The record-breaking PATS 2025 closed on a high with exhibitors and visitors delighted by the huge volume of business being done across all three days of the show.

Simon Lane, director of Ancol Pet Products, said: “It has been an excellent show and we’ve experienced three good days of meeting quality visitors, both current and new customers. I think the move to the NEC was a very positive step, especially for our customers, because of its central location and good transport links.”

This view was shared by Danish Design, whose director of sales and operations Rob Newsome commented: “This has been our best show for years, and we’re delighted at the outcome. It’s a great venue in our opinion and many visitors to our stand admitted that the central location was a big plus point. We’re already looking forward to PATS 2026.”

Simon Smethurst, head of sales of WHM Pet Group, also admitted the NEC location had played its part in delivering a high number of visitors. “The excellent transport links made a difference for people who would otherwise have a difficult journey from the further reaches of the UK. That could be one of the reasons why we’ve had such a busy show.”

One of the popular features at the show was the Aquatics Zone – a dedicated space for key aquatic, reptile and watergardening exhibitors. Aquadip travelled from the Netherlands to exhibit and director Joey Abrahams said: “The show is good for us because we are based abroad so we only speak to people on the phone. At PATS we can meet people face to face and we get the chance to speak to new people and explain how we have a UK operation, so it is easy for them to order. It has been really busy with several new leads and – as always – we have had a great show.”

This year’s show also got the thumbs up from visitors, who packed the aisles over three days of hectic trading.

Rachel Georgiades, owner of Pure Connection Pets in Kent, said: “I haven’t been to PATS for a few years but now seemed like the right time to return. I’m very impressed. I like the fact it’s all in one room, I find it much easier to navigate. I came to see our regular suppliers but also to touch and feel some of the products I’ve been seeing in catalogues and online. There’s nothing quite like seeing them for real.”

Abi Deakin, owner of Pawfections Pet Boutique in Tamworth, commented: “This is our first time at PATS because we always felt the other venues were too far for us. The NEC is much easier to get to and, as we are looking to expand our range, it was a no-brainer to come here. It has definitely been worthwhile as we’ve found loads of products to try.”