Pets Corner buys competitor PamPurredPets for £6 million
Pets Corner have bought the entire shareholding of competitor business PamPurredPets for £6 million as they seek to continue to expand their number of stores across the country. The acquisition will add another 51 stores to their existing UK portfolio of 110 shops...
Pets Corner have bought the entire shareholding of competitor business PamPurredPets for £6 million as they seek to continue to expand their number of stores across the country.
Over the past year Pets Corner have consolidated their market leading position by successfully opening 14 new stores in 2015, with more planned for 2016.
The acquisition of the shares of PamPurredPets will add another 51 stores to their holding company’s existing UK portfolio of 110 shops and create the second biggest pet chain in the UK by store numbers and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation).
Pets Corner will continue running PamPurredPets as a separate entity but plan to rebrand the stores, which are located across southern England and Wales, over the next few years and add Pet Practice veterinary concessions to seven of the locations. PamPurredPets’ staff will be introduced to the renowned Pets Corner classroom based training programme.
Cavendish Corporate Finance advised Pets Corner on the debt facility used to complete the deal.
 Commenting on the deal Managing Director at Pets Corner Dean Richmond said: “PamPurredPets’ stores are ideally positioned to complement and enhance our existing portfolio and reach our core customer base.
“The addition of PamPurredPets enables us to bring the Pets Corner Difference to new customers whom we hope will enjoy the benefits of our exceptional expert advice and high quality products in a place that is convenient for them.”
Nick Jones, Partner at Cavendish Corporate Finance, commented: “This was an exciting acquisition opportunity and we are delighted to have advised Dechado Group on finding the appropriate debt funding to facilitate this strategic acquisition.
"It consolidates Pets Corner’s market leading position and significantly boosts its UK store network.
"Overall conditions for SMEs seeking debt have improved, though the debt financing area remains opaque and fragmented, which can hinder businesses from finding a suitable solution and we have seen a strong rise in interest from growth companies keen to access our advice to help them navigate the complex debt finance market.”
Top image shows: Dean Richmond (Pets Corner), Steven Charman (Pets Corner), Debbie Fowler (PamPurredPets) and Steve Fowler (PamPurredPets).
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Pets at Home announced today that the company has postponed the appointment of Graeme Jenkins as its Group Chief Financial Officer following recent media reports of an investigation into supplier payments at Target Australia Pty Ltd where he was Finance Director.
A statement from the company stated:
"Pets at Home Group Plc wishes to announce that the joining date of Graeme Jenkins, as Group Chief Financial Officer, is currently postponed.
"This follows recent media reports of an investigation into supplier payments at Target Australia Pty Ltd.
"It is the Board’s intention that Graeme’s joining date will only be finalised once the investigation is concluded or further information becomes available.
"On Monday 4th April 2016, Ian Kellett will be appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer, as previously announced."
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New CEO appointed at pet retailer chain
Pets at Home has appointed Ian Kellett as its new chief executive following the resignation of Nick Wood, who is taking a break from business to spend time with his family...
Pets at Home has appointed Ian Kellett as its new chief executive following the resignation of Nick Wood, who is taking a break from business to spend time with his family.
Kellett has been with the company for over 10 years, primarily as the firm's chief financial officer, in which he played a large role in the firm's stock marlket launch, as well as serving as chief executive of its retail division.
He will become the group's new chief exec on 4 April, following the resignation of Wood, who will remain with the company in an advisory role until 1 July.
Graeme Jenkins, from the department store retailer Target Australia, will replace Kellett as the group's CFO.
A number of other changes at the retailer have also been announced, including the appointment of Peter Pritchard as CEO of its retail division.
Commenting on Kellett's appointment, Pets at Home chairman Tony DeNunzio, said: "I am delighted that Ian is succeeding Nick as CEO, having seen them work together so successfully over the past four years on the strategic development of the group.
"His appointment is consistent with the succession plan the board set out when Ian was appointed last year as CEO of the retail division, and with the appointment of Graeme Jenkins as CFO.
