Peter Pritchard, the former CEO of Pets at Home, has agreed to join the board of Woof and Brew, the pet drinks business.

Peter has a wealth of experience in the pet sector, previously CEO of Pets at Home and currently Chair of Arcaplanet, Italy’s leading pet retailer, non-executive of Voff Premium Pet Food, as well as AO.com and Motability plc.

Woof and Brew launched in 2010 providing healthy herbal drinks to pet owners across the UK. Products were a hit with dogs and their owners. Soon after launching Posh Pooch and Bottom Sniffer Beer for Dogs. The business has grown rapidly across the UK, Europe and most recently has entered the US market.  Their products are listed in pet speciality retailers, supermarkets and online marketplaces and increasingly in hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Peter joins both as investor and director of the business. Woof and Brew has just completed a successful placing to fuel the next chapter of growth, with an ambition to create a brand-new category, Hydration for Dogs.

Peter commented: “I am delighted to join Steve and the team at Woof and Brew. We will be launching a unique range of highly innovative hydration products. I believe there is a big opportunity to help owners keep their pets happy, healthy and hydrated”.

Steve Bennett, co-founder of Woof and Brew, shares his delight at Peter joining the team: “Up to this point we’ve been a small business with big ambitions, limited only by our industry knowledge and capital. Now with Peter on board there is nothing to stop us achieving our dreams to become one of UK’s most important pet companies and provide pets all over the world with the ultimate in nutritious and high-quality drinks for beloved companions.”

• PATS Telford 2024 to take place over three days at the Telford International Centre on Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024
• Telford and Sandown shows to merge into one all-encompassing, dedicated National Pet Industry Event in Telford
• PATS 2024 will be the largest-ever pet industry event staged in the UK, accommodating over 400 stands
• Greater time and flexibility for buyers to see all the latest pet innovations – all under one roof

The organisers of PATS, the UK’s National Pet Industry Event, have announced the launch of a THREE-DAY exhibition to take place at the Telford International Centre in 2024.

The new event, to be staged on Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024, will become an all-encompassing show as the two PATS exhibitions – Sandown and Telford – merge into one.

The 2024 exhibition will take over the entire Telford International Centre, giving the organisers the opportunity to accommodate even more exhibitors.

The decision to stage one show in the Autumn gives suppliers and manufacturers the opportunity to showcase new products over a longer period, and to a larger audience. It will also help to promote PATS Telford into an international exhibition with overseas suppliers and buyers being attracted by the three-day format.

“This is really exciting news,” said show director Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions & Events. “We’ve carried out extensive research amongst visitors and exhibitors and the response for one all-encompassing three-day exhibition has been overwhelming.

“By making it a three-day show, exhibitors will have more time and flexibility to spend with new and existing customers, taking them through their latest product ranges during face-to-face meetings. 

“By taking over the entire International Centre we have the chance to host over 400 exhibitors, compared to this year’s record number of 256, so for visitors there will be lots more to see. We expect retailers and buyers will want to stay at the show for longer, and more will consider an overnight stay at one of the many nearby hotels.”

PATS has secured the use of the four onsite hotels with a total of 400 rooms, and there are 1,000 bedrooms within a 10-minute drive and 3,000 within a 20-minute drive of the venue. One of the most favourable responses from people surveyed was the wide variety and quality of hotels, restaurants and bars at the purpose-built Convention Quarter, which is located opposite the International Centre. 

The survey of visitors – from multiple retailers to small independent shops – revealed the main reason for attending PATS Telford was the size and reputation of the event and being able to meet a large number of suppliers, including leading and new brands, at one location. The timing of PATS Telford – late September/early October – was also considered the ideal time to view product ranges for the following year.

The central location of Telford was another key reason for the Autumn show’s popularity with 85% of visitors willing to travel over 1.5 hours.

Another factor that registers favourably with visitors is that the International Centre has free parking for more than 1,500 cars.

Travelling to and from PATS Telford for international buyers is straightforward because of the close proximity of two of the UK’s largest international airports outside of London – Birmingham and Manchester.

“The Telford site offers so much in terms of access and hospitality and that’s why we’ll be working with PetQuip to encourage increasing numbers of international buyers to next year’s show,” added Gordon.

The announcement comes as exhibitors and buyers alike are preparing for this year’s packed PATS Telford, taking place on Sunday, 1st October, and Monday, 2^nd October.

A new product called The Leadon is set to take the pet industry by storm as it aims to revolutionise pet safety and security.

The man behind The Leadon is James Dunne who rescued Summer, an ‘indoor’ cat, five years ago.

The Leadon is a new type of animal leash which allows pet owners to connect their animals within gardens without having to stand and hold the leash.

James Dunne reveals how he came up with the idea for The Leadon.

“After rescuing Summer, I wanted to give her a better life,” said James. “Before I managed to adopt her, she had only seen four small walls or a cage. When she finally came out of her shell, she expressed an interest in going outside, something totally alien to her. She didn’t know the outside world, like cars, dogs, roads, foxes or any of the many other hazards that face our animals every day.

“So, I came up with The Leadon. It can either be a fixed-point connection, for example high on a wall or if you want more freedom for your animal, you can thread a cable through the designed loop on the Leadon, which will enable the Leadon to slide along that cable allowing more distance/freedom for that animal. 

“The Leadon is designed to be outside and has a reinforced cable rather than the standard cord that is widely used. This cable stops any chance of the animal being able to chew through and escape. The Leadon can only be used with a harness and never a collar.

“The reason I decided to move forward and produce The Leadon as a commercial product was because a friend saw The Leadon attached to Summer and said straight away that she wanted one for Lola, her Bichon Frise dog. 

“The Leadon is based on an external washing line but that’s where the similarities end. We tried a washing line at the start but it didn’t last two days, so we have upgraded everything internally, from the main pillar to the spring and added the cable connection function on the top of the Leadon. We have also reinforced the cable, which stops any chance the animal will be able to chew through and escape.”

Summer has been using The Leadon every day for the past four years, purring when she sees the harness and waiting patiently until its fitted and the Leadon is attached.  

James added: “I have now in place a factory to manufacture in China with contracts and NDAs in place. We have applied for patents, design rights, trademarks and also copyright. I personally sourced the factory and they have produced all The Leadon prototypes for me in record time as they believe in The Leadon. 

“I am also appointing a business partner in China to assist with any issue that may arise in the region but we don’t anticipate any as everybody is excited about the product. We have now made 1,500 units and the first stores to receive the product were two well-respected pet stores – Tyler James in Ilkley and Posh Paws in Harrogate.”

The product is now available for pet owners to buy online at www.theleadon.com. 

“Our goal is to go worldwide with The Leadon,” said James. “With Australia now starting to ban cats from being outside the need for The Leadon is definitely there. I am also speaking with a company in the Arab Emirates who have now received their first 20 units to test the market.

“We are currently in the process of bringing out a catalogue of the various products we will be listing and that should be done this week and available on the website.

“Some people have expressed concern regarding The Leadon, saying there is potential for an animal to climb trees and get suspended whilst using the product. Because the animal is in a harness it will be safe and sound as it has happened to Summer on many occasions. The Leadon can only be used with a harness just like any leash and never a collar – collars are potential choking hazards.

“While The Leadon offers a secure way for your pet to enjoy outdoor time, we recommend supervising them while they're using it. Ideally you should to keep an eye on any animal attached to any leash.”

For more information email James Dunne at james@theleadon.co.uk

Pets Corner, one of the UK’s largest pet retail chains with over 150 outlets, has opened its first ‘worldwide flagship’ store in Ascot.

The Ascot store, which opened on Friday followed by a grand opening weekend event, is set to be the first of 10 new outlets the company hopes to have up and running before the end of the year.

We’re delighted to announce that our Ascot flagship store is officially open. Join us this weekend for our grand opening to celebrate pets, the community, and giving back.

