It has been a busy week in the UK pet industry as a number of leading suppliers and retailers have changed hands.

The first news to break was national retail group Jollyes increased its portfolio of stores with the acquisition of Midlands-based Penparc Pet Centres (see full story).

This was followed by details of ‘buy and build’ company Assisi Pet Care, whose brands include Hollings and Hi-Life, snapping up award-winning Pet Munchies (see full story).

And then came news of Rosewood Pet Products selling a majority stake of the company to European powerhouse Dayes (see full story).

The full stories can be viewed in this week’s Pet Trade Xtra.

Assisi Pet Care Limited has acquired Pet Munchies Holdings Limited, the owner of the multi award winning Pet Munchies premium natural dog and cat treats brand, for an undisclosed sum.

Assisi Pet Care, which was founded in 2020 by Peter Mangion in partnership with Harwood Capital Management, has delivered significant and rapid growth in pursuit of its buy-and-build strategy and has brands like Hollings and Hi-Life in its UK portfolio as well as the Maced brand in Poland.  

The acquisition of Pet Munchies complements the natural positioning of all Assisi’s brands whilst broadening the company’s reach into new distribution channels.

Peter Mangion, Assisi CEO, said: “We are delighted that Suzanne has entrusted Assisi with Pet Munchies and look forward to welcoming Suzanne and her team to our growing company. Under Suzanne’s leadership, the team at Pet Munchies has done a terrific job of building the brand to where it is today and we are very pleased to be adding those people, as well the brand itself, to our existing structure. We believe that Pet Munchies has enormous potential to grow in both the UK and European markets and we look forward to helping deliver that growth in the very near future.”

Suzanne Rothman, Pet Munchies founder, said: “Building Pet Munchies into a leading UK treat brand has been a great and rewarding journey and we have made lots of pet owning friends along the way. We are now excited about our new chapter with Assisi Pet Care. The opportunity will give access to many more pet owners and the ability to widen our markets. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Nationwide pet retail group Jollyes is accelerating growth with the acquisition of Penparc Pet Centres. Penparc operates five stores in Cannock, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, West Bromwich and Telford. It takes Jollyes to 80 stores across the UK. 

Jollyes also reported annual revenue up 15% to £86 million and announced plans to recruit 100 new colleagues and open eight new stores – including Poole, Stockton-on-Tees, Warrington and Billingshurst, plus three in Scotland at Glenrothes, Robroyston and Hermiston Gait.

Pictured: Jollyes chief executive Joe Wykes (right) and regional manager Sarah Farrar outside Penparc’s Telford store.

With the support of HSBC, Jollyes has bought Penparc’s five stores in Cannock, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, West Bromwich and Telford which become part of the Jollyes family from today. 

The move, following the opening of a new store in Southport on Saturday, takes the number of Jollyes stores to 80.  With seven other openings planned across the UK over the coming weeks, the retailer is on track to deliver on its promise to open 20 new stores by May 2023.   

Jollyes also today released very strong trading results for the full year to 29 May 2022.  

• Turnover over the full year grew to £86m – a 15% increase. 
• Jollyes’ headcount has grown by 164 over the year - almost 25% - in stores and at its Waltham Abbey support centre as it supports its growth.   
• During the full year Jollyes also added seven new stores, organically and through the acquistion of The Pet Store in Yorkshire and Bannerbrook Pets in Coventry. 
• The investment in an extended logisitics contract with Wincanton in Wigan that introduces backhauling arrangements with eight suppliers that have led to 50,000 fewer road miles 
• Overhauled and relaunched its Lifestage private label food leading to a 70 per cent-plus increase in sales. 

Jollyes plans to build on its current trading performance with ambitious plans for FY23.  During the current full financial year, it expects to: 

• Recruit an additional 100 roles across the UK - 80 in new stores and 20 in back office functions to support its expansion. 
• Open an additional eight new stores in FY23. 
• Grow revenue so it becomes a £100m-plus turnover business by the end of its 2023 financial year cent. 
• Step-up its private label development, introducing new Lifestage artisan ranges alongside other launches. 

Jollyes expects family-run Penparc to be a highly complementary addition to its family, giving it a significant presence in the Midlands. 

Penparc started with a single shop in Cannock in 1990 and has built a strong following for its focus on customer service and quality pet foods and accessories. 

The purchase is the latest move by Kester Capital-backed Jollyes to accelerate growth and has been completed with financial support from HSBC. 

Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes said: “The dedication of the Penparc team to their pet-owning customers have made them legendary in the towns they trade. We couldn’t be prouder to bring them into the Jollyes team. 

“Whether organically or through acquisition, we remain ambitious as we seek other opportunities to grow.”  

Penparc director Richard Allen said: “We’ve got to know Jollyes well over the last few months and we’re confident that we’ve found a buyer who shares what makes us special and will be a good steward for the business, our colleagues and customers in the years to come.” 

The eight new stores opened by Jollyes in the past year included Cookstown in Northern Ireland in March, Wrexham in May, Stirling in June and Southport on 2 July.  

Planned future openings include Poole, Stockton-on-Tees, Warrington and Billingshurst in West Sussex, as well as three in Scotland at Glenrothes, Robroyston and Hermiston Gait near Edinburgh. 

That pace of growth which has seen Jollyes grow its store estate by almost 30 per cent in a little over a year, makes it one of the fastest growing physical retailers in the UK. 

On its FY22 performance, executive chairman Richard Cotter said: “While we’re delighted with the numbers, our performance is about people and a passion for pets.  Our performance is simply a consequence of us transforming our business to empower our people to provide products that meet the needs of Britain’s pet owners.   

“We’re proud that this transformation is now leading to 100 additional opportunities to join the Jollyes team in the year ahead as we double-down on our ambitious growth plans.” 

In addition to its store network, Jollyes has invested in distribution through a new contract with Wincanton in March, in its click and collect service, in extending online ranges and in staff training to increase the number of colleagues qualified to dispense certain veterinary medicines. 

It has also forged closer links with key suppliers to refresh and extend popular ranges such as its exclusive Lifestage dry and wet dog food.  It has also recently rolled out freezers to 15 stores as customers look to take advantage of the money-saving power of frozen pet food.

Houseware and pet product supplier Dayes, whose brands include Pets Unlimited, has acquired a majority stake in a Telford-based Rosewood Pet Products.

Rosewood’s major shareholders Neil and Bev Panter said: "After 27 years of continuous growth, we have reached the point where it would be beneficial to team up with a bigger group to ensure further development of our company.

