The directors of Assisi Pet Care Group Limited have announced the acquisition Burns Pet Nutrition, for an undisclosed sum.

Burns Pet Nutrition was founded 30 years ago by John Burns MBE.  A qualified vet, John Burns developed formulations which are focussed on pet health, in order to solve the common problems that he was seeing in his vet practice. Today, the Burns brand of pet food is well known for its high quality dry and wet dog food products as well as its recently introduced range of products for cats.

Peter Mangion, founder and CEO of Assisi Pet Care said; “We are delighted to be adding the highly regarded Burns brand to the Assisi portfolio of brands but are equally pleased to be welcoming the fantastic Burns Pet Nutrition team to our organisation. 

"The Burns brand is a perfect fit for Assisi in that animal health and well-being are central to the brand’s proposition. 

"I am delighted that through this acquisition, we will add some excellent people in product development, marketing, sales, finance and operations functions, based in Kidwelly, Wales.

"We look forward to working with our new colleagues as we integrate the Burns brand into the Assisi portfolio and strengthen our offer to our customers across Europe. 

"The acquisition of Burns Pet Nutrition is the first transaction since the recent investment in Assisi by Wind Point Partners and signals our commitment to execute on our growth strategy in the European Pet Care market."

John Burns, pictured receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in October from PetQuip Director General Amanda Sizer Barrett.

John Burns said: “After 30 years of owning and growing Burns Pet Nutrition I feel that is time for me to retire and hand over the reins. It has been a joyful and, at times, difficult journey I have had a great deal of support from many people and organisations over the years and I would like to extend my grateful thanks to all of them.

"I am delighted that Assisi Pet Care is a good fit for Burns and they will grow the Burns brand in a responsible, ethical way.”

Assisi Pet Care Group's current brands include HilLife, Hollings and Pet Munchies.

A new independent family-run pet store opened in Aberdeen yesterday (Thursday).

Owner Anthony Reilly has been planning the Pet Arc store and dog grooming salon in The Courtyard, Cults, since early November.

It will be a true family affair with wife Nichola, son Lee, daughter Ruby and niece Bethani helping in the store at weekends. Anthony’s family Cavapoo Brodie and Bethani’s two dogs, Lottie and Junior, will also be regulars in the shop.

The Pet Arc stocks a full range of dry and wet pet food plus frozen raw food, along with pet beds, leads and accessories. It will also be selling a whole range of food and accessories for fish, reptiles or small pets.

Anthony said: “We’ve had a really positive reaction from the local community and beyond and we hope to fulfil their pets’ requirements and offer a first-class service to all.

“Our website www.petarc.co.uk is now live and customers can book their grooming sessions online. In the New Year we will also be selling online to customers further afield and we will be offering a delivery service.”

Anthony is the head professional groomer, holding a qualified level 3 ipet recognised City & Guilds certification. 

Award-winning pet retailers have welcomed news that PATS 2024 will be a THREE-DAY exhibition, allowing them more time to see new products from a greater number of companies.

PATS 2024 will be staged at Telford International Centre from Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024, and will have the capacity to accommodate more than 400 exhibitors, compared to this year’s record number of 256.

Regular PATS visitor Discount Feeds collected the PetQuip Retailer of the Year Award 2023 during the Telford show in October. Owner of the Wetherby-based pet store Jo Sutton said: “Having attended the show for the past seven years we find it invaluable for keeping up to date with the industry. Seeing a huge growth in the number of exhibitors present during that time, I think it’s a great step to extend the show over three days. We will definitely stay over and enjoy the multiple days in 2024.”

Another award-winning pet store – The Pet Stop, Market Deeping, Lincs – is looking forward to the new PATS format. Owner Paula Machin, who collected the Independent Retailer of the Year accolade at the recent PIF Awards, said: “We go to PATS every year and it’s always difficult to cover the whole event in one day. Extending the exhibition by an extra day, especially if there are more exhibitors to see, is a big advantage as far as we are concerned, and we’ll definitely be staying overnight. We love going to see all the new products – it keeps us ahead of the game by constantly changing our stock. PATS is also a great place to discover new suppliers.”

Sammie Hunt, owner of multi award-winning store Redpaw Pet Supplies, added: “I think the changes to PATS are exciting, especially for us as we travel up from Devon. We intend to stay for the extra day as it will give us more time and opportunities to spend with regular and new suppliers. PATS is the only time we get to talk ‘face to face’ and this extra time will be so valuable. Also not having to hurry around, to get to talk to the many new potential suppliers, is great for retailers. All the changes are positive and I’m looking forward to it already.”

Pictured, from left to right: Jo Sutton, of Discount Foods with husband Rob; Paula Machin, of The Pet Stop; and Sammie Hunt, of Redpaw Pet Supplies.