Dean Richmond, owner of Pet Family, said: “Pets Corner Ascot is our 151st opening, and it's thanks to the loyal custom we’ve had from customers since our launch over 55 years ago. Pet owners are more discerning than ever, as pets are often the most important member of the household, and our products offer higher standards of quality, integrity, and welfare.

“The Ascot store is our first worldwide flagship which will showcase our natural products to visiting international trade customers and offers our UK customers an extended product range with our award-winning natural grooming and veterinary services.”

Pet Corner’s parent company, Pet Family, recently secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support its growth nationally and internationally, and to create up to 320 jobs nationwide.

Pet Family is using the multi-million pound funding to open 10 new stores throughout England by the end of the year. As well as Ascot, these include ones at Chelmsford, East Grinstead, Newbury and Colchester.

See the gallery of pictures below...

Global pet care company Purina is inviting pet care businesses from across the world to be a part of the next generation of pet care innovation, by applying to its fifth iteration of Unleashed. 

Applications are now open and for the first time ever, Unleashed is extending its reach to new countries: Brazil and Mexico. From Europe to Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA), and now to Latin America, Unleashed will continue to help and grow pet care startups across the world. 

Powered by the Purina Accelerator Lab, the programme identifies and supports innovative startups, leveraging disruptive technology to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. 

In 2024, Unleashed has committed to accelerating up to 10 more startups using state-of-the-art and tested growth hacking and experiment techniques. Dedicated coaches will guide and mentor the selected startups, providing invaluable expertise and support. 

Next year marks the fifth anniversary of the Unleashed program, which has already successfully accelerated 25 startups and delivered impactful solutions for pet owners worldwide. With more than 800 applications from 50 countries, there have been numerous success stories from the programme.  

Previously backed entrepreneurs include: BookMyPet, a Dubai-based website that connects pet parents to local service providers; Breedera, a UK based platform which holds essential breeding records, health history and buyer information in one easy to access place; and LampoVet, an Italian company that operates a cutting-edge telemedicine portal, providing comprehensive gut microbiome analysis, personalised nutrition plans and specialised veterinary support for both cats and dogs. 

Kim Bill, Head of Purina’s Accelerator Lab, said: "This year, we have expanded our reach and made Unleashed even more inclusive, opening applications to startups in Brazil and Mexico, to allow more opportunities for growth.  

“It’s great to see Unleashed bring together a network of entrepreneurs leading innovation in the pet care sector, helping us nurture, support and guide startups towards their business objectives.” 

PetPlace has enjoyed a significant period of growth, revamping its Abergele store to include a cinema and play park, opening a new headquarters in Kinmel Bay and recently unveiling a revamped building in Llangefni.

The 25,000 sq ft site also includes a play park, dog wash and coffee bar and was redeveloped by Old Colwyn-based Parra’s Construction.

Managing Director Simon Pritchard, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, said it was a pleasure to work with PetPlace, adding: “We were extremely excited to be a part of this project to transform the existing facility into a new retail and dog play area which would act as a blueprint for their other stores in North Wales.

“The existing structure was tired and in desperate need of modernisation, so it was a huge transformation with a relatively small team and a lot of hard work.

“I think the finished product speaks for itself, and a lot of that is testament to the staff who continued to operate while works were undertaken. It is also a credit to the management’s forward thinking and vision – we were delighted to play a part in bringing that to life.”

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire-based Knowledge Ltd was tasked with installing digital software and technology across the state-of-the-art store.

Technical Director Nick Hill said: “We were excited by their vision and after travelling up to North Wales to see the layout for ourselves identified three key areas where digital signage could be used to enhance the customer journey, from enticing passing trade through to highlighting key product information and promotions.

“The final installation comprised of three high-brightness window displays, a freestanding 55” ‘Totem’ and eight smaller wall-mounted displays, all paired with a cloud-based content management system which allows full HTML-5, video and still image content to be deployed to all displays remotely and in real-time.

“All of which provides an immersive experience that guides customers on their journey through the store.”

The final touches were placed by Sure Retail, whose Crewe team – led by Business Development Director Giles Martin – are specialists in equipment and display solutions.

He said: “I often see correlation in working with companies that share our values, and us delivering stores I'm particularly proud of.

“PetPlace Llangefni is a prime example of this, as like us they are passionate about offering the best to their customers. Utilising innovation and creativity, whilst prioritising quality, ethics, and sustainability, throughout.”

Giles added: “The result is a true ‘destination store’, a purpose-built, engaging environment focused on customer experience and servicing the community, as well as individuals.

“It's our privilege to assist in the realisation of PetPlace's commendable vision, and we hope customers and staff will continue to enjoy this store for many years to come.”

PetPlace’s Managing Director Sion Pritchard thanked them for bringing the dream to fruition and said the firm is committed to supporting SMEs and small businesses and boosting the economy, both locally and across the UK.

“The result is a flagship store we are all very proud of,” he said.

“The response since opening has been incredible and Llangefni will now be held up as a benchmark for quality, innovation and customer service for pets and their owners – that was the vision we had all along, and they helped us to realise it.”

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

Pedigree Wholesale has launched its new dental dog chew brand – Nobblys by Petello. The chews come in a fun and unique shape with little nobbles to help clean teeth and prevent boredom.

Every chew is vegetable-based and is made with natural ingredients. They contain peanut butter, a source of protein, to make them even more delicious for dogs. It is a low calorie, gluten and grain free treat suitable for vegetarian diets.

Available in three sizes to suit all dog breeds, the chews help to promote dogs’ dental health as the unique nobbles can help to fight tartar build-up! 

They also include Pea Starch and Sweet Potato Starch, great sources of grain free and gluten free carbohydrates for energy. The dental chews contain Vitamin E, which can help support muscle tissue, and Brewer’s Yeast, which is rich in B vitamins to help promote healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver function in dogs.

Offering above average retailer margins, the chews come in a colourful display case, ready to set up on the shelf and make an impact in-store. Plus, each chew comes with its own hang tag for use on hooks as an alternative display option. The product will be a great option to stock to cater for shoppers looking to spend less as they come at an affordable price point. The Small chews are £0.49, the Medium are £0.99, and the Large are £1.49, making them an affordable pet parent pleaser.

The Petello umbrella brand also owns other high-quality dog food and treat brands, such as Doodle’s Deli, Yak Cheese Dog Chews and Natures Deli.

Petello Nobblys are available now through Pedigree Wholesale and are exclusively available to the specialist pet trade.

Dogs and their owners, led by ethical pet food brand Edgard and Cooper, protested for better dog food in London at Potter’s Field. The call is for more transparency and a higher nutritional bar within the pet food industry.

The protest is calling on dog owners to sign a petition which will raise awareness to U.K government issues of meat content standards, transparent labelling, and improved handling and transportation of meat. 

Dog owners can read and sign the petition here: https://chng.it/9PTffpRKwt

The petition’s top three demands

• Increased meat content standards: Pet food should be required to contain a significant and truthful proportion of the claimed meat source, ensuring that pets receive the nutrients they need. Shockingly, pet food can currently claim it is made with a specific meat even if it contains as little as 4 per cent of that meat.
• Transparent ingredient labelling: Clear and accurate labelling of pet food ingredients should be mandated to empower pet owners to make informed choices about their pets' diets.
• Improved handling and transportation: Regulations should be enacted to ensure that all meat used in pet food is handled, stored, and transported under proper conditions to guarantee freshness and safety. 

The protest follows the findings of a survey of dog owners commissioned by Edgard & Cooper which found that two thirds (64 per cent) of owners believed their dogs should have the same quality of food as humans. The study also found that three quarters (75 per cent) of dog owners would not eat the equivalent food of their dog, such as ‘meat meal’, an overly processed and nutritionally low value meat source food.  

People can read the petition and sign it here: https://chng.it/9PTffpRKwt

Supreme Petfoods, manufacturers of foods for small pets and experts in pet nutrition, has announced the addition of two new products to its Tiny Friends Farm treat range.