"Ian has a strong vision for the group based on his experience over ten years with Pets at Home in both financial and operational roles and I am confident he will continue to provide excellent leadership to the group."
Nick Wood (pictured below) said: "It has been a privilege to lead Pets at Home for four years, but after over eight years working in the North West, and with my children growing up fast, I feel the time is right for me to be based in London with my family."
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A pet retailer is urging local businesses and residents to work together to protect the future of independent shops in a Northumberland town.
Caroline O’Neill, who runs pet supplier Mannings of Alnwick, is concerned about the potential effects of the increasing number of chain stores that are aiming to set up shop in the market town. She took over the store in 2014 after 22 years in the RAF, taking on a part-time member of staff within six months. Caroline spoke out in light of national chain Pets At Home building a store on a site adjacent to Sainsbury’s, across the road from Mannings. She has also lodged an objection to an application by Stephen Abbotts LLP, on behalf of WCF (West Cumberland Farmers) Ltd, which specialises in rural retailing and distribution, for a vacant industrial unit on the Sawmill Industrial Estate, highlighting the previous impact of large firms on small traders. The plans, to change the building’s use to allow the stock and sale of a range of pet, footwear, equestrian, smallholder, gardening and wild-bird products as well as a new lighting column, fencing, pedestrian access path, car parking and external alterations, are recommended for approval at next Tuesday’s meeting of Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee. Mannings of Alnwick has been established for a quarter-of-a-century and has built up a strong reputation for customer service. Originally opened by Roger Manning as an agricultural merchant, the shop’s next owner diversified into pet supplies and Caroline has continued to grow this part of the business. She said: “Mannings of Alnwick is a mainstay in the town. “A big part of that is the personal touch – we know our customers, the names of their pets and we’re happy to carry your bags out to the car or order in specialist products or products that we do not normally stock. “It’s all about old-fashioned personal service, which only independent businesses that aren’t part of a faceless chain can supply.” Caroline is urging traders and residents to come together to fight off the threat of national chain stores and multi-nationals. She is concerned they will change the face of the traditional market town, which is well-known for its independent businesses and the variety of goods and services they can provide. Caroline said: “Alnwick has a lot to offer and local people and visitors want to see different, independent shops, know the owner and have that personal relationship with them. “People come for more than just pet supplies, they come for a friendly chat and maybe a little advice with someone else that lives in, knows and loves the town as much as they do. “We need to pool our resources and stand firm together to keep the identity of Alnwick as a place where people go because of its unique shops. “I’d like to ask and encourage our customers, who enjoy our shop and customer service, to write to the council and put their objections to these huge shops coming into the town. We need to protect our heritage and support our local businesses.”
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A total of 1,861 visitors attended this year’s PATS Sandown – a similar figure to last year (1,859) – as the pet trade experienced two highly successful days of business activity.
Despite the closeness of Easter this year, retailers and buyers turned out in force to discover hundreds of new products being launched at the show.
The New Product Showcase was a busy area throughout the event, and retailers admitted they were spoiled for choice as they decided on which items to stock in their stores for the year ahead.
“We were impressed with the selection of new products,” said Tony Sharpe, of Pets Korner in Lincolnshire. “The trend is definitely for natural foods, which can only be a good thing for the health of the animals.
“For us the show is a great way to talk to our suppliers face-to-face, which helps to build a good relationship with them. It’s a chance to catch up with everyone in a fun, social environment.”
Steve Fowler, Managing Director of PamPurredPets, remarked: “I always attend PATS Sandown as it gives me the chance to consider new line opportunities and get questions answered immediately. It’s also fantastic for touching base with many of our suppliers.”
And Unique Pets, an independent shop in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, commented: “We can’t wait to launch the exciting new products and food we saw at PATS Sandown.”
Another independent retailer, Destination Pets in Northamptonshire, added: “After our visit to PATS we’ve got an exciting few months ahead with lots of new products to fill our store.”
PATS Sandown also attracted a large number of buyers from the pet departments of garden centres.