Retail group Just for Pets won the title of PetQuip Retailer of the Year in 2021 and followed up that success by being crowned Retail Chain of the Year at the PIF Awards in 2022. Head of buying Leanne Blunn looked forward to PATS 2024, commenting: “It’s the go-to event for independent pet retailers. Having the show over three days will give retailers more time to stop and connect with suppliers.”

PATS organisers will be working closely with PetQuip to encourage an increasing number of international buyers to next year’s show. Trade Federation Manager Susan Fairley said: “The new three-day timeline will add value for both UK and international buyers. The last day of the Telford show this year was notably busy right up until the end, so it’s clear that the current visitors will welcome more time to complete their visit. For international buyers, the extended show days will make their trip more beneficial.”

Barcelona-based Rob James, of Petwork Marketing, sources UK-manufactured products for a network of 50 stores across Spain and has attended PATS in the past with partner and pet shop owner Mireia Sabate De Vale. He said: “I will certainly attend PATS for a minimum of two days and probably all three. A well organised trade fair is vital for our company. It gives us the opportunity to not only conduct a great deal of business, but it also facilitates the introduction to many new products that we would otherwise struggle to find the time to see. I am delighted the show has grown into a three-day annual event and that even more manufacturers and distributors will be able to exhibit. It will prove to be a good use of our time and resources.”

The new three-day show will retain all its popular features:

• New Product Showcase and Awards
• New Starter Zone
• Grooming Workshop
• Deals and Discounts

There will be free entry for visitors, a free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

For all the latest information visit www.patshow.com

UK Pet Food, formerly known as PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association), hosted its annual convention at Stationers’ Hall in central London. Under the theme ‘Our World & Our Pets’, the event brought together pet food companies, representatives from the welfare and veterinary sectors, and policymakers.

The convention served as a platform for industry leaders and experts to engage in discussions on pivotal topics such as innovation, sustainability, food security, and the evolution of future food systems. Participants explored ways to enhance the well-being of pets while addressing broader global challenges.

Key highlights from the day included presentations from policy advisor Marisa Heath, who kicked off the event with her predictions about the impacts of the next general election on the pet food industry.  Marisa was followed by food campaigner and co-founder of Leon, Henry Dimbleby MBE who outlined his views on the Pet Food Industry’s important role in future food systems. 

Continuing to look to the future, Owen Ensor, Chief Executive of a cultivated meat business for the pet food sector, explored the use of alternative proteins and Dr Alastair Leake – Head of the regenerative farming enterprise – the Allerton Project, discussed how the countryside was adapting. The presentations were followed by an interactive panel discussion, led by UK Pet Food Chair – Claire Robinson-Davies of Nestle Purina.

Continuing to address society’s bigger issues, a keynote address was provided by Anna Kennedy OBE of the Anna Kennedy charity, which was founded to promote inclusion and equality of autistic children and adults throughout society. Joined by charity Ambassador Tess Eagle Swan and her companion Kratu, Anna Kennedy provided insights on harnessing the power of neurodiversity in the workplace. Tess warmed hearts by sharing her journey of living with autism and highlighted how Kratu, her devoted dog, significantly improved her quality of life. 

UK Pet Food member, Hillary Pearce of Hill’s Pet Nutrition commented: “The agenda was filled with inspiring but down-to-earth real talk about sustainability, animal welfare, and how to improve the workplace for neurodiverse individuals. It was forward-thinking and aspirational, but in a way that made it clear that this future is now.”

The Annual Convention reaffirms UK Pet Food’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable practices within the industry. By fostering collaboration and embracing innovation, the organisation aims to contribute to the well-being of pets and address the evolving needs of our world.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has launched its own list of manifesto pledges that it wants to see from political parties as they ready themselves for a General Election next year.

The trade body will now be sending the manifesto pledges to the headquarters of all the main political parties.

And its Chief Executive has also written to the Chair of the Commons’ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to raise concerns contained in one of the pledges – the worrying lack of provision in live animal Border Control Posts at seaports in Great Britain.

“The majority of live ornamental fish arrive in the UK through airports but for those small businesses which currently bring fish in by road and ferry the appalling lack of Border Control Posts that will accept commercial live animals is extremely concerning,” explained Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“When the rules change next year there is just one facility at Sevington – serving Dover and the Eurostar – in the whole of Great Britain which will look at commercial movements of live animals coming by ferry. That’s all animals including farm animals and animals for the pet trade, such as ornamental fish. This will place enormous pressure on Sevington and all other live animal BCPs as people divert their supply routes to them. We believe this will result in massive delays with serious welfare impacts.

“We have raised this continually with Defra, and the Government has recently announced a £20 million investment fund for seaports to build BCPs. But this has been offered before without success. This fund is too little, and far too late so our hope is that we can gather more support through raising the issue with the EFRA Committee to question the Defra Secretary of State about this issue.”