"Dayes has distribution power in Europe and additional category expertise to complete our offer. Together with Dayes, we can cover the full range of pet treats and accessories and offer a branded portfolio with proven success around Europe.

"We feel that within Dayes our entrepreneurial spirit is appreciated, and we are able to utilise our joint strengths to ensure a strong future."

Dayes chief executive Wouter Meijerink commented: "Over the last 12 months we have become acquainted with the directors of Rosewood. We were impressed with how they have built their pet care business over the last 20-plus years. They have become a key partner for many UK retailers, are driven by expert knowledge in petcare and are renowned for their product innovation.

‘With the Rosewood team in our group, we aim to be the leading European pet care specialist, offering a wide portfolio of pet products.”

PATS Telford, the UK’s number one pet industry exhibition, will stage its biggest ever show in September.

The two-day event on Sunday, September 25, and Monday, September 26, will be staged in three halls of Telford International Centre with exhibiting stands extending into Hall 3 for the first time.

More than 200 companies and brands have already booked stand space, and the final total is expected to be around 230, which would be a record for a PATS exhibition

A growing number of new companies have chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford, and as a result the event organisers have introduced a New Starter Zone in Hall 3.

“The demand for stand space at PATS Telford has been phenomenal, so we took the decision to extend into Hall 3,” said organiser Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions and Events.

“It’s great to be able to offer pet start-ups the chance to showcase their new products and services in the New Starter Zone, and again the take-up has been really good.”

A total of 40 extra stands will be located in Hall 3, and those companies having already booked their place include: Poochiful, Paws the Planet, Shredhouse, TRM Pet, Healthy Option Pet Food, Noochy Poochy, The Doggy Baking Co, maxxipaws, Pack Leashes, Kompact9 and Benebone.

Poochiful will be exhibiting for the second time at PATS Telford and managing director Ryan Lord said: “We can’t wait to meet the UK and international buyers at the show. The first exhibition really helped the brand get noticed and we are hoping to capitalise now the brand has had a lot more exposure.”

And Greg Fraser, founder of The Doggy Baking Co, commented: “We're really looking forward to returning to PATS for our second ever pet trade show. We were thrilled to win the New Product Award for Dog Treats when we were at the Sandown show earlier this year and cannot wait to share our new products with the UK and International attendees of the Telford show.”

Maxxipaws will be making its first appearance at a PATS show and owner Birgir Gislason said: “We are very excited to be exhibiting at the show in September and introducing our range of unique formulation supplements to the many UK and overseas retailers who will be visiting.”

As well as seeing and touching an unrivalled array of products in the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, visitors will also be treated to demonstrations from leading dog groomers.

PATS Telford will also see a return of the International Buyers Centre as more overseas visitors are expected to attend following the pandemic. The centre will be run in association with PetQuip, which will also be staging its prestigious industry awards after the first day of the show.

Trade association manager Pat Flynn said: “It is a pleasure to be working alongside the PATS team once again, helping to deliver international buyers to the show. We will also be celebrating innovation in the pet industry by announcing the winners of the PetQuip Awards 2022 at a special awards party on the Sunday evening.  We look forward to seeing everyone and to working with such a professional team from PATS.” 

All visitors to PATS Telford will receive a free catalogue, free tea and coffee, and free parking, and you can register online for free entry at the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk. 

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

Pioneering pet product manufacturer Tracey Voss has marked her 25 years working in the sector by being shortlisted as a Finalist for one of Britain’s biggest and most prestigious business awards.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022, a glittering, star-studded event to be staged at London’s 5-star Grosvenor House Hotel in November, attracted over 5,300 entrants nationally, the biggest number ever to apply for the awards.

During Lockdown Tracey, Nottinghamshire-based MD of pet product company Tailor-Grace, created a new pet concept, Huskaloo, the world’s first eco-friendly, compact cat litter made from coconut husks.

Last year, Huskaloo was named ‘New Product Showcase Winner’ at PATS Telford 2021. And it also won Gold at the PetQuip Awards 2021 in the ‘Innovations In Lockdown’ category.

Now a third ‘feather in her cap’ has come with Huskaloo earning Tracey a Finalist nomination in the category ‘Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year’ – and she is hoping she will be “third time lucky” on Finals night.

Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC Television’s hit business series ‘Dragons’ Den’. Bartlett was a special guest at last year’s awards.

Held in partnership with Starling Bank, The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledge and champion the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

Tracey told Pet Trade Xtra today: “I am absolutely blown away to be shortlisted as a Finalist amongst what has to be considerable talent.

“We’ve already enjoyed great success with Huskaloo winning two awards in the past year. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will be third time lucky again.”

‘Made possible by collective team effort’

A ‘pet parent’ herself for 30 years, Tracey used Lockdown to create Huskaloo at the peak of the Covid pandemic when many cat owners were extra-reluctant to visit High Street stores and carry home heavy sacks of litter.

With most brands producing clay-based litter, created by the environmentally destructive process of strip-mining, Tracey invented a 90% smaller, 90% lighter and more ecologically sustainable alternative.

The eco litter is 100% biodegradable, can be put onto garden compost heaps, and is also odour-free. Coconut husks are super-absorbent and friendlier both to the environment and to cats.

Tracey added: “It has long been an ambition of mine to be involved in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. I’ve always kept a close eye on the event and, having seen previous years’ applicants, I’ve dreamt of being a finalist myself.

“Now that day has come and after the year we have had, this is the icing on the cake. I am thrilled for the whole team because this achievement has only been made possible by a collective team effort.”

On Finals night, November 21, 12 awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.

This year marks a decade of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and, over the years, the ever-growing network of alumni has collectively turned over £30 billion and employed around 450,000 people.

PATS Telford launch due

Great British Entrepreneur Awards Founder, Francesca James, said: “From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.”

Huskaloo isn’t the only pioneering product Tracey has created. Ten years ago, she also pioneered a new pet product concept for dogs – Oggi’s Oven, a bake-your-own-biscuits for your dog brand that was the first of its kind. As well as being Britain’s “first ever”, Oggi’s is also now the leading No.1 product in this field.

The original idea for Oggi came from a conversation Tracey shared a decade ago with leading UK canine geneticist Dr Malcom Willis. Chatting at a dog show, Tracey spoke of her desire to create a character who could educate families and children about how to keep dogs healthy.

Now, to mark Oggi’s 10th birthday, a new product, ‘Oggi’s Birthday Gift Box’ is to be launched at PATS Telford 2022 in September.

Ethically-sourced, raw pet food manufacturer Naturaw has quadrupled production capability thanks to a programme of over £500,000 investment within its new facility.

