Group 55 and HOWND were crowned double winners at the PetQuip Awards in Telford last night. The awards were presented at a glitzy party after the first day of PATS Telford.

HOWND won two awards – Marketing Project of the Year for a second consecutive year and Pet Product of the Year (Food & Treats), and Mark Hirschel said: “We can’t believe we won double gold for a second year running. Our strategy from day one was to develop affordably premium products within the health wellness and hygiene category and these awards provide validation that we’re heading in the right direction. Innovation and a passion for creating great products is what drives us and we always look forward to bringing new developments into the market. Onwards and upwards as the saying goes.”

Group55 were voted Business of the Year and Exporter of the Year.

Stephen Turner, of Group55, said: "To win both of these prestigious awards – Business of the Year and Exporter of the Year – is amazing. It's the ultimate recognition for the work we do. It couldn't be achieved without a fantastic team."

Other winners included Danish Design and Sure Petcare.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John James, of James and Steel, who said: "I had no idea this was going to happen. It's a very humbling experience and one I will treasure. It is wonderful to be recognised in this way."

The UK Pet Retailer of the Year Award was won by Mutt & Co Pet Boutique, of Hartlepool, Teesside. Amy-Leigh Norris said: " We've only been open for a year so to win a national trade award is beyond our wildest dreams. Frankly, I'm shocked but in a good way."

PetQuip Awards 2018

WINNERS

Business of the Year

Gold - Group 55

Silver -Natures Menu

HC - Broadreach Nature +

Exporter of the Year

Gold - Group 55

Silver - Burgess Pet Care

Marketing Project of the Year

Gold - Hownd

Silver - Company of Animals

HC – Natures Menu/True Instinct

HC - Just for Pets

Pet Product of the Year

Three categories:

Food & Treats :

Gold - Hownd – Hemp Wellness Treats

Silver - Nutriment – Dinner for Cats

Highly commended - Poppy’s Picnic – Enhanced Pet Food/Complete Meatballs/Follow-on Paste

Accessories :

Gold - Danish Design – Dog Duvet

Silver - Collarways – Mookiemax grooming and massage tool

HC - K9 Organics – shampoos/paw balms 

Health & Technical:

Gold - Sure Petcare – Microchip Pet Door Connect/Cat Flap Connect

Silver - PetWeighter – Dog Feeding System

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/ Wholesaler of the Year

Gold - Whesco, Denmark

Silver - Saint Vincent Group, Dubai

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

Gold - Mutt & Co Pet Boutique, Hartlepool, Teesside

Silver - Pack and Clowder, Hackney, London

HC - WaggleAntics, online retailer

Lifetime Achievement

John James

John James, of James & Steel, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Petquip Awards.

Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip, said: “The winner of this year’s PetQuip Lifetime Achievement Award is a trader par excellence, a man who loves the pet trade and the camaraderie of pet trade shows.

"He has been working in the pet trade since his mid twenties, promoting pet products throughout the world in the ‘80s as European Sales Director for a well known brand.

“In the nineties he decided to try his hand at running his own business, starting from his garden shed. It is now an established family business trading via distributors throughout the world.”

John said: "I had no idea this was going to happen. It's a very humbling experience and one I will treasure. It is wonderful to be recognised in this way."

The winners of the PATS Telford 2018 New Product Awards were presented at the PetQuip Awards after the first day of a hugely successful show.

The awards were chosen out of an entry of more than 230 by a team of expert pet retailers on the first morning of the show. All the entries were displayed on the eye-catching New Produce Showcase, sponsored by PBW News.

The judges’ decisions took into account a number of guideline criteria, such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging and value for money.

The experts agreed that the New Product Showcase had produced a high calibre of entries with wide variety and choice available. They were pleased to see such a wide range of products, and felt the majority of items on display showed some great innovation.

Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:

CAT PRODUCT

Winner

Fish4Dogs – Finest Wet Cat Range

The judges liked the choice of ingredients and thought the packaging was great. Available in a wide range of recipes, this product was described as “luxury for under £1”.

