The relaunch of PATS 2024 as an all-encompassing three-day exhibition has become THE major talking point with companies operating within a growing UK pet and aquatics trade.

PATS 2024, the UK’s Pet & Aquatics Trade Show, will take place at Telford International Centre from Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024, and an impressive line-up of companies have already booked their stands for next year’s event with many taking bigger spaces.

Vetfleece, a leading manufacturer of super soft pet bedding for kennels, crates and domestic homes, is one company that has increased its stand space after a highly successful PATS exhibition in October.

Richard Ward, Joint Managing Director of Vetfleece, which also supplies premium leads, harnesses, and car accessories, said: “Vetfleece/AK-9 is wholeheartedly embracing the extension to a three-day event at the PATS pet and aquatics trade show for 2024. 

“Following our record-breaking achievement in 2023, where we proudly established 150 new trade accounts in a span of two days, we are maintaining our momentum by keeping our free stock offer – a complimentary stock package valued at £239 for each new trade account – open until PATS 2024. Those interested can take advantage of this offer by visiting (www.green-rocks.co.uk/qr/account).

“The expansion to a three-day event is a welcome development for us. During previous shows, we found ourselves stretched to engage meaningfully with every visitor at our stand. The sheer volume of interest meant that valuable conversations were often cut short. To rectify this, we are planning to double our stand size and double the staff presence for the 2024 show, ensuring that every inquiry and potential partnership is given the attention it deserves.

“With two of the three days falling within the working week, we are optimistic about connecting with more corporate buyers and larger teams from independent pet stores. These are the professionals who interact with end-users daily, and their insights are invaluable to us. The additional day also enhances the social aspects of the event, allowing for more of the successful evening do’s hosted by organiser Gordon Thomas and his team, which have become a highlight for networking and camaraderie. The atmosphere around the Holiday Inn bar is always buzzing, presenting an ideal setting for exhibitors to mingle and exchange ideas that daytime schedules may otherwise preclude.

“The restructuring of PATS for 2024 into one comprehensive event, rather than two separate shows, is a strategic move we believe will yield a more impactful, cost-effective, and dynamic trade show. It also provides us with a better lead time to prepare and launch outstanding products that will resonate with our partners and their customers. We’re gearing up for what we anticipate will be not just our best PATS show to date, but an event that surpasses all expectations and sets a new standard for the pet and aquatics trade.”

Independent pet wholesaler We.pet is also planning ahead for PATS 2024, having booked its stand. Director Daniel Vander (pictured above) commented: “We are really excited at what a three-day event might hold for We.pet! We are confident that footfall over a three-day one-off exhibition will increase with both existing customers and potential new customers making the effort to attend a bigger exhibition. 

“We are also hopeful that it will encourage more international customers to make the journey which is a market sector we are targeting and growing in every year. And finally with three days, it gives us and the team an ideal platform to meet, socialise and enjoy the company of our compatriots from all parts of the pet and aquatics trade.”

Companies and brands to have already secured their stand space include: Ancol Pet Products, Cranswick Pet Products (Alpha & Vitalin), Danish Design, Eden Pet Foods, Fold Hill Foods, Forthglade, IPN, Kennelpak, Natures Menu and Nature’s Variety, Nova Dog Chews, Paleo Ridge, Pedigree Wholesale, Rogz, Trixie, We.pet, and Westland (Bucktons and Peckish), among many others.

Retailers and buyers can register their interest in visiting PATS 2024 by going to the exhibition website www.patshow.co.uk, which has all the up-to-date information about the show.