The Wetherby-based and B Corp Certified manufacturer, which employs 18 staff, has invested in an automated production line thanks to support from finance brokerage Trusted Business Partner.

Chris Broadbent, Director at Naturaw, said: “Last year we completed the move to our new Thorp Arch facility and knew we needed to increase our capacity by upgrading our current production lines. 

“With business growth of over 120% over the last two years, it was important to make sure that our production capability was futureproof going forward. The upgraded line ensures that a continually growing ‘rawvolution’ of demand can be met both from online customers and via our UK wide network of 150 independent stockists. 

“Working with James Clinghan at Trusted Business Partner allowed us to propel the investment forward and he brought a real refreshing enthusiasm to the business. Thanks to the upgrades, we’ve also been able to significantly update our packaging across the full product range and we’ve already had fantastic feedback from customers.”

James Clinghan, Managing Director at Trusted Business Partner, secured the funding to support the production line upgrades.

He said: “Naturaw caters to a real gap in the pet market and it was a joy to work alongside such a passionate family-run business. The new production line is a fantastic progressional step for Naturaw and it’s excellent to see the business continue to set records and continue upon its growth trajectory thanks to our support.”

Over the next year Naturaw will be working to achieve its global B-Corp Certification amongst other eco-credentials, while also continuing to expand its popular product range for stockists and direct customers.

Chris added: “The pet industry is such a huge growth area to be in and we’ve worked incredibly hard to ensure that we offer our customers the best quality raw products, using only high welfare meat from British farms.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store and are confident more UK pet owners will reap the benefits of using fresh, natural raw food.”

To learn more about Trusted Business Partner and how you could secure finance for your business, contact James on james@t-b-p.co.uk.

Following several months of due diligence, the Pet Industry Federation’s export scheme is now ready to move to a trial phase. 

The PIF team has been working to devise a scheme which enables manufacturers and suppliers to export pallets to the EU in a cost effective way.

The PIF scheme will enable consolidation of pallets at a nominated DHL warehouse in the UK from where they will be exported into the EU.

PIF CEO, Nigel Baker, commented: “Since Brexit we have consistently heard how difficult export of products containing animal protein has become for pet businesses so the team here at PIF has been determined to find a workable, cost-effective solution. We’re delighted to now be in a position to run a trial phase and I encourage everyone who is interested in taking part to put forward their expression of interest.”

To receive a quote email Daniel Everett at export@petfederation.co.uk

The trial phase is open to all pet businesses however once the final scheme is launched it will be specifically for PIF members.

To join PIF today, visit http://www.petcare.org.uk/index.php/membership

A Hucknall pet store is set to offer state of-the-art dog grooming training in its new high end salon.

Pets and Friends Hucknall, one of the 18 Pets and Friends store across the midlands, will become the groomer training base for the pet store group, and in order to help plug the national shortage of dog groomers, will now offer iPET Network qualifications to their employees and general public.

Learners can now train and qualify in grooming, receive business advice to follow their dreams and turn an interest into a lucrative career, all under the watchful eye of veteran groomer and lead-trainer Kerry Chapman.

Skilled groomer Kerry, 33 has been teaching dog grooming since 2019, but her entire career has been dedicated to animals working as a horse riding instructor before that.

Her passion and expertise have already guided scores of students into rewarding and competent careers in the industry, but thanks to the school's refurbishment, and a new partnership with Ofqual regulated qualification Awarding Organisation iPET Network, she is convinced the sky's the limit for The Grooming Academy at Pets and Friends.

"Grooming is such a rewarding and creative skill set, it is not something that anyone can simply pick up a pair of scissors and just do, so it is wonderful to see students blossoming into amazing stylists on these courses.

"The brilliant thing about the iPET Network courses is that learners can work at their own pace, and there is a lot of emphasis on handling and welfare too. The welfare of the animal is at the heart of everything that they do and those are our values too."

The new, purpose-built Training Centre at Hucknall has been designed specifically to facilitate training sessions, whilst keeping animal welfare as priority number one.

New, and exclusive to Pets and Friends in the UK, DezynaDog electric grooming tables mean that the safety of the dogs, cats and small animals being groomed is ensured while allowing easy access for the training team and students alike.

The new courses are already proving a hit with students, many of who are changing their careers after working in other industries, to fulfill a dream of working with animals.

Naomi, who trained with Kerry in February 2022, said: "I would highly recommend anyone considering joining The Grooming Academy, you learn so much in a short amount of time and it has helped me massively in my career and my confidence with all aspects of my job.

"Kerry is an amazing teacher, you learn so much from her as she has a lot of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Grooming.

"She is patient, lets you get on with it but if you need her she's there to guide you through it and has personally helped me further my skill set and taught me different techniques that I haven't learned at college. I truly believe she has helped me and taught me more than I have learnt over the two years at college."

Pets and Friends are a pet care specialist, with stores featuring grooming salons across the midlands, and a website that delivers to customers nationally and offers convenient repeat subscriptions too.

Part of the Kennelpak group, with nearly 50 years’ experience in the pet care sector, Pets and Friends pride themselves on the expertise of their salon and store teams. The business is dedicated to helping pet parents look after the nutritional, health and wellbeing needs of their pets – whether in store or online.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of the iPET Network, said: "We are so excited to be working with Pets and Friends and the new training school is looking amazing.

"Dog grooming is a growth industry, with more groomers needed than ever before to service the record number of dogs now living in UK homes.

"But for the industry to be one that everyone can trust, it is imperative that groomers get their qualifications. It is brilliant that Pets and Friends takes this responsibility so seriously."

 Claire Bayliss, CEO of KennelPak, said: "It is well known that there is a shortage of highly skilled groomers across the UK.

 "We are delighted to have partnered with IPET Network to launch The Grooming Academy, a state-of-the-art training centre in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, giving groomers and those looking for a career change, the opportunity to gain a highly regarded qualification along with the skills they need to groom not just dogs, but a variety of small animals to exacting standards.

 "This supports Pets and Friends' goal of creating communities of happy, healthy pets and responsible pet parents across the country.

"There are a number of training courses available that offer flexible hours as well as various payment terms, ensuring our courses are accessible to students of all ages.

 "Our training team have over 20 years’ experience in grooming puppies, dogs, cats and rabbits, and the courses are all tutored by a fully qualified trainer.”

To find out more about becoming a dog groomer see a full guide at www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/guides/a-guide-to-becoming-a-dog-groomer/

To find out more about Pets and Friends go to www.petsandfriends.co.uk

Ever mindful of the varying chewing strengths of puppies, Nylabone has added to its extensive offering of teething and chewing solutions with the launch of an ‘extreme’ Puppy Power range.