OATA’s manifesto pledges are:

• Support pet ownership in all its forms - reject calls for bans of exotic or wild collected pets through the introduction of positive lists or other means. Instead look at ways to support people to successfully keep their pets throughout their life through education, advice and information. 
• Protect pet shops’ ability to sell live animals - support pet shops to continue to sell live animals by improving inspections, simplifying bureaucracy and regularising the fees local councils charge.
• Require local authority inspectors to be trained in all pet species - make it mandatory for all local authority licensing officers to undertake good quality training in the pet species they are likely to encounter in pet shops. 
• Address the insufficiency in provision of live animal Border Control Posts (BCP) at seaports - to avoid serious animal welfare impacts, Government should rethink its approach to the provision of seaport facilities at the UK Border.

Read the full manifesto here.

A group of pet-care franchises have joined forces to put the wellbeing of pets at the forefront of the £3.1 billion pet-care industry. 

Their collective efforts have resulted in the formation of the Pet Care Franchise Association (PCFA), a new trade organisation with the primary aim of enhancing animal welfare standards for companion animals. 

The PCFA, whose members include Petpals, We Love Pets, Barking Mad and PetStay,  has received official recognition with City of London Corporation acting as Primary Authority for their members.

With the new Primary Authority partnership, the PCFA has gained significant influence in establishing national standards for the franchised pet-care industry with local authorities. This recognition strengthens the PCFA’s position as a leading power in promoting and maintaining animal welfare standards, making it a trusted resource for franchisees, pet owners and industry stakeholders alike. 

Spearheading the campaign at Petpals is Brand Development Manager David Gray.

“The PCFA’s recognition with City of London in establishing a Primary Authority partnership will significantly bolster our efforts to influence consistency and higher standards working with local authorities,” said David. 

“It provides us with a stronger platform to advocate for and shape regulatory change that prioritise animal welfare in the pet-care industry, solidifying our position as a respected body and enabling us to work closely with local authorities to implement the highest possible standards of care.”

In their mission to ensure that pets receive the quality care they deserve throughout the UK, their initial focus is set on animal welfare standards specifically for home boarding services.

“There have been many inconsistencies and issues with how local authorities interpret the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regulations on boarding and animal care,” explained David. “Many people are boarding without licences, boarding pets without training or support or operating as self-employed for countries outside the UK. We aim to reduce these inconsistencies, cut the red tape and put the focus back on animal welfare.”

Defra leaves it to local authorities to license home boarding in their local areas. A licence means the home boarder is trained in pet welfare and holds the correct insurance. Crucially, for pet owners it is the ‘safe standard’, meaning the business has been inspected and operates to ensure welfare standards are consistent and that the business is competent.

“Using a booking agent middleman like many pet-sitting websites leaves the responsibility on the pet owner to check if the boarder is licensed, insured or trained – which is not often made clear,” said David. “Many just assume that it is part of the process a home boarder would need to cover before listing on the website. It can often be stressful when arranging someone to care for your dog when you’re also trying to organise a family holiday, but the PCFA are offering the steps to check before placing your dog with a home boarder.”

By following the PCFA’s recommended steps, pet owners can ensure the wellbeing of their beloved companions while they are away by making informed decisions and selecting a home boarder who meets the necessary standards.

1. Begin your search early – Looking for a home boarder as soon as you book the first part of your holiday gives you ample time to conduct thorough research and find a home boarder that meets your pet’s specific needs. This allows you to carefully evaluate different options and make an informed decision regarding the best possible choice for your pet’s care.
2. Ask to see the licence during your initial enquiries – Legally, a boarder must have a copy of their licence on display when you visit the premises. Requesting to see this licence is crucial, as it ensures that the home boarder has received proper training and possesses the necessary insurance to provide a safe and secure environment for your pet. If in doubt, check with your local authority licensing department.
3. Do not assume they are experts – Do your homework, ask questions and check reviews. By law, you must meet the boarder looking after your dog before your trip. The boarder must keep written records, be qualified and possess a canine first aid certificate dated within the last three years, so request to see them. Additionally, asking for references from other pet owners who have used the home boarder’s services provides valuable insights into the quality of care provided.
4. It is your responsibility – As part of the booking and assessment process, you will be asked to sign a number of ‘consents’ allowing the boarder to walk, exercise and feed your dog, as well as a vet authorisation if required. If you use a booking agent or intermediary to find a boarder, remember it is still your responsibility to check the person recommended is licensed.

“Ultimately, as a responsible dog owner, the onus is very much on you to check, but the PCFA believe it shouldn’t be that way,” said David. “Unfortunately, by inadvertently supporting unlicensed and unregulated operators, poor welfare standards will continue putting our much-loved family pets at risk. One of the first tasks the PCFA and City of London will be jointly working on is a public awareness campaign to highlight these issues and work together with local authorities to make it far easier for owners to find licensed home boarders.”