Ben Williams, pet buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “PATS Sandown is a must-visit event for me. It’s an opportunity to see all the new launches under one roof and talk to important people in the industry.”
And Elliot Mair, of Raemoir Garden Centre in Scotland, flew down from Aberdeen to visit the show. “PATS is such an important event for us. It’s essential that we visit. It’s by far the best place to see everything that’s new in the pet industry.”
The positive mood was echoed by exhibitors with Beco Pets co-founder Toby Massey admitting: “We've been really pleased with the response from retailers, who were very enthusiastic about our new food, and trading has been brisk. They especially like the fact that it's ethically and locally sourced. The next few weeks are going to be very busy for us following up enquiries. We're already looking forward to the next PATS in Telford in six months' time.”
Pet Rebellion doubled the size of its PATS Sandown stand this year and it paid off in a big way. Ray Foard said: “We’re delighted with the response from retailers. It has definitely been one of the best shows I’ve experienced in my time in the pet industry.”
McAdams Pet Foods were newcomers to PATS and Neil McAdam said: “This show has certainly helped to widen our reach to the retail network.”
Kevin Milner Countryside Greeting Cards were also new to the show with Kevin reporting: “I’m really encouraged by the number of leads I’ve generated and delighted with my decision to exhibit.”
PATS Telford takes place September 25-262016, and full details can be found at www.patshow.co.uk
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Another successful PATS for PetSafe®
Global pet product expert, PetSafe® took the opportunity to unveil three new additions to its popular Busy Buddy® range at this year’s PATS Sandown; the Busy Buddy® Cow Wow™, Elephunk™ and Hippster™...
Global pet product expert, PetSafe® took the opportunity to unveil three new additions to its popular Busy Buddy® range at this year’s PATS Sandown; the Busy Buddy® Cow Wow™, Elephunk™ and Hippster™.
Cow Wow™ is a vibrant purple cow, round in shape to help with games of throw and fetch. Elephunk™ the green elephant is another brightly coloured ball-shaped companion, and Hippster™ is a round blue hippo with chewable ears. All three animal companions are available in Small and Medium/Large and are made from super durable materials to stand up to even the most persistent chewer.
PetSafe® also showcased its ever-popular FroliCat® range with its two latest additions launched last year – FroliCat® CHATTER™ and FroliCat® CHEESE™. As well as the wide selection of toys that were on the stand, the popular EasySport™ Harness in new colours blue, red, apple green and pink and the Easy Walk® Harness in new Raspberry pink colour were also on show.
International Marketing Director, Angela Critchley says: “We always enjoy exhibiting at PATS and this year was no exception. It was a great show and fantastic to see the trade coming together. Launching our new products and getting feedback from customers is very important to us at PATS and it was great to see the stream of activity throughout the course of the event.”
For further information please contact International Marketing Director, Angela Critchley, tel: +44 (0)7899 663319 or visit www.petsafe.net
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Allie Watson, of GA Pet Food Partners, has been awarded Best Representative of the Year by the Pet Product Retail Association. One judge commented: "Allie is always incredibly helpful and nothing is too much trouble. It is a comfort to know she is only at the end of the phone and can help with anything."
Here Allie (pictured above, centre) reveals why she stands out from the crowd...
How long have you worked for GA Pet Food Partners?
I have worked for GA since January 2014.
What's the secret of your success?
I take pride in building good relationships with my customers and enjoy seeing their businesses grow through our work together.
Why do you think you won this award?
I am very honoured to have won this award especially as the majority of what I do is phone based. I think it comes down to caring so much about each of my customers, and having a tailored approach to each and every one of them. Everyone has different business needs and expectations, and I am here to make sure they are exceeded.
If I was a potential new customer, how would you sell the services and products of GA Pet Food to me?
Developing an own brand pet food through GA is a very simple and attractive concept, which sells itself! I am here to ensure that we guide all customers through the process to make sure they get the very best customer service and quality products.
What's your ambition for the future?
I will continue to support my customers, bringing them new products to reflect market trends and work with them to grow their brand.