Designed to withstand even the most powerful of puppy chewers the new range is made from durable nylon and has flavours that run throughout ensuring that they remain for as long as the chew does. They are not sprayed, dipped or coated so there is no chance of their tasty flavours being licked off!    

The range comprises; a twin pack of beef stew & vegetable and bacon flavour chew bones suitable for puppies up to 11 kg in weight, a single beef stew and vegetable chew suitable for puppies up to 23kg, and a bacon flavoured Puppy Rings chew toy for puppies up to 11kg in weight. 

In addition to aiding teething and promoting good chewing habits, the Puppy Power Chew range is perfect for aiding dental hygiene. The tiny bristles that raise on the bone during the chewing process act like a mini toothbrush to help keep teeth clean and prevent the build-up of tartar. 

The Puppy Power Chew range is available to order now from Interpet’s trade website https://trade.interpet.co.uk/

There’s a ‘sustainable living’ storm brewing across a number of food and drink sectors, none more so than pet food where latest global numbers suggest that 30% of all intensively farmed animals are produced specifically for dog bowls.  

On top of that there’s a wellness drive being conducted by concerned ‘pet parents’ who having addressed their own dietary shortfalls then took to scrutinizing the nutritional prowess and ingredient decks of their four-legged friends. 

This is about the point that some knowing dog enthusiasts will point out entovegan thinking isn’t entirely new when it comes to dog food as its long known that protein-rich ‘supergrubs’ offer an enviable array of beneficial minerals and vitamins, but historically the ‘grub of choice’ has been the bitter-tasting black soldier fly, a stalwart of cattle feed.  In stark contrast Conal’s Devon-based adventure centres around growing sumptuous best-in-class mealworms living off local fruit and veg biomass.  In human insect-appreciating circles plump juicy mealworms are renowned for their enviable nutty twang.    

The founder behind Mr Bug is one Conal Cunningham who in his own has enjoyed a very varied, some might say eclectic career which began with a short stint in the marines, before moving to London with his electric guitar, a pocket full of plectrums and a steely resolve to be the next big thing in rock.  There was a little success but nothing that would have the wider music fraternity swaying to his rhythm, however it was this first foray into music that set the tone for what was to follow, namely setting up Bush Studios in Shepherd’s Bush, a leading light in its field.

“When Covid struck my wife and I decided that now was the perfect moment to escape to the countryside and live our rural dream close to where my military training had taken place.  The idea of an insect farm had been niggling away for a while; however it was only when I sat in a pub with a farm-wise mate, sunk a few beers and convinced him to join my ‘grubby’ adventure that things really kicked off.”  

For the record it’s worth noting that a responsibly-fostered mealworm provides more calcium than milk, more B12 than salmon, more iron than spinach and ALL 9 essential amino acids.  More importantly bugs emit only 20% of the methane generated by traditional farmyard stock, whilst needing only a fraction of the feed (1kg of mealworms needs 1700g of feed Vs10,000g cattle) whilst using significantly less water (1kg of mealworms needs 10L of water Vs 22,000L for cattle).       

In 2021 it was estimated that 10,000 metric tonnes of insect protein was created.  In 2030 this number could top 500,000 metric tonnes.

“In its first incarnation Mr Bug’s range consists of 4 x 80g snack pouches (The Fruity One, Cheesy One, Veggie One & Nutty One) although a protein bar for hounds isn’t far away.  Our debut showcase event in Interzoo was a fantastic success highlighting GB innovation!  Better than that, we’ve just been accepted to apply for the Government Farming Transformation Fund, Apha has moved  Mr Bug’s pet processing certificate from provisional to permanent and on the back of Interzoo (Germany) we’ve just secured our first of many meaningful listing with the South West’s  Arc Pet Centres.”

Conal concludes by saying: “I suspected that we were on to something when a seed of a good idea planted itself in my head a few years ago, however I’m especially proud of the fact that in our own small way we’re supporting Devon’s rural economy by employing and supporting young people who haven’t had a proper job before, helping them develop basic, essential career skills like time-keeping personal organisation and career pride!”

Mrbug.co.uk  

FuzzYard has announced the global release of ‘FuzzYard Life’, its new interior inspired range.

'Life' is a mix of trending colour palettes, textures and textiles, perfect for the discerning pet owner who seek the finer things in life, not only for themselves but for their beloved pets.

All the materials in the FuzzYard Life range have been beautifully curated with the utmost emphasis placed on the feel and aesthetic. This ethos has helped create stunning pieces which fit impeccably

within the home, whilst providing luxurious comfort and style for pets.

The development of this new range has been mindful of the growing pet ownership around the world and the need for consciously designed pet products.

FuzzYard is incredibly excited by this new assortment and is confident your customers will love and embrace this exquisite new range.

FuzzYard is distributed in the UK by In Vogue Pets. For more information contact Jonothan Goodman on 01923 853484 or 07774 831063, or by email jonothan@invoguepets.co.uk

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Burns Pet Nutrition has announced its first partnership with Warner Bros. to support the release of the highly anticipated big-screen movie DC League of Super-Pets, which opens nationwide in cinemas on 29th July 2022.

DC League of Super-Pets promises to be the big family release over the summer holiday season. The on-pack promotional campaign with Burns Pet Nutrition will run in-stores from early July through to September 2022. The promotion will backed by a national marketing campaign including in-store POS, ATL national newspaper ads, social media spend, digital marketing and social media influencer activations.

The promotion offers customers the chance to win a UK Holiday alongside runner-up DC League Super-Pets goody-bag prizes. The winning package will include a two-night stay at a luxury cottage in a location of the winner’s choice for four people, including £300 for spending money and travel.

Of the new partnership with Warner Bros., Burns founder John Burns commented: “As our brand continues to grow and expand, we’re thrilled to be supporting the release of this movie and partnering with Warner Bros. in what we hope will be the start of a fruitful relationship.” 

Vets are being urged to help crack down on illegal puppy farms following recent successful prosecutions.

And leading animal welfare expert David Martin says the court cases show it’s a battle that can be won.

Mr Martin, Group Animal Welfare Advisor for IVC Evidensia, was one of those involved in the prosecutions of a puppy-selling gang currently awaiting sentencing in Essex.

A Basildon court heard shocking evidence of puppies found dead in a freezer. The four individuals pled guilty in May this year to offences in connection with the fraudulent sale of puppies, totalling £850,000.

“There’s a misconception with some vets where we think the illegal puppy trade is something that we just need to put up with,” said Martin, a leading vet and Clinical Director at Brownlow Veterinary Group in Shropshire.