Russel Rabbit Loopies and Russel Rabbit Twiggies join the existing line-up of wholesome treats, diets and bedding that provide great value with no compromise on quality. With a reputation built on trust among consumers, these new products are anticipated to become a hit with pets and owners alike, building on the ongoing success of the award-winning Tiny Friends Farm range.

Both new treats are carefully formulated with tasty, natural ingredients in a crunchy baked bite. Russel Rabbit Loopies feature a delicious combination of carrot and mint, while Russel Rabbit Twiggies combine tasty apple and blackberry. These treats are not only suitable for rabbits but also for other small pets, including guinea pigs and hamsters. Whether hand fed to encourage bonding or hidden around the enclosure to support natural foraging behaviour, Russel Rabbit Loopies and Russel Rabbit Twiggies are designed to help provide enrichment and enhance small pet wellbeing.

The continued expansion of the Tiny Friends Farm range is in response to the current demand from customers for products with attractive price points. Claire Hamblion, Supreme’s Marketing Manager, says, “In a time when the cost of living is rising, household budgets have become tighter. Pet owners seek products that offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality. Pets are much-loved members of the family, and owners want the reassurance that they can still offer their small pets the very best, while remaining mindful of their spending. The Tiny Friends Farm range, including the new Russel Rabbit Loopies and Russel Rabbit Twiggies, resonates with these values and we are delighted to see it going from strength to strength.” 

To enhance brand awareness around the Tiny Friends Farm range, Supreme launched its Great Value consumer advertising campaign in 2023. Following the success of last year’s Science Selective food For Life campaign, which reached a global audience across the European, US and Australasian markets, the new campaign strategically addresses consumer demand for value in their purchasing decisions. Featuring a movie advertisement and the engaging Tiny Friends Farm characters, the Great Value campaign is targeted across Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

With the brand’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of small pet parents, the Tiny Friends Farm range experienced strong year-on-year growth in 2022. Claire adds, “We are committed to providing pet owners with an extended range of options, and this is highlighted by the addition of the new treats. Today’s customers actively engage in choosing pet products and appreciate a wider variety, so retailers will benefit from stocking our expanded range.” With a core focus on offering great value, great nutrition and an ever-expanding product range, Tiny Friends Farm is poised to continue its remarkable growth in the small pet market.

To find out more about Supreme’s products, including the Tiny Friends Farm range email experts@supremepetfoods.com or visit https://supremepetfoods.com/

Cooper & Co was developed in-house by Pedigree Wholesale to provide a perfectly balanced diet for Cooper, the dog owned by the company’s CEO, Steve Brown. 

The brand initially launched a premium Dry Dog Food range. It’s always been really important to the family that Cooper is fed a simple and wholesome diet containing only the finest quality ingredients, grain free and full of all the essential energy, nutrients, vitamins and minerals dogs need for a happy, healthy life.

The extension of the dry dog food range has been thoughtfully developed with the same stringent quality requirements. Every pouch of Cooper & Co Air-Dried Treats is grain-free and made with nutritious air-dried sausage slices. Each air-dried sausage slice has been gently shaped and air-dried over a number of days to ensure maximum flavour and maintain nutritional benefits.

Offering above average retailer margins, the recipes are made in Britain and contain up to 90% British meat or fish, offering a delicious high-protein treat for dogs. Each treat has specific benefits which closely match the Cooper & Co Dry Dog Food range, making it an easy one-stop destination for customers. The range consists of 7 treats that retail for £4.99, including recipes suitable for puppies and senior dogs!

The range consists of the Active recipe, aimed at high-energy dogs, made with 70% Pheasant & Partridge and is high in zinc and phosphorus to help support muscle development and energy. Made with 90% Lamb & Turkey, the Glossy recipe contains added mint to support healthy skin and coat. The Fussy recipe is made with 90% Salmon, which packs the treats with extra flavour for fussy dogs; plus, they are a great source of fibre to help support digestion. Made with 90% Duck & Turkey, the Sensitive recipe contains probiotics to help aid digestion.

The Puppy recipe is made with 90% Turkey and contains Glucosamine to help support joints for healthy growth and development, whilst the Senior recipe is made with 60% Haddock and contains Turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient to help aid dogs in their golden years. Lastly, the Air-Dried Calming Treats are a great new addition to the range; they contain 90% Turkey with added soothing chamomile and are a great source of Amino Acids for a balanced state of mind,  developed for excitable and stressed dogs.

To ensure retailers launch the range with impact in store, there has been a complete refresh to the suite of Point of Sale available for the core Dry Dog food range, plus brand-new additions of Point of Sale are now available for the Treat range through Pedigree Wholesale.

Sold in cases of 10, Cooper & Co air-dried treats are available now through Pedigree Wholesale and is exclusively available to the specialist pet trade.

Kittyrama’s new dual-purposed cat carrier and hideaway is packed with cat friendly features which help cats feel in control and happy by allowing them to stay in the familiarity of their environment at home or on the go.

Traditional carriers, usually designed for dogs, fall short of meeting the unique comfort needs of cats. With big windows and little hiding space, these carriers can leave cats feeling exposed and anxious.

Developed in collaboration with veterinarians and cat wellbeing experts, Kittyrama’s new product’s feline-tailored features include: high mesh windows to allow cats to hide underneath the windowsill if they prefer more privacy; adjustable curtains to darken the carrier and to provide a natural vision and sneeze barrier; multiple entrances to make entering the carrier easier than ever and a fold-out top to ensure vets can have full access to cats without having to lure them away from their familiar territory. 

The small treat window is ideal for rewarding cats too, without the risk of a great escape for even the smallest kittens.

The Kittyrama carrier effortlessly converts into a caravan-inspired hideaway by removing the carrier straps, conveniently stored in the spacious back pocket. Its stylish design blends seamlessly with any environment, making it suitable for daily use at home. Inside, a soft mattress and the extendable awning, which doubles the carrier’s width, create an inviting space for cats to lounge around and indulge in feline naps.  As cats relax and settle in, the hideaway becomes infused with their natural pheromones, fostering a sense of familiarity and comfort that reassures them wherever they may be. 

It’s a carrier they will finally want to get into and a hideaway they won’t want to get out of!

Practical and safety features include:  

• 4 possible entrances: Top, sides and front 
• High quality, self-lockable zippers, which cats can’t open from the inside
• Detachable waterproof base tray with raised edges to contain mess
• Machine washable mattress and wipe-clean waterproof fabric throughout
• Tested by Intertek, an independent world-leading certification lab, to safely sustain loads up to 10kg (22lbs)
• Airline compatible design. Assembled size: 44x28x28 cm / 17x11x11 inch
• Folds flat for easy storage

The Kittyrama cat carrier and hideaway comes in 2 charming, caravan-inspired styles:  The Baby Blue Roamer and The Slate Cruiser.  RRP £49.99/$64.99

Wholesale enquiries: trade@kittyrama.com

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, is inviting dog owners to be part of its Christmas festivities as it stages a Santa Paws Grotto experience across its 52 stores.

Dog lovers all over the UK can bring their furry pals for doggie gifts and photo opportunities with Santa.

The Santa Paws Grotto experience forms part of the garden centre chain’s festive activities this year.

Sarah Murray, who has developed this year’s events programme, said: “We are filled with excitement about the upcoming Christmas events. Seeing families and friends come together, sharing laughter, and creating special memories is at the heart of what we do at Dobbies. Our team has poured their passion into crafting an array of festive experiences that will truly bring the magic of Christmas to life. We can't wait to see the happiness these events bring our customers and their loved ones.”

Santa Paws will run from 2 December, £6.99 per dog.

To learn more about the events and bookings visit www.dobbies.com/events

The Innocent Hound has launched a limited-edition autumnal treat – new Wild Game Sausages containing pumpkin and cinnamon, all wrapped-up in a healthy, air-dried salmon and British venison treat.