Following this focus on home boarding, the PCFA will turn its attention to dog walking and public safety. “While home boarding has been our initial focus, we recognise the importance of ensuring the wellbeing of pets extends to all aspects of their care,” explained David. “By addressing dog walking and public safety, we aim to continue to raise standards, enhance training and promote responsible practices within the industry. Our goal is to create a safer environment for both dogs and the public while reinforcing the reputation of pet-care services as reliable and trustworthy.”

“Much more needs to be done as it’s too easy for unethical pet-care providers to slip through the net and deliver care that does not meet minimum standards,” said Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals. “At Petpals, we firmly believe that pet ownership is a privilege, not a right. That is why we wholeheartedly champion the commitments of the PCFA and will continue to represent the various initiatives as we work with other trusted brands for the rights of pets around the country.”

For more information about the PCFA, visit www.pcfa.uk

Natures Menu has launched a brand new Freeze Dried range set to make raw feeding the most convenient it’s ever been.

Available in four flavours (beef, chicken, turkey and lamb) and two pack sizes (120g and 250g), the Freeze Dried nuggets are a completed and balanced 80:20 meal option – 80% meat and offals with 20% fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. All flavours offer natural, high quality ingredients; clear health benefits; and maximum convenience with no compromise on taste or quality.

Using the closest technology to raw feeding, freeze drying is a minimally processed option that removes almost all of the water content without cooking. The process subsequently locks in the nutrients and flavours to offer digestive health benefits and the most convenient alternative to frozen raw.

The range is designed to be interchangeable with the Natures Menu 80:20 complete and balanced raw range. The ‘raw with no thaw’ format means it’s the best alternative to raw when owners don’t have access to a freezer and can be just poured and served making it ideal for when owners and pets are on the go.

Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Expert at Natures Menu, said: “Raw feeding offers a wealth of benefits, however we do understand that it requires pre-planning and can be challenging if owners don’t have access to a freezer such as when they’re on holiday.

“The new Freeze Dried range is born from 40 years of research, nutritional experience and knowledge crammed into one bitesize nugget. The range offers pet owners the best of both worlds – natural high quality ingredients, maximum nutrients preservation and digestive wellbeing in the most convenient format available.”

Natures Menu specialises in raw and natural dog food made with quality meats and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates - and uses British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible. 

To access the Natures Menu trade portal, visit: https://trade.naturesmenu.co.uk/login  

Supreme Petfoods has announced an update to its popular Tiny Friends Farm Stickles treat range. In an effort to reduce plastic usage and promote eco-friendly alternatives, the company has taken the decision to replace the current plastic hanging sticks with jute string, a more environmentally friendly option. This change underlines the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Formulated with delicious natural ingredients, Stickles are designed to provide enrichment and encourage foraging behaviour when hung around the enclosure. With the introduction of jute string, the updated Stickles range now offers pet owners a simple and secure way to tie up the treats. Currently, an impressive 92 percent of the Supreme product range already features fully recyclable packaging, and this switch aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission to make all packaging fully recyclable by 2025.

Supreme’s transition from plastic sticks to natural jute string is a significant milestone for the company and the pet trade industry as a whole.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme, says, “By implementing this eco-friendly update, we estimate that it will save nearly half a million sticks and prevent over 1.4 tonnes of plastic from reaching landfills annually. Most plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years and the long-term health impact of this plastic pollution remains largely unknown. At Supreme we are not only fully committed to supporting the wellbeing of small pets, but also take our responsibilities to people and the wider environment very seriously. Our contribution to reducing the global plastic waste crisis is just one aspect of that commitment.”

The Stickles treat range comes in a variety of flavours with options that are suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small pets. As well as promoting enrichment, the treats can also be used to encourage pet-owner bonding when hand fed. Each recipe is carefully formulated with natural ingredients such as carrot and broccoli, Timothy hay and herbs, or apple and cranberry. In line with Supreme’s green credentials, these ingredients are sourced from local farms wherever possible. 

As pet owners become more conscious of their ecological footprint, Supreme’s commitment to sustainability undoubtedly resonates with their customers and strengthens their position as a trusted and environmentally responsible brand. With this latest update, the company continues to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for small pet nutrition and care.

For more information about Tiny Friends Farm Stickles and Supreme’s sustainability initiatives email experts@supremepetfoods.com or visit https://supremepetfoods.com/

The new pre-packed Doodle’s Deli treats range is now available through Pedigree Wholesale. A selection of the range’s bestselling products have now launched in eight pre-packed, recyclable pouches ready to display in retailers’ treat aisles. 

This solution is a convenient addition to the range, developed specifically for customers who prefer to avoid buying loose natural treats: the pouches are resealable, like the bulk range, to allow for multiple uses and for consumers to store at home without any unpleasant odours easily. Retailers can offer the range alongside the loose portfolio in store, or for those who do not range loose treats, this is a suitable alternative to range in a treats aisle.