“There’s an urban myth that perhaps no one does anything about it when we complain, but the success stories show that doesn’t need to be the case. 

“It shouldn’t be onerous on a vet’s usual duties. As professionals we do have to signpost clients who have welfare concerns about a puppy they have purchased, to report their concerns or worries. And if a vet has concerns about one of its clients that they may be breeding illegally, then we need to consider whether we need to report it.”

“There is a lot going on to stamp it out and prosecute it, from local authorities, the RSPCA and the police. Big steps are being taken to put these people out of business and, in many cases, behind bars.”

IVC Evidensia, which is one of the world’s leading veterinary providers and has veterinary practices throughout the UK, is also advising pet owners on how to spot a responsible dog breeder, and has launched a guide to help. 

Unscrupulous gangs took advantage of the massive increase in demand for puppies during lockdown. Millions of households added a pet during the pandemic, with the dog population shooting up by around 25%.

The shortage of high-quality puppies provided the gangs with the opportunity to cash in.

“This was a problem pre-Covid, but it has got drastically worse,” said Martin. “This is organised crime, with groups actively using the puppy trade to make large sums of money.”

Martin spent three years as an expert witness working on the Essex case which saw all four individuals enter guilty pleas in May this year, two to fraud and two to acquiring criminal property. Two also indicated guilty pleas to offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

In another case, a police raid on a property in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in July 2021 found 17 puppies in dirty conditions in crates in the garden.

One pup had to be rushed to vets to remove a tight black cable tie around its neck. All the puppies were taken into care by the RSPCA and subsequently rehomed.

The puppies had been advertised for sale, using three different email addresses, for £22,950. One individual was jailed for seven months in June 2022 and banned from keeping dogs under Unfair Trading Regulations. A further Animal Welfare Act matter was scheduled for Aylesbury Magistrates Court for the end of June.

IVC Evidensia is encouraging clients to alert veterinary staff if they feel their pet has come from a puppy farm to allow them to pass on intelligence to the enforcement agencies.

“We need to build a picture of where these puppies are coming from, so we can go after the major players,” said Martin.

“Several of our team have been supporting local authorities to help execute search warrants on some of these illegal breeders’ premises and shutting down the kennels.

“As Covid has been fading, there has been increasing enforcement and there really are high profile success stories to highlight.”

Martin continued: “We’re also doing a lot to encourage our pet-owning clients to come forward to veterinary professionals if they have any concerns. Choosing the right breeder is very important and it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a licensed, legitimate breeder and an illegal puppy trader who’s attempting to trick you.” 

IVC Evidensia has launched a guide for pet owners on how to spot a responsible dog breeder.

Martin continued: “Included in this guide are some practical tips for owners. When it comes to buying a puppy, never make any impulsive decisions. Take time to do your research, and to make sure the puppy you choose is healthy and legally bred. Don’t let yourself be tricked into buying an illegally bred puppy; you may feel like you’re helping the poor creature (and indeed you would be) but ultimately, you’d be contributing to the illegal puppy trade as a whole.”

The 2019 PPM Cat Pet Product of the Year winner is getting a brand refresh.

With an ingrediency update to suit the European market, and a packaging overall to usher in the new era, True Leaf Pet is making a statement in an over saturated pet treats market.

True Leaf Pet focus on pet wellness products which support cats and dogs with natural ingredients formulated to aid common pet problems, all within a delicious and healthy treat.

“We believe this new refresh will help to effectively with our customers. We still have the best product possible, but with a packaging that jumps straight off the shelves,” said Malcolm Elam, General Manager Europe.

Su-Bridge Pet Supplies has the exclusive distribution rights for True Leaf Pet in the UK. For more information on call 01953 882485

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that some popular flat-faced dog breeds, including the English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug, are at the highest risk of skin fold dermatitis – a painful skin condition.

The study highlights that although folded skin on dogs may seem ‘cute’ to many humans, it can have high health and welfare implications for affected breeds.

Skin fold dermatitis is caused by friction, excessive moisture and lack of ventilation deep in folds of skin. It ranges from reddened to infected and ulcerated skin that has a bad smell and often results in pain throughout a dog’s life. The impact of the condition on canine welfare has risen over the past decade due to dramatically rising worldwide popularity of some flat-faced dog breeds (which often exhibit deep facial folds). Other factors such as obesity and chronic skin disease can also predispose to skin fold dermatitis.

The study, by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme, included more than 900,000 dogs from the general pet dog population under veterinary care in the UK. Anonymised veterinary clinical records were searched for diagnoses of skin fold dermatitis within a single year. The results showed that a formal diagnosis of skin fold dermatitis was recorded in one in 300 of all dogs each year (0.37% of dogs diagnosed annually). However, certain breeds showed much higher levels of the condition.

The study found that the breeds with the highest proportion of skin fold dermatitis diagnoses each year were English Bulldog (6.1%); French Bulldog (2.7%) and Pug (2.1%). Overall, 1.0% of all flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs were affected compared to just 0.3% of dogs with the typical medium-length skull. Breeds that typically show pronounced skin folds on the face or body were between 11-49 times more likely to suffer from the condition than crossbreed dogs. Purebred dogs had an increased risk (x2.5) of skin fold dermatitis compared to crossbred dogs.

The most common locations on the dog’s body for skin fold dermatitis were the lip (36.8%); facial folds (22.0%); vulva (14.2%); nasal fold (9%); tail (5.8%) and periocular fold (surrounding the eyeball) (3.5%); and the most common clinical signs recorded were reddened skin (34.2%), inflammation (24.2%), moistness (20.6%), malodour (18.6%) and pain (18.0%).

Additional key findings include:

• The breeds with the highest percentage of dogs affected with skin fold dermatitis were English Bulldog       (6.1%), French Bulldog (2.7%), Pug (2.1%), Basset Hound               (2.0%), Cocker Spaniel (1.3%), Shar-Pei    (0.9%), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (0.9%) and Boxer (0.9%).
• The breeds with the highest predisposition (compared to cross bred dogs) for skin fold dermatitis were English Bulldog (x49.1 times risk), French Bulldog (x25.9), Pug (x16.3), Basset Hound (x10.7), Cocker Spaniel (x7.5), Shar Pei (x6.4), Boxer (x4.6) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (x4.5).
• The most protected breeds that had at least one case of skin fold dermatitis were Yorkshire Terrier (x0.1), Border Collie (x0.3) Jack Russell Terrier (x0.5) and Labrador Retriever (0.6).
• The three breeds with extreme flat faces (brachycephaly) (English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug) showed high levels of facial, nasal, and periocular locations. In contrast, the lips were the dominant location in the spaniel breeds (Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and the West Highland White Terrier.
• The risk of diagnosis with skin fold dermatitis rose as dogs aged.
• Pain was recorded in nearly one in five dogs that had a record of clinical signs of skin fold dermatitis.

