flames were doused using a hose reel jet and a main jet.

The containers, which turned out to contain large quantities of cardboard, were then checked using a thermal imaging camera to check the fire was completely out.

A spokesman said: “There was also some slight damage to two external fan units on the building, these were isolated by the fire crews and a representative from the store attended.”

Recruitment specialist Pet Trade Solutions is reporting that chaos in the workplace is now a major reason for people leaving jobs.

Owner Lynda Ward, who utilises her 30 years’ experience in the trade for dedicated recruitment and marketing solutions, says that some companies are in such a hurry to grow that they forget that how the company is run can affect their staff...and ultimately their business.

“Constantly changing policy, lack of guidance, poor customer care and management mistakes eventually take their toll on staff morale. 

"Admin, sales, marketing, production and distribution staff are all affected by strategies and day to day management and a chaotic, overstretched environment has a knock-on effect throughout the company, leading to mistakes, poor performance and frustration.”

She goes on: “Whilst businesses need and thrive on vigorous activity this should not be confused with turmoil and disorder in which people are unsure of the 5 Ws – where, what, who, when and why.

"When employers are looking at staff problems or performance they also need to turn the mirror round and evaluate how the business and perhaps they themself operate and how that affects the people working for them...and long-term growth.”

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com

Pets Corner has launched a Christmas charity campaign to support homeless dogs across the UK during the festive period.

Working with the charity, ‘Give a dog a coat’, the family-run ethical pet retailer will be asking customers to donate dog coats throughout November and December by dropping them into their local Pets Corner store.  For every coat received, Pets Corner will also donate a tasty doggy treat to the charity.

‘Give a dog a coat’ was set up by Lara Evans of Essex, who was upset by seeing so many homeless, cold and shivering dogs in London during Christmas.  She felt the need to help and started knitting and sewing dog coats.  When she couldn’t keep up with the demand, she started an appeal asking others to donate second hand or homemade dog coats of their own.

Managing Director at Pets Corner, Dean Richmond, commented:

“The fact that there are many homeless dogs across the UK that are facing freezing conditions with no shelter or protection is heart-breaking.  We are pleased to be supporting ‘Give a dog a coat’ and hope that we can help to improve the lives of many animals who really don’t deserve to experience such hardship.”

Donations can be dropped off in any of Pets Corner’s 98 stores between 1st November and 31st December.  To find a local store, visit www.petscorner.co.uk

A 27-year-old woman had charges against her dropped.

The dogs were brought to Guernsey in a van aboard a ferry from St Malo on the 27th August with a final destination in the UK.

Some of the dogs were without water and six were showing severe signs of dehydration.  All 25 dogs were bedded on shredded paper which was contaminated with their own faeces and urine.

Also a French bulldog had an infected ingrowing claw.

The Guernsey States Vet Mr David Chamberlain received concerns for the welfare of 25 dogs being transported in a van from Slovakia to the UK via Guernsey, on board a ferry.

Both the man and the woman were arrested in Guernsey and the animals were detained at the GSPCA, where they have been cared for and looked after. 

The 59-year-old man from the Slovak Republic admitted two offences under Guernsey animal welfare law and another of fraud.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said: "We have 300 animals in our care at present from birds to dogs.

"We are currently using a large number of towels and appreciate all donations as it costs an average £2000 a day to run the Shelter where we work 24 hours 7 days a week.

"Following the court’s decision there are clearly a number of issues that need to be resolved.

"All 25 dogs remain in our care for the time being and the GSPCA will work alongside the States Vet to figure out the best way forward.

"That process is likely to take a few days so I cannot say much more at this stage, other than I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and I would again like to take the opportunity to appeal for towels, sponsors to join our Angel Pen Pal scheme and also for donations towards the hundreds of animals in our care."