A pet shop, which launched a £20,000 fundraising campaign to pay off rent arrears, has averted the threat of closure after agreeing a deal with its landlord.

Bristol Pet Shop started the online appeal in a last-ditch attempt to avoid eviction from its Gloucester Road North premises because of unpaid rent.

But owner Jade Brady announced this week that the shop’s immediate future was safe. 

She said on the shop’s fundraising platform: “We have ended our GoFundMe and all donations have been refunded! 

“We have now entered into a deal with the landlord so we can stay in the property. 

“We are developing our online sales platforms and are hoping to convert as much of the shop as possible to the first zero waste refillable pet shop. We hope to improve plastic waste by offering an alternative!”

Jade had blamed poor trade for the cause of the shop falling behind on the rent.

Picture of the Bristol Pet Shop team taken from its GoFundMe page.

Organisers of PATS Telford have announced plans to grow the UK’s National Pet Industry Exhibition this year with the addition of a third hall.

The extra space will be used essentially to improve the visitor experience. As well as providing additional catering and seating, key visitor features like the New Product Showcase, Grooming Workshops, Seminars and International Buyers’ Centre will be expanded.

It’s all part of exciting plans to ensure that September’s show is even more successful for its growing numbers of visitors and exhibitors.

Five PATS exhibitions have been held at Telford International Centre and each event has attracted more than 2,000 visitors, with last September’s show seeing a 3% increase in attendance to 2,103 buyers.

PATS Telford, which takes place on September 27-28, has already secured stand bookings from many of the industry’s leading brands, including Burns, Kong, IPN, Flexi, Trixie, Marriages, Happy Pet, Symply and Canagan, Natures Menu, Billy + Margot and Benyfit Natural.

Leading trade association PetQuip will again be working with PATS to tempt international pet retail chains and distributors to the Autumn showpiece, and will be hosting the International Buyers’ Centre where visitors can sit down and meet prospective new suppliers at the event. PetQuip team members will also be available to provide business services, sourcing advice and arrange introductions to UK pet companies.

The association’s involvement doesn’t end there because it will be staging its prestigious PetQuip Awards after the first day of the exhibition. During an evening when outstanding success in the industry is celebrated, the PATS Telford New Product Awards, sponsored by pbwnews, will also be presented.

Pat Flynn, Trade Association Manager of PetQuip, said: “The PetQuip Awards have grown to such a degree that companies can’t wait to enter – each year we receive calls before officially launching the Awards at PATS Sandown. It’s an event where retailers from both the UK and internationally, groomers and suppliers all come together to network, see the latest innovative pet products, and celebrate the innovations on the first evening of the show at the PetQuip Awards party. We appreciate the huge support that PATS gives us.”

In another initiative aimed at encouraging large European retailers and distributors to visit the Telford show, the PATS team will have a stand in the British Pavilion at Interzoo in May.

It’s going to be a very busy and memorable year at both PATS Sandown and PATS Telford – two pet industry exhibitions that showcase the best and latest products and services.

To keep up with all the latest news from the shows visit www.patshow.co.uk

A new competition called ‘Groom-Off Sunday’ will be launched at PATS Sandown and will offer 16 budding groomers the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes. 

Groom-Off Sunday, run in association with expert Mathew Spry and The Welsh Grooming Academy, is aimed at novice groomers or those just starting out in grooming competitions.

The competition will run in two independent sessions on the opening day of PATS Sandown (Sunday 9th February) and the judges will be focusing on style, balance, sympathy and technicalities.

Entering is easy and FREE, simply complete the Competition Entry form, which can be found on the website www.welshgroomingacademy.co.uk/patsgroomoff. The closing deadline is Thursday, 30th January.

Everything is lined up for this inaugural competition, taking place in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at PATS Sandown.  

With a hamper of prizes from top companies HOWND and Aeolus and a trophy for the two group winners, Groom-Off Sunday is set to be a successful addition to the show.

There is also a full programme of talks and more grooming demonstrations scheduled for the second day of PATS Sandown (Monday 10th February).

With an increasing number of pet retailers introducing grooming salons into their stores, the PATS programme of talks and demos will provide invaluable insights into this side of the business.

The demonstrations will highlight the knowledge and expertise required to complete traditional grooming techniques successfully as well as showing off a few modern and creative ideas. 

For all the latest news from PATS Sandown visit www.patshow.co.uk

Industry pundit and recruitment specialist Lynda Ward believes that UK pet companies are well placed to weather any forthcoming storms caused by Brexit.

Lynda said: “Whilst recruiting for business of all sizes and for all levels of sales people I have had numerous conversations about Brexit since the result of the referendum and since most agree, ‘We just don’t know what will happen’, that very uncertainty has spurred them on to take action."

Lynda pointed out that some companies had battened down the hatches and taken steps to secure current business in the UK by increasing their attention to customer care and relationships and ensuring all staff are well trained and motivated plus streamlining their distribution systems and logistics.

Other businesses had taken a different pro-active approach by increasing their sales force in the UK and additionally strengthening or seeking to increase their overseas presence with countries outside Europe by employing sales personnel in key target areas.

"In both cases marketing is also playing a major role with manufacturers revamping packaging to stand out from the crowd, identifying niche product opportunities and ensuring their sales people have the best tools to excel in their roles," said Lynda.

“Having been in this industry through recessions and booms and knowing its people so well I am completely confident that our collective determination and tenacity will ensure continuing success.” 

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com

HayPigs! multi-award-winning Guinea Pig Circus range has been chosen as one of four finalists in Gift of the Year 2020 pet category. The range, which includes two new products, beat off stiff competition from a high-profile line-up of pet brands.

The Gift of the Year Awards celebrate the best of the best in home and gift retailing and are highly-respected in the retail industry. The awards honour the latest, most original and innovatively designed products that could be given as gifts.

During the intense judging process, judges are told to look out for factor such as innovation and originality, presentation and packaging, quality of manufacture and the 'wow factor'. 

The awards ceremony takes place at Spring Fair on Sunday.

New SQP regulator Vetpol has announced it will soon open for SQP training – most likely before the end February.

It follows full approval by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for Vetpol to become a regulator. 

