A pet firm owner intends to use investment secured after appearing on the BBC hit series Dragons’ Den to fast track the growth of her business.

Rebecca Sloan appeared in the Den earlier this month and managed to persuade the newest Dragon, Steven Bartlett, to part with £50,000 in return for a 20% stake in her company.

Canadian-born animal lover Rebecca unveiled her Piddle Patch product in the Den, and received four investment offers as the Dragons were impressed with the soil-free, real-grass toilet for dogs.

“Steven’s investment will allow us to fast track the growth of Piddle Patch, as well as launch a number of new products currently in development,” said Rebecca. “Steven’s advice, guidance, social media and marketing expertise will be invaluable and I am delighted to be working with him.”

Piddle Patch is an intuitive way to house-train dogs, teaching them to only toilet on grass and not on textiles.  This helps to reduce accidents in the home and speeds up the house-training process.  It’s the ideal solution for toilet-training a puppy, for dogs without easy access to an outdoor space, or for owners looking after a poorly or incontinent pet.

Piddle Patch is a natural alternative to puppy pads which are mass-produced plastic products and can take up to 500 years to degrade in landfill.  Piddle Patch grass is 100% biodegradable and its packaging can be recycled.

The product is grown in recycled textiles, instead of soil, to produce a longer lasting grass with a thick root system. It prevents muddy paw prints from being tracked into the home.  The grass is grown and harvested in the UK, without the use of chemicals or pesticides, and delivered direct to the door on a subscription basis, or as a one-off purchase.  

Rebecca added: “The inspiration for Piddle Patch came during a visit to the park. The dogs were happy to be in their natural environment and the stress associated with toilet time melted away because the dogs knew instinctively where to do their business. When house training a dog, it makes sense to teach them to behave as they would in the outside world – and so Piddle Patch was born.”

Steven Bartlett is the latest, and youngest-ever entrepreneur to join Dragons’ Den. The 29-year-old replaced Tej Lalvani on the 19^th season of the hit BBC programme. He is founder of Social Chain, a marketing agency worth over £50 million.

Rebecca’s appearance on Dragons’ Den can be viewed on BBC iPlayer by clicking here. She enters the Den after 43 minutes of the programme.

Digital weekly newsletter Pet Trade Xtra is excited to be back to bring you all the latest news from the pet world. 

With an unrivalled list of contacts within the UK pet industry, the Pet Trade Xtra team will:

• Find and deliver stories with the biggest impact and interest
• Lead on breaking news
• Uncover headline-grabbing exclusives 
• Reveal the secrets of successful companies
• Gain insights from leading figures in the trade
• Discover ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential

If you have exciting news you wish to share with Pet Trade Xtra readers email Neil Pope at neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Pet Trade Xtra is also the perfect platform for pet businesses to:

• Unveil new products
• Announce changes in their business
• Share their latest news
• Promote offers and deals
• Drive traffic to their website
• Introduce new key members of staff
• Advertise job vacancies

Promote your products and services to an exclusive database of key decision makers from pet shop owners to garden centre buyers. For commercial opportunities contact Alan Burdon by email alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes is pushing ahead with ambitious growth plans after seeing sales surge to a record high, including its busiest Christmas Eve when dog owners rushed out to buy presents for furry family members. 

In the half year to 30 November, revenue increased to £42 million, a 12.5 per cent rise in like-for-like sales against a year earlier and by 30 per cent the same period in 2019.  

The latest results indicate the UK has still not reached ‘Peak Dog’ as Britain became a nation of pandemic pet parents.  

December sales broke all company records, including a surge in demand for dog toys – reflecting the broader trend for “humanisation”, as dogs, cats and other animals are treated like companions amid growing awareness of the mental health benefits of keeping pets. 

Jollyes is building on its success with plans to open 20 new stores in the next 12 months and looking for more acquisitions following the successful purchase of two businesses in 2021 which took the total number of stores to over 70 for the first time. 

It is also investing in its existing store portfolio, in new product ranges, marketing and in recruitment and training to reinforce its position as “The Pet People”. 

Key business highlights: 

• Acquired Yorkshire-based The Pet Store in October 2021 with three stores at Barnsley, Denby Dale and Wakefield, and bought Bannerbrook Pets in Coventry in November. 
• Moved into a new store at Warmley, Bristol, replacing the existing store at Longwell Green, and relocated stores at Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland, to Glengormley and Cadbury Garden Centre in Congresbury, Somerset. 
• Gave makeovers to stores at Totton, Wakefield and North Harbour as part of the portfolio investment programme. 
• Continued investment in its online offer at www.jollyes.co.uk to bring a nationwide delivery on over 6,000 key items, integrating with a full click-and-collect service through its store network. 
• Launched a recruitment drive for 150 young people to get their dream job working with animals and invested in training to build on its reputation for expert advice. 

Key sales highlights 

• Footfall hit a record high in December. 
• Membership of Jollyes’ PetCLUB rewards scheme rose by over 20 per cent. 
• Sales of its exclusive, high quality Lifestage dog food rose by 60 per cent. 
• Continued trends in pet food that saw the combination of wet & dry purchases, and acceleration in frozen food raw feeding. 
• Top Lifestage choice for dog owners was the brand’s salmon grain free recipe, beating the Turkey Grain variety at Christmas.   
• Year-on-year growth in dog treats hit all-time highs with products like Natural Antlers doubling in sales. 
• Almost a quarter of sales in December came from products new to Jollyes. 
• Stores also supported local dog and re-homing charities, donating 10,000 meals for free. 

Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes has 20 new store openings in the pipeline over the next 18 months, including important growth in Scotland and Wales. 