DOG FOOD PRODUCT

Winner

Forthglade Food Ltd – Turkey & Goose Gourmet Christmas Meal

The judges felt the winning product will be a big Christmas seller. The packaging is distinctive and the price point is excellent.

DOG TREAT PRODUCT

Winner

Four Legged Fancies – Santa Paws Lollipops

This product stands out because it will make a perfect gift. The judges loved the fact that these treats are hand-made and will also make a good counter display.

DOG ACCESSORY PRODUCT

Winner

Sharples Pet – LickiMat Buddy

The judges liked the versatility of this product, and the fact there wasn’t any unnecessary packaging. It’s available in three different varieties.

BIRD PRODUCT

Winner

Petlife International – Harkers 4 in 1 Soluble

This bird health product fulfills a need in the market, it is easy to administer and has clear instructions on usage. It will also have a long shelf life.

SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCT

Winner

Norfolk Industries – Recycled Paper Bedding

The environmentally-friendly nature of this product won over the judges. It is well packaged in a perfectly-sized item for the shelf. The judges liked the fact it was recyclable.

PET CARE PRODUCT

Winner

Pet Remedy – Party Season Survival Kit

This product to keep pets calm and relaxed during the party season has attractive packaging, and is well priced as there are three products in one box. It will make the perfect counter display.

GROOMING PRODUCT

Winner

Paw Naturel Ltd – Rub & Scrub Heart Shaped Cleansing Bar

The judges said this product would make a good gift, and like the fact it is long lasting, paraben and sulphate-free, and eco-friendly.

The opening day of PATS Telford has been hailed as a huge success by both exhibitors and visitors, as an amazing array of new products were unveiled at the Telford International Centre.

Exhibitors were particularly pleased with the quality of enquiries and orders generated on Sunday from the many visitors who flocked to the show.

Martyn Barklett-Judge of Pet Remedy said: “Wow, we’ve been mobbed by visitors. There’s been a constant stream and we’ve done a lot of business. What a great show and it’s only the first day.”

It was a similar story on the Pet Munchies stand with Suzanne Rothman stating: “We chose to launch our new Buffalo Chews at the show and it has proved to be an inspired move. We’ve been busy throughout the day and we can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Emily Cannon, of Naturediet, said: “We are on a mission to ditch single use plastics and are exhibiting our new eco-friendly packaging at PATS Telford. The response from visitors so far has been amazing.”

Marriages injected a bit of fun to the show with their garden-party themed stand – pink party gear, cakes and lemonade. Lisa Osborne, Marketing Manager, said: “The garden party theme was an obvious one for us because we are delighted to be welcoming the RSPB to the Marriages party. They are a natural fit for us because they’re environmentally friendly and care about wildlife just like us.”

New exhibitors were also impressed with the reaction they got on the first day of PATS.

Victoria Rough, of treat company Four Legged Fancies, said: “We’ve been amazed by the number of visitors to our stand, and the standard of enquiries has been extremely high. This is our first ever trade show so we are extremely happy with the response so far.”

As well as hundreds of new products being unveiled at the show, one of the highlights was the Grooming Workshop.

The grooming programme, in association with the British Dog Groomers' Association (BDGA) and The Welsh Grooming Academy, has involved some of the country’s leading groomers.

The demonstrations highlighted the knowledge and expertise required to successfully complete all traditional grooming techniques.

Mathew Spry, acting chairman of BDGA, said: “There has been a buzz around the demonstration area all day and it’s great to see so many people joining in.”

Chelsea Doyle, of Simba’s Shed dog groomers in Manchester, was delighted with her first visit to PATS: “It’s well good,” she said. “I came for the grooming demonstrations and to look for new things to offer my clients and I’ve come away with loads of ideas and new products to try.”

The first day of the show also got the thumbs-up from visiting retailers.

Mary Gately, of Bowwows Pet Shop, said: “This is the second PATS we’ve visited and it’s been very worthwhile. We’ve been able to touch and feel a lot of new products that we are likely to stock. We are based to Torquay and we are glad we made the trip.”