The all-new course is delivered online, using a bespoke learning management platform and an integrated CPD system.

It means that busy professionals and those in rural communities can easily access the course and study at a time and place that suits them. Future students or employers can register their interest or request further information now at www.vetpol.uk or by emailing caroline@vetpol.co.uk.

The Vetpol course has been designed to deliver a positive experience for its users, as SQP training is acknowledged to be challenging, with a lot of information to assimilate across a broad subject area. It uses the principles of reflective learning, with simple exercises to complete to help embed what is learned and highlighting of key facts to aid recall. 

Caroline Johnson, Vetpol Founder and Director, says the team has thought long and hard about matching need and application while covering the day-one-competencies required for SQP registration.

“There is an increasing number of NFA-VPS medicines available alongside POM-VPS medicines and a growing need to broaden knowledge of companion animals, which we have reflected in the course content. In agriculture too, it has never been more challenging to deliver the kind of service that farmers and stock-keepers need in the 21st century – we have looked at this both from the farmer and outlet’s point of view and we have really addressed health and disease with this in mind.”

Vetpol will provide companion animal, farm, equine and avian training leading to a Level 4 SQP qualification. Level 4 qualifications are rated above A level (which is a level 3 qualification) and include NVQ Level 4, Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE).

The course writers have aimed to make sure the course contains information that is relevant, practical and necessary, building on a solid base of animal welfare and husbandry. Up to date knowledge about parasite distribution in the UK is included. Regular updates are also built into the schedule to ensure the course reflects current thinking and keeps pace with changes in medicines legislation.

As her background is in sales and sales training, especially in the veterinary medicines sector, Caroline has a keen focus on ensuring that SQPs have the knowledge they need to add value to customer and client transactions.

“We were especially keen when writing the online course to give SQPs the scope to apply their knowledge in practical day to day situations and to make excellent recommendations.”

The new regulator has gained support for its plans from several large businesses across the pet, agricultural and veterinary sector and looks forward to adding its first SQPs to the regulator’s register in 2020.

Among the many new products being launched by leading British suppliers exhibiting on the British pavilion at Global Pet Expo will be the latest pet food initiatives, healthcare and lifestyle products, calming diffusers and sprays, chicken coop security and a range of packaging solutions. 

The British exhibitor group at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida (26 to 28 February 2020) is being organised by PetQuip, the UK pet trade association. 

In addition to supporting the UK pet product exhibitors, the PetQuip association is organising and manning a British pet industry information booth (4970) for the benefit of visiting buyers, who can find out more about the thousands of UK pet product innovations available from PetQuip member companies.

Global Pet Expo has solidified its position as the must-attend international trade show, with over 45,000 square feet of exhibit space – that’s equivalent to 16 football fields – and there’s no better place to showcase products and give thousands of buyers from around the world a first look. 

Last year’s show featured 1,174 exhibitors, 3,600 booths and more than 3,000 new product launches. Around 7,000 of the most qualified pet product buyers in the industry attended the show, including an impressive number of international retailers – 30% of the visitors were from overseas and a total of 81 countries attended.

The British companies hoping to make the most of this key trading opportunity are as follows:

Broadreach Nature + (booth 4972) is a company providing natural healthcare products for pets. It will be showcasing its new Duo Packs for Dogs and Cats, which focus on five main health groups – itchy skin care, joint support, calming care, digestion support and ear and eye cleansers. Each pack has been specially selected to help provide an effective combination in each area to maximise the health and support needed. The range is produced to the highest manufacturing standards in an FDA audited facility carrying the NASC Seal of Quality for Consumers.

ChickenGuard (booth 4867) is the maker of the world’s most innovative chicken coop door opener. The company will be unveiling its unique Locking Door Kit, which is compatible with all versions of the ChickenGuard door opener. The innovative self-locking mechanism provides even more protection against predators, giving peace of mind to chicken owners.  With 10 million chicken owners in America, ChickenGuard is leading the way in helping to keep them safe from predators, while creating much desired free time for chicken keepers. 

Law Print and Packaging Management Ltd (booth 1459) is a flexible packaging supplier offering innovative solutions. It will be showcasing its Ready2Recycle range of sustainable mono material packaging solutions for the pet food market. It offers packaging in either glossy or matt finish, printed in up to 10 colours and available in pouch, quad seal bag, flat bottom bag and heat-sealable woven bag.

Naturo Petfoods (booth 4873) creates high quality, natural dog food and a range of natural cat food. Developed by leading nutritionists, the company’s natural pet food range specifically meets the nutritional needs of pets. The pet food is hypoallergenic, contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is made with 100% natural ingredients. All the company’s products are fully traceable from farm to bowl. Naturo Cat Mousse is available in four wet food varieties with essential vitamins, minerals and oils to keep a cat healthy.

PetQuip (booth 4970) is the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers. The PetQuip team assists and promotes the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector, providing a catalyst for business contact between UK manufacturers, suppliers and international buyers. PetQuip has published the PetQuip Buyers’ Guide, which includes a directory of members’ product ranges, and copies will be available to all buyers visiting the PetQuip stand.

Pet Remedy (booth 4871) produces natural de-stress and calming products for all pets. The products are easy to use, fast acting, and available as plug diffuser, battery operated atomiser, calming spray, and even unique eco-friendly sachet wipes. The company’s unique and patented formula is valerian root oil based with small inclusions of vetiver, basil, and clary sage essential oils and is made in the UK. Pet Remedy works with the pet’s own natural calming mechanisms and is suitable for use in all stressful situations.

Podium Pet Products (booth 3746) supplies the unique Dog Rocks product which stops pet urine burn patches on lawns naturally. There is no change to the pH balance of a pet’s urine or drinking water, and the product is proven and endorsed by pets and vets worldwide. The company will be unveiling a new range of natural and bespoke wellness and lifestyle products for pets and their parents called Be:Loved. The range includes kennel and home sprays, shampoo bars, balms, fur oil and odour eliminating candles.