In the first half of 2022, Jollyes will open new Scottish stores in Edinburgh, Glenrothes and Stirling, a new Welsh store in Wrexhamand as part of its investment in Northern Ireland, opening a new store in Cookstown next month. 

In England, it will open new locations in Brislington (Bristol) and Stockton on Tees. 

It has cemented its relationships with existing suppliers, to develop new and extended ranges, such as its Lifestage dog food supplied by Mackle Petfoods of County Armagh, widening the availability of frozen yoghurt made by Belfast-based Frozzys and introducing dog beds from Dublin-based Beddies. 

Richard Cotter, executive chairman of Jollyes, said: “To come through the pandemic and all of the challenges it has presented to retailers in such good shape is testimony to the hard work of everyone at the business. 

“The tremendous half year sales and record December numbers show how much customers appreciate the work we’ve done to develop our ranges and invest in our people. 

“We’re well placed to push ahead with our ambitious growth and investment plans with an exciting pipeline of new stores and refurbishments, and keen looking for acquisition opportunities across the UK.” 

Among the top performing stores during the half year were Enniskillen, Skegness, Maidstone and Gloucester all delivering like for like growth of over 30 per cent compared to the prior year.

Natures Menu featured on Channel 4’s popular Food Unwrapped programme looking into healthy habits for the new year. 

Presenter Matt Tebbutt was guided around Natures Menu’s Snetterton factory by Technical Manager, Richard Hindley. Following the ‘Country Hunter Raw Nuggets – Chicken and Salmon with Superfoods’ production line, viewers were given a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the complete and balanced dog food is made.

Broadcasting to 1.3 million viewers across the country, the episode communicated the reported benefits of feeding a raw food diet, as well as clearly showing the high-end ingredients that are used at Natures Menu.

Following the visit, Matt Tebbutt joined Natures Menu on The Pupcast, stating: “I was genuinely blown away by the quality of the ingredients and the process that goes into making the product – the pallets of whole salmon, fresh looking vegetables and high-quality ingredients that were being turned into pet food was extremely interesting.”

Technical Manager at Natures Menu, Richard Hindley, who appeared in the episode, said: “It was a fantastic experience welcoming Matt and the team to the factory and rewarding to see how well received the products are that we make at Natures Menu. We’re delighted that the reported benefits of a raw food diet were communicated throughout the ‘Healthy New Year’ show, as well as the impactful imagery used of the nutritious ingredients that go straight into our food.”

You can watch the show back on All4 and listen in to Matt’s appearance on The Pupcast on Spotify, Acast and iTunes.

Blackburn-based pet food, healthcare and accessories manufacturer Pets Choice has submitted a planning application for a new warehouse, industrial unit and shop at its Lower Philips Road base on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

The proposed expansion follows the recent acquisition of The Hatchwell Company, also based in Blackburn, and will allow the company to further enhance its manufacturing capabilities in the region and anticipates the creation of 60 new jobs.

Tony Raeburn, CEO of Pets Choice, said: “Only two years ago we opened our 65,000 sq ft new state-of-the-art production facilities in Blackburn. The company has continued to grow substantially so we are pleased to have submitted this planning application to build additional new facilities on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

“This expansion will allow for us to expand our manufacturing capabilities in the UK and the opportunity to create more jobs in Blackburn.

“We have a number of top selling pet products in the UK and need to expand our facilities in order to increase manufacturing capacity.

“Should the planning be approved, we hope to break ground on the expansion project this year.”

Pets Choice has grown from strength to strength in recent years, following significant growth of its owned brands, increased private label manufacturing and following a number of acquisitions bringing its portfolio of brands to 14.

This application seeks planning permission for a new 120,000 square foot warehouse with three-storey offices in addition to a new access road.

This will support the company’s ambitions to be more sustainable, reducing transport of its products and subsequently reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, whilst also providing new full-time jobs within the local area.

A South coast husband-and-wife team currently running a pet store and grooming business has embarked on an ambitious plan to offer a nationwide same-day-delivery service.

Kerry and Shaun Bennett, owners of Poole Raw Pet Food and Dogs & Mogs Pet Spa, are offering independent pet stores across the UK the chance to be a part of this new venture.

Same Day Pet Products UK, described by the couple as a multi-vendor store run on similar lines to Deliveroo, launched on Monday. 

Pet stores can sign up to the online platform and advertise their products to local customers for a fee of £350 per year. Any orders will then be delivered by Same Day Pet Products drivers.

Shaun said: “We take a commission of 15% on each order but we think that is a realistic and fair price. 

“We are currently recruiting self-employed drivers nationwide, and they will receive £4.50 per delivery. Since each delivery is within 10 miles of a store we are encouraging people to shop locally with the convenience of same day delivery to their home.”

As consumer buying patterns have changed during the pandemic, Kerry and Shaun believe their model has great potential.

For pet shops interested in becoming part of the Same Day Pet Products, they should contact Shaun on info@samedaypetproducts.com

Fresh dog food company Butternut Box has won the European Contact Centre and Customer Service Award for Best Customer Engagement approach, a title previously held by the likes of Ebay and Gusto.

Putting customer experience first is a top priority for the Butternut Box team, which aims to give each customer the personal treatment, showing how much they and their dogs matter. 

The brand’s customer experience impressed one Butternut Box subscriber so much it led to the social media trend #BeMoreButternut. 

Stuart Taylor, subscriber of nine months, contacted Butternut Box’s Customer Love team to relay news that his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of 13 years, Ruby, had been feeling poorly and could no longer eat the fresh meals in her subscription. Stuart asked to reduce his plan to accommodate his two remaining dogs. In response, he received a gifted blanket with a personalised note two days later.