Allie (above with her colleagues from GA Pet Food Partners) received her award at PATS Sandown. Other PPRA winners were:
Supplier of the Year – Pedigree Wholesale
The supplier award was judged on the criteria of level of service, value for money, availability and retailer support. Vice Chairman Peter Dimambro commended the company for its qualities as “A national company with the feel of a family business.” Best New Product of the Year – The Doodlebone Mesh Harness
PPRA asked members to choose their best product for 2016, using the criteria of design, durability, innovation and presentation. The judges said that the product was: "Attractive, functional and easy to sell and competitively priced. The level of service from Ben and the team is excellent, with very short lead times and free delivery on even the very small orders.
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Frozzys – the lickable frozen yoghurt for dogs – is set to be distributed nationwide by Eden Farm Hulleys, the largest ice cream distributor in the UK.Eden Farm Hulleys will be doing daily nationwide deliveries with a minimum order requirement of £65.  The company has 37 reps out on the road and provides a national distribution service from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
Noel Conlon, of Frozzys, said: “It’s a fabulous arrangement with Eden Farm Hulleys because it means everybody can get Frozzys now. We have just completed an extension to our factory in the Ribble Valley so we are capable of meeting the expected extra demand. “The real winners will be our furry friends. It’s much better for dogs to have a lactose free, pro-biotic ice treat. Vets love it in their surgeries for dogs after operations, it’s loved by people who have done long walks and end up at a garden centre, and for dogs that have teething problems. “Selling through our branded freezers reaps a 6-to-1 sales benefit compared to stocking in other company freezers. I’ve been amazed at how sales hold up in the winter months.” To find out more about Frozzys visit www.frozzys.com
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The new Piccolo range from Simply Pet Foods has had an instant impact, winning a New Product Award at PATS Sandown and impressing retailers at the two day show.
Piccolo recipes contain only the finest natural ingredients for a balanced and complete diet to help dogs stay in tip top condition. All Piccolo products are free of artificial colourings and flavourings.
The food contains up to 75% meat, providing the protein and energy that a small dog needs for a healthy body and strong muscles.
Piccolo’s grain free recipes provide a more nutritionally appropriate diet than grain filled varieties.
The high quality ingredients are chosen for their easy digestibility resulting in less to clear up which is good news for dog owners
The New Product Award judges at PATS said: “The winner’s prize goes to a range of dog food that is British made, is grain free and has 75% meat content. The packaging is also extremely attractive. The judges were unanimous in their decision to award this prize to a company that fully supports the independent pet trade.”
For more information visit www.piccolopetfood.co.uk
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Supa Ltd are celebrating winning the first-ever Best Giftware Product category in the PATS Sandown 2016 New Product Awards with their Garden Décor range of metal birds.
There are 23 birds in the range and they will all provide an attractive addition to any garden setting. They also make a perfect gift as the judges of the PATS Sandown awards discovered.
The judges, made up of a selection of independent pet retailers, were unanimous in their decision, and said of the Garden Décor range: “They are colourful, life-like, and extremely sturdy. They will look cool in any shape and size of garden.”
The PATS Sandown New Giftware Product Award was given to the striking Peacock and Cockerel although the range caters for all tastes. A Kingfisher, Barn Owl, Kestrel, Goldfinch, Robin, Woodpecker, Pheasant and Heron, are also available, and RRPs range between £14.99 and £44.99.
“Winning the New Product Award at PATS Sandown is fantastic,” said Chris Goodlad, Managing Director of Supa Ltd (pictured above). “We won the PATS Best Bird Product category with our Gloucester Bird Feeder a couple of years ago and that award gave the product a huge boost. We’re hoping this latest achievement will do the same for the Garden Décor range of metal birds.
“We also value the award because it has been given by independent pet retailers. They know which products are going to sell well in their shops, and it’s great to hear their kind comments.
“I felt that this year’s New Product Awards went to some outstanding products, so it’s a great honour to be amongst the winners.”
As a company, Supa Ltd has discovered that the trend of garden decoration has moved towards the lifestyle end of the market, and this range of metal birds fits perfectly into a growing sector.