Rockster (booth 4966) is set to rock America with health on a shelf for dogs. Hailed as a superfood for dogs in Europe, Rockster is launching six legume-free recipes across the US, offering a new calibre of food to American dog owners using bio-organic ingredients gently steamed ‘sous vide’ from raw in special BPA-free recyclable cans. Rockster is pioneering natural nutrition comparable with fresh or frozen with the convenience of being shelf-stable.

Supreme Petfoods (booth 1842) is a specialist provider of small animal products. It is launching a unique new pet food at Global Pet Expo, specifically formulated for the domestic rabbit market. This segment of the US market currently represents a 70% share. Science Selective House Rabbit food is uniquely extruded and rich in Timothy hay. Fortified with essential Vitamins A & D, with Timothy, grass and thyme, it is high in fibre with natural prebiotics, no added sugars and Omega 3 & 6.

Companies interested in future export business-creating initiatives organised by PetQuip should contact Katie-Mai Smith: telephone +44 (0) 1959 565 995; email: katie-mai@petquip.com

With High Street spending declining, a downturn in employment and wages growth, as well as an imminent Brexit, you may think that the pet industry would also be suffering from cutbacks but instead it’s thriving as we enter the new decade.

The value of the UK pet products and services market is forecast to reach £7 billion by 2021 according to AMA Research, with British pet owners putting their animals’ contentment and happiness up there with their own.  Health and wellbeing will be the focus of the brand new Pawexpo, a new high-end pet-focused exhibition launching this September, supported by the team and co-located next to the annual Glee garden and outdoor living trade event (15^th – 17^th September, NEC Birmingham).

Designed with a wide range of pet retailers in mind – from traditional pet stores to garden centres, high street, independent gift store, and online to name but a few - Pawexpo will be the ultimate pet show experience putting pet care at the forefront of buyers’ minds and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to capitalise on this ever-growing industry sector.

Widespread ownership & pampering care

The most recent PDSA PAW Report revealed that 50% of UK adults own a pet and in 2019 it was estimated that there was a pet living in 12 million households.  A survey by MoreThan highlighted that pets have a positive influence on their owner’s lifestyle with 61% saying their pets make them feel happier and 55% offering real companionship.

The pet industry continues to boom with new companies entering the market with animal lovers treating their furry friends like members of their family.  This new wave, known as the ‘humanisation of domestic animals’, is fuelling rapid growth in this segment and will be instrumental in helping to drive growth for retailers who put a real focus on pet products in the year ahead.  

Gifting for pets – a true profit opportunity for the retailers

Mintel research has revealed that 30% of millennial pet care owners (aged 19-38 years) like their pet to keep up with the latest trends through clothes and interior styling and these consumers would also spend just as much money on their pet at special events, such as Christmas or their birthday, as they would on a friend or family member.     

Any retailer with a pet section can also boost sales in other categories such as gifting, with key periods such as Christmas and birthdays seeing owners lavish their animals with presents, as they would their own friends and relatives. Research shows as once in-store, pet owners will tend to spend more on add-ons such as treats and accessories.  Luxury pet hampers, orthopaedic animal beds with memory foam mattresses, sleeping bags and matching bowls have become luxury purchases as 66% of owners admit to buying gifts for their pet.  

The craze for dressing up our pets also seems set to continue with owners spending, on average, nearly £200 a year on clothes.  Pet clothing couture has become fashionable in recent years with an increasing array of products on sale, from animal booties, coats, fancy dress costumes, tuxedos and hoodies for cats and dogs.  Easter and Halloween have seen a surge in sales as owners seek an adorable outfit for their pet – a glance at social media channels will demonstrate just how popular this trend has become - whilst Christmas has seen matching family pyjama sets including their canine and feline friends.

As our world becomes more automated, so do our pets with new and innovative products like fitness trackers and cameras that allow owners to watch, talk to, play and feed their pets.  Smartphone-controlled toys are also hitting the shelves to make looking after our animals easier with the touch of a button. Studies have shown that technology can affect a pet’s mental health, with mood and behaviour being improved with tools designed to encourage physical and mental stimulation, relaxation and engagement, especially in a time when working hours and commuting time continues to increase, meaning we are away from our pets more than ever.

Looking good

When it comes to other pet gifts and services, Mintel research shows that pet health check-ups (17%) and pet grooming (16%) lead the way. A trim blow dry with luxury shampoos, a freshen up with scented spritzes are now the norm with parlours and franchises appearing in retailers across the country. Animal lovers can also indulge their four-legged friends further with a range of massages, and even Pilates classes especially designed for them.   The popularity of grooming as a pamper treat, and the ongoing human habits and lifestyles that pets have adopted have resulted in a social media sensation with hashtags such as #PetsofInstagram flooding the platform as proud owners show off their furry, fluffy and feathered friends online.

Well-fed pets

The pet food industry is worth approximately £3 billion in the UK and the latest trend dominating the pet food scene is the imitation of human food. Premium pet food has become increasingly important for owners as an they splash out on both nutritional and indulgent foods for their pampered pooches. Where raw food once led the way, pet food manufacturers are now tapping into wider human trends including organic and the slightly more controversial, veganic, diet solutions hitting the shelves, providing more choice and a wider range of price points helping retailers to differentiate their offering.

Demand for craft pet food and delectable delights such as sausages, casseroles, artisan dog bakery treats, popcorn, ice lollies and even foie gras has grown significantly in recent years. This product category will also only soar further as owners become more educated about how much to feed their animals and perceive the nutritional needs of their pets in a similar light to their own.

Pet supplements – such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, meal supplements and other similar products - is also proving big business, with a recent TechNavio market research report stating that the UK market is currently valued at £100 million and is set to benefit from an annual growth projection of 7%. The reason for this is because pet owners are increasingly concerned about the health and comfort of their pets, in turn urging them to spend more on high-end food products and associated supplements and vitamins to increase their pets’ life expectancy and avoid age-associated problems. What’s more, veterinary endorsement of such supplements is driving demand as consumers buy into this professional support of such products.  Finally, the access to pet nutritional supplements is becoming increasingly easier, with supermarkets, vets, pet stores and online retailers all offering consumer solutions, in doing so are increasing the reach of this thriving product group.