The note from the Customer Love team read: “Hi Ruby, we hear you’ve been a little unwell so we thought we'd send you this. We know you can't enjoy your Butternut anymore like your siblings but just to let you know we're thinking of you. Love Team Butternut.”

“This is next level,” said Stuart in his LinkedIn post about the gift. “I could not recommend this company enough if you have dogs and that was before we received this. Be more like Butternut… and if you have dogs their food is as good as it gets for your pets.”

Since Stuart’s post in September, nearly 17,000 users on LinkedIn have reacted to the post and more than 600 have commented. 

In response to the strong reaction to his post, Stuart said: “To say we were surprised is an understatement. We are giving the business less money than we were previously, and Butternut showed compassion for the reason why. Companies don't do that. It made us feel that Butternut care more about the pets and customers they create food for than they do their profit margins. That's why I posted the message on LinkedIn, that compassion needs highlighting.”

Harriet Treadwell, Head of Customer Love, commented: “We always do our best to truly show genuine care and compassion for our customers. Dogs are a huge part of their families and being pet parents ourselves we really empathised with Stuart and Ruby when we heard the news. 

“We know it’s so important to provide a human touch when it’s needed most, and we’ll always show kindness in every situation. It’s what makes us so passionate about what we do.”

For more information on Butternut Box visit https://butternutbox.com/

Leading dog grooming supplier Christies Direct is looking to appoint its newest brand ambassadors to represent the company in the global pet industry.

Christies Direct has created different roles to ensure there are a variety of options for groomers to get involved in educating their audience and growing the global grooming community. The company is searching for an Elite Brand Ambassador, a Digital Content Creator and Chief Product Reviewers.

Colin Christie, CEO of Christies Direct, has been an industry leader in animal grooming for more than 30 years. He said: “We are looking for brand ambassadors that shine in all areas of content creation and live performance. The successful applicants will be exciting, skilled groomers, with excellent product knowledge and a passion for pet grooming and our brands.”

The Elite Brand Ambassador role has been created for innovative and creative grooming experts across the globe. The company initially plans to appoint a groomer for this role who is based in the UK or Ireland but will be expanding this into other territories. The role requires expert knowledge of products and techniques, great presentation skills, confidence on and off camera and the ability to produce excellent written content.

This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy travel, networking, giving product reviews, and creating content. The role also includes supporting new product development at Christies Direct.

The Christies Direct Brand Ambassador 2021, Kayla Harrison (pictured), will be helping to judge applicants. She added: “Don’t be afraid to show off your technical prowess and highlight your creativity and any areas of innovation. As groomers we are passionate about our creativity and creating content that stands out. Share this in your application and it will definitely set you apart from other applicants.” 

Christies Direct is also looking for a digitally savvy groomer to come into its brand ambassador team as a Christies Direct Creator.  The successful applicant will be an influential groomer with a great online following who is visually minded and confident in content creation.

The company also hopes to collaborate with passionate groomers to provide product reviews. This role would be ideal for busy groomers who may not have the time to commit to one of the other roles but who are passionate, opinionated, and articulate.

In stage one groomers are asked to share their experience, knowledge, and the reasons why they think they can cut it as a Christies Direct Brand Ambassador, alongside a brief introduction video where they share their favourite Groom Professional product. 

The judging panel – Colin Christie (CEO), Matt McCallum (Marketing Manager) and Kayla Harrison (Brand Ambassador 2021) – will review the applications and shortlist the top candidates to move on to Stage 2.

To learn more about the roles on offer or to apply, click bit.ly/Ambassadors22 

UK pet companies are gearing up for 2022 with plans to unveil their new product launches at the industry’s leading Spring exhibition PATS Sandown on March 27-28.

Following a successful return of in-person events at PATS Telford in September 2021, manufacturers and suppliers are now eager to showcase their new products for 2022 to another live audience at Sandown Park exhibition centre in Surrey.

Stands at the Spring showcase event have been selling out fast with more than 130 companies and brands having already booked their space.

“We are almost sold out, which is great news and proof that the UK pet industry is fully behind an event where suppliers and buyers can meet face to face,” said organiser Gordon Thomas.

“We also know that visitors to PATS exhibitions value the opportunity to touch and feel new products, which is a huge consideration when buying stock for the new season.”

It’s for these very reasons that leading companies and brands like Acana/Origin, Burns Pet Nutrition, Canagan, IPN, Pets Choice, Trixie, and we.pet choose to exhibit at PATS. A number of businesses, including Pet Dream House, In Vogue, Gladwells, and Vetark, are also returning to the Sandown exhibition after a short break in order to take full advantage of what the show has to offer.

PATS Sandown has new dates in 2022 as it moves back to its original March staging after two events were held in February. It will however continue with its successful formula of Sunday and Monday show days (27-28 March). 

Award-winning company Sniffe & Likkit is appearing at PATS Sandown for the first time. Co-founder Lee Sargent said: “We made it to our first PATS in Telford last September and were delighted with the response to our new range, as well as finally having the opportunity to meet so many new and familiar faces in the pet industry. We were super-happy to sign up for Sandown and hopefully repeat a great experience. 

“We love being able to demonstrate our products to potential stockists in-person – it's always the best way and we've missed being able to do it. Come visit us to try aromatherapeutic scents for yourself and meet the founding team.”

A growing number of new exhibitors are joining big-name brands at PATS Sandown, and these include Bottled Baking Co, Park Life, Uniwipe Europe and Wings Enterprises.