Founder Chloe Heaton said “We're thrilled to be expanding our limited-edition range of natural dog treats with our new Wild Game Sausages. Our aim has always been to provide natural, high-quality pet food that promotes health and well-being, and this new product line is no exception.”

The sausages are made with 60% wild game, which is a great source of protein for dogs. The Innocent Hound uses their unique air-drying method to make them – guaranteeing them to be super-tasty and a favourite for our 4-legged friends.

Available for a limited time only, Wild Game Sausage treats are a complementary pet treat in a recyclable pack containing 5 pieces, RRP £5.30.  

For further information email orders@innocentpetcare.co.uk

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

UK Pet Food members are responsible for providing safe and nutritious food for the nation’s 38 million pets. Around 60% of households have a pet and the industry is worth close to £4 billion.  

Michael Bellingham (pictured right), UK Pet Food Chief Executive, said: “Our industry is committed to the 16.2 million households with pets who are important family members.  We have a big responsibility, and our mission is to advance pet health and well-being with quality nutrition from a sustainable, progressive pet food industry. The success of our sector is one that many depend upon, and we need Government support. Our manifesto has been developed to succinctly detail our requirements to continue our excellent work.”

UK Pet Food details four priority areas in its manifesto, which must be taken on board by policy architects. Highlights include:   

1. Safe and Sustainable Pet Food 

The pet food industry requires safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced ingredients with a food system that recognises and values pet food.  UK Pet Food calls for their Industry’s critical role in the agricultural food chain and sustainability plans to be acknowledged.   

2. Trade with the EU and rest of the world 

We need to maintain regulatory alignment with the EU and call on the Government to support UK businesses in accessing new markets. UK Pet Food additionally details its need for a negotiated form of veterinary agreement to ease problems trading between GB, EU and NI. 

3. Pets and Animal Welfare

We need a society that treats pets with their best interests at heart, and a food system that places the welfare of farmed animals as the paramount goal. UK Pet Food calls on Government to progress the Kept Animals Bill, support farmers and include animal welfare on the curriculum.  

4. Pets in Society

We want to ensure a society that values the important role pets play in the improvement of health and mental wellbeing of people. We call for reduced barriers to pet ownership and also encourage dog friendly workplaces where possible. 

UK Pet Food unveiled its manifesto in Westminster at an event sponsored by Sir Roger Gale MP.

Sir Roger Gale said: “It was my pleasure to welcome fellow parliamentarians and guests to the UK Pet Food event. My support of animal welfare goes back a long way, and amongst other related roles, I have chaired the All-Party Parliamentary group for Animal Welfare. The research on the benefits of pets to people’s health and wellbeing is well documented and it is vital that we ensure a society that values the important role pets play. I’m pleased to see that this is at the heart of the UK Pet Food Manifesto which I am delighted to launch.”  

You can read more about the UK Pet Food manifesto here: https://www.ukpetfood.org/resource/uk-pet-foodmanifesto.html

The British Independent Retailers Association has welcomed the recent pledge by police forces across England and Wales to pursue every lead that holds a reasonable chance of apprehending criminals and solving crimes.

BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said this 'back-to-basics' approach marks a significant milestone in addressing the rising concerns of retail crime, particularly theft and violence, from an independent trader's perspective.

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, said it was important that all crimes be reported for the method to work properly.

He said: "We must stress the need to report these crimes, as it is the most effective way to prompt police prioritisation. Our collaboration with law enforcement is crucial to restoring safety and confidence among retailers.

"Over the past few weeks, Bira has been actively raising concerns about the surge in retail crime and its impact on the independent retail sector. This initiative led to us meeting with the Minister for Policing, Police and Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables, and other retail groups, reaffirming the urgent need to address these issues and bolster retailer confidence," he added.

Bira's contribution to the British Retail Consortium's (BRC) survey further highlights the severity of the situation.

"The survey reveals a staggering 27% increase in reported incidents over the past 12 months, with the total value of theft exceeding £2.8 billion. This escalating problem, coupled with escalating violence towards retail employees, necessitates a more proactive approach from relevant authorities.

"Shop theft, while not new, has flourished due to years of low prioritisation by the police, resulting in a low-risk, high-reward environment that now involves highly organised elements. Independent retailers have voiced their concerns, likening the problem to looting incidents, with offenders growing increasingly audacious," added Mr Goodacre.

To regain control of our high streets, Bira advocates for several critical measures:

• Simplifying the process of reporting crimes and submitting relevant evidence, addressing the hours-long ordeal faced by some retailers when completing online forms.
• Targeting regular offenders with prosecutions and banning orders, as a high percentage of crimes are committed by this group.
• Providing clarity on the use of evidence and images, including CCTV and mobile recordings.
• Increasing police presence on high streets, leveraging the higher numbers of police officers and PCSOs.
• Ensuring that convictions lead to custodial sentences for perpetrators.
• Dismantling the networks employed by organised criminals to traffic stolen goods.
• High streets have confronted numerous challenges in recent years, from the Covid pandemic to a cost-of-living crisis. Failing to curb shop theft and anti-social behaviours threatens to transform our high streets into no-go zones, endangering a vital aspect of our society.

Figures show that despite the growth of online shopping, more than 70% of retail sales still occur in physical stores. High streets foster community interactions, social gatherings, and meaningful connections.

Bira acknowledges that while the retail landscape is evolving, our high streets remain essential for creating welcoming and safe spaces.

Mr Goodacre added: "Isolation is detrimental to people, as we've learned from Covid. High streets provide contact, social gatherings, and interaction – they require our support now more than ever to ensure their preservation."

"The commitment by police forces to pursue leads and solve crimes is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Bira stands ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance security and safety on our high streets."

A free webinar entitled ‘Food For Life; age-appropriate feeding for guinea pigs’ will take place on Tuesday 26th September at 4pm.

Sponsored by Supreme Petfoods, the presentation brings together two eminent small pet experts: Molly Varga, an RCVS recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and Veterinary Advisor to Supreme Petfoods and Craig Tessyman, who works alongside Molly as Exotics Veterinary Nurse Team Leader at Rutland House Veterinary Referrals. Designed to cater to a diverse audience, the webinar is suitable for both vets and veterinary nurses, and also specialist pet retailers looking to elevate their small pet knowledge. All those interested can register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5016944364664/WN_5VFUTXwPTrOv-LgC0C9kSg

Caring for guinea pigs and other small rodents involves a unique set of challenges. With highly specialised digestive systems dependent on a fibre-rich diet, optimum nutrition is key. High fibre ‘no added sugar’ diets and the ad libfeeding of hay have been instrumental in improving guinea pig health and wellbeing. With a strong practical emphasis, the webinar will cover the latest insights into guinea pig nutrition, with a particular focus on how these requirements may change from birth through to adulthood. 

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods, says that the company is delighted to support the talk. “Lifestage diets have been a firm fixture in canine and feline nutrition for many years, but nutrition tailored to age is a more recent development in small pets. With decades of experience, we are delighted that Molly will be teaming up with Craig to share her extensive knowledge on the subject. The pet guinea pig population doubled during the pandemic, and the last 2 years have seen a further 25 percent increase. The importance of appropriate nutrition has never been greater.” 

Molly has worked in small animal and exotic medicine in both the UK and Canada and lectures widely on Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery. She has a wealth of experience working with a wide variety of exotic animals and holds both a Certificate and a Diploma in Zoological Medicine. Molly currently heads the Exotics Service at Rutland House Referral Centre and has contributed to several BSAVA manuals on guinea pigs and other exotic species, as well as revising and updating the Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 

While the primary target audience for the webinar comprises veterinary professionals and specialist pet retailers, the presentation is also suitable for enthusiast owners. Today’s small pet parents are often very well informed and are keen to seek out the very latest up to date information. With the veterinary profession facing workforce shortages and full diaries, having adequate time to address the complexities of guinea pig nutrition with owners can be challenging, and busy practice staff are invited to encourage enthusiast owners to sign up.

