The UK pet industry has seen an impressive number of companies entering the market over the past few years and many of these new businesses have chosen the PATS trade shows as their launch pad.
This year’s PATS Telford will see a host of newcomers exhibiting their new products and services to an audience of UK and international pet retailers.
The growing stature of the September trade exhibition has resulted in 63 companies taking stand space at Telford International Centre for the first time.
They will be joining a long list of regular exhibitors on Sunday 23rd September and Monday 24th September as the UK’s national pet trade exhibition shapes up to be another epic event. With all stand space sold, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers will be exhibiting.
Organiser Gordon Thomas says the exhibition promises to be another memorable event for the pet industry. “The fact the show has attracted so many new exhibitors is a clear indication it is an important place to launch products. Companies have been telling me they have lots of products to showcase, so visitors can be certain there will be plenty of things to see and do.”
New to PATS Telford, Barney’s Biscuit Boxes summed up how the exhibition can help a new company to grow. The company’s Matthew Stanley said: “Exhibiting at Telford is the best way for us to speak with a great range of potential buyers from small independent retailers to larger pet organisations about our handmade natural dog treats. Fingers crossed our biscuits, which contain fresh fruit, fresh vegetables or fresh meat, will be a real hit.”
It’s a similar story for Four Legged Fancies, whose managing director Victoria Rough said: “We have a strong presence locally at shows and events in the South West, which has allowed us to secure a number of stockists in the area. However, PATS can showcase us to retailers from across the whole of the UK and beyond.”
And Stuart Malcolmson, of Arctic Wolf Ltd, commented: “We chose to exhibit at PATS as it allows us to meet with a large number of potential new retail partners in a central location.”
PATS Telford is also attracting international companies like Chinese company Sunner Pet Products whose Ivy Sun said: “We hope that our pet products will be popular among European customers. Dog poop bag is our main product, and we also want our new cat litter scoop to be known among people.”
GoldPaw is an American brand looking to establish itself in the UK and owner Rebecca Gadd said: “We've shown at other international fairs but we decided to attend PATS because we wanted to focus our efforts on Britain this year.”
Vital Pet Trade Specialist had a major presence at Sandown and the company will be repeating the exercise in September. Director Sunny Sharma said: “Turnout at the Vital Grandstand and our enlarged stand in the Surrey Hall at PATS Sandown was beyond expectations. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the response from existing and prospective customers and suppliers. We’re excited to be building on this success at Telford, where we will have even more opportunities to partner with major suppliers offering exclusive products and promotions.”
PATS Telford will also again play host to popular visitor attractions like The New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, demonstrations and workshops from top dog groomers, and free-to-attend seminars from leading industry figures.
Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.
A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.