Matthew Mein, Event Director said: “Pawexpo is a new event which puts pet care and wellbeing in the spotlight and is dedicated to showcasing the best of British and overseas pet suppliers. The event has been developed so retailers can capitalise on the increasing “pet-pound” trend. However, at Pawexpo we’ll be doing things a little differently. The show will not merely be about products for the sake of products, instead we’ll work closely with our exhibitors to develop a beautifully curated showcase of the latest innovations and bestselling products; products that will help drive sales and can be quickly added to store for instant impact that meets consumer demand.  

“What’s more, Pawexpo is designed to offer a new sense of energy, creativity and business support that pet suppliers and retailers have been looking for. Pawexpo will create a real community, where suppliers and retailers can come together to grow their business together, as well as offering unrivalled networking and educational content. The show will also work to help suppliers to cut through the noise relating to key trends and influences, making it easier for them to optimise them within their own business. We’re excited about what the show can achieve for the pet product sector.”

What is Pawexpo?

Pawexpo is a newly launched pet focussed trade exhibition brought to market by the team behind Glee, the UK’s leading annual trade exhibition for the garden and outdoor leisure sector.

What makes Pawexpo different?

Designed with a wide range of pet retailers in mind – from traditional pet stores to garden centres, high street, independent gift stores, and online to name but a few - Pawexpo will be the ultimate pet show experience putting pet care at the forefront of buyer’s minds and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to capitalise on this ever-growing industry sector.

At Pawexpo things will be done a little differently. The event has been developed so retailers can capitalise on the increasing “pet-pound” trend, whilst also shining a light on those trends that are driving change within pet retail. The show will also work to educate exhibitors and visitors on this change and will benefit from a strong focus on education. The long-term vision for the exhibition will be to include qualification-based content and learning.

The show will place products right at the fore, with a beautifully curated showcase of the latest innovations and bestselling products; products that will help drive sales and can be quickly added to store for instant impact that satisfies the latest consumer demands. What’s more, these products will be supported by unrivalled access to trend information that will help retailers stay ahead of the curve, as well as new merchandising ideas that can help pet products stand out in any retail environment.  

Why has Pawexpo been launched?

Pawexpo is designed to offer a new sense of energy, creativity and business support that pet suppliers and retailers have been looking for. 

Pawexpo will create a real community, where suppliers and retailers can come together to grow their business, as well as offering unrivalled networking and educational content. The show will also work to help suppliers to cut through the noise relating to key trends and influences, making it easier for them to optimise them within their own business.

What’s more, Pawexpo will represent the only national pet trade show in the UK. Taking place at the centrally located NEC (Birmingham), Pawexpo will provide an unrivalled opportunity for pet product buyers to complete their full year of purchasing in one place, at one time.

Pawexpo can also boast an unrivalled crossover audience with that attending the Glee show. Each year Glee delivers an audience in excess of 7,000 including visitors from over 40 countries, and as such it opens Pawexpo’s exposure to a much broader and fully engaged audience.

When and where will Pawexpo take place?

Pawexpo – Tuesday 15^th – Thursday 17th September 2020 - will be located right in the heart of Glee, in Hall 6. The event will retain its own branding and look and will also benefit from its own dedicated seminar and educational content programme.

Where do I go to find out more?

To find out more about Pawexpo please visit https://www.gleebirmingham.com/pet-and-animal-wellbeing-expo-pawexpo-2020, where the latest news from the show can also be found. To enquire about exhibiting at Pawexpo 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Royal Canin is adding Indoor Sterilised to its Feline Health Nutrition Wet Range. Available in two formats (morsels in gravy or jelly) Indoor Sterilised will sit alongside the existing Indoor dry products – Indoor, Indoor Appetite Control and Indoor Long Hair. Both new products are totally compatible with the dry range.

Indoor cats have quite specific nutritional needs, often linked to the tendency to gain weight due to a more sedentary lifestyle and increased grooming which can mean an increased tendency to hairballs.

Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised supports the digestive tract with highly digestible proteins and zeolite which helps reduce stool odours. The high moisture content helps maintain a healthy urinary environment, and use of L-carnitine helps to maintain a healthy weight for cats.

Indoor Sterilised in Gravy or Jelly is available for retailers to purchase in packs of 12 x 85g pouches, and will be available to order from early March 2020.

For more information, contact your Royal Canin business advisor, visit www.royalcanin.com  or call 0330 678 1520.

PetSafe Brand will be introducing an exciting new product to keep pets happy and healthy in the New Year – the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder.

The new addition from the popular Health & Wellness category will be on display at Stand T7 at PATS Sandown along with a host of other products from across the broad PetSafe range, including Pet Doors, Easy Walk and EasySport Harnesses, Drinkwell Pet Fountains and Travel & Access products. 

Also on show will be the business’ Kurgo range, a portfolio of innovative, highly functional and easy-to-use pet travel products that allow families and pets to experience outdoor travel and adventure together.

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder (RRP £169.99) gives owners peace of mind about their pets’ meal times. Boasting a sleek design and attractive blue colour, it works with owners’ phones, allowing them to schedule, monitor and adjust their pets’ meal scheduling from anywhere with its user-friendly smartphone app.

Meals can be scheduled for up to 12 times daily in a range of sizes and the feeder has an optional Slow Feed setting for pets who tend to eat quickly. For added convenience the feeder notifies owners when the food container is running low or empty.

To help assist retailers with their digital launches for the product, PetSafe® Brand has developed a suite of video and content assets. They can also learn more about the new feeder in the launch video.

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Rowe Referral’s Elisa Best (BVSc Cert SAS MRCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery) has received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for her work with orphaned rhinos, as a founding member of UK registered craft conservation charity, Blankets for Baby Rhinos.

Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.

First established by George H W Bush in 1990, over 6,000 Points of Light have been recognised in the US. UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US in April 2014.

Through Elisa’s tireless work and enthusiasm, Blankets for Baby Rhinos has amassed a global Facebook community of around 3,500 members in less than three years. The volunteers are primarily knitters, crocheters and crafters, who make blankets and other items for wildlife centres which take in orphaned and sick rhinos in Africa, as well as other wildlife threatened by poaching.