To secure a place, all those interested can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5016944364664/WN_5VFUTXwPTrOv-LgC0C9kSg

A council-owned dog enrichment area is among the improvements set to be unveiled at a popular playing fields in Hertfordshire.

Residents will be able to take their dogs to a new secure dog enrichment area at the revamped South Oxhey playing fields to socialise as well as enjoy agility-type apparatus that will keep their tails wagging.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure at Three Rivers District Council, said: “We are excited to open the district’s first council-owned dog enrichment area that will no doubt be loved by residents across Three Rivers and their dogs.

“You can bring your dog here to exercise and practice recall techniques or teach other tricks in a secure and safe place. It will also be useful for those dogs that are recovering from injury or are timid as they can be allowed off-lead but will be kept secure.

“Please make sure your dog is always supervised by someone over the age of 16 years and keep them under control. It goes without saying but do clean up after your dog should they foul in or around the enrichment area.”

Work began on the improvements to South Oxhey playing Fields in May following public consultation with residents on what they would like to see. The existing pathways, tennis courts and skateboard park have been refurbished and the five-a-side football pitch has been replaced with a multi-use game area along with table tennis tables and chess to inspire upcoming Bobby Fischers.

Nearly £470,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy pot – a charge the council implements on new developments – was used to fund the project. Additionally, the council received £51,667 from the Lawn Tennis Association, which is the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, to support the tennis court refurbishment works.

Cllr Lloyd added: “As a council, we are committed to ensuring our residents and their children have access to high-quality parks and play areas in order to live healthy and active lifestyles.

“The incredible revamped playing fields do just that, and I thank our contractors and council officers for turning the area into a community and social hub for families and their dogs to enjoy.”

The vice-chair of the council, Cllr Raj Khiroya, will officially cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the revamped playing fields on Saturday, 16 September.

The day will be marked with fun activities and a chance to test out the new equipment – with multiple free sessions taking place, such as shooting hoops at the basketball court at the MUGA or learning how to skate at the new skatepark.

Refreshments will also be provided by the scouts in their nearby scout hut.

Cllr Khiroya said: “I cannot wait to officially open the fantastic new playing fields and greet everybody. This will be a great day out and I urge families to come along and join in on the fun.”

Petplan has opened nominations for the 2024 Petplan Veterinary Awards, which celebrate their 25^th year milestone.

Since 1999, the prestigious Petplan Veterinary Awards, have recognised the exceptional work carried out by passionate veterinary professionals and practices across the UK, and as the years have gone on, that passion and remarkable work hasn’t diminished.

With nominations open from today, both clients and colleagues can nominate veterinary professionals and practices across five categories, in celebration of the inspiring efforts and dedication they’ve witnessed.

The ‘Oscars’ of the veterinary world, as they’re sometimes known, include five award categories that celebrate both individuals and groups across a range of roles:

• Practice of the Year
• Practice Manager of the Year
• Practice Support Staff of the Year
• Vet of the Year
• Vet Nurse of the Year

Every professional nominated in the awards will be notified, receiving a personalised certificate to hold pride of place at their practice, before a shortlist of three finalists per category is selected.

The selection process is carried out by an independent panel of specialist judges from within the veterinary industry– a tough ask considering the thousands of nominations that are received every year.

From fostering fantastic relationships with teams and clients, to providing exceptional levels of animal care and exceeding day-to-day expectations, there are an array of qualities that contribute to a worthy Veterinary Awards winner, with each and every nomination telling a personal and unique story. 

All finalists are invited to an awards ceremony, which next year will be held in Manchester on Thursday 21st March.

Bella von Mesterhazy, Sales and Marketing Director at Petplan, commented: “25 years is a huge milestone for the Petplan Veterinary Awards, and we’re all excited for a fantastic celebration. Every year we think we’ve seen it all, but then we’re overjoyed by the sheer volume of and enthusiasm behind the latest nominations. So for anyone who’s considered nominating before but hasn’t got round to it, this year’s the time to get involved, as we all come together to champion the immense success of the UK’s veterinary industry, whilst celebrating the awards quarter-century anniversary.”

To find out more, and to nominate a deserving practice or individual, visit www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards before nominations close on 8th January 2024.

Hamilton Specialist Referrals in High Wycombe is inviting veterinary nurses and students along to an open day at the referral hospital on Saturday 30 September. 

Geared towards RVNs who are looking to broaden their knowledge base, the open day will cover topics including radiography, wounds and TPLO surgery aftercare, hosted by the expert team at Hamilton Specialist Referrals, including Dr. Michael Hamilton, consultant orthopaedic and spinal surgeon, Dr Karla Lee, head of soft tissue surgery and Letty Piggott-Delves, physiotherapy team lead.

There will also be an IMHA case discussion with internal medicine nurse Rute Silva, and an interactive quiz on anaesthesia for attendees to take part in, led by anaesthesia nurse practitioner Kimberley Brady

Rachel Pickles, clinical services manager at Hamilton Specialist Referrals, said: “The open day is a brilliant opportunity for nurses from all over the veterinary profession to build on their existing knowledge base. It also presents an excellent learning opportunity for student nurses too, giving them access to educational sessions and workshops with members of our expert team.”

The CPD open day is free of charge and will build on attendees’ skills and knowledge as well as counting towards annual CPD requirements.

For more information and to RSVP, email info@hamiltonspecialists.vet or call 01494 578 566.

Hamilton Specialist Referrals is open 24/7 for referrals from surrounding vet practices. For more information visit www.hamiltonspecialists.vet.  

In response to the increasingly unpredicatable UK weather, Mikki has designed an All Weather Dog Coat range.  

Made from waterproof, windproof, breathable materials to ensure comfort and protection in all weathers, the new range is available in four sizes offers and is fully adjustable to create a bespoke fit for a wide variety of dog breed shapes and sizes.

The All Weather Dog Coat has a two-legged design with extended coverage over the hips and thighs. It features a full length body zip opening with a fur protection lip to aid an easy fit.  Further fitting adjustments can be made via spring cord toggles on the storm collar (which can be trimmed to desired length once fitted), and at three points along the back. The front legs have adjustable storm cuffs, whilst the soft elastic back leg loops ensure the coat remains in place. 

Additional features include reflective accents to help with visibility in low light conditions, and a lead portal to allow for a harness to be worn beneath the coat.  

Machine washable at 30 degrees, the All Weather Dog Coat comes in an attractive blue camoflague design with taped seams and an insulating inner that provides warmth without bulk.

The range is available to order now with an optional FSDU from https://trade.interpet.co.uk/

Butternut Box, the UK-based fresh dog food company known for its innovative approach to pet food, has raised £280m in its latest fundraising round from new investor General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm. 

Existing investor L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm, also participated in the round, helping to further the brand’s presence in Europe and continue its mission to deliver fresh, tasty, and healthy meals to dogs around the world. 

The transaction's closing is subject to customary regulatory conditions, but is expected to occur in Q4 2023.

Butternut Box feeds dogs in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and most recently Poland following its April 2023 acquisition of PsiBufet, one of the leading fresh dog food companies in Central and Eastern Europe. 

Since its inception in 2016, Butternut Box has grown rapidly, raising over £100m to date, including investments from L Catterton, White Star Capital, Five Seasons Ventures, Passion Capital, Literacy Capital, Claret Capital, and HSBC.

This latest investment will be used to build on this momentum, underscoring Butternut Box’s mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs and their humans. Butternut Box plans to use this funding to accelerate the company’s leadership position across the Fresh category in the pet food space through further European expansion, including the development of a new European manufacturing facility. The planned facility will be the second of its kind for Butternut Box after Rudie’s Kitchen, a fully integrated manufacturing and fulfilment facility that opened in March 2021, giving the company complete visibility and control over its emissions production. 