Dr Dan O’Neill, lead author of the paper and Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC said: “As humans, we hold the power to ensure that every pet dog starts life with good natural health. When choosing which dog to own, this means selecting a breed that does not have extreme conformations such as folded skin which can lead to a lifetime of painful skin infections.

“This study adds to the growing evidence of the substantial harms that extreme body shapes can have on our dog’s health and will hopefully encourage prospective owners to ‘stop and think’ about avoiding extreme body shapes before choosing which breed to purchase.”

Dr Anke Hendricks, co-author and Associate Professor in Veterinary Dermatology at the RVC, said: “Skin fold dermatitis is a common problem in dogs with skin folds or pockets. It is not always easy to spot where folds are deep, nor is it necessarily recorded in the health records, and as such this study is likely to underestimate the problem. Prevention or treatment of infection requires very frequent skin care or medication throughout a dog’s life and adds a considerable care burden and cost to living with an affected dog.”

Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said: “Skin fold dermatitis is a serious condition and although this research, funded in part by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, found that only 0.37% of dogs, and 1% of flat-faced dogs, were affected, it’s likely that some owners don’t recognise the signs to look out for and may not seek treatment. This is an important reminder that owners of dogs with wrinkles should be aware of the potential problems and know how to avoid them – by cleaning their dog’s skin folds daily, ensuring they’re kept dry and making sure their dog is not overweight. It is also vital that people make informed puppy buying choices and avoid those dogs that are bred for extreme wrinkles – which are far removed from what’s described in breed standards – and instead ‘stop and think’, and find a responsible breeder, who has their dogs' welfare at heart.”

Dr Laura Hamilton, veterinary surgeon and Breed Health Coordinator UK French Bulldog Clubs, said:

“The French Bulldog Clubs and all those who care about these dogs, agree extreme exaggerations - like excessive skin folds - must be avoided, and are disappointed in the recent trend of rogue breeders producing increasingly extreme brachycephalic dogs, like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, for profit."

BETA International, sponsored by Neue Schule, will be launching two exciting new features at this year’s exhibition – the New Product Showcase and New Product Awards.

These additions to the leading equestrian trade exhibition, being held at NAEC Stoneleigh on 11-13 September 2022, will recognise and reward the innovation and excellence shown by companies in bringing new products to market.

Seeing and touching the latest equestrian products is one of the major attractions for BETA International visitors, and the New Product Showcase will add greatly to this whole experience.

Sponsored by Shires Equestrian, the New Product Showcase is designed to help visiting retailers and buyers find the latest products to hit the industry. 

Visitors will be able to view the products under eight categories: Clothing & Footwear, Feed & Supplements, General, Horsecare, Horsewear & Equipment, Pet Products, Saddlery & Tack, Safety.

An information card will be placed alongside each product, giving details of suggested retail price and stand number of the supplier.

All exhibitors are being invited to enter one product into the New Product Showcase free of charge, with additional items being charged at £150 per entry. As a stipulation the products must not have been available on the UK market at or prior to BETA International 2021, which took place on 9-11 September 2021.

To determine the winners of the eight categories of the New Product Awards, all products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailers on the first day of the event (Sunday, 11 September).

BETA International is being organised by Impact Exhibitions and Events, whose Gordon Thomas said: “We’re really excited to be launching the New Product Showcase and New Product Awards. We know that visiting retailers and buyers want to see ‘what’s new’ and discover the bestsellers of tomorrow, and these two new attractions will help them make the right buying choices.

“From past experience, I know that winning a New Product Award can have a tremendous impact on the fortunes of a product and its supplier. It can help turn a new launch into a bestselling item in stores around the country and clinch that all-important export deal.

“One of the main reasons why the Awards are held in such high esteem is the fact they are decided by a panel of retailers, who know what it takes for a product to fly off the shelves.”

The New Product Awards, sponsored by Equestrian Trade News, will be presented in the Seminar Theatre (Hall 1) at 5.15pm on Sunday, 11 September. Exhibitors and visitors will be invited to attend and cheer on the winners.

The winning products will be displayed in a separate area opposite the New Product Showcase.

Retailers and buyers wishing to register for free entry to BETA International should visit www.beta-int.comwhere a full list of exhibitors can also be found.

To find out more about exhibiting at BETA International, contact Fiona Dagger at Impact Exhibitions & Events on 01892 862848 or email fiona.dagger@impact-exhibitions.com.

IVC Evidensia welcomed 300 graduates in-person, and nearly 150 online, to its Graduate Academy Congress, where attendees could lay the foundations of their future careers in the veterinary industry.

The attendees at the event reflected IVC Evidensia’s reach across Europe, with vets at the very start of their careers from the UK, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Republic of Ireland and France in attendance.

Graduates not only found out what the early stages of their veterinary journey would look like, but also met their future colleagues in the industry, alongside a huge number of sponsors and partners they are likely to interact with in the future. 

They included Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra, Elanco, MSD, Hills, IDEXX, Purina Institute, Purina Proplan, RCW, BVA, CEVA, Improve, Pet Blood bank, VetCT, Vetlexicon, Vetlife, Vetoquinol, VetX and Zoetis.

A warm welcome to all was given by Simon Smith, Group MD, Business Development, who was keen to welcome the graduates to a global business which offers a huge variety of networking opportunities and career paths for those seeking them.

His opening remarks also focused on welfare and sustainability; themes that were expanded on within one of four streams that graduates could access during the event.

The four streams included two for small animal, one for large animal and one for wellbeing, allowing online participants to switch between streams quickly and interact easily. In total there were over 50 lectures given by 42 speakers joining from the UK, Sweden, Netherlands, Canada and the USA. This was alongside three other workshops that focused on haematology, ophthalmoscopy and farm.

As if that weren’t enough, there was also a congress dinner with an inspirational keynote speech from Olympian Kate Richardson-Walsh.

Over the two-day congress, graduates were treated to well-informed lectures, fascinating workshops and inspiring speeches that would allow them to glimpse the journey they would be embarking on in the veterinary industry with IVC Evidensia.

Juliet Pope, Group Graduate Academy Manager, said: “The atmosphere was electric, and we know that everyone involved: our grads, our colleagues, our speakers and our partners, all had a fantastic time [, learnt a great deal and were inspired by their choice of career [or something like that!] 