After quickly building a following, Elisa wanted to harness the enthusiasm of members, to help meet the other practical needs of the centres, as well as helping rangers and dogs working in anti-poaching units.

Not only has Elisa inspired thousands of volunteers worldwide to participate, she has also helped raise over £36,000. This money has been used to help rhinos, anti-poaching dogs in the Kruger National Park.

In a personal letter that Elisa received from the Prime Minister he said,

“I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you have inspired thousands of volunteers across the world to join you in knitting blankets and making donations that benefit orphaned and endangered wildlife.”

Elisa is always quick to point out that none of this would have been possible without the heads and the rest of the group who put in a huge amount of time and effort. Nita Smith runs the South African arm of BFBR and, as well as crafting and running the Facebook group, she deals with all of the purchasing and the delivery of good.

Carol Lakin runs the online shop in the UK which has raised a huge amount for the charity. Valarie Means from the USA does the fundraising for the American arm running raffles and online auctions.

Elisa said: “I’m honoured to accept this award on behalf of an amazing global group of unpaid volunteers. This award is really for everyone involved, not just me. Our little group (Blankets for Baby Rhinos) has proved that lots of small actions can make a huge difference and that we can all do something to help fight the demise of our wildlife globally. I am proud to be a part of this group.”

OATA is recommending the UK industry source five commonly traded snails and mussels from UK sources only, particularly if they are to be sold for outdoor ponds/gardens.

OATA has concerns that importing five commonly traded species of snails/mussels, most of which we believe are of UK origin, may present a biosecurity risk in the UK.

While all five species are European natives and present in all, or parts of the UK and the continent, the concern is that imported species might have pests and diseases which could spread to the UK native population when they go into garden ponds. They might also not be genetically the same, posing a risk to native species.

“While this might not seem a big issue we do want our industry to act responsibly when we are aware of a concern. We would therefore ask UK sellers of these five species to not buy imported species which is an easy way to minimise passing on potential hitchhiker pests and diseases,” said OATA’s Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“We would also ask retailers to ensure they do not sell aquarium snail species for use in outdoor ponds, these include Bellamya chinensis, Cipangopaludina chinensis, Viviparus malleatus (Chinese Mystery Snail/Japanese Trapdoor Snail). We would also suggest they advise customers of the native ranges of Viviparus viviparus and Unio pictorum/Uniopictorum uniopictorum.

“As we approach pond season in the coming months we would always urge retailers to talk to customers about the need to ‘be plant wise’ and share information about non-native aquatic plants and we’d also add molluscs to your ‘do not release’ or ‘keep it in your garden’ messaging to your customers during this popular selling period.”

The five species are:

• Planorbis corneus / Planorbarius corneus (Ramshorn snail). Native to the UK mainland and widely introduced in Northern Ireland.
• Anodonta cygnea (Swan mussel). Native to the UK.
• Lymnaea stagnalis (Great pond snail). Native to the UK.
• Viviparus viviparus (River snail, sometimes sold as Trapdoor snail).  Native to England & Wales but not to Northern Ireland or Scotland.
• Unio pictorum / Uniopictorum uniopictorum (Painter’s mussel). Native to England & Wales but not to Northern Ireland or Scotland. 

The full position statement from OATA can be found on its website. Click here to view.

Manchester-based luxury pet bedding and accessory supplier Scruffs has confirmed its attendance at Spring Fair 2020.

Scruffs will be located on Hall 9, Stand A70-B71. The show, which starts on Sunday, is located at the NEC in Birmingham.

As the company enters is 15th year of trading, it is expected to launch several new product lines and potential retail display solutions over the coming months.

Spring Fair is the UK’s all-encompassing sourcing marketplace - facilitating connections between retailers, exhibitors and marketers.

Encompassing 16 carefully edited show sectors, including the co-located Jewellery & Watch, Spring Fair showcases the best products, launches and inspiration that 2,500 UK and international exhibitors have to offer.

Scruffs will display its latest Christmas offering, which is now available for pre-sale ahead of the upcoming season.

Alongside this, the Scruffs Cool Mat & Bed Collection will have a notable presence at the exhibition this year, as the company gears up for another busy summer season in the coming months.

Chris Johnson, Head of UK Sales at Scruffs, said: “We’re looking forward to taking Scruffs back to Spring Fair for the first time since 2015, as part of our sales strategy and plan for the UK & Ireland market in 2020.

"Please call by the stand to see our updated pet bedding and accessory collection, or email sales@petslovescruffs.com to make an appointment with our sales team.”

A leading UK indoor aquatics brand is targeting homeowners and renters keen to have the latest ‘must-have’ hi-tech home accessories while also bringing something wild into their living space.

Interpet says its Tri-Spec 2 Aquarium with its bright LED light, newly updated App and Bluetooth Controller, is a multi-purpose, furniture-piece and a method of bringing the natural world closer.

 Adrian Exell, Development and Marketing Manager at Interpet, says: “Our aquariums complement any home décor with their neutral black finish, classic lines and shape and would look equally at home in a minimalist, urban loft apartment as well as a classic country cottage. 

“The Tri-Spec 2 Max Output LED light included in the kit is one of the brightest on the market, bringing out the best in the colours of your aquarium. The intense light and balanced spectrum are ideal for coral and very light-demanding plant species.

“It is perfect for those wishing to recreate a lush river biotope or looking to grow a stunning reef. Plus, the newly updated Tri-Spec 2 App and Bluetooth Controller allow you to set a custom lighting schedule, to finely tune the light spectrum and enjoy some cool lighting effects.

“Gentle sunrise and sunset light transitions recreate a more natural environment and apart from looking stunning, cause less stress to fish, making them healthier and happier. The lightning storm effect can help trigger fishes’ natural spawning behaviour by mimicking the storm season in the tropics.”

The Tri-Spec 2 Aquariums are designed with flexibility in mind and are ideal for both freshwater and saltwater set-ups.