This further underlines the company’s commitment to creating a positive impact across all areas of its business, as evidenced by receiving B Corp accreditation in September 2022.

Kevin Glynn, co-founder of Butternut Box, said: “We are delighted to now partner with General Atlantic, who is an incredible investor and shares our long-term vision of developing the category of Fresh pet food across Europe. It is also fantastic to receive further support from our long-standing partner, L Catterton who we’ve been proud to work with for several years now and who also believes in the power of Fresh and that we are only really at the starting line. Most notably we are incredibly excited by what this investment will unlock for our customers (dogs and humans) in the years to come as we are nothing without them.”

“We’re thrilled about the ways in which this investment will allow us to continue to live out our mission,” added David Nolan, co-founder of Butternut Box. “Everyone here is driven by a uniting purpose to deliver health and happiness to all dogs, everywhere. This investment will help us take the next leap forward in doing just that.”

“We are very excited to partner with Kevin and David who have reimagined Fresh pet food through Butternut Box's diversified product portfolio and mission-driven brand,” said Melis Kahya Akar, Managing Director and Head of Consumer for EMEA at General Atlantic. “There is an immense opportunity set across the Fresh pet food category in EMEA, and we believe Butternut Box is well positioned to leverage its digitally enabled business model to meet this growing demand. We look forward to utilising our pet expertise and technology capabilities to support the Company through its next chapter of growth.”

“Since partnering with Kevin, David, and the team three years ago, Butternut Box has expanded its leadership in the growing Fresh pet food space in the UK and Europe and has built a loyal following among pets and humans alike,” said Howard Steyn, a Partner at L Catterton. “While we have long had conviction in the UK Fresh category after investing behind this concept in the US, we’ve been particularly impressed by how Butternut Box continues to innovate and deliver such compelling value to its customers. We look forward to leveraging our global experience in the pet category to support the brand’s next phase of growth.”

Butternut Box is dedicated to serving only the highest quality, freshly-prepared meals for dogs, delivered straight to customers’ doors. With a core meals range of 12 fresh recipes, plus a growing selection of treats, chews and supplements, Butternut Box is delivering a fresh take on dog food.

Butternut Box was advised by Harris Williams and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor and Freshfields served as legal advisor to General Atlantic. PwC served as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins served as legal advisor to L Catterton.

Jollyes confirmed it had delivered its best-ever Q1 trading performance for the 13 weeks to 27 August 2023, and that it planned to open 10 stores by the middle of 2024, breaking through its 100-store target well ahead of schedule.

The nationwide pet superstore’s FY24 first quarter performance saw a marked acceleration on the market-beating numbers it delivered for FY23. 

Total sales for the first quarter of its 2024 financial year were £33.7m, a third – 33.6 per cent - higher than the £25.3m it posted for Q1 in the prior year.

In the quarter, Jollyes posted like-for-like sales of 23.1 per cent, and the company continues to grow materially faster than other retailers in the pet sector demonstrating its offer of value, service and choice is perfectly aligned with customer sentiment. 

This growth is a step up from the 17 per cent like-for-like number Jollyes achieved in FY23.

This strong like-for-like growth also excludes the average 80 per cent LFL performance at six stores[1] open slightly longer than a year, but not yet included in Jollyes’ like-for-like Q1 reporting.

Jollyes like-for-like growth has almost exclusively come from transaction growth and not via price inflation which only accounts for only two per cent of that progress.  In fact, the Company has been able to reduce prices on key lines in the quarter despite inflation, as it delivers on its best-value promise to customers.

Growth during the quarter was also supported by a significant increase in sign-ups to its PetCLUB (47 per cent) as customers took advantage of the extra value membership brings.

Accelerating new store rollout

In the quarter, Jollyes added three new stores, in Swindon, Belfast (Boucher Road) and Merthyr Tydfil, bringing the total number of Jollyes stores to 93.

Jollyes has now added 26 stores to its estate across the last two years, an increase of almost 40 percent.

With the backing of a new multi-million facility from HSBC, Jollyes now confirms it intends to step-up its opening programme with another 10 new locations before the end of its financial year in May 2024, allowing it to break through the 100-store mark well ahead of schedule.

Store openings planned over the rest of the calendar year include Harrogate and Widnes (both end September), Swadlincote (end October) and Reading and Hull (end November). 

In the first half of 2024 Jollyes also plans to open additional stores in North and South Yorkshire, Tyneside, Bristol, South Wales, Northern Ireland and Central Scotland.

Investing in services

In Q1, Jollyes also completed the relaunch of all its Spas to new Jolly Groomer branding with simple pricing so customers only pay for the services they need,  The roll out of Jolly Groomers is part of a £1m investment in the provision of vet clinics, grooming parlours and other pet services in its stores.

One of the best employers in retail

Over the quarter Jollyes has also invested in its colleagues as it embarks on an ambition to be one of the best employers in retail.

The business has launched an innovative package of benefits for all its 1,000-plus colleagues nationwide, including birthday leave, a ‘pet-eternity’ day for colleagues getting a new pet in the family, a week off on full pay for all colleagues on when they get married, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and an enhanced 20 per cent discount off all Jollyes services.

It has also continued with its SQP training programme in Q1 through Vetpol, with another 52 colleagues in training looking to join the 132 suitably qualified colleagues able to dispense veterinary medicines  deepening the quality of advice for customers. 

Sector-leading customer service

As a key indicator of the advice Jollyes offers to pet parents it has, to date received over 41,000 Trustpilot reviews, 87 per cent with a five-star rating, generating a sector-leading score of 4.8.

Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes alongside Melinda Messenger, her dog Peggy and manager Tanya Paterson at the new Swindon flagship.

Commenting on the Company’s outstanding quarter, Jollyes’ chief executive officer Joe Wykes said: “Our performance in our opening quarter of this financial year underlines the effectiveness of the strategy we’ve put in place – delivering exceptional value to our customers, powered by the most knowledgeable colleagues in the industry.

“It’s clear that the dedication of our people and our commitment to value, combined with smart use of our PetCLUB membership data, is a compelling recipe, delivering strong performance in our existing stores and allowing us to open new locations that perform from day one. 

“Growing retailers – especially those developing at our pace – are exciting places to work, but I know that can also be demanding on our own people.  Once again I’d like to thank our whole team for what they’ve all contributed.

“Nothing has made me prouder this quarter than the investment we’ve made in them, as we work hard to be one of the best employers in retail.”

The British Independent Retailers Association is urging businesses to be prepared for the upcoming single-use plastics ban coming into force on October 1.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, is warning that some shopkeepers are either unaware or unprepared for the upcoming change to regulations or single-use plastics on plates, bowls, trays, containers, cutlery and balloon sticks which comes into force in just a few weeks time.

The new rules outlined by the government mean that businesses will face stringent regulations regarding single-use plastics, for online and over-the-counter sales and supply, itesm from new and existing stock, and include all types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled.

Compliance with these regulations is essential, as breaches can result in fines for business owners and local authorities will be carrying out inspections.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "The ban on single use plastics is coming into force as from the 1st October, and breaches of these new regulations will result in fines for the business owners. It is therefore crucial to really understand the new regulations and start planning to use up old stock and bring in new legal products to replace the single use plastic items. All new regulation invariably mean more cost to the business, but planning ahead can mitigate the impact of this.

 
"The regulations are a measure to improve recycling and ultimate the negative impact on the environment. We should all want to do what we can, but it has to be reasonable for the business. Retailers will need to start now (if not done so already) to source replacement stock – I have seen increasing use of paper bags and re-usable nets in food shops. For delis the same rules apply, but food served at the counter can still be served in single use containers – however now might be the right time to change everything and establish stronger environmental credentials.

"The message is clear, get to know the rules, start planning and tell the customer you have made the changes. It might even be possible to turn this cost into an opportunity," he added.

