The Pet Industry Federation has announced the appointment of Gemma Martin as its new Membership Manager.

Gemma comes from a strong customer service background, gained from roles within the leisure industry and brings with her a degree in zoology. Her role will be to engage with PIF’s 2,000 members, developing new and improved membership benefits, and operating its new membership platform which will allow the organisation to increase social and community collaboration with its members.

Gemma said of her appointment: "I am focused on creating positive relationships with PIF’s unique membership base. Our membership covers all sectors and this diversity is undoubtedly our strength, allowing us to create fantastic commercial and networking opportunities between our members and representing their interests at all levels. 

"Our members are the core of our business, at the heart of everything we do; and I am looking forward to meeting and speaking to members; learning about them and their business at events, in meetings, over email or on the telephone."

Gemma’s first event will be on the PIF stand at Premier Groom on 11 August at Stoneleigh Park.

The Buckinghamshire-based business has also appointed a new Accounts Assistant, Paul Guyan, whose role is to support the membership work at PIF on the accounting side and to assist its Chief Finance Officer.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: "I am delighted by the recent appointments to strengthen the PIF team and bolster our membership provision.

"As a result, PIF is delighted to have welcomed companies such as Pawsquad, Purely Fish and Vale Dog Food into membership; as well as Emma Taylor of Fur Friendly, who has also just joined our prestigious Guild of Master Groomers.

"This investment in our membership work is supported by our new Petindex trade show, our education courses and qualifications; and the development of commercial opportunities, which in turn, will feed back into membership. This year continues to be a hive of activity for the Pet Industry Federation."

Details about how PIF membership benefits its members can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk; info@petfederation.co.uk or by telephoning 01234 273933. Gemma can be contacted at gemma.martin@petfederation.co.uk