PATS Telford will be the biggest ever pet trade show staged under one roof in the UK as a record number of companies have already signed up to exhibit their products and services at September’s showpiece event.
With still over three months to go before the big event on September 27-28, an impressive 164 companies have confirmed their attendance and this number is set to rise even further in the next few weeks.
It will be the first year that PATS takes place at Telford International Centre, where a massive exhibition hall offers more floor space than ever before.
A growing number of companies – 34 in total – will be exhibiting for the first time. Companies like InformPet, Dog Hair Day, NPET, Fladen Fishing and Adorable Cushions are new to PATS as they see the exhibition as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.
“PATS has become the largest trade show for the pet industry in the UK and InformPet really want to be a part of it,” says Jessica Hargreaves, the company’s marketing coordinator. “It is a great way to meet trade buyers and customers alike.”
"PATS is the ideal place to relaunch Dog Hair Day shampoo,” reveals Katie Jenkins. “Such a large and well-known show will give us unparalleled opportunities for networking and showcasing our product. We hope to have lots of inquiries and to create a real buzz around Dog Hair Day, a shampoo produced to the highest ethical and environmental standards.”
Fladen Fishing is the market leader in the introduction of beginner and starter fishing products. Sales director Anthony Connolly says: “As the market is changing, we are seeking new channels for our comprehensive product array. We already supply pet related independents, who are looking for an opportunity to diversify into one of the UK’s most popular leisure activity.”
NPET are producers of pet beds and mats and at PATS Telford they will be looking to secure orders from wholesalers and retailers both in the UK and Europe. Group sales director Brian Toulson says: “This will be our first exhibition, and there isn’t a better place to showcase our antibacterial treatment products.”
Dave Riley, of Adorable Cushions, adds: “We chose PATS because of the reputation the show has for delivering high quality visitors, as we are launching our unique range of animal-shaped cushions. Designed to appeal to pet lovers all over, the cushions are both visually appealing and very tactile.”
The number of overseas companies exhibiting at PATS is also increasing. Terra Canis GmbH is a German producer of super high grade pet food, and export sales manager Nils Güttrich admits: “The Telford show is important for us because were are seeking to set up a dealer network in the UK. It’s the place to be in order to get connected to decision-makers.”
Steve Preston is the UK representative for Tolsa, having recently joined the Spanish company from Burgess Pet Care. “I know the value of attending the show,” he says. “We want to take the opportunity to talk to the trade directly about our range of products.”
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.
One of the biggest successes of previous PATS shows has been the New Product Showcase, which will have an even larger presence at Telford. A record number of over 260 new products were showcased at last September’s show and all the signs point towards this figure being broken again.
All the products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show, and the winners of each category will be announced at lunchtime.
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.
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.