Wez Hollin-Teale and Simon Teale, retailers and doggy day care managers from Blackburn in Lancashire, came along looking for ideas and innovation to offer their customers.   

“It’s our first time here and it’s a fabulous show - really surpassed our expectations. We’re heading home tired but inspired by what we’ve seen.”

It was also a first visit for Helen Bedford of Bedford Inns, who was looking for something different to sell from her gift shops and dog-friendly bar. “I wasn’t disappointed,” she said. “I go to all the gift fairs up and down the country but I felt there was a big section of the market uncatered for, and that was dogs and pets. Now I’ve found it at PATS and placed several orders. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

PATS also attracted lots of international interest. Henrik Siig, of Whesco Trading, Denmark, said: “PATS is a great event because it gives us access to all the new products from UK suppliers. The show is easy to get around and has a nice intimate feel to it.”

And Michel Carbone, who travelled from Italy, commented: “UK pet companies launch some of the most innovative products and PATS is the best place to see them.”

Ahead of its second appearance at PATS Telford this weekend, small furry accessories brand, HayPigs! had some exciting news to share. With help from its 'pawtners' Guinea Pigs Australia, the award-winning company has just signed a deal to stock over 150 Petbarn stores in Australia.

HayPigs! MD and self-proclaimed Ringmaster, Rik Cridland is overjoyed with the news. "This is obviously really exciting news and we are delighted that our range has been so warmly welcomed over in Australia,” he said

“We can't thank Niomie, Steve and the team at Guinea Pigs Australia enough for their hard work and dedication in helping make this happen. It's humbling to think that we will be enriching the lives of so many small furries across the length and breadth of Australia."

Steven Ferrante of Guinea Pigs Australia had this to add,:"Guinea Pigs Australia is so excited to be officially launching HayPigs! into Petbarn, Australia. With Petbarn's fantastic reach across Australia it will give more guinea pig owners the opportunity to access high quality, fun and creative enclosure accessories. HayPigs! product range will be available on Petbarn online and at over 150 Petbarn stores by December 2018."

In a triple celebration, HayPigs! were also thrilled to have made it to the final of the PetQuip Awards for Marketing Project of the Year and also the Essex Business Awards for Best New Business. HayPigs! co-founder Helen said: "It's just lovely to have been recognised for all our hard work. As HayPigs! is a family business, there have been a lot of sacrifices over the last couple of years, so this is a great opportunity to give ourselves a pat on the back and let our hair down a bit!"

For more information, contact enquiries@haypigs.com or check out their website: www.haypigs.com

Five generations of expertise in animal nutrition and 100% Irish ingredients are at the heart of Go Native – a new complete range of grain-free dog food, treats and dental sticks from Connolly’s Red Mills.

The Connolly family has been making animal feeds in Co Kilkenny, Ireland since 1908 and has used that know-how and commitment to quality to create this ultra-premium, grain-free range.

Go Native has been developed by nutritionists and vets at Connolly’s Red Mills’ purpose-built facility and crafted in their kitchens. Go Native is a complete diet for all dogs, whatever their size, breed or age.

 When only the best is good enough – sourcing the finest Irish ingredients

Connolly’s Red Mills are very particular about using trusted suppliers and only the best, carefully  sourced, natural ingredients are selected for Go Native. 

Fully traceable and sustainably sourced, Go Native food contains 70% meat from a single meat source  – either organic herring or salmon or free-run chicken and turkey  – combined with superfoods like v kale, spinach, broccoli and carrot.

Connolly’s Red Mills’ stringent quality control goes a step further– they even make the poultry feed that’s given to the duck and chicken they select for Go Native.

Recipes include Duck with Apple & Cranberry, Organic Herring with Carrot & Kale, Organic Salmon with Spinach & Ginger and Chicken with Potato & Broccoli.