Bira remains dedicated to advocating for the interests of independent retailers and helping them navigate the changing retail landscape. The association continues to work closely with its members, providing guidance and resources to aid their resilience and success.

An online pet pharmacy that was set up in response to lockdown will surpass £1 million in sales this month.

In just its second year of trading, Vetmedi.co.uk's founder Dr Charlotte Inness says the stratospheric growth is attributed to pet owners feeling the cost of living pinch. 

In a bid to avoid more costly options, they’re turning in their thousands to online pet pharmacies like VetMediUK to counteract the high cost of prescriptions.

Since launching in 2020 during the pandemic, VetMediUK has seen sales rise by over 3000%, with savings of up to 50% on conventional drugs and thousands of customers flocking to get better value on pet medication and healthcare.

Charlotte, who's based near York, says: “We created the business to bring trusted medicines to pets and their owners at a fraction of the price. 

“We want to make veterinary healthcare more affordable for customers. Since we launched, we’ve focussed on what our customers are asking for, which is a reliable, professional service and products delivered safely to their doorstep.”

VetMediUK is an online pet pharmacy, born out of Charlotte's passion for ensuring animals receive the highest quality care and medications. 

The platform offers a diverse range of veterinary medicines, supplements, and pet care essentials, all carefully curated to meet the unique needs of furry companions. 

From prescription medication to preventive treatments, horse, cat and dog owners can access VetMedi.co.uk's products by simply uploading a prescription on the site.

VetMediUK is the culmination of Charlotte’s years of dedication as a practicing vet in Yorkshire.

For more information about VetMediUK, please visit www.vetmedi.co.uk 

Henry Bell & Co is celebrating long-service work anniversaries across its Grantham-based operations. Managing Director Thomas Lee has clocked up 35 years with the Lincolnshire company, while Finance Director Carol Foster joined 54 years ago – and five team members are not far behind.

Thomas joined his father, Robert, in the family business in 1988 after completing his studies and time spent travelling. He started on the cereal seed cleaning and packing line before learning all the other production processes as he worked his way up, taking over as MD in 1995. 

Over the years, he has guided Henry Bell through a rapidly changing marketplace, ensuring that customers always receive top-quality products and exceptional service. Four years ago, Thomas introduced the company’s own brand, the Henry Bell Wild Bird Care Collection, an exciting range of bird feed and accessories supplying more than 850 garden centres. 

“I am the fourth generation of my family to run this company,” said Thomas. “It was originally bought by my great-grandfather, Rothwell Lee, in 1927 when it was a flour mill. Although it has changed considerably over the years, the one constant has been the incredible people who have worked here and the fantastic committed and dedicated team we have here today.”

Carol arrived at Henry Bell as the office junior in 1969 and became Finance Director in 1995, working closely with Thomas. She has overall responsibility for the financial side of the business reporting to Thomas as well as preparing full accounts for auditing purposes and ensuring the Company operates with the legal boundaries of Company legislation. 

Apart from a two-year gap from 1986 to 1988, when Carol left to work at a regional conference centre, her career has been spent at Henry Bell. “I absolutely love it here,” she said. “Tom and I became directors in the same year and we were the new kids on the block. Our staff are like family and there’s no job that Tom and I can’t or will not do. We don’t ask anyone to do something that we are not prepared to take on ourselves.”

Members of staff joining Tom and Carol in celebrating their many years at Henry Bell are:

• Dave Dixon, a team leader in the mixer shed who is marking his silver anniversary. “It’s a great place to work and we all know one another,” he says. “They are a fantastic bunch of people and we are trusted to get on with our jobs. We all pull together and I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that pallets are stacked well and look really good on the lorry.”
• Robbie Williams, a warehouse manager who started 21 years ago. “Henry Bell is a company that, if you are happy here, you are here for all your working life,” he said. “That really reflects the company and the hands-on management. I really like my job and the way that nothing stands still. There are orders coming in and going out every day.”
• Meganne Chambers, who has worked at Henry Bell & Co for over 20 years, as stock controller since 2008 She works in the office in a key role that supports the formulation of feed products. Duties include loading mix sheets into the manufacturing systems and making sure all stock levels are balanced and accounted for. “There is a real camaraderie here,” she said. “We really care about one another and we are definitely not just a number. We are all really excited about the Henry Bell Wild Bird Care Collection and it’s really fulfilling to see the products out on sale looking so smart and attractive.”
• Andy Allen, a line leader in the mixing shed, a position he has held for eight of the 17 years he has worked for the company. “I take care of the bird feed line and, although you might think mixers are repetitive, there’s always something different happening,” he said. “It is hard work, but I enjoy my job and, although the company has got a lot busier over the years, things have got easier, as we now have robots stacking the bags rather than us doing it.” Andy has just taken retirement and will be greatly missed by the management.
• Terry Desmond a night shift supervisor for 20 years who before that spent five years operating  the micronizers (a cooking process used for cereals and pulses). “The work and nights really agree with me,” he said. “There are four of us on this shift working with the grinder turning wheat into flour for use in pet foods. I am really happy in my role, I like the people I work with and the management.”

Thomas added: “ Introducing our own brand of wild bird feed and accessories to the company’s  existing product portfolio has been a pretty spectacular time for us. It is going really well – we have some super customers and great accounts, and it’s been growing year on year. 

“However, we are never complacent. Our whole company is focused on ensuring our customers remain happy with Henry Bell products and the service we provide, and we appreciate that it is only possible thanks to our family of staff who always go above and beyond to do their very best.”

Picture celebrating their work anniversaries are (left to right): Carol Foster, Andy Allen, Dave Dixon, Robbie Williams, Meganne Chambers, Vitalijia Juske and Thomas Lee.

A Southampton pet retailer has gone above and beyond on its food safety requirements in a bid to maintain the highest level of food hygiene for cats and dogs across the south. 

Leading pet food and accessory supermarket, Healthy Pet Store, has celebrated another milestone after its logistics and warehousing team successfully passed its HACCP training. 

HACCP refers to ‘Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points’ and it is essential for all food manufacturers, and some retailers, because it identifies, evaluates and controls potential hazards in the supply chain process. 

Managing Director of the Totton based retailer Deborah Burrows said this is a great accolade to hold in pet food retailing because it means the store can prevent, reduce or eliminate any risks associated with handling food and maintain the correct temperatures of all the produce.

Three colleagues from Healthy Pet Store’s logistics team successfully passed their HACCP training; Warehouse Supervisor, Adam Norman, and Warehouse Operatives Will Facciol and Andrew Hills. 

Deborah added: “Ensuring our logistics team is HACCP certified means we maintain the highest level of food safety and quality for our canine and feline consumers. 

“Through a number of documented steps and checks, we go above and beyond what is required in our sector and this certification is a unique demonstration of our commitment to excellence in our industry.”

Warehouse Supervisor Adam Norman said: “The HACCP checks we make on a daily, weekly and monthly basis are at the pinnacle of food retailing, nevermind pet food retailing, and this means we can ensure customers feel confident about the safety standards of our range of frozen meals.”

For more information about Healthy Pet Store visit www.healthypetstore.co.uk

Sniffers Pet Care has launched a new flagship natural dog treat brand NAW, which promises to make a big impact at PATS Telford on 1-2 October. 

National Account Manager Rachael Bancroft explains why PATS Telford will provide the perfect launchpad for this exciting treat range.

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford? 

PATS is the biggest and most attended pet market trade show in the UK. From the opportunity to generate brand visibility, to the diverse mix of visitors, it’s the perfect place for us to introduce our new natural dog treat brand, NAW, to new and existing customers.  

What makes the exhibition so special?

We genuinely find ourselves looking forward to PATS more and more each year. Besides the obvious business and brand advantages, it’s the unique networking opportunities that keep us coming back. Relationships and connections remain the most important part of our business, PATS is our chance to foster them.

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers to have a show like PATS?

