Disruptors in all their guises can be like gold for the pet industry, says recruitment specialist Lynda Ward, the founder of Pet Trade Solutions.

She explains: “Having recruited, trained, been part of and also led sales forces I believe that all businesses can benefit from unusual ideas from the people at the coalface … yet too many are seen as disruptive and so disregarded. 

"Why this is so may be that senior management simply think they know better or that they feel protective of their own domain and resent input from others.

"It’s a great pity as the salesperson is closest to the customer and able to give valuable feedback on their needs and opinions as well as having the ability to conceive ideas about how the company can develop new strategies or products.

"That some of the proposed plans may be disruptive from the current track should not be seen as a negative nuisance but should give rise to debate and evaluation with who knows what eventual outcome.

"Likewise retailers and wholesalers need to look carefully at new offerings and novel goods.  Whilst it’s true that some will be a flash in the pan please look at the disruptor companies the disruptor lines and listen to the disruptor personalities…there will always be a gold nugget hidden somewhere.”

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