Go Native grain free meaty treats contain 30% meat and come in four varieties: salmon, herring, duck and turkey. They are cold formed  to ensure all of the nutrients are locked in and suitable for dogs over six months.

Go Native dental super sticks have a unique rough texture and spiral shape to reduce tartar build-up and the formation of plaque and come in two varieties: Carrot & Sweet Potato or Pumpkin & Broccoli. The dental super sticks also contain ground peppermint for fresh breath.

The utmost care and attention to detail at every step

All ingredients are tested in Connolly’s Red Mills’ on-site laboratory and the entire range is grain-free, reducing the risk of allergy. Go Native also contains no wheat, maize, soya or corn, so is 100% gluten-free as well as free from genetically modified ingredients.

“A century of know-how, care and attention at every step has gone into creating this exceptional dog food range,” said sales and marketing director Gareth Connolly. “We’re proud that Go Native is produced using the highest quality, sustainably-sourced, Irish ingredients.”

Go Native Dog food is packed using Connolly’s Red Mills’ unique Nutrient Fresh Management System.

To celebrate the launch of Go Native, Red Mills hosted a special dinner party for some very special four-legged guests. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, plates completely cleared with not a morsel of Go Native left behind. The meal was then polished off with a tooth-cleansing Go Native Dental Superfood stick before the guests headed home with goodie/doggie bags.

Check it out here: https://www.redmills.ie/products/pets

To find out more or to register your interest in becoming  a stockist, visit www.gonativedogfood.com

Head to the Primus stand (G35) at PATS Telford to see the new craze for 2019 – the  Bobble Buddies – from Primus, specialists in handcrafted gifts for the house and garden.

Five of the cutest guys and gals you could wish to meet!

• Sammy the Schnauzer
• Billy the Bulldog
• Darcey the Dachshund
• Pablo the Pug
• Bonnie the Basset Hound

Cute, adorable, charming and delightful, with lifelike colours and “Bobbling” head, people are guaranteed to fall in love and want to adopt them all!

Totally unique to Primus, The Bobble Buddies are going to be the New Craze for 2019.

Contact:

A Perry Ltd. (Primus)

Doulton Road, Cradley Heath West Midlands B64 5QW

T: 01384 414069

W: www.primus.co.uk

E: sales@primus.co.uk

See us PATS Telford, Stand G35

Established European pet accessory brand, Martin Sellier, is now available to UK stores, thanks to UK importers and distributors, BSB Products Limited.

Martin Sellier has been designing cat and dog accessories since 1969, producing high quality, natural, ecological and safe pet products to 46 countries worldwide. Their experience and expertise have grown the brand to become one of the leading global manufacturers of high-quality pet accessories.

Ludovic Deswarte, CEO at Martin Sellier, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with BSB Products to introduce these fantastic products into the UK. We believe BSB’s enthusiasm for high quality pet products works well with our passion for safety, innovation and ethical manufacturing."

Products now available in the UK include the Arka Haok range of leads, collars and harnesses; Rubb’n’Roll, a selection of 100% natural rubber toys; and Teo Jasmine pet accessories, which raise funds for people with developmental, learning and behaviour disorders. 

The Arka Haok range, designed with sport and safety in mind, includes leads, collars, harnesses, cani-cross lanyards and running belts. Offered in a bright, modern colour palette, the accessories feature details such as reflective stitching, neoprene lining for extra comfort and an innovative system which distributes pressure caused by the lead attachment.

Eco-friendly, durable and safe Rubb’n’Roll toys are made in Europe from 100% natural rubber. Created to reduce the risk of bowel obstruction, a common reason for surgery in dogs, they are non-toxic and biodegradable. Available in a wide selection of sizes and shapes, the toys are suitable for all breeds. 

The Teo Jasmin selection features a fun range of pet beds and cushions, based on a lovable French Bulldog character with many personalities, from fireman to pirate. The range will raise funds to support people with developmental, behavioural and learning disorders.

To find out more about these products and the other new Martin Sellier ranges visit stand G30 at PATS Telford.