“One of our partners even told us it was the ‘best Congress he had ever attended!’ Having the vast array of top-class clinical and non-clinical Professional Development at the event covering almost all species reflects the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience across IVC Evidensia.”

Lisa Chapman, UK Graduate Academy Manager, added:

“It was a real joy to see our graduates engage with partners, sponsors, speakers as well as each other. I feel privileged to be a part of the graduates’ journey within IVC Evidensia. The team are already planning for next year’s Congress which we hope will be even bigger and better than this year!”

A graduate who attended the event commented:

“Thank you to the amazing team that organised all of it! It was amazing spending some good time learning, connecting, exploring and having fun!”

If you would like to find out more about the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy, head over to the website here.

A groundbreaking pet retailer is focused on building even stronger relations with sustainable start-ups and innovative independent businesses.

PetPlace owners Sion Pritchard and Paul Penketh are targeting more bespoke suppliers and products designed to improve the health and wellbeing of animals, and fledgling firms looking to support the pet trade now and in the future.

The company, which is based in Kinmel Bay and has stores in Abergele, Ruthin, Mold, Llangefni and Chirk, already stocks many environmentally friendly items on its shelves but Sion says they plan to take things further in the months ahead.

“We are opening the doors to smaller, independent suppliers who specialise in the health and wellbeing of animals and want to be part of the pet industry,” he said.

“A lot of retail chains stock pet goods but without the emphasis on sustainability, the environment and creating innovative products that will make a difference to the pets, their owners and ultimately, the planet.

“We want to hear from the innovators, anyone with an idea that’s in motion or a start-up with an exciting new product that could cause a stir in the sector.

Sion added: “At PetPlace we are very different from the norm, we want to support the pet trade specifically and move forward together, away from the mass-market consumer approach to a more dedicated, proactive and tailored offering, ensuring our team members have as much knowledge as possible to share with our customers.”

Among the sustainable firms already working with Sion and the team is Adios Plastic, a Kent-based husband and wife partnership who launched their plastic-free biodegradable poo bag business in 2018.

Twenty million sales later, Ben and Sadie Dodd are aiming to continue the compostable theme with pet wipes manufactured in the UK that naturally break down into the environment and serve as food to be consumed by microorganisms.

Ben said: “When we started there were a lot of poo bags on the market and the vast majority were plastic, which can take hundreds of years to break down.

“We wanted to do something different and after a lot of research began producing bags made from Cornstarch. From that we developed a range of colours – including our popular rainbow packs – that stood out from the standard options available, and it took off from there.”

He added: “We began supplying PetPlace during the pandemic and love everything they stand for; they are a model customer and have really got behind our brand.

“We grew 600% during first year of lockdown and another 200% in the last year, passing the 20 million sales mark in the UK alone, which as well as being great for us as a company has had a big impact on the environment.

“People are switching from plastic and it’s having a knock-on effect, this is where the industry is going which is great to see and so important.”

Another to work closely with PetPlace over the last year is Gillian Thomas-Jones, owner of Mountain Garden Botanics, based in New Brighton, Wrexham.

Having already created handmade shampoo and soaps for pets and humans – all palm oil, cruelty and plastic-free – she is using raw ingredients to create unique lines including an anti-pecking spray for chickens, and a calming mist for dogs and horses.

“It has been a steep learning curve, working long hours to develop the branding, a website, coming up with new ideas and doing all of that while ensuring this is a completely natural series of products with natural packaging,” said Gillian.

“With the support of customers like PetPlace, who are a breath of fresh air, we can work together to manufacture and supply products dedicated to the health and happiness of animals and their owners, which will always be our number one priority.”

Visit www.mountaingardenbotanics.co.uk for more on Mountain Garden Botanics, and www.adiosplastic.co.uk for the latest news and information from Adios Plastic.

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email buying@farmandpetplace.co.uk.

Pet treat start-up company PARK LiFE has walked off with a major New Product Award at the three-day Glee trade exhibition at the NEC Birmingham.

The Ireland-based company manufactures and distributes a range of wholesome, grain-free and 100% naturalbiscuits for dogs which are full of tasty human grade and gut -friendly ingredients. 

These come in three varieties – Fris-Bix, Love-Bix and Chill-Bix – and it was the Fit-Bix version that was judged to be the Best New Pet Product at Glee.

After Fris-Bix was shortlisted for the award, founder of PARK LiFE Richard Marles was tasked with pitching the product to the judging panel where he managed to beat off the challenges of two other shortlisted products – Scruffs’ Classic Long Eared Dog Bowl and the Zoon Treat & Seek Farm Friends from Smart Garden Products Limited.

Richard said after receiving the award: "I'm buzzing. It's a great achievement. I really enjoyed the process of pitching the product to the judges."

The Fris-Bix biscuits are made from a few simple ingredients, sunflower Seeds, peas, potatoes, coconut oil and apple juice with added herbs, berries and super seeds depending on the variety. They are cut into fun bite-sized shapes to keep any pooch happy and satisfied.

In the Wild Bird Care and Wildlife Products category the winner was Bermuda with My First Pond Kit.

Also at Glee, the pet team from the Old Railway Line at Three Cocks near Brecon in Wales won a major buying award.

The garden centre won the Pet Buying Team of the Year award in the Glee Buyers Power List competition.

The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year.

Second place went to Paul Williams of British Garden Centres and third to Polhill Garden Centre.

The awards were presented on the first day of Glee.

Pedigree Wholesale has announced the appointment of Chris Kirton into its new role, Head of Customer.

Chris brings a variety of experience across many companies, including Coca-Cola, Hardy’s Wines, Princes Foods, and AG Barr. Starting his career in licensed Wholesale, he moved into FMCG, working for branded manufacturers across multiple categories such as food, drink, and personal care. He also spent two years in white goods, focusing on both national and independent retailers. 

The main priorities of the Head of Customer are to drive both sales and customer agenda. Chris said: “For Pedigree Wholesale to be successful, we must be the UK’s Wholesaler of Choice for Specialist Pet stores. However, this must be earned, and to this end, we must help our customers be successful. We can achieve that through consistently delivering for our customers both commercially and operationally. We must work hard to exceed our customers’ expectations and excel in our role as Trusted Advisors.”

After being in his role for six weeks, Chris added: “I can honestly say that I have been impressed by the passion I’ve seen for the Pet Industry both at Pedigree Wholesale and from the suppliers and customers I’ve met so far. As someone new to Pet, Interzoo was pretty mind-blowing but an amazing opportunity to network and see the sheer scale and innovation. I look forward to spending more time with the team and getting out and out about, meeting more of our customers.”