Curtis Whiteside, of Uniwipe Europe Ltd, commented: “We felt this was the perfect opportunity to showcase our huge Clothwipes for home use, in particular our pet specific products. They are safe for pets and make cleaning them and cleaning up after them a breeze. We’re looking forward to connecting with buyers.”

Greg Fraser, founder of Bottled Baking Co, said: “We’re joining PATS as we’ve had great success with our home baking kits for humans at trade events. I developed a range of three home-baking mixes for dogs using human grade ingredients that were tried and tested by my own dog and by those that live on our street. Our existing stockists love them, and we chose PATS as we wanted to get them in front of pet buyers across the UK and beyond.”

Park Life makes 100% natural treats which are available nationwide throughout Ireland and in Jollyes stores across the UK. Owner Richard Marles said: “We’re excited to be showcasing our brand face-to-face for the first time at PATS Sandown, and hope to meet retailers and distribution partners who share our passion for playful treats with no hidden junk.”

Wings Enterprises is another company excited to be showcasing its products at PATS Sandown. The company’s Rafay Salman added: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our stand. We manufacture knitted and woven apparel for high-street brands such as Boohoo, DFND, Levi's, and H&M. We have extended our range of clothing to include pets, and are searching for wholesalers and retailers with an eye on stocking a unique range of apparel and accessories.”

PATS Sandown in March is the only place to see the whole pet industry and all the latest products under one roof, and is designed to cater for both pet retailers and garden centres.

Parking is free at Sandown Park, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. A full list of the exhibitors can be found at www.patshow.co.uk where visitors can register for free entry to the show.

Leading bird feed manufacturer Johnston & Jeff is stripping more plastic from its packaging to help make its products among the most sustainable on the market.

Hot on the heels of launching paper sacks for its 12.75kg Selected Wild Bird Food, and No Mess, No Grow Wild Bird Food, the Yorkshire manufacturer has now launched its fully recyclable Eco-Boxes.

And along with the new boxes comes a new insect-based mix – Bugs, Grubs & Worms. 

The boxes are used to supply 1.5kg measures of Dried Calciworms, Dried Mealworms and Bugs, Grubs & Worms. 

Maddy Johnston, Marketing and Media Manager at Johnston & Jeff, said the move was another step towards greater sustainability in everything the business does. 

She said: “Quality is our watchword and we have always ensured our products are of the highest standard and quality we can produce. That is something we work hard to continuously build on; it is a journey that never ends. 

“We have now brought the same ethos into our packaging. Becoming more sustainable and creating more sustainable products is the biggest challenge businesses face and we want to do everything we can to meet that.

“Caring for wildlife isn’t just about providing great food, it is about caring for and protecting the environment they live in too. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring we get this journey right and we feel taking plastic out of as much of our packaging as possible is a great place to start. 

“Our new paper sacks are far more sustainable than the plastic sacks they replace, and our Eco-Boxes contain no plastic. 

“But we’re not stopping there. We have further big plans to continue reducing our carbon footprint and introduce more widely recyclable packaging to ensure we are as sustainable as possible.”

The launch of the Eco-Boxes coincides with the launch of Bugs, Grubs & Worms, Johnston & Jeff’s latest wild bird insect mix. 

The new mix is a blend of Dried Mealworms, Dried Crickets and Dried Silkworm Pupae, which provides high quality protein and essential nutrients needed for the renewal of cells and tissues.

Maddy said: “The Dried Mealworms provide a great source of insectivorous protein. Dried Crickets are low in fat and calories but high in essential nutrients such as calcium and iron and the Silkworm Pupae, which is also low in fat, is packed with vitamins and minerals and other essential fatty acids.

“It makes a fantastic addition to wild birds’ diets and is very beneficial in times of high stress for birds, such as winter, the nesting period and during the food gap, although it can be fed all year round. And as it comes in our new Eco-Box, it is great for the environment as well.”

Bugs, Grubs & Worms can be fed from a bird table, a suitable hanging feeder or a ground feeder.

For more information on Bugs, Grubs & Worms, go to https://johnstonandjeff.co.uk/portfolio-items/bugs-grubs-worms.

One of the world’s leading veterinary care providers has strengthened its position in France with the acquisition of VetOne.

The move means that IVC Evidensia has control over more than 200 hospitals and clinics located across the whole of France.

As part of the combined organisation, Steve Rosengarten, CEO of VetOne, will assume operational responsibility for the combined group as CEO of Wivetix and Patrick Govart will remain president of IVC Evidensia France. 

In addition to this, members of the combined management teams will join together as one, bringing together a highly experienced and diverse team.

Patrick Govart said: “I am very happy to welcome the members of the VetOne family to IVC Evidensia. The whole team is proud and honoured by the trust you have placed in us. We share common values ​​and all wish to 'Care, Dare and Share', in order to create together a benevolent group, where veterinarians and their teams are supported on a daily basis to improve the health and well-being of animals.”

Steve Rosengarten added: “We are delighted to join IVC Evidensia to create the absolute French leader in quality veterinary care. The strength of an international group, our family spirit, our decentralized and learning approaches, and our common values ​​form an unparalleled environment for our employees. Today, this is a promise of professional growth and quality veterinary care that we offer to the entire French market.”

Following the huge increase in households welcoming a new dog into the family in the past year, has launched Superfood Bites suitable for puppies.

The well-loved Country Hunter range is made using a blend of quality meats and superfoods, and currently offers five different Superfood Bar variants for adult dogs. The Chicken with Venison Superfood Bites will come in smaller pieces in order to suit puppies’ smaller mouths –making them the ideal treat for reward based training.