Naturediet are on a mission to ditch single use plastics and are exhibiting their brand-new eco-friendly packaging at PATS Telford, with a not-to-be-missed launch offer.

The Naturediet Feel Good range of healthy, 100% British-made wet food for dogs is a vibrant and exciting variety of products, providing dog owners with premium, natural, complete meals in an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wet food packaging.

Aligned with the growing consumer demand for recyclability, Naturediet are the first pet food manufacturer in the UK to be able to produce wet food in Tetra Pak and the 3rd pet food manufacturer in Europe to specialise in this technology. The independent British dog food manufacturer have invested in this revolutionary new packaging format and are switching from plastic trays to recyclable cartons made of FSC™ certified paperboard in their Norfolk factory.

Available exclusively to pet specialist retailers, the new Naturediet Feel Good range is available to order direct or from Bestpets (transfer orders can be taken at PATS). Naturediet will be offering exclusive discounts of up to 25% off first orders of their new ranges at PATS Telford.

Naturediet intend on ceasing production of their traditional plastic wet food trays by the end of 2018 and are committed to supporting their retail customers during the transition period of their range re-launch.

For further information on offers, availability and pet specialist retailer support visit the Naturediet team at stand F10 at PATS Telford, email trade@naturediet.co.uk or call 01362 822321.

Exhibiting for the first time at PATS Telford, is locally-based Shropshire business, Different Dog. Established to change the face of dog food and improve canine wellbeing, Different Dog provides a completely new solution to independent retailers. Not raw, dry or wet – it’s a range of nutrient-packed, freshly prepared and gently cooked recipes that are supplied frozen.

Not one dog’s dinner – but three!

The brand is rapidly gaining a loyal following and co-founder, Charlie Thurstan; in-house vet – Alison; and operations manager, Steph will be on Stand A20 showcasing three stunning new seasonal recipes.

• Comforting Chicken (For Dogs Under the Weather) – As well as Chicken and Green Cabbage, this special recipe features iron rich Beef Heart with additional Coconut Oil, Slippery Elm, Alfalfa and Ginger – all prized for their health-giving properties.
• Keep Me Trim Turkey – Key ingredients in this lower calorie recipe include Turkey Breast, Red Cabbage, Butternut Squash, Carrot and Apple so that pets can start 2019 in tip top condition.
• Bone Broth – Already taking the speciality (human) food sector by storm, this complementary liquid food is packed full of nutrients for dogs feeling a bit peaky or for picky eaters who need some gentle encouragement!

Dogs deserve better

Developed by an in-house pet nutritionist and vet, Different Dog launch a new recipe each month for retailers to keep their customers coming back for more. Every meal is handmade using high quality, sustainable ingredients from local suppliers, including British farmed meat, vegetables and herbs. These are supplemented with superfoods such as kelp, salmon oil, chia seeds and turmeric. Grain-free and low in carbohydrates, Different Dog’s nutritionally balanced meals are rich in protein, omega 3 fats, vitamins A and D and minerals, to promote healthy bodily functions and happier hounds.

Co-founder Alex explains; “The team are thrilled to be attending PATS and are looking forward to introducing the latest additions to the range to visitors to the show. It was Charlie’s experiences in the pet industry that inspired us to develop an alternative way to feed our own puppy, Crumble. Giving her highly-processed meals seemed totally inconsistent with the way we value good food for oursleves and our three children. Since launching Different Dog, we’ve come to realise that there is an enormous opportunity to re-educate consumers about the benefits of giving their pets a well-balanced and varied diet. We hope it’s an objective that many retailers will also support.”

Orchard Toys are celebrating their working relationship with Norfolk Industries by inviting their team for a tour and awards presentation to commend them on packing 50,000 units.

Orchard Toys started working with Norfolk Industries at the end of 2017 to help them out in their busy period with packing and making up product for their popular bestseller Shopping List game.