For more information visit www.supa-aquatics.co.uk or email sales@supa-aquatics.co.uk
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Ethical pet retailer, and home of natural pet food, Pets Corner has opened a new store in Ullesthorpe, Lecicestershire, creating four new jobs.
The store, which is located inside Palmers Garden Centre, opened its doors to the public on Friday 25th March. The company’s focus is on providing the best possible advice to help customers care for their much loved animal family members through knowledgeable and friendly classroom trained staff, great products that last and the best animal welfare in the industry.
The store will stock an extensive range of naturally sourced, quality items for a variety of furry, feathered and scaly companions including a small home farming range. Free parking is available, as well as a free health club providing nutritional advice for pets.
Every Saturday morning between 9.30am and 10.30am puppy owners will also benefit from the opportunity to socialise their pooches at the store’s Puppy Hour, which will include discounts and free doggy treats.
Scott Sherriff, Regional Manager at Pets Corner, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our animal expertise to Ullesthorpe. Everyone at Pets Corner is incredibly passionate about animals and we are committed to delivering the highest quality of service and care to all of our customers and their pets.
"The whole team has been classroom trained in giving advice that will help make pets’ lives as safe and happy as possible. We are looking forward to meeting our Ullesthorpe customers and helping them with all their pet related requirements.”
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The owner of an Essex pet store, targeted by a protest from animal rights activists, claims his customers have “nothing but praise” for him.
A group called the Essex Animal Defenders held banners and sang chants outside the Aquatic Pet and Reptile Centre in Maldon High Street.
The campaigners say pet shops keep animals in confined spaces for long periods of time and that selling them for profit is unethical.
A spokesman for the group, who would not be named, said: “We believe the sale of dogs and cats in particular is unethical even by well-run shops because there are thousands of unwanted pets languishing in rescue centres all around the country.
“Many are destroyed. We urge anyone wanting a companion animal to save one of these animals instead of buying one.
“We received a few negative comments, mainly from neighbouring businesses, but also received some support from the public on the street.”
Kerry Beney, who opened the centre last November, said he was baffled by the protest as he had not received any complaints before.
He told his local newspaper, the Maldon Standard: “I can understand objections to importing animals from around the world, and from places like puppy farms, but every single animal in my shop is homebred.
“We’re an independent trader under licence from Maldon District Council, and each time we bring in a new animal we go through rigorous checks and inspections before being given permission to have them.”
Regarding the sale of puppies, the shop has up to six at once, all of which are sourced from local breeders.
Mr Beney added: “The puppy pen we have is actually bigger than what the council specifies.
“We’ve had nothing but praise and positive feedback for our animals and products, it really was a surprise when protestors turned up.
“I didn’t engage with them, and after a while I phoned the police, and as soon as they saw I was on the phone they left.”
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A new pet shop is part of ambitious plans for a £30 million shopping complex in Medway, Kent.Blueprints have been submitted to Medway Council to build a retail development on land at Medway City Estate in Strood, once earmarked for a giant Sainsbury’s. The supermarket chain pulled the plug on a 64,000sq ft store in January last year. The land was sold earlier this year to an undisclosed buyer, with the 12.5 acre plot being marketed as still being for retail use. Now plans have been revealed for a parade of six new shops, including a pet store. The possible future tenants have not been finalised but the developer, Location 3 Properties, has said most will be “new to the Medway area”. As well as a pet shop, they are likely to include a discount food store, textiles retailer and homeware store. The plans include 367 car parking spaces for customers and staff. Sainsbury’s had planned to fill in Whitewall Creek to build on but the huge cost involved is thought to be one of the reasons the retailer changed its mind. The new plans are much smaller in size so do not require building on the creek. If planning permission is given, work will start this summer and should be completed by August next year.
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Alfie and Molly’s Dog Bakery has launched a new air dried range of treats at PATS Sandown.
Alfie & Molly’s is a family-run business founded in Bristol in 2013, and products were inspired by Maria Szabo’s two springer border collies who loved their treats.