There are two variations to the Tri-Spec 2 Aquariums:

• Customisable – which come with aquarium, cabinet, Tri-Spec 2 light and a New aquarium start up kit
• Fully loaded – which come with aquarium, cabinet, Tri-Spec 2 light, New aquarium start up kit, Tri-Spec 2 Bluetooth controller, EF canister filter, Deltatherm heater

“The Fully Loaded kits are perfect for anyone who wishes to have a big new tank but doesn’t want to spend a lot of extra money on upgrades. The Tri-Spec 2’s ‘Fully Loaded Kits’ come with everything you’d need to set up your ideal aquarium too.”

To order, or for more information email SalesEmail@interpet.co.uk, contact your Interpet sales manager or visit www.interpet.co.uk.

Pets in East Belfast and Dundonald will soon be able to benefit from a new veterinary practice opening in Belfast.

Headed up by vet Tom Fitzsimons (MVB, PGC(SAM) MRCVS), of well-established Garden Lodge Veterinary Clinic, Stormont Veterinary Clinic intends to provide excellent service, with a difference. Their opening hours will adapt over the coming months so they can offer appointments and surgeries at times that suit their clients’ working hours.

The location is perfect for the new practice, the first new start up practice to be opened in Northern Ireland by IVC Evidensia. It’s in a busy suburban area surrounded by residential properties and the beautiful Stormont Park.

Tom Fitzsimons (MRCVS) said: “Stormont Veterinary Clinic will provide the option of a practice closer to home for clients living in Dundonald with state-of-art equipment and facilities, enabling us to help and diagnose our clients’ pets quickly.

“We’ll be offering preventative treatments like dental consults and parasite control as well as puppy parties and nutritional advice, all at times that suit our clients.”

Tom’s vision is to provide high quality care to the pets in the area and, joining him in his quest are Rebecca Martin (BVSc MRVS) and Dermot McInerney (BVSc MRCVS). Richard Kelly (MVB MRCVS) is joining the team to offer dental referral services to other practices in the region.

The gold standard care offered by the team extends into the design of the waiting rooms, consult rooms and kennels with separate areas for cats and dogs, making a visit to the practice as stress free as possible.

The practice is close to Garden Lodge Veterinary Clinic and Tom hopes that Stormont will provide the option of a clinic closer to home for those clients living in Dundonald with great transport links for clients from a wider area.

Sponsor CSJ has sent congratulations to the dogs and handlers who have been selected to represent Heelwork to Music Team GB at the FCI World Championships.

HTM GB will be led by Team Manager Kath Hardman at the event which is being held in Seltz, France from 25-28 June 2020.  

HTM Team GB

• Caroline Garret with Fawkes
• Helen Dennis with Kara (reserve)
• Lucy Creek with Skiff
• Lucy Heath with Indie
• Nicci Hidson with Elsa.

Freestyle Team GB 2020

• Cathy Bates with Twinkle
• Helen Dennis with Kara
• Kath Hardman with Denby (reserve)
• Louise Ince with Troy
• Nicci Hidson with Elsa.

CSJ will be following the Championships closely and bringing news from the event on its social media platforms.

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

A pet food business has transformed its brand in time for the new decade, as it sets out to revolutionise the pet food industry.

The team from Yorkshire based Pure Pet Food has introduced a new personalisation-based model in a bid to make better pet health and nutrition accessible to all dog owners.

By tailoring their grain-free human-grade dog food to each individual customer, owners can now feed their pets minimally processed, healthy meals with ease and convenience.

The company was set up in 2012 by childhood friends Mathew Cockroft and Daniel Valdur Eha, and started life as a small online store.

Now, visitors to the site will be asked to enter their pet’s details – including name, age, weight and any health conditions or dietary requirements – and the information will be used to recommend the perfect recipe best suited to their needs, removing all the guesswork and saving time.

The business has also introduced brand new fully recyclable and eco-friendly packaging, which again is personalised to each customer.

The Pure team have made these changes in response to alarming research suggesting that pet obesity is at an all-time high, with vets and nurses estimating that almost half of the dogs they see are overweight or obese.

In dogs, obesity is associated with osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer and more, and a poor diet is a major contributing factor.

With more and more families opting to feed their pets cheap and highly processed dry biscuits which are supposed to provide a ‘complete’ meal but contain poor quality ingredients, pets’ waistlines are paying the price, as well as their overall health.

So, the Pure team developed healthy, human-grade recipes that allow dogs to thrive.

Pure’s recipes are made with fresh ingredients that are gently preserved by removing the moisture, leaving the meals around four times as dense in nutrients, vitamins and minerals as you’d find in fresh food.

After switching their dogs to Pure, existing customers reported improvements to symptoms including bad breath, itchy skin, stomach issues, and weight issues, and in some cases symptoms and ailments have disappeared altogether.

Pure Pet Food co-founder Mat said: “The beginning of the new decade marks a really exciting time for us at Pure Pet Food.

“We’ve been in the business for nearly eight years now, and in that time, owners have become more aware of the benefits of feeding a low processed diet – yet there’s still an alarming number of families that just have no idea what they’re putting into their pets’ food bowls each day.

“In the last decade, the general public has become even more knowledgeable about human health, nutrition and wellness in general, and although this is slowly translating to our pets’ health, there is still a way to go.

“As a result, pet obesity is at an all-time high, and an alarming number of illnesses and diseases are being linked to a lifetime of eating poor quality, low cost, brown biscuits – which is essentially the equivalent to us eating highly processed ready meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

“To help owners easily transition we’ve updated our whole customer experience, personalising our recipes to each individual pet’s needs.

“Customers no longer have to spend time browsing our products and guessing which recipe would suit their dog best, as our recommendation algorithm does this for them.

“Our products are now delivered in new packaging, which will be personalised with your pets’ names and 100% recyclable, as we believe it’s important to be good to our pets and the planet.

“The dehydration process we use gives Pure food a long shelf life, meaning owners aren’t contributing to fresh food wastage and all they have to do is add water to the recipes!

“It’s also worth noting that fresh food contains 75% moisture, so the food industry essentially ships tons of water across the UK each year. When we all have water on tap at home, why create more carbon emissions shipping water? Our process extracts the moisture from our fresh human-grade ingredients, instead leaving customers to re-hydrate the food at home, meaning we use 75% less packaging and generate 75% less emissions – win, win!