The relationship has only grown from strength to strength, with Orchard Toys’ Operations Manager Ben Mills commenting:

“It was very important for us to find a provider who would deliver our usual quality and quantity in packing the product, especially as it is our bestseller. Norfolk Industries have definitely delivered on that, packing 50,000 units in what we hope will be the first milestone of many.”

Norfolk Industries help adults with a range of physical and mental disabilities across Norfolk to gain training and skills to prepare them for the world of work. This is all undertaken from their offices and factory in Norwich, which employs 7 members of full time staff as well as a team of 16 volunteers. Despite their relatively small team, incredibly the company manages to pack 5,000 units a week for Orchard Toys – no mean feat!

Norfolk Industries Manager Sharon Tooke is thrilled with the experience employees have had packing for Orchard Toys:

“There are so many benefits for our employees packing Shopping List. The tasks involved are repetitive and straightforward but also challenging enough so that people can share the workload and learn the full process step by step.

"For example, some of the employees have difficulty at first making up the boxes. To minimise frustration, we will move this task to someone else until they feel confident enough to take on a new challenge and responsibilities.”

As a company whose educational products (in particular Shopping List) benefit children with learning disabilities, Orchard Toys can now proudly say that they are also packed by adults with learning disabilities.

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HOWND are once again disrupting the pet care market with the launch of its revolutionary Miracle Hand Barrier Serum for groomers.  

The cruelty-free certified serum is set to be a game changer for professional groomers whose hands are constantly under attack from hair splinters and the effects of water, shampoo, dryers and blasters which strip the skin of its natural moisturising barrier. With regular use, the serum forms a shielding barrier that protects and strengthens the natural barrier of the skin.

Formulated with penetrating moistures actives including Pro Vitamin B5, the serum effectively blocks free radicals and irritants from penetrating the skin.  This ground breaking new product is a powerful yet breathable skin barrier treatment that is fast absorbing and non-greasy.  It is paraben and fragrance free and requires 10 minutes to activate once applied to the skin.

Using the Miracle Hand Barrier Serum morning and night for 4 weeks or longer, depending on the condition of the skin, will strengthen the epidermis, as well as combat dry, chapped, sensitive skin that is an occupational hazard especially for groomers. It will also help prevent painful dog hair splinters from penetrating the skin. Treatment bottle size is 100ml. RRP £15.

Jo Amit of HOWND says: “It’s great to be back at PATS with another new product. We’re thrilled at the fantastic feedback we’ve gotten so far from groomers that have been trialling the serum over the past 6 months. We have developed something that protects groomers’ most valuable asset: their hands. One treatment bottle provides approximately 240 applications, costing groomers 50p a day. We think their hands are worth it.”.

www.dogslovehownd.com

HOWND are on H61 at PATS Telford

PIF has launched a chocolate member benefit at PATS Telford, thanks to its exciting new partnership with the Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company.

Members will have access to a generous discount off the retail price on any products ordered from the Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company website. Details will be emailed to members next week, but free chocolate samples will be available from the PIF stand for those who can’t wait that long!

New members signing up to PIF membership at the show will walk away with a free bottle of bubbly and chocolate, and new dog groomer members will additionally be entered into a lucky prize draw to win a huge box of grooming goodies, with complimentary tickets to the British Dog Grooming Championship 2018 and a £50 voucher courtesy of Bestpets.

PIF’s Chinese export partner, Best for Pets Supply Chain Company Ltd, will be available on the PIF stand to discuss the huge potential for UK businesses to export their products into the Chinese market; and there will be free to attend grooming demonstrations and talks, taking place on both days, led by the British Dog Groomers’ Association and the Welsh Grooming Academy.

Fresh from his investment success on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, Pete Hill from Petvictus will also be spending time on the PIF stand to talk about his experience with his innovative feeding solution, Pedaldish.

Finally, PIF is delivering a seminar on the new animal activities licensing laws on both days of the show. These will provide the perfect opportunity for pet retailers, dog daycare, kennels, catteries and home boarding businesses to come and find out how the new regulations will affect their pet business. These seminars will take place in the Seminar Room (D53) at 11.50am and 12.20pm on Sunday and Monday respectively.

