American Bob Phibbs, known as The Retail Doctor, will be among a top line-up of retail and business experts sharing their secrets at the Pet Industry Forum & Awards event, taking place at Whittlebury Hall Hotel, nr Towcester, Northamptonshire from Thursday 23 – Friday 24 October 2014...

Encompassing the Forum theme, Shifting up a gear, the range of topics during the main programme will include:

• Key strategic insights from global pet food markets – Daniel Fearnley, GFK
• How Google can help your business – Ralph Chiti, Google Media Strategy Consultant
• Merchandising for sales – easy to implement ideas to move product – Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, US retail expert
• An overview of recent economic trends - Mark Berisford-Smith, HSBC Chief Economist
• Future consumer trends set to impact the pet industry – William Higham, Next Big Thing

New for 2014 will be a choice of breakout sessions, offering smaller workshops and learning opportunities on a variety of business-related topics, such as pension auto-enrolments, customer service and export finance. Feedback from last year also indicated that delegates would appreciate a more structured networking environment, so a ‘speed-networking’ session will form part of the 2014 programme so that delegates can meet other delegates.

Steve Fowler, MD of PamPurred Pets and Forum Chairman commented: ‘Whilst the main programme topics will offer inspiration on general business themes and trends from individuals within the pet trade and outside it, the breakout workshops will provide delegates with more specific  advice and guidance on business and technical issues that they will be able to implement in their businesses.  Offering delegates the chance to learning something new is a key aim for the Pet Industry Forum – it helps businesses to thrive and succeed in a competitive environment’.

The whole event will begin on Wednesday 22 October with a range of exciting ‘ice-breaker’ events including rally sessions at Silverstone, a golf tournament to raise funds for The Pet Charity, and opportunities to use the renowned spa at Whittlebury at a discounted rate. These will be followed by a buffet dinner at the hotel and a ‘pub quiz’ in the evening.

The sixth Pet Industry Awards will then be announced on the evening of Thursday 23 October, against the backdrop of a glittering ‘Monte-Carlo Casino’ theme. Boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE will be presenting the Awards to the recipients. 

Lead sponsors for the Forum have been announced as Crown Petfoods, Mars Petcare and Hills Pet Nutrition. Pedigree Wholesale, Burgess Petcare and PATS are supporting the 2014 Pet Industry Awards. 

For more information visit www.piffa.co.uk