The amount of media attention, especially on TV, has helped the pet industry to thrive in 2014...and the trend is likely to continue throughout next year. That's the view of Guy Blaskey, founder of the award-winning Pooch & Mutt...

"Our biggest challenge is to keep up the fantastic momentum that we have built up over the last 18 months. During that time  we have seen an incredible amount of growth, both launched new products and developed a strong pipeline of products for the foreseeable future, won awards in the UK and abroad and helped thousands of dogs lead happier, healthier lives. Keeping this up next year is a challenge, but it is one that we are all up for.

"Despite what some people may say, I think that the pet industry is thriving. There has been a lot of media focus, which has led to growth in certain categories and this has been beneficial to the industry as a whole. Over the last few years people have been talking about how much the industry is changing. I think we are moving towards a point when people will be talking more about how the industry has changed, rather than is currently changing.

"The independent pet store, who have been created by the changing market place or who have adapted to it, are starting to do better and better. There are still old fashioned pet stores out there who are struggling, trying to operate the way that they have operated for years. My advice for them would be to look at who is doing well in the pet industry and on the high street and learn from them. Some stores are thriving on the high street, some pet stores are thriving, if you are not, look to those who are."