Alexandra Baker, PIF’s marketing communications manager said: ‘The PATS Telford trade show provides us with the perfect platform to reveal new benefits and services that are on offer to our members. There’s lots going on for us at the show this year and we are really looking forward to meeting and talking to members, prospective members and colleagues from the industry at Telford.

There’s never been a better time to be part of the Pet Industry Federation and the team will be on hand to talk to visitors about PIF membership and the full range of benefits we offer pet businesses.’

For further details about the Pet Industry Federation, please visit www.petfederation.co.uk; email info@petfederation.co.uk or telephone 01234 273933.

The Dog Treat Company is a Devon-based, family business for whom top drawer dog treats is its sole raison d’etre (not simply an expedient sideline). 

All-natural, wheat, grain, gluten-free, hand-baked in small batches and 100% British sourced/ human-grade ingredients are just a few of the upbeat soundbites that have already resulted in enviable distribution successes in such highly prized retailers as: Fetch, Ocado, Pet’s Corner, Fortnum & Mason, Forest Holidays and Orvis.

Outside The Dog Treat Company’s commitment to wholesome, beneficial ingredients, (turmeric, coconut oil, parsley…) is a light, quirky sense of a humour that enables this all-natural treats provider to marry memorable brand names with vibrant, left field packaging design that underpins the enviable functional benefits of its flagship products: Run Free & Jump For Joy (joints health), Fabulous Fur (versatility) & Take My Breath Away (yup you guessed it)….

According to company founder, Joe Halliwell,’As an enthusiastic dog owner, I found myself horrified by the deliberately foggy and unappetising ingredient decks that dominated the pet treats skyline, so called treats saddled with unsavoury masking salts and sugars, dubious grade meats and inappropriate artificial nasties (dyes and flavourings).  Ingredient transparency and integrity sits at the heart of my rural operation, whose quintessentially English identity and unflinching commitment to ‘clean-deck’ recipe decks has results in exports to: Italy, Germany, Scandinavia. Poland, Estonia, Croatia, Singapore) becoming a key strand (30% sales) of our blossoming bottom line. We’re not a business that chooses to stand still.’ concludes Joe, ‘which is why in response to the growing vocal for recycled/recyclable packaging, we’re using PATS as a springboard to launch our NEW eco-friendly 125g ‘treat tubes.’

Worcester-based inventor, Peter Hill, was seen securing investment in the Dragons’ Den on BBC2 on Sunday for his innovative pet products ‘Pedaldish’ and ‘Katfone.’

Dragon Deborah Meaden offered to invest £30,000 for a third of the business, an offer Peter accepted. He had asked for the same amount for 25% of the business.

Peter designed the Pedaldish, a sealed pet lunchbox that prevents food from spoiling, from parts he found in his garage.

The product is already available in national retailer Pets at Home after Peter succeeded in pitching it to buyers at the national retailer’s Innovation Day in August 2015 – a day held for up and coming pet product designers.

Peter’s invention provides a long-term, sustainable solution to the problem of having to throw away spoilt pet food. Flies can’t reach it and floating airborne microbes are kept away, reducing the risk of infections.

The design of the Pedaldish means that cats and small dogs can open the lid by stepping onto the ramp, and the container is also raised off the floor, so pets don’t have to crouch to eat, helping digestion.

Peter has also designed the ‘Katfone’, a whistle that contains ultrasounds which can be heard by cats from up to a mile away and can be adjusted to create a unique tone for each cat. 

Peter said: “I had the idea from my own experience of coming home and finding my cats’ food untouched and covered in fly eggs. With a sense of frustration, I modified a pedal bin, fitted it with a ramp and taught my cats to step onto it when they wanted to eat. From that day I never lost pet food to flies ever again. Over the months, people coming to my kitchen saw my cats using the homemade feeder and it became the source of many discussions. When I started getting requests to make them, I knew it was something that could help other pet owners.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have successfully pitched in the Dragons’ Den and grateful to Pets at Home for believing in my product from the start. My dream is for the Pedaldish to become a staple item in the home of every small dog and cat owner in the UK!”