After trying different branded treats full of additives and preservatives, it became apparent they were affecting Molly – not so much Alfie – in her temperament, general well-being and energy.
Maria decided to start baking her own treats and the change in Molly was almost instant.
The treats are home-baked and made from 100% human grade ingredient, and organic as far as possible.
The company doesn’t use anything artificial, and there are no additives, preservatives, artificial colours or flavourings – everything is 100% natural.
For more information about the company visit www.alfieandmolly.co.uk or call 01454 855767.
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Pet insurance claims hit a record high in 2015, according to figures released by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The number of insurance claims made reached 911,000, up nine per cent compared with 2014, while their value clocked in at £657m, which is the equivalent of £1.8m a day.
The average pet insurance premium came in at £241, which is good value compared with the average claim value of £720.
"The record levels of claims handled by pet insurers highlights that owning a pet can be costly as well as rewarding," said Mark Shepherd, general insurance manager at the ABI. "While it is good to see more pet policies in force, too many of the nation’s pet owners still don’t have any cover in place."
While 3.9m of the country's cats and dogs are covered by an insurance policy, that equates to just one in four of the UK's nine million dog owners and one in seven of the 7.9 million cat owners having insurance.
Shepherd added: "The cost of getting quality veterinary treatment can quickly run into thousands of pounds, particularly with a greater range of medical treatments for pets now available. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind that you won’t have to deny your pet life-saving treatment because the veterinary bills are too expensive."
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Lily’s Kitchen has been named in the 2016 Good Shopping Guide’s Top 10 Most Ethical Companies In The World.
It is the only pet food brand to be named which highlights the company’s continued commitment to ethical behavior, responsible corporate governance and employee integrity.
Comments Henrietta Morrison, CEO and founder of Lily’s Kitchen: “We are beyond honoured to be recognized in the Top 10 World’s Most Ethical Companies! At the heart of what we do at Lily’s Kitchen, is driven by our core values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and service.
"This accolade is a tremendous achievement that we take great pride in and it speaks highly of the work we have put into enhancing our corporate ethics.
"We have been rated the UK’s number one ethical pet food company for the past six years - in fact Lily’s Kitchen is the only pet food company in the Ethical Good Shopping Guide with a score of 100%, but to be named in the World’s Top 10 is the icing on the cake plus the cherry on top!”
When compiling this year's list, The Good Shopping Guide assessed company’s competency in ethics and compliance; culture of ethics; leadership, innovation and reputation; corporate responsibility and governance.
In September 2015, Lily’s Kitchen became a founding member of B Corp UK - an organisation begun in the US (Ben & Jerry’s and Patagonia are among the founding members) as a collection of companies united in their desire to use business as a force for good.
Individually, ‘B Corps’ as they are known, meet the highest standards of performance and are transparent and accountable in their business operations. Member companies are encouraged to use their individual and collective power to help solve social and environmental problems.
With a simple but meaningful mission - dedicated to providing naturally nutritious food for pets – and a pledge to tread carefully on the planet and actively engage with the community – Lily’s Kitchen moves into its 8th year with a success to match its ambitions.
- Lily’s Kitchen recipes only ever contain 100% freshly prepared meat, fruit and vegetables , with no unnecessary additives.
- Nearly all of Lily’s Kitchen packaging is recyclable and the dry food bags and treat boxes are compostable too.
- Only water or vegetable based inks are used for printing packaging and brochures ,to help minimise waste and toxicity.
- Lily’s Kitchen does not produce its food in pouches, despite many requests from retailers, as these do not breakdown and go straight into landfill.
Continues Morrison: ‘
"Business these days must be beyond only about making money. At Lily’s Kitchen we bring in other key criteria in our decision making and ask tough questions like, do we really need to use this extra packaging? Will this have an effect on our employees? Are we making a difference to our local community?
"Being a conscious business is something we strive to be every day. We are by no means at the pinnacle, but we are on a journey where we are learning and growing day by day. I firmly believe you can be both holistically successful as well as financially successful. Life is a lot more interesting when it’s not just about the bottom line. ”
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