“We’re also moving into a new 14,000 sq ft facility in Yorkshire very soon, which will give us the much-needed space to keep up with the demand.”

Pure’s unique dehydration combines the convenience of kibble with the nutritional benefits of fresh food - preventing bloating and reducing the risk of dehydration, whilst being super easy to store.

As well as complete recipes, customers can also purchase a range of treats and toppings, which are all created using human-grade, natural ingredients.

Mat added: “We see our pets as members of the family, so it’s about time we started feeding them like they were.

“And that’s where Pure Pet Food comes in. We represent the future of pet food and we’re helping to reduce the worrying statistics that are linked to a poor diet, ensuring dogs are living their healthiest lives, for as long as possible.”

Cat and dog brands triumphed at last night’s Product of the Year awards ceremony hosted by comedian Patrick Kielty at the Sheraton, Park Lane, London.

Mars Petcare was awarded for its Whiskas Pure Delight cat product range and Harringtons, who believe in ‘Natural for All’, also picked up an award for their innovative Just 6 dog food.

Both products are made without artificial additives, a trend echoed across many of the winners in this year’s award. Petcare is no exception. Research conducted by Product of the Year in November last year revealed more than one-third of UK consumers (35%) are more likely to choose products that have a positive impact on health and well-being.

The products were among the year’s most innovative products with the winners chosen by more than 10,000 consumers, Product of the Year is the UK’s biggest survey of product innovation and widely recognised as one of the industry’s most influential awards.

Conducted in association with Kantar, the world’s leading research group, the winners represent key consumer wants and changing habits – a unique barometer of consumer behaviour and current trends.

“Just 6 is a premium tier of the Harringtons brand and delivers on our market research that pet owners felt a limited ingredient diet would give them the necessary product confidence and transparency.  Just 6 is all about limited, natural, recognisable ingredients," said Dan Reeves, Harringtons, Marketing Manager.

“The distinctive black packaging is also another first for the brand and raises its status to a more premium position as well as attracting the shopper as they make their way down the pet food aisle. We’re delighted this new range has received such a powerful consumer endorsement and been voted a winner in the 2020 Product of the Year Awards.”

As well as taking home the much-coveted Product of the Year trophy, the winners also have the right to display the iconic red logo which is responsible for an increase in sales from between 10 and 15%.

“Innovation is often about those smart, small incremental improvements that have a disproportionately big impact on our lives,” said Mike Nolan, CEO, Product of the Year.

“All of the 2020 Product of the Year winners are boldly treading new ground, pushing the edges to help shape a future that is healthier, more responsible and just that little bit easier - innovations that are a direct response to the needs of today’s consumer. Congratulations to all the winners

Full list of 2020 Product of the Year winners across 44 categories:

• Bladder Weakness, Always Discreet Liners to Go, Procter & Gamble
• Baby & Toddler Meals, Cow & Gate First Spoons Carrot, Danone Specialised Nutrition
• Baby Cereal, Cow & Gate Banana Wholegrain Porridge with Buckwheat, Danone Specialised Nutrition
• Cakes & Biscuits, Cadbury Dairy Milk Slices, Premier Foods
• Cat Food, Whiskas Pure Delight, Mars Petcare Ltd
• Cereal, W.K.Kellogg Plant Protein, Kellogg’s
• Coffee, NESCAFÉ Azera Coffee Bags, Nestlé UK
• Coffee pods, Costa Coffee Signature Blend Lungo Nespresso® Pod, All About Food Ltd
• Convenience Food, Heinz Creationz, Kraft Heinz
• Dairy, Lurpak Butterbox, Arla Foods
• Dairy Alternatives, NESCAFÉ Gold Dairy Alternative Lattes, Nestlé UK
• Dog Food, Harringtons Just 6, Inspired Pet Nutrition
• E-Cigarette, Vype ePod, British American Tobacco
• Feminine Care, Always Ultra InstantDry, Procter & Gamble
• Flavouring & Seasoning, Paxo Bake in a Tray Stuffing, Premier Foods
• Food Kit, Sharwood's Katsu Curry Wrap Kits, Premier Foods
• Formula Powder, Cow & Gate Growing Up Milk Powder, Danone Specialised Nutrition
• Formula RTD, Aptamil Follow-On Milk Advanced Liquid with Pronutra, Danone Specialised Nutrition
• General Cleaning, Cif ecorefill range, Unilever
• General Household, Astonish Oven & Grill Cleaner & Sponge, Astonish
• Health & Beauty, Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel, Omega Pharma
• Health Nutrition, Optimum Rocky Road Protein Bar, Glanbia Performance Nutrition
• Healthy Drinks, Honest Classic & Pink Lemonade, Coca-Cola
• Household Paper, Plenty Hand Towels, Essity Hygiene Products UK Ltd
• Hybrid Mattress, Simba Hybrid® Mattress, Simba Sleep
• Indulgent Treat, M&M's Bars, Mars Wrigley
• Kids Food, White Choc Coco Pops, Kellogg's
• Laundry Additives, Vanish Gold Stain Oxi Action Removal Gel, Reckitt Benckiser
• Laundry Detergent, Surf Coconut Bliss Liquid Detergent, Unilever
• Mattress, Casper Essential Mattress, Casper
• Meat Free, Richmond Meat-Free Sausages, Kerry Foods
• Men's Razor, Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor, Procter & Gamble
• Sauce, Loyd Grossman No Added Sugar Bolognese, Premier Foods
• Snack Pot, Loyd Grossman Pasta Italia Pots Range, Premier Foods
• Snacks, Mr Kipling Reduced Sugar Slices, Premier Foods
• Sparkling Wine, O'jos Spritz, Concha y Toro
• Teeth Whitening Kits & Strips, Wisdom Intense White Teeth Whitening Strips, Wisdom Toothbrush Ltd
• Toilet Tissue, Cushelle Ultra Quilted, Essity Hygiene Products UK Ltd
• Toothpaste, Oral-B Gumline Purify Toothpaste, Procter & Gamble
• Water, Aquarius Lemon & Aquarius Lime, Coca-Cola
• Whitening Toothpaste, Oral-B 3D White Luxe Blast Toothpaste, Procter & Gamble
• Wipes, Cheeky Panda Wipes, The Cheeky Panda
• Women's Razor, Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive, Procter & Gamble
• Zero - No Sugar Drink, Diet Coke Twisted Strawberry and Exotic Mango, Coca-Cola.