Made with chicken, venison, spinach and butternut squash, the bites are ethically sourced with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, ensuring that owners can provide their puppies with a healthier treat option that is rich in protein.

The new 70g bags of Chicken and Venison Superfood Bites launched on 3^rd January and will be retailing at £2.99 in retailers.

Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Education Manager at Natures Menu, said: “With puppy ownership on the rise, it’s vital that pet owners have greater choice when it comes to providing food for their new family member. Whether the bites are to be used as a snack or as a reward in training, these perfectly-sized treats are rich in protein to help puppies thrive.”

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

Retailers wanting to find out more information about Natures Menu and its range can email trade@naturesmenu.co.uk, phone 0800 0183770 or visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk/trade-landing. 

By registering for a trade account, retailers can gain access to hassle-free online ordering, great value freezer deals and point of sale opportunities, plus free training and the option to become a qualified Raw Advisor.

Vital Pet Group has announced the launch of its new Retail Academy as a learning tool to support its customers. 

The academy is free to Vital customers and provides educational information on brands in the specialist sector, including bite sized lessons to boost product knowledge and advice on how to drive sales. 

By accessing the academy, retailers can gain valuable insights to help them create effective instore offerings.

The Retail Academy will be made up of unique training courses, quizzes, and sales tools. It will give retailers the opportunity to interact with peers in Academy forums, as well as the chance to win products and discounts in instant-win competitions. 

Vital customers will also be able to learn at their appropriate level, whether that be starter, intermediate or advanced. Each course will be marked from either multiple choice or open-ended questions, and participants will be rewarded with a certificate upon completion, which can be printed and displayed in their premises or saved as recorded achievements for sales staff. 

For suppliers, the Retail Academy gives a useful avenue to help retailers learn more about their ranges. Training courses can explain how brands fit with consumer trends and give advice on merchandising. 

Harvey Lees, Head of Commercial, Buying and Procurement at Vital Pet Group, says the company is delighted to set up this exciting new platform. 

“We have already had a lot of interest in the academy, with many of Vital’s suppliers eager to get involved in helping retailers to better understand their brands. The academy gives both suppliers and retailers an excellent opportunity to work together to strengthen brand marketing and increase sales to consumers.”

The academy already has two courses from the organic pet food brand, Yarrah, which provide retailers with an introduction to consumer insights and describes how the pet market is changing. 

Elkwood has also provided two modules, one which talks about its popular Rattlesnap products, explaining how these dental chews add a fun element to their natural range and a full range module that educates on how a natural treat offering can aid sales by hitting consumer trends. 

February will see modules from Ministry of Pets, Cath Kidston and iQuties with an emphasis on how enrichment, toys and affordable luxury can encourage impulse purchases. 

The academy aims to create and nurture positive partnerships between suppliers, brands, and retail customers in order to build strength throughout the supply chain. 

The academy is available for Vital customers to access now at www.vitalretailacademy.co.uk

Pet firms will get the chance to find out more about future export opportunities at the Future for International Trade Conference, jointly organised by PetQuip at the Stratford Manor Hotel on March 17.

The agenda for the event has been confirmed, together with its keynote speaker, Shelley Boyle, Head of Business Development at online retailer, ManoMano.  

This popular event is sponsored by three of the leading trade associations in the garden and leisure, pet product and home enhancement sectors – Gardenex, PetQuip and BHETA – and this year special measures are being put in place to ensure the venue and the day’s activities are Covid-safe.

The afternoon break will be followed by the keynote address from Shelley Boyle of ManoMano.  The conference closes at 5.15 pm.

Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett confirmed: “The Future for International Trade conference is always a lively and informative occasion focussing on retail trends in international markets, the practicalities of export logistics, compliance and the inspiring case studies by some of the UK’s leading exporters.   It’s all about helping UK companies navigate their best routes to secure international sales, especially in a changed world post-Brexit and with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.” 

BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones commented, “There is already significant industry interest in this top-level export conference thanks to the quality of the agenda and the insights, inspiration and practical advice that the speakers will give delegates.  As joint organisers and sponsors, BHETA, Gardenex and Petquip are working with the venue to ensure that all necessary safeguards are put in place vis a vis Covid to ensure that the conference is secure and both speakers and delegates can enjoy it with confidence.” 

Places at the conference can be obtained by contacting any of the organisers.  Contact Gardenex or PetQuip by emailing katie-mai@petquip.com; or visit www.gardenex.com.  Contact BHETA by emailing zm@bheta.co.uk or visit www.bheta.co.uk.   Members of Gardenex, PetQuip, CHA and BHETA can secure a preferential delegate rate of £69 per person at the conference. The event is also open to non-members at £149 per person (both plus VAT).   

The Future for International Trade Conference will be operating as a Covid -secure event and all guests are required to provide a Covid vaccination certificate (downloadable from the NHS app https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/) prior to arrival. Anyone unable to provide a certificate in advance will need to provide evidence of a negative Lateral Flow Test (taken no more than 24 hours before the event) on arrival at the venue.  This policy will be updated as necessary in line with any change to Government guidelines.

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

A shop assistant has won her unfair dismissal case against an Essex pet shop.

Leigh Best was sacked from her job at Embark on Raw in Whitesbridge Farm Industrial Estate near Billericay, in May of 2020.

An employment tribunal was told that Leah Best had raised fears about covid-19 safety protocols.

She was employed from 29 January 2019 until her dismissal on 11 May 2020 on a ‘zero hours’ contract although she regularly worked ’full time’ hours every week. She claimed she was dismissed for reasons relating to her conduct briefly summarised as rude and confrontational communication with co-workers and managers. 

