As well as delivering another highly successful two-day pet trade event, this year’s PATS Telford was able to reduce the show’s impact on the environment.
“We talk about ways of protecting the environment and it is critical that we all do something to reduce waste. At PATS Telford we introduced a number of new initiatives which will have an immediate impact,” said show organiser Gordon Thomas.
“Working with our contractors, the venue and our exhibitors, PATS is doing as much as possible to limit the amount of waste we send to landfill, and this is just the beginning.”
Eco-friendly initiatives at PATS Telford included:
- Visitors were handed recyclable paper bags with their catalogues instead of plastic carrier bags – used in the past.
- Water dispensers were provided with paper cones that are able to be recycled.
- Visitors and exhibitors were encouraged to recycle their plastic badge holders and lanyards, so they could be used again.
- The exhibition hall floor carpet will be recycled in the UK. The fibres that the carpet is made from are cleaned, shredded and melted back into plastic pellets that can be re-used to make more carpet.
PATS is also keen to work with venues like the Telford International Centre, which takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. The venue has a host of policies designed to reduce waste and pollution, as well as an onsite water filtration system which allows them to reuse glass bottles, reducing the need for plastic.
“We appreciate there is more we can and need to do, and we will strive to add more eco-friendly initiatives in the future,” added Gordon.
Meanwhile, after another successful show, PATS Telford has been receiving very positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors.
Here are some of the comments received:
Exhibitors
“Thank you PATS Telford for another awesome show. It has been a jam-packed 48 hours but an excellent platform to meet and talk to pet trade wholesalers, retailers and independent stockists, both new and current.”
Karen Scott, Purely Fish
“The show was a huge success. The location means that we saw a lot of clients from further north in the UK, which was great for a company with a limited field sales team in that area.”
Chris Brierley, Cotswold RAW
“PATS Telford was our first trade event and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting dozens of independent pet retailers. The atmosphere was buzzing and there was great engagement from the trade.”
Jack Walker, Scrumbles
“This year's PATS Telford was the best one yet for us. Having launched Broadreach Nature + here in September 2015 it was amazing to come back and have so many positive leads. It was lovely to see a number of international buyers at the show looking to expand their ranges and gain new contacts.”
Anne Wood, Broadreach Nature +
Visitors
“This year’s PATS Telford was the third one I’ve attended and I have to say It was the best one yet. The effort put into some of the displays was outstanding and very eye-catching, and it was great to speak to so many enthusiastic and passionate suppliers.”
Nikki Harris, TFM Countrystore, Lincoln
“Thank you for an absolutely fantastic show this year. We found hundreds of new great products that our customers will love.”
Piers Smart, Scampers Pet Store, Cambridgeshire
“I had a wonderful day at PATS Telford. There was an impressive number of stands, including a good range of new suppliers. The New Product Showcase was vast, and it was amazing to see such a fantastic selection of exhibits. The show demonstrated how the pet industry is ever changing to meet the needs of the consumer.”
Jane Fisher, The Pet Shop, Ripon
“PATS Telford never fails to impress! The Telford International venue is perfectly suited for this important event in the pet trade calendar, particularly with its central location, easy access and free parking.”
Jamie Gleave, Paws and Claws, Frodsham, Cheshire
The focus now turns to PATS Sandown in Surrey, which is being held on Sunday and Monday, 10th-11th February 2019.