Pets at Home has reported a ‘record-breaking’ performance over Christmas, helped by strong demand for its dog grooming service.

In a trading update for 12 weeks to January 2, the Cheshire-headquartered retailer reported the group’s revenue had grown 7.9% to £255.9m.

Its retail revenue rose 7% while its vet group revenue was up 14.4% and omnichannel revenue was up 23.4%.

The period saw the number of dogs groomed in a single day hit 6,023 and included its biggest online and offline trading days.

Chief executive Peter Pritchard said: “Our sales performance in the quarter proves once again that by offering convenient and affordable pet care to customers, we can further strengthen our market leading position.

“Against a backdrop of unprecedented consumer volatility, our continued momentum leaves us very much on track with our plans for the year.”

The retailer said it was “on track” with its plans for the 2020 financial year, and financial guidance is unchanged.

Pets at Home said the UK pet care market remains resilient and is attracting and retaining pet lovers with its VIP membership.

The group has more than 5.3m VIP members and has more than 850,000 subscription customers across the group.

The number of VIPs who purchased products and services has grown 24% year-on-year.

Norwood Aquarium Ltd takes pride in being the UK’s longest established aquatic wholesaler (55 years) and believes that its outstanding customer service will help the business to thrive in the future.

Gone are the days when Norwood Aquarium only supplied the Home Counties, with the company expanding nationally over the past few years, covering England, Wales and Scotland with its own vehicles. It has also been recently been appointed as a national distributor for JBL as well as Askoll.

Sales manager Sam Street took time out of his busy schedule to explain a bit more about the company’s success.

Who started the business? 

The business was founded by Tony and Mary Street in the 1960s as a small retailer in Norwood, South London.

Has it stayed in the same family since the start? 

Yes, it is now in its 3rd generation. Currently at the helm are brothers Rob (General Manager) and myself (Sales Manager).

Do you supply retailers throughout the UK? 

We certainly do, we run a fleet of our own vehicles delivering from Truro to Inverness! Bricks and mortar retailers are our core customer base but we also supply a variety of other entities such as colleges, universities and public aquariums.

How has the industry changed over the past few years? 

The internet has had a big impact on retail shops. It’s very difficult for them to compete with online prices these days. We know from our experience running an aquatic store can be expensive stuff. However, it is essential these stores are there to offer the livestock and advice that is needed, especially for the newcomers to the hobby. It is for that reason we will not supply online-only retailers.

Is it getting tougher?

Legislation changes do occasionally affect us but again I’d say they hit the retailers harder. Particularly with new restrictions on fish, plants and corals importing as well as the tougher pet shop licence criteria for example. I think the uncertainty of Brexit has affected everyone – people seem to more cautious with their spending right now. We don’t envisage much disruption to supply when Brexit does happen, but just in case, we are working closely with our European manufacturers to ensure its kept to a minimum. 

What's the secret of the company's success? 

It’s got to be our service. We are renowned throughout the industry for looking after our customers, having the most knowledgeable staff and doing what we say. Couple that with an ever-expanding range of core and exclusive brands, we believe we have a winning formula.

How many people are employed by the business?

25

For more information visit www.norwood-aquarium.co.uk

Pictured from left to right: Spencer Smith (Representative), Sam Street (Sales Manager), Rob Street (General Manager) and Keith Street (Director).

Dog-loving celebrities joined ethical dog food brand, Barking Heads, for a sleep out in London to help raise awareness and understanding about the hardships faced by the many homeless men and women sleeping rough with their dogs...

TOWIE star, Pete Wicks, supported by fellow Dogs On The Street ambassador actor Peter Egan, braved temperatures of minus one  to ‘sleep out’ on the streets of central London on Friday 17^th January, in an event organised by dog charity, DOTS in collaboration with natural dog food brand, Barking Heads.

Barking Heads is a leading UK ethical dog food brand run by a team of passionate dog lovers who produce quality food packed with natural, healthy ingredients.

DOTS is a volunteer run, not-for-profit charity dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to the UK’s homeless community. Founded by Michelle Clarke in 2017, it offers 24/7 support for dogs and their homeless owners, with weekly street ‘stations, which provide food and veterinary services as well as vital accessories like coats, bedding, collars and leads. DOTS also help rough sleepers to find permanent accommodation – a challenge as many refuse housing when offered, simply because it is not dog-friendly.

 “A lot of people can end up staying on the streets because of their love for their dogs,” says DOTS founder, Michelle Clark. “Temporary accommodation doesn’t always accept animals, and what dog lover could willingly give up their pet? Most of the people we meet can’t even contemplate giving up the only thing that has never let them down.”

“I can’t thank everyone involved in our sleep out enough: Pete, Peter, the team from Barking Heads - they have provided such wonderful support.”

The Sleep The Streets event included a combined group from DOTS and its charity partner, Barking Heads.  On one of the coldest nights of the year, the committed crew swapped winter home comforts for a night sleeping rough in London, to help raise money and better awareness and understanding about the hardships faced by the many homeless men and women and their dogs.

Pete Wicks says: “My two dogs are my world. They bring such positivity into my life. But for people who are homeless, their dogs mean even more. The dogs provide companionship and love in a world where they are often invisible. That’s why the work DOTS does to support these dogs and owners is so important - it keeps these partnerships together.”

Checking in at the event also was Wayne Evans and his dog, Tyson. Once a rough sleeper himself, Wayne was supported by DOTS and now helps to highlight the life-changing work they do.

Barking Heads Marketing Director, Julia Anderton says: “I’m not sure any of us were truly prepared for our night on the street, yet sleeping rough is something 320,000 people in the UK face every day*. As a group of genuine dog lovers, we jumped at the chance to get involved and help Michelle raise awareness. For many men and women living on the streets, their dog isn’t just a pet, it’s their lifeline.”

*Source: Shelter

Help DOTS make a difference: https://www.goldengiving.com/fundraising/sleep-out-2020