However, the tribunal decided that she was dismissed for the principal reason that she made protected disclosures, sometimes called whistleblowing, during the early part of the covid-19 pandemic of March-May 2020. 

A future hearing will take place on January 31 at which compensation to Mrs Best will be announced.

A full account of the case can be found by clicking here.

A leading Cheshire vet has just reached a milestone in the treatment of a dog dubbed the fattest in the UK.

Springer spaniel Philip faced an uncertain future when he was presented to Cheshire Pet, and IVC Evidensia practice, in Holmes Chapel in April after his weight ballooned to 65.9kg, more than 10 stone five pounds.

But after being taken under the personal home care of clinical director Edward Davies, nine-year-old Philip has now hit a target of 30kg, half his original weight.

“Ironically he had actually stopped eating and it was thought he might have reached the end of the road,” said Edward, who is also chairman of the IVC Evidensia Clinical Board.

“I’ve been a vet for 30 years and I’ve never seen a dog as overweight as Philip.

“It was hard to get a perspective as he was so difficult to examine. It was impossible to palpate the abdomen for example.

“I doubt I would have been able to feel even a mass the size of a football and his heart was very muffled through all the layers. To some extent we could evaluate his ability to walk, but that was limited to just a few feet before he had to sit down.

“When we ran the blood sample, though, it actually came back surprisingly good given his poor quality of life and physical appearance. There was no indication of cause of concern, so it was unfortunate to say the least to be considering putting him to sleep.

“We would offer any owner who can’t look after a dog like this that we feel we can treat the possibility of rehoming, so that’s what we did.”

Above left: Philip after his first haircut before he lost weight. Above right: Phillip halfway through his weight loss with Edward Davies (copyright IVC Evidensia).

As Edward has two springer spaniels himself, Archie and Tilly, he felt he was best placed to supervise care. He went through the formal rehoming process and adopted Philip.

Palatability was initially a challenge as Philip had been used to a rich diet of human food, including cakes.

“I added a probiotic with a powerful flavouring on to a prescription obesity-management food and he started eating that after a few days,” said Edward.

“He lost between 1kg and 1.5kg each week, so it came off in a very steady, controlled fashion.”

Edward’s daughter Darcy started Philip’s own Instagram account, documenting his weekly weigh-ins and he garnered a sizeable social media following.

As the weight came off, Philip’s activity levels increased markedly.

“I couldn’t even take him out with my own dogs at first as he had to sit down every few seconds,” said Edward. “We built him up doing circuits of the garden and one day when one of my other spaniels dropped a ball, he picked it up and brought it back.

“It was as if he was learning to play again, or maybe even for the first time. Now he’ll chase balls and run with enthusiasm and vigour.

“We often go to a reservoir, and it was unbelievable to see him really take to the water. He absolutely loves swimming and that’s been great for burning off calories.”

After hitting the 33kg target in November, it’s anticipated Philip will have reached his ideal weight before the end of the year.

“Obesity in dogs is obviously a significant problem, with all the associated ramifications for disease processes,” added Edward. “Philip’s weight loss is helping with the management of his arthritis and it’s just lovely to see him happier and healthier.”  

Pet professionals are being urged to add microchipping to the list of services they offer, as new rules are set to lead to a surge in demand for the procedure.

In December the Government announced new pet microchipping rules for cats, in a bid to crack down on stray or missing felines.

The new rules say that every kitten has to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks, otherwise breeders and owners could face a £500 fine.

Qualification providers iPET Network, say that pet microchipping is a skill which existing businesses could easily add as a service, and that 2022 is the year to get qualified, as demand is set to be higher than ever.

Nationally more people brought home a new pet during the pandemic, with 59% of households now owning a pet up from 45% before Covid-19 lockdowns struck.

And with these new rules arriving with regard to cats, iPET Network bosses say that adding in microchipping should be a no-brainer for many businesses.

Sarah Mackay, co-director of iPET Network, said: "With these new regulations coming in for cats, the time to add in microchipping as a service has never been better.

"The qualification is inexpensive, and then you are up and running to start helping more people than ever be reunited with their precious pets."

The iPET Network microchipping course is regulated by Ofqual and DEFRA approved, and teaches learners how to carry out the procedure which is common in dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, and after they qualify they and their clients will have access to the Track Your Paws service, which includes a 24/7 manned phone line, assistance from pet detectives and ongoing efforts from the service to stamp out national loopholes which could put pets and owners at risk.

After the course participants are all registered and ready to operate as Track Your Paws implanters, and get unlimited free microchips to give their business a flying start.

Fern Gresty of iPET Network, said: "Getting this qualification will be a no-brainer for many existing pet businesses, and for some individuals it could be a brilliant revenue stream in a growth industry. Equally it will lighten the burden on overwhelmed veterinary services and ensure more animals are chipped.

"Being qualified gives a mark of quality, and as a nation of pet parents and pet lovers, that is what customers demand."

To find out more about iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has found the three breeds at highest risk of being prescribed a drug to manage undesirable behaviours were the Toy Poodle, Tibetan Terrier and Shih-Tzu. 

The study also revealed that the most common undesirable behaviours amongst dogs that were treated with drug therapy were anxiousness, dementia-like behaviour changes and nervousness aggression.

Undesirable behaviours in dogs are common but important issues with potentially serious welfare consequences for both the dogs, for example euthanasia or rehoming, and their owners, for example, bite injuries and property damage.