Gerard O’Mahony, Managing Director, Pedigree Wholesale, said: “Our customers are at the heart of our business, and improving and finding better ways to serve them is a key focus for us in 2022 and beyond. We appointed the new role to do exactly that. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will prove vital in ensuring we fulfil our Wholesaler of Choice commitment to our customers. We wish him all the success in his new role.”

PATS Telford is the place for pet retailers to see a host of new and international exhibitors as well as the industry’s big-name brands, all of which will be showcasing their launches over two action-packed days on 25-26 September 2022.

The UK pet industry has seen an impressive number of companies entering the market over the past few years and many of these new businesses have chosen the PATS trade shows as their launch pad.

Organiser Gordon Thomas said: “It’s great to see so many companies exhibiting at PATS Telford for the first time. The fact the show has attracted so many new exhibitors is a clear indication it is an important place to launch products. Companies have been telling me they have lots of products to showcase, so visitors can be certain there will be plenty of things to see and do.”

Exhibitors new to PATS Telford include: Accidents Happen, Durham Animal Feeds, Kikkerland Europe, Marnoch Pet Supplies, Milk & Pepper, Mr Slobberchops, Non-stop dogwear, Pippas Paws, Pup Pup Foods and Smoofl.

PATS Telford in September is the best place for pet retailers and garden centres to see the whole pet industry and all the latest products under one roof, with more than 200 companies and brands having already booked their stand space.

A full list of the exhibitors can be found at www.patshow.co.uk where visitors can register for free entry to the show.

As the excitement builds, a selection of PATS Telford newcomers share their thoughts on why they’ve chosen to exhibit at the UK’s National Pet Industry Event.

Marnock Pet Supplies is a new distribution company launching on 18th July with the aim of bringing new products and companies to the UK. The company’s Josh Kane said: “Exhibiting at PATS Telford seemed like a phenomenal opportunity in which to showcase our new brands and to give future customers the chance to touch, feel and talk to us in person.”

It’s a similar story for Pippas Paws, whose Natasha Dykes said: “We are a fairly new business and our products are in a few shops but we would love to see them in more retail outlets across the UK. We hope PATS Telford will give us the platform to connect with many more retailers.”

Dirty Little Paws will be showcasing its unique doughnut-designed recovery collars at PATS Telford. “We want to grow our business through supplying independent pet shops and a friend suggested I take a stand at the exhibition where there will be a captive audience of eager buyers from the pet trade industry,” said Kevan Marshall, of Dirty Little Paws.

Mr Slobberchops launched in January and the company’s natural flea and tick products are now being sold widely throughout the UK in groomers, pet food stores and vet practices.  

Rachel Loader commented: “Exhibiting at PATS is a chance for us to show off our brand to a wider audience, whilst launching our new and exciting product range 'Rollerdog' pocket-sized solutions for dogs on the go.”

PATS Telford is also attracting international companies like Belgium company Smoofl. Managing partner David Molenberghs explained: “I visited the exhibition last September and was pleasantly surprised by the nice atmosphere of the show. I liked the fact that all stands were cosier and more accessible than most of the international fairs I’ve visited in the past. The UK is a huge and very interesting market for Smoofl so I have great expectations for the show.”

Milk & Pepper is a French company supplying an exclusive range of clothes and accessories for dogs and cats. “The brand is well established in France and has started to develop its export activities in recent years,” said Maxime Courant. “Milk & Pepper is really suitable for UK’s market, and we’re keen to showcase our products at PATS Telford.”

Irish company Pup Pup Foods is one of the world's first functional, insect-based dog food brands, and managing director Hayden Smith revealed: “We are excited to be exhibiting at PATS Telford and look forward to speaking with wholesalers, retailers and buyers, and to promoting our exciting new products at such a well-established event.”

Non-stop dogwear is a Scandinavian brand that has developed gear for active dogs and owners for over a decade. “Our presence is growing throughout Europe, and we feel it's time to market here in the UK and share our passion for an active lifestyle with dogs. PATS Telford provides the perfect platform to help us achieve our goals,” said Jason Pascoe, sales representative B2B UK.

PATS Telford will also again play host to popular visitor attractions like The New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, and demonstrations and workshops from top dog groomers.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.

For the latest information on the show visit www.patshow.co.uk

Fun, family spirit and amazing teamwork has given Pets at Home, Rochdale, a win in the UK’s biggest nationwide competition celebrating frontline retail teams: Proud of My Store.

Store manager Nathan Reynolds and his team (pictured) caught the eye of the competition’s prestigious judging panel with their dynamic can-do attitude, enthusiasm and the enormous pride they have in being part of their store and community – alongside an ambition to provide world class customer service from the heart of Rochdale.

Assistant store manager Jo Irlamsaid: "There is so much to be proud of in this store but first and foremost, everything we achieve here is done as a team. Where some people might see a particular day or weekend as challenging, we see an opportunity for laughter, incentives and above all else, amazing customer service. 

‘We view ourselves as a family, and that means we all pull together and live and breathe our company values, with a genuine ambition to be the best pet care centre in the world, thanks to our amazing vet, experienced Groom Room team and pet care colleagues.  We really are here for our community and all their pet care needs.

"Nothing is too much trouble when it comes to our customers – both the humans and our regular pet customers who are treated like royalty! And we go over and above for them. A good example is our free kids’ workshops at the weekends to help youngsters become responsible pet owners, and the work we do to raise money for our charity partner Pennine Pen animal rescue with fundraising weekends, donations and supporting them with information on our community board in store.’

With over 250 stores entering this year’s competition and counting, Pets at Home Rochdale’s achievement was rewarded with a £500 charity donation and another £500 to spend on the team – both of which the store team chose to donate to Pennine Pen.

Nerys Lyne, Regional Operations Director at Pets at Home, said: “Nathan, Jo and the whole Rochdale team are truly a credit to the Pets at Home Group. They lead by example, always putting their customers and clients first and going above and beyond for the many pets who visit the store every day. I can’t think of a more deserving team and know they will remain just as committed to delivering the very best service for a long time to come. A huge congratulations to them all.”

Proud of My Store was founded in 2021 to recognise the invaluable role local store staff play in retail, and to shine a spotlight on the service and value they bring to communities. The Proud of My Store 2022 online hub opened April taking entries from supermarket branches, boutiques, banks, pharmacies, salons, restaurants and more, inviting them to tell their local store’s story - whether it’s a big idea or a small but powerful act of kindness.

Organised by customer interaction management specialists Critizr, monthly winners are being selected, with one overall team set to be crowned ‘Proudest Store 2022’ in July by a panel of retail experts.