Claire Gavin, Director of Private Brands and Innovation at Pets at Home, said: “When Pete presented his invention to us several years ago, he was one of the most prepared and well thought through candidates of any of the Innovation Days we’ve ever held. We’re delighted that Pete has secured this monumental investment and raised his profile on the show, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!”

Pet accessories and treats company, Pet Brands, has been chosen as a finalist in the Examiner Business Awards in the ‘SME of the Year (21-50 employees)’ category. The company has previously won the ‘International Business of the Year’ category award in 2016 and was a finalist in 2017 for the Innovation award.

The overall winners in each category will be announced on 1st November in Huddersfield.

PetBrands Director, Ravi Sharma, says he and his team are delighted to be finalists, “The feedback we have had is that this has been an outstanding year for entries, making the judges’ decisions extremely difficult and we know from our previous involvement with the awards that the calibre of entries is very high. We’re therefore very pleased that our achievements have been recognised.”

Explaining why he thinks Pet Brands is through to the next round of judging, Ravi says the company has had some remarkable successes this year, “We’ve extended our export business into new markets in South Korea, Italy and Sweden, bringing the total number of countries we export to up to 58. Our market share in established territories such as Australia, Germany and Spain has also grown through 2017-18. In the UK, we’ve made a lot of progress in the business, our Foaber range is performing strongly and we have new, exciting products in the pipeline.”

Pet Brands is one of the UK’s top designers and manufacturers of accessories and treats for pets and wild birds and aims to be the number one preferred partner for pet trade businesses worldwide.

For further information visit www.petbrands.com

Following changes in the UK direction of the KONG Brand, Vital has confirmed it will continue to partner and support this key brand and has announced a new everyday lower price across the KONG range.

The price change will be activated this week and will apply to all subsequent orders, including those taken at PATS Telford.

Senior Buying Manager at Vital, Sam Hearn says he believes this will be a hugely competitive price point, “We’re bringing in a significant price drop across the board on the KONG range, allowing retailers to improve both percentage and cash margins on every purchase. We know this is an important brand for our customers and we want to ensure that they are confident they can continue to source it at great value for money prices from Vital.”

KONG Handipod is one of the brands joining Vital in its Gallery at PATS Telford this month. Also joining Vital are nearly 20 key suppliers, some of whom are new to the UK. They include Almo, Forthglade, Armitage and innovative tech-led companies. 

As well as exclusive products, there will be exclusive promotions available in the Gallery that are unique to the event. The company will also be offering hospitality to visitors in the Gallery and have a generous stand (A50) in the main hall. Customers and prospective customers are invited to attend both areas to snap up exciting deals.

Those that can’t attend can still access some of the exclusive promotions through Vital's Regional Relationship Managers. Account holders can call for details of the PATS promotions and the latest KONG price list. 

Pets at Home is inviting pet owners in to stores across the country to help celebrate the crème de la crème of pet products by voting in this year’s My VIP (Very Important Pet) Reader Awards. 

From favourite feline toys to tasty treats for small furries, customers can have their say on which products they feel have proved indispensable for their pet by voting online at www.petsathome.com/MyVIPAwards

Categories include Nutrition, Accessories and Health and Wellbeing and all products have been shortlisted by Pets at Home experts based upon their benefits to both pets and owners.

Anyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five £100 gift vouchers to spend at Pets at Home. 

Claire Gavin, Director of Private Brands & Innovation, said: “We’re encouraging all of our customers to have their say and vote for their favourite pet products - and be in with a chance of winning £100 worth of vouchers!

“We want to recognise and celebrate the best products in the industry, that deliver great benefits to our customers and their pets.  A lot of work goes in to ensuring we offer our customers what they need, so it would be great to understand what they find benefits them and their pets the most.”

Voting closes on 30 November 2018. Winners will be announced in the Spring edition of My VIP in store in March 2019.