The research, which is the largest study of its kind to date, explored the use of drug therapy for undesirable behaviours in dogs, using veterinary clinical data from more than 100,000 dogs across the UK. With one in every 250 dogs medically treated with drug therapy for an undesirable behaviour each year, only 2.2% of those dogs that received drug therapy for an undesirable behaviour in the practice were referred to a behaviourist during the study period.

This is an important finding as it highlights the need to improve the welfare of these dogs through greater understanding and veterinary expertise in the prevention and management of undesirable behaviours in the primary veterinary care setting. This includes encouraging referrals to accredited behavioural specialists where appropriate, to optimise the quality of life of dogs with undesirable behaviours, and their caregivers.

The need for veterinary intervention to manage undesirable behaviours in dogs is likely to increase further in the coming years, with other research showing undesirable behaviour in dogs has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It is hoped that this new RVC research can raise awareness of the current scale of drug usage for behavioural issues in first opinion veterinary practice as well as flagging potentially missed opportunities for suitable behavioural modification. 

Annabel Craven, lead author of the paper, said: “The use of the VetCompass data in this study has provided an invaluable insight into the management of undesirable behaviours in the primary care setting. The relatively low frequency of dogs treated with a drug for undesirable behaviour could suggest that opportunities for useful psychopharmaceutical intervention are being missed.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author, added: “Dogs are complex creatures that we force to live in human environments. This study shows that many dogs struggle to cope with our high human demands for how we want them to behave. To help dogs to live happier lives, we may need to focus more on the needs of the dog and less on the desires of the human. Let’s all ‘become more dog’.”

Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC and co-author, commented: “Despite previous reports of as many as nine in every 10 UK dogs showing undesirable behaviours, this study has shown how few go on to receive medical and/or behavioural therapy. Given that undesirable behaviours pose risks to not only the mental wellbeing and lifespan of dogs, but also to owners’ mental health, public health and the dog-owner bond, effective and timely treatment is vital from a ‘One Health’ perspective.

“Therefore, it is key that increased provision and guidance around this important and growing area of veterinary education is available to primary-care vets to ensure they feel well-equipped to advise on veterinary behaviour medicine and all the options available to owners and their dogs.”

The RVC conducted this study using its world-leading analytics programme, VetCompass, to explore the de-identified clinical records of 103,597 dogs in the UK during 2013. From this data, the researchers identified 404 dogs had received at least one drug to treat an undesirable behaviour.

Three breeds in particular – including the Toy Poodle (2.8 times the risk), Tibetan Terrier (x2.7) and Shih-Tzu (x2.0) – were identified as more likely to get prescription medication to manage their undesirable behaviours compared with crossbred dogs. Breeds of a smaller body size overall were at no more risk than larger breeds. However, increased age and being male heightened the risk of dogs being prescribed drugs for their undesirable behaviour.

Other key findings from the study include:

• The most common undesirable behaviours that were treated with behaviour modifying drugs were anxiousness (11.9%), dementia-like behaviour changes (10.4%) and nervous aggression (8.7%).
• The most frequently prescribed drugs for undesirable behaviour were acepromazine maleate (ACP) (32.1%), diazepam (Valium) (20.6%) and propentofylline (12.9%).
• Older dogs showed increased risk of being prescribed drugs for their undesirable behaviour, with dogs ≥ 12 years showing 3.1 times the risk compared with dogs < 3 years.
• Neutered males (1.8 times the risk) and entire males (1.5 times the risk) had increased risk compared with entire females.
• An undesirable behaviour was reported to contribute to euthanasia (being put to sleep) in 48.4% of deaths of the dogs that showed an undesirable behaviour.

Cat lovers across the UK are being invited to nominate their furry friends for the biggest event in the feline year – the National Cat Awards. 

Run by the charity Cats Protection, the annual event celebrates the nation’s most marvellous moggies, with heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship. 

Owners have until noon on Thursday 10 March to nominate their cat in categories including:

• Cat Colleagues – Cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure 
• Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing
• Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats
• Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities

Cats Protection’s Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Over the past two years, the UK’s pet cats have played an even more important role in our lives – whether it’s keeping the kids entertained during home schooling, being a companion for people living alone in lockdown or simply being there during times of uncertainty.

“From chilled out cats that provide comfort and support, to the mischievous moggies which make us smile, cats undoubtedly have a special place in the hearts and homes of millions of people. We’re thrilled to once again be hosting our National Cat Awards and are looking forward to sharing many wonderful stories of moggy marvelousness!”

Winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity cat lovers before being announced at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on 4 August 2022.

The winner of the National Cat of the Year will inherit the title from Minty, a three-legged moggy from Holywell, Wales, who helped six-year-old Connor Raven cope with severe learning difficulties and medical conditions.

For more information visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards

Following the success of the IVC Evidensia Equine Vets launch, the group has appointed a new Equine Group Veterinary Advisor (GVA).

Mark Tabachnik has joined the team of GVAs, who work to influence policy and practice at every level, to help shape the future for the group’s Equine Vets teams and the clients they work with. He joins long-standing Equine GVA, Graham Hunter.

Mark graduated from Edinburgh University in 1995, and after a few years in mixed practice in South Wales where he ran a branch surgery and did all the routine farm, he joined Wright & Morten in 1999. Since joining Wright & Morten, he became a partner then managing partner, taking the team through acquisition. He is now the equine Clinical Director. During this time he developed a clinical specialism around dentistry, has done a certificate in Equine Practice, become an Equine Dental Technician and overseen the practice move into purpose-built clinic.  