A vast array of extra lines have launched over the past few months, and the range now features over 120 lines across over 15 different proteins, including Deer, Fish varieties and Duck to name only a few. 

The treats in the range are naturally long-lasting dental chews with no added artificial ingredients. They may help dogs across various problem areas or lifestyles, such as supporting the removal of plaque and tartar build-up, promoting healthy joints, and helping strengthen jaw muscles. Most Doodle’s Deli treats are naturally low in fat. Many products contain naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, a beneficial mix of nutrients to make treat time a healthy habit. 

Offering above average retailer margins, the new pre-packed range consists of 8 popular treats featuring Chicken Feet, Puffed Pig Snout, Pig Ears, Camel Skin, Lamb Pizzle, Beef Neck Sinew, Beef Pizzle and Lamb Ears without hair. These packaged treats weigh between 80g and 100g and retail between £2.99 and £8.99. The range will continue to expand throughout 2024.

The award-winning Doodle’s Deli range won first place in the PATS New Product Showcase Awards at PATS Sandown 2023 and is exclusive to the specialist pet retail sector. With free in-store support, display options and unique products, the brand offers customers something different, delivered in a highly impactful way. 

Sold in cases of 8, the brand-new Doodle’s Deli pre-packed range is available now through Pedigree Wholesale and is exclusively available to the specialist pet trade.

Petcare outlets throughout the country are getting into the festive spirit as they offer customers and their dogs a chance to meet Santa Paws.

Pet Trade Xtra’s sister publication Garden Trade News is in the midst of judging for its prestigious Christmas Awards, and the judges have come across lots of examples of festive fun for pets and their owners.

The multi award-winning Bents Garden and Home near Warrington has really gone to town on its Santa Paws theme. See pictures below.

And here are two more examples of Christmas cheer from the Blue Diamond Group’s Van Hage store in Great Amwell.

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New research from pet insurance provider Petplan has revealed that almost 1 in 5 Brits (18%) will spend more money on their pets this Christmas than their partners.

One third of the nation (32%) admit they’ll be spending more this year on their pet than they did five years ago, as pets increasingly become an established part of the family. A huge 4 in 5 Brits (80%) say they’ll be buying Christmas presents for their furry friends this year with the top reasons being ‘they’re part of the family’ (77%), ‘not wanting them to feel left out’ (40%) and ‘so they have something to unwrap alongside the rest of the family’ (33%).

Among those spending more on their pets than their partners, it’s Gen Z who are leading the charge, with 18-24 year olds almost three times as likely to spend more on their pet than their partner than those aged 65+. And when it comes to Londoners, over one third (37%) generously admit to buying their pet as many presents as their children!

Whilst Londoners splurge the most on average at £47.30, it’s Brummies who follow closely behind with an average animal allowance of £36.60 - quite the contrast to those at the other end of the scale in Nottingham and Southampton who spend £20.10 and £18.80 respectively.

The study of 2,000 pet owners by Petplan revealed the top 10 pet gifts of 2023 to be:

1. Food & edible treats
2. Chew toys
3. Cuddly toys
4. Balls
5. Homeware (i.e. beds and blankets)
6. Bones
7. Personalised items (i.e. collars and bowls)
8. Catnip or dog balm
9. A scratch pad
10. Pet clothing

However, alongside the classics, other more unusual gifts included an extra long walk, a grooming or beauty treatment - a favourite in Birmingham, a trip to a pet-friendly cafe and even holidays for lucky pets in Leeds! Over a third of Brits (39%) will even hang up a stocking for their pet on Christmas Eve.

And our furry friends won’t just be unwrapping foodie gifts from under the tree - they’ll also be served up a festive special on the day, as over half the nation (57%) admit to treating their pet to a Christmas meal - including roast dinners for 43% of them! Over a fifth (21%) will even be honoured with a place at the Christmas dinner table  - although your chances will double if you’re a lucky London-based pet (44%).

Bella von Mesterhazy, Sales and Marketing Director at Petplan said “The fact that we’re increasingly making pets a prominent part of our Christmas celebrations is testament to the vital role they play in family units across the UK - and in some cases, our urge to treat them at Christmas goes beyond how we spoil our partners and human family! The festive season is so full of joy and there’s nothing that puts a smile on faces more so than giving something back to our pets - whether that’s through a traditional gift, or something a little more creative from pet-friendly beauty treatments to brunch.”

For more information visit https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/christmas-gifts-for-pets/

The British Independent Retailers Association has reacted to the latest footfall report showing that footfall in retail parks, the high streets and shopping centres have fallen.

The BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor report for November showed that footfall was down, byt showing a 'slight uptick in consumer confidence' as there was a slight increase from the previous month.