Jan Lievaart, Group Head of Farm and Equine said: “The growth rate of the equine side of the business has been astounding, with over 50 sites, including various equine hospitals and over 300+ equine vets. I am excited to see what the future holds for our teams. Our strength is our vibrant, knowledgeable community. With Mark on board, his wealth of experience and knowledge will prove invaluable in helping guide the team.”

Mark is delighted to be joining the team. He said: “I became passionate about the people-side of Veterinary practice, and wanted to try and develop a non-clinical skillset around how we work together, deal with adversity and deal with the daily stress and drama of everyday life in practice, so I became interested in coaching as a way of helping our people improve their own performance.

"I'm very interested in coaching for well-being, mental fitness, the link between better business and happier people. I hope the GVA role to be the link between practice and IVC Evidensia and to be a part of building a cohesive Team Equine.

"We have a lot to offer, some great practices, some inspirational clinicians, aspirational hospitals - I believe that IVC Evidensia Equine can offer a fulfilling career for anybody wanting to immerse themselves in equine practice, and I would like to be part of the team that delivers this.”

Crown Vets, a long-standing Veterinary Surgery in Inverness, has received planning permission to open a new state of the art referral practice, which will serve pet owners from all over the Highlands and North of Scotland.  

Highland Vet Referrals, which will move into a brand new building in the Culduthel area in the west of the city, is due to open during the summer of 2022, creating six new jobs. 

The plans to ‘futureproof’ veterinary services for the region come on the back of pet ownership in the UK, including in Scotland, being at an all-time high – an estimated 3.2m new households in the UK purchased a pet during lockdown.

Highland Vet Referrals, which will see the existing Crown Vets referrals service relocate from its current site on Argyle Street, will accept patients referred from veterinary practices across the Highlands - particularly pets which need more dedicated or surgical treatment. Crown Vets will then offer an expanded first opinion veterinary service for pets at its Argyle Street premises. 

Sandra Campbell, practice director at Crown Vets, said: “We are at maximum capacity at our current first opinion and referrals practice in Argyle Street.  

“Our new 3,000 sq. ft referral practice will include state-of-the-art equipment and extended clinical services including two new dedicated operating theatres, three consulting rooms, separate cat and dog wards and a new CT scanner. The practice will offer pets a wide scope of surgical procedures, including spinal surgery, which has never been provided in the region before. 

“Along with this new space to grow our services for pet owners, our team of dedicated vets and nurses are passionate about ensuring the best outcomes and the highest standards of care for your pet in our city which, like many others throughout the UK, has a growing pet population.” 

Highland Vet Referrals will be headed up by clinical director, Bruce Nevill. Crown Vets currently employs a team of 37 staff members, but there are plans to create job opportunities for six new roles at the new facility, including a dedicated surgical nursing team. 

Highland Vet Referrals will be part of the IVC Evidensia Referrals network, which has over 100 veterinary referral centres across the UK. 

John Turkington, head of referral developments in the UK for IVC Evidensia, Europe’s leading veterinary care provider, said: “We are delighted that permission has been granted for our new practice, which will be the leading veterinary referrals facility in the north of Scotland.  

“Our new Inverness practice is being designed to enable the best outcomes for our pet patients, with cutting-edge technology and highly experienced staff. By investing in our profession and people, we can help futureproof our provisions and support our dedicated teams on the frontline in Inverness. IVC Evidensia recognises that the best way of delivering this is through local leadership with clinical freedom.” 

The new Highland Vet Referrals site is easily accessible on the main distributor road into Inverness city centre, within easy reach of the A96, A9 and A82.  

For more information about Crown Vets visit https://www.crownvetsreferrals.co.uk/ or IVC Evidensia Referrals visit: https://www.ivcevidensiareferrals.com/  

Brighton's Bone Idol Grooming Academy has seen a surge in applications, as people decide to follow their dreams and become a dog groomer.

The academy trains would-be groomers to pass the Ofqual regulated iPET Network courses, and this gives them all the skills that they need to set up their own grooming businesses.

Which is good news, because Brighton was recently named in a survey by Legal and General as the lockdown puppy capital of the UK, meaning there will be more dogs than ever needing to be groomed for health reasons.

Bone Idol co-founder Scott Learmouth said: "It is now more important than ever that the Sussex area and the UK in general meet demand, and that there are plenty of qualified dog groomers to offer care and attention to all of these extra dogs.

"We have been so pleased to see so many people applying for our courses, as dog grooming really is one of the best professions out there. You can be your own boss, and work with animals which for many is a dream career.

"The pandemic has led many people to put their lives and current career balance into sharp focus, and many people are choosing a brand new start in the grooming world, and fulfilling their lifelong ambitions."

Carola Copland, 53, from Littlehampton Sussex did just that, and is now loving life as a dog groomer.

Carola worked in a manager role for a global IT corporate before she moved with her husband and children back home from Europe.

She went freelance working for big corporations in the computer industry, and raised her children Cäcilia, 20 and Jeremy, 17.

To relax after a day in her high-powered role Carola had always groomed her dogs. She was completely self taught, and she always used to joke with friends and family that 'one day I will become fully qualified'. But she never really had the confidence as grooming involves much more than “just cuddling puppies”.

But during the second lockdown in 2020, Carola decided that it was 'now or never' and says that she is over the moon that she dared to take the plunge  

Scott added: "Many people reach a certain age and think that this is their life, and that it is too late to change their focus or their career.

"Some people struggle with confidence, thinking that our classrooms will be filled with people who are fresh out of school. That is simply not the case, and our tutor groups are made up of a wonderful mix of ages and experiences.

"But our grooming trainees consistently show that there is no ideal age to switch careers, and we are so proud of all of them." 

To find out more please go to www.boneidol.co.uk