The report showed:

• Total UK footfall decreased by 0.7% (YoY), an improvement on -5.7% in October.
• Retail Parks footfall decreased by 1.0% (YoY), an improvement on -4.3% in October.
• High Street footfall decreased by 1.7% (YoY), an improvement on -4.6% in October.
• Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 2.2% (YoY), an improvement on  -7.3% in October.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "Although the footfall was better than October, it is still down year on year. Thousands of independent retailers are concerned about trading in run up to the all-important festive period. Spending depends on consumer confidence, and for that we need stability. Inflation is falling so we must not increase interest rates any further so that consumers can confidently budget their expenditure. Finally, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and we really hope this super event will bring out the shoppers to their local independent retailers."

Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC Chief Executive, said: "A slight uptick in consumer confidence, as well as easing inflationary pressures and more predictable weather, led to an improvement in footfall compared to the previous month. After a slow October start, the month-long Black Friday sales helped to get shoppers out to their town and city centres. While all parts of the UK saw footfall drop in October; both West Midlands and Yorkshire managed positive growth in November.”

“The extensive cost-pressures on the retail industry over the last two years have limited investment and driven up prices at many shopping destinations. The Chancellor’s failure to commit to a business rates freeze in his recent Autumn Statement will inflict hundreds of millions of pounds in additional costs. This will inevitably slow the decline in inflation, as well as limiting long term investment and limiting any upside from improvements in UK footfall.”

CSJ was proud to hear that Vickie Pullin brought home two world champion wins and five top 10 rankings from the International Federation of Sleddog Sports World Championships and World Masters Dryland 2023.

Hundreds of sleddogs, their owners and supporters had headed to Olvega in Spain for the competitions, and Vickie’s dogs took her to the top in both the Elite bike RNB and the 4 Dog RNB.

Vickie said: “To sum up is not possible in little words. I only drive the dogs this week but behind closed doors the early mornings sweat blood and tears support family friends sponsors my coach, fellow athletes we are a big team and family.

“But the dogs - no words to come with 8 and leave with 5 top 10 rankings in the world – exceeded all my expectations.

“We go home, work hard, train more and next stop Germany WSA for the huskies. Thank you everyone who supports and drives this team.”

Ex-professional snowboarder Vickie founded her ‘Arctic Quest’ (Sleddog Experience in the UK) nine years ago and races her ‘Pullin Power’ race team all over the world. At the last count she had over 26 dogs which include Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, Euro Hounds, Greysters and Marley her Collie.

Her thoughts on feeding: “All my dogs are fed on CSJ, I believe in my dogs and I believe in CSJ food.” 

For more about Vickie see www.arcticquest.co.uk and www.pullin-power.com

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

A family-run high street pet shop, which has been trading for 67 years, is set to close at the end of the year with the owner blaming reduced footfall, rising costs and internet shopping for the store’s demise.

The Pet Shop in Kirkcaldy High Street informed customers of its closure on Saturday, 30th December, through its Facebook page. 

Owner Kenneth Galloway, who took over the running of the shop from his parents David and Helen in 2014, said: “It is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep regret that I inform you of the closure of The Pet Shop after 67 years on Kirkcaldy High Street. This decision has not been an easy one, as it marks the end of an era filled with cherished memories, hard work, and unwavering dedication.”

Kenneth added: “While there are many reasons that have led to this difficult decision, the primary factors have been the reduced footfall and decline of Kirkcaldy High Street and the significant and never-ending increase in costs. The changing landscape of the business environment, coupled with the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences, has presented immense challenges that, unfortunately, we are no longer able to overcome.

“This decision was not made lightly. It is heart-breaking to bid farewell to something that has been such an integral part of our lives, but we must face the reality with a heavy heart and the utmost gratitude.”

He praised his staff whose support, dedication, and loyalty had helped the business to thrive for so many years. “Your commitment and hard work have been the backbone of our success, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” said Kenneth.

“Over the years, we have formed an inseparable bond, a family that has weathered storms and celebrated triumphs together. Each member of our staff, past and present, has played an integral role in shaping our business into what it is today. Your passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our organisation.”

He also went on to thank the store’s customers. “You have been the lifeblood of our existence, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to have served you. Your unwavering support and patronage have been the driving force behind our success, and we are forever indebted to you.”

Jollyes, the Pet Industry Federation’s 2023 retail chain of the year, confirmed it had delivered its strongest-ever first-half trading performance for the 26 weeks to 27 November 2023 as it continued its strong market outperformance.

During the quarter, Jollyes posted its highest-ever trust pilot scores, opened eight stores and confirmed it now expects to open its 100th store ahead of schedule in early 2024.

The nationwide pet superstore’s FY24 first half saw a continuation of the market out-performance it has maintained for the last three years.

Total sales for the first half of its 2024 financial year were £70m,  31 per cent higher than the £54m  posted for H1 in the prior year.

In the half year, Jollyes posted like-for-like sales of 19 per cent, as its offer of value, service and choice continues to be in lockstep with customer’s needs and expectations. 

This growth is a step up from the 17 per cent  like-for-like number Jollyes achieved in FY23 and is firmly based on transaction and basket-size growth and not price inflation, which is flat reflecting the high demand for the great value it is delivering to customers. 

During the first half of the year, Jollyes also strengthened its customer PETCLUB scheme by introducing new tiers for its biggest fans, offering exclusive prices and more rewards. 

Alongside the savings PETCLUB membership brings in store and online, PETCLUB can now be used across services Jollyes provides in its Jolly Groomer salons and community pet clinics.

New Store Rollout & Services

In the first half of FY24, Jollyes added eight new stores, in Swindon, Belfast (Boucher Road), Merthyr Tydfil, Harrogate, Widnes, Swadlincote, Reading and Hull bringing the total number of Jollyes stores to 98.

Jollyes has now added 31 stores to its estate over the last two years, an increase of over 40 percent.  It will open its 99th store in Connswater – its third Belfast store - in early March and its 100th store later in the month, well ahead of schedule.

Where possible, Jollyes is opening its new stores with a full-service offer including a Jolly Groomer and community pet clinic that offers low-cost vaccinations and microchipping.  Jollyes welcomes the recently announced CMA review into the vet sector and expects to contribute to its investigation into how well the £2bn UK market is working for pet owners.

Sector-leading Customer Service

As a key indicator of the high-quality advice and service that Jollyes offers to pet parents it has to date received over 43,500 Trustpilot reviews, 87 per cent with a five-star rating, generating a sector-leading score of 4.7.  

These independent customer ratings continue to be underpinned by Jollyes investment in training and support for its colleagues as it embarks on an ambition to be one of the best employers in retail.

To help drive that ambition. during the quarter Jollyes appointed Claire Goldenberg to be its first people director.  Claire joins Jollyes after almost 20 years HR retail experience with Bensons for Beds and Currys plc.

Jollyes continues to invest in its SQP training programme through Vetpol, with another 51 colleagues in training looking to join the 132 suitably qualified colleagues able to dispense veterinary medicines as it deepens the quality of advice for customers. 

Future FY24 Developments

Looking ahead to the rest of its 2024 financial year, Jollyes also outlined significant moves to sustain and grow its capacity and brand.  These include:

United Petfood – After six months of capacity and palatability testing, it has concluded a contract with United Petfood to help build its growing private label business which already accounts for over half its dog food sales. As part of the new deal to supply Jollyes growing Lifestage brand of food and treats, United will create 36 new jobs as part of its three-year contract at its production facilities at Llangadog and Pencader in South Wales and Longridge near Preston.

Wincanton – Jollyes has extended its contract with Wincanton that will allow it to begin moving its distribution operations to a new site in Middlewich, Cheshire from February 2024. The new location will provide Jollyes with a much larger space and the ability to accommodate its rapid store growth that has already seen it add 31 stores to its estate across the last two years. The move to Middlewich will build capacity so Wincanton can pick and deliver up to 25 per cent more cases each year as it replenishes all Jollyes stores, fulfilling over 10,000 deliveries each year.

Marketing – In support of its 99th store at Connswater Shopping Centre in Belfast, Jollyes intends to launch its first-ever TV advertising campaign as it supports its market-leading position in Northern Ireland where it will trade from 15  stores.

The campaign will launch in the first calendar quarter of 2024 around the time Connswater opens.

BillyChip – Shortly Jollyes intends to roll out a partnership with the Bristol-based social enterprise that will see it offer its street currency – The BillyChip - on sale in it stores for £2.  Those tokens can be given by customers to those living on the streets in exchange for a coffee or food.  In Jollyes they will be redeemable for tins of dog food.

While numbers are hard to assess, a recent survey indicated since the pandemic, as many as 320,000 people experienced homelessness with between 5-25pc being homeless with a pet.  The University of Bristol earlier this summer shared data from new research that showed the homeless and their dogs have a mutually beneficial relationship, with the dogs providing critical support for their owners' emotional and mental health while owners make every effort to protect the dog and meet their welfare needs. Jollyes will become BillyChip’s first partner outside of the food and services sector.

Commenting on the delivery of the record-breaking half year, Jollyes’ chief executive officer Joe Wykes said: “There’s no doubt we’ve had a tremendous six months, delivering for customers, our people and our shareholders.

“And as always, behind the numbers sits the hard work of our 1,000-plus strong team as we transform this business with real pace – they continue to inspire me every day. 

“But we also all know past performance is no guarantee future success.  

“That’s why we’re determined to guard against complacency, investing in new partnerships that will help strengthen our momentum in the months and years ahead.”

Pets at Home’s new distribution centre in Stafford is now fulfilling deliveries to all of its stores throughout the UK after experiencing early disruption issues after opening in April.

The largest pet retail group in the country admitted in its half-year financial figures that sales were impacted by short-term availability issues caused by problems at the distribution centre. However, the impact was contained and swiftly corrected with availability having now normalised.

Pets at Home’s Chief Executive Officer, Lyssa McGowan, at the opening of the group's £93m distribution centre in April.

Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, said “H1 has been a critical period in laying the foundations of our platform for future growth. This was the period of high activity when we relaunched our brand, launched our new DC, built our new digital platform, and made progress expanding and improving our physical assets across Retail and Vets. This period has not been without challenges, but we have been able to manage these well and are on track to finish FY24 with a refreshed, modernised infrastructure, fit to deliver growth for many years to come.

“I am incredibly proud of how our colleagues across the business have come together using their expertise and ingenuity to navigate this demanding period. I was particularly proud to see this recognised as we were voted “Best Place to Work” in the WorkL awards. We remain absolutely committed to keeping Pets at Home an inclusive and rewarding place to work and made pleasing progress in H1 increasing diversity.

As we stand today, through our point of peak investment, with the benefits of our new DC and new digital platform still ahead of us, we look to the future with confidence that we can deliver our plan, to build the world’s best pet care platform.”

Pets at Home Group Plc: FY24 Interim Results (for the 28-week period to 12 October 2023)

Highlights

• H1 was the period of highest execution risk in building our Petcare Platform as we relaunched our brand, transitioned our stores to the new Stafford Distribution Centre (DC) and continued to build a new digital platform.
• H1 consumer revenue# grew 8.6%, ahead of our 7% ambition, to £1.0bn, with all channels in growth and further progress in retaining and acquiring new customers. Underlying consumer demand was resilient with structural trends underpinning sustained market growth.
• We finished H1 with 7.8m active VIP members, up 3% YoY. Puppy & Kitten sign ups continued to normalise as expected. However, new sign-ups in our vets remained strong at over 18k per week, as early life pet acquisition was increasingly complemented by winning new clients with older pets, attracted by our compelling consumer proposition.
• Total Group revenue growth of 6.5% to £774.2m, with Group like-for-like# (LFL) revenue up 6.2%.
• Vet Group revenue grew 19.0%, and LFL# up 17.3%, accelerating in Q2, with record sales supported by higher Average Transaction Value (ATV), mix and visits as we increased vet capacity through improved attraction, retention, and productivity.
• Retail revenue grew 5.2%, and LFL# up 5.2%. After Q1 LFL growth of 7.1%, sales in Q2 were impacted by short term availability issues as the DC ramped up, causing LFL growth to dip to 2.7%.
• The impact was contained and swiftly corrected with availability having now normalised and the early weeks of Q3 showing a c4% LFL.
• Underlying PBT# of £47.8m is down 19.3%, impacted by continued investment in the platform with higher logistics costs (c£8m) and our brand relaunch (c£2m). This shape of H1/H2 profits was broadly as expected, as we outlined at Q1.
• Statutory PBT was £34.7m, down 35.2% reflecting the decline in underlying PBT and non-underlying costs of £13.1m associated with our DC transition, the consolidation of our support offices and a write down of our investment in Tailster.
• Underlying basic EPS was 7.4p, down 22.9%, and statutory basic EPS was 5.2p, down 40.2%.
• Interim dividend per share held at 4.5p.
• Free cash flow# down 44.3% to £23.1m reflecting YoY profit shape and the phasing of investments into our key strategic growth areas.
• Balance sheet remains robust with net cash# of £12.1m (before lease liabilities of £398.1m). Cash and cash equivalents £60.4m at the end of H1, down £82.7m YoY.
• First £25m tranche of our buyback is completed, with the second £25m tranche to commence shortly.

Fold Hill Foods has announced the passing of one of its owners, James Grant.

Ben Mankertz, Fold Hill Managing Director, said: "James was passionate about our business and about the countryside he farmed, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with employees as well as those within our industry for more than 40 years. He was a colourful character who will be greatly missed."

The funeral will remain a private affair for family and close friends, although there will be a memorial service held at Old Leake Church on the 12th of December at 1pm for anyone who knew James and would like to pay their respects.

Leading pet retailer and wholesaler HugglePets has appointed Scott Perry as Area Sales Manager.

Sales and Marketing Director Tom Gwilliam said: “We are delighted to have Scott as part of the HugglePets family. Hee brings over 25 years of experience from within the pet trade and is joining our team as Area Sales Manager.”

A former National Sales Manager of Ancol Pet Products, Scott set up his own retail store Bertie’s Pet Store in Portishead, Bristol in 2022. He will continue to run the business alongside his work with HugglePets.