PATS uniquely represents the largest and most comprehensive showcase of the UK pet market. Therein lies its importance. Every facet is represented, and everyone is putting their best foot forward. Whether a supplier, manufacturer, retailer or otherwise, PATS brings all the pieces of the jigsaw together.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

Behind the scenes we’ve been working like dogs (pun intended!) on lots of exciting new things that we’re very proud of. We’ve officially consolidated ‘Buffalo Natural Dog Treats’ and ‘Walter Smith’, into our bold new flagship natural dog treat brand: NAW (No Animal Wasted). PATS is our chance to get out of the warehouse and shout about everything we’ve been working on in front of customers, both old and new. That being said, we’ll see you at stand G44!

Will you be unveiling new products there?

With our focus being centred around NAW this year, everything feels new. However, we are shining a special spotlight on our NAW Braided Beef Head Skin, which has been entered into the new product showcase. Not only is it 100% natural and long-lasting (great for mental stimulation), but it comes in our new resealable and recyclable pouch.

As well as showcasing your product ranges will you be undertaking any other marketing activities at the show? 

Absolutely, we’ve gone all out with our exclusive weekend-long show offer – 3 for 2 on all NAW pouches, with no order limit. We’ve also got some great giveaways up for grabs, including x2 Garmin Instinct Series 2 Adventure watches, to help you take your dog walks to the next level. This year, we’ve also opted for NAW branded floor tiles throughout the venue, there’s not chance you’re missing us!

What would you say to a retailer thinking about visiting the show, and why should they head for your stand?

If you’re looking for new products, inspiration or just some good old-fashioned deals, get to PATS! If you’re looking for the highest quality and most visually striking natural dog treats for your shop, then come see us on stand G44, we can’t wait to talk you through our NAWesome new range.

Registration for free entry to the show is open for retailers and buyers at www.patshow.co.uk

Pet start-up companies are being given the chance to showcase their products in front of the largest collection of retailers and buyers at PATS Telford on Sunday, 1st October, and Monday, 2nd October 2023.

The PATS New Starter Zone, supported by trade association PetQuip with media partner PPM, is a space entirely dedicated to new businesses and start-ups. It will be located in Hall 3 at the Telford International Centre.

Four companies reveal why they are taking advantage of the PATS New Starter Zone and what they are hoping to achieve at the UK’s National Pet Industry Event.

• Marleybones
• Walker & Drake
• Bark Avenue
• Tillymint Communications

Marleybones (stand P8) – Co-founder Josephine Rode Bager

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?

As a new company in the pet industry, we see PATS Telford as an exceptional opportunity to introduce ourselves for the very first time to a targeted audience of industry professionals. We believe that participating in this event will help us establish our presence, make valuable connections, and showcase our unique products and services.

What makes the exhibition so special?

PATS is special for us as a new company because it provides an inclusive environment, where we can introduce our brand to a wide range of potential partners and customers. The event's reputation for fostering collaboration and learning about industry trends is particularly attractive to us as newcomers in the retail space.

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers, especially new ones, to have a show like PATS?

For new suppliers, trade shows like PATS are of utmost importance. They offer a centralised platform to kickstart our journey in the retail world. PATS also allows us to engage with established players, gain market insights, and lay the foundation for future partnerships, making it a fantastic stepping-stone for our growth.

Will you be unveiling new products there?

Absolutely, we’re excited to use PATS as a platform to unveil our newest product offering. As a new company, introducing innovative and unique offerings is vital to our success, and PATS offers a concentrated audience of industry experts, hopefully eager to discover new, innovative products that we’ll be bringing.

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show, especially when there are new companies exhibiting?

We believe it’s an exciting opportunity for retailers to discover new and innovative products that could set their stores apart. New companies, such as Marleybones, bring unique perspectives and offerings to the market, and being among the first to explore these options can give retailers a competitive edge in meeting customer demands and trends. Additionally, engaging with new companies can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships and early access to exciting products.

Walker & Drake (stand N14) – Sales director Tim Matthews

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?

As relative newcomers to the industry we feel that it is important for us to attend industry events and get our faces and our brand out there. We felt that PATS should be one of the main events we invested in.

What makes the exhibition so special? 

As a manufacturer based in the North of the UK, we think the location is perfect.

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers, especially new ones, to have a show like PATS?

The opportunities to network with buyers and other trade contracts from across the country shouldn’t be underestimated.  Without a show like PATS it would be difficult for industry peers to get together. It’s the best opportunity to get our brand in front of the trade.

Will you be unveiling new products there?

We will, we are excited to be showcasing our new wet dog food which is being produced in the next few weeks. It will complement our cold pressed dog food which we manufacture ourselves and is something that customers have been asking for, so we are really pleased to be able to give it to them.

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show, especially when there are new companies exhibiting?

If retailers want to stay ahead of their competition with the most innovative and exciting new products then a show like this is the simplest way for them to do that with all the potential suppliers under one roof and show offers to take advantage of.

Bark Avenue (stand N8) – Owner Jade Hartwell

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?

I have chosen to exhibit at PATS this year as I believe it gives me and my business Bark Avenue the best chance of reaching out to retailers and show them my amazing products following recommendations from other business owners. This in turn gives me the best opportunity for Bark Avenue to succeed and to enjoy meeting new people who are also in the pet industry.

What makes the exhibition so special? 

It’s a place with all the right people at the right time. There is nothing as good as showing your products in real life. Being able to show my display stands and wide range of products to buyers in the right market is a truly great opportunity. 

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers, especially new ones, to have a show like PATS?

Having run a pet business for three years, I realise the importance of having valuable relationships in the pet sector. That’s why when I decided to launch Bark Avenue, I wanted to make sure I was involved in incredible events like PATS.

Will you be unveiling new products there?

I will! I’m very excited to launch the Bark Avenue hands-free dog walking bag. I honestly can’t wait to bring this incredible product to market and there’s no better way than being involved in PATS.

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show, especially when there are new companies exhibiting?

There is so much passion when it comes to pets. Existing products get better and new people come along and design functional and brilliant items. Retailers should visit the show to source new products they can share with their customers, to not only keep up to date with what is on the market, but to expand their offering and make their stores the best available.

Tillymint Communications (stand P12) – founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes 

Alison Gallagher-Hughes has regularly attended the event over the past decade. Last year, she made the commitment to take a trade stand at the event to showcase the services of her marketing communications agency which specialises in pet industry clients.

Said Alison: “PATS draws visitors from across the industry including those that need services and expertise to help support their businesses. I decided that having a designated space to demonstrate the range of Tillymint’s services and have a place where I could meet existing clients would be a real advantage.”

The experience was a positive one – generating many business leads, some of which have turned into exciting projects.

“Over the past year, we have undertaken a number of projects: website development, product launches, brand building through public relations and the creative design of marketing collateral, which either started as a conversation at PATS, or enabled further discussion with prospective clients. Exhibiting at PATS shows our commitment to the industry. We love working with pet industry clients and being there demonstrates that we understand the sector, its various markets and can provide bespoke solutions to meet individual business needs. 

“Having the opportunity to meet and chat with business leaders from all facets of the industry in one place is enormously valuable. It can be very difficult to generate new business with a cold call or mailshot. Nothing can replicate meeting people face-to-face and having quality conversations.”

Alison first discovered PATS when one of her clients, a pet food manufacturer, returned to exhibit at the Telford show.

“I found it absolutely fascinating. To witness the range innovation, products and services showcased under one roof was a real eye opener. It helped me acquire a wider understanding of the industry, how it works at different levels and keep on top of new trends and emerging brands.”

Tillymint Communications is based in the West Midlands, making Telford an ideal location, to exhibit.

“Although we have clients across the UK, logistically it makes things much easier and more affordable to exhibit at the International Exhibition Centre which is a great venue, easy to reach, and has good parking facilities. It has become a highlight on our calendar and we are very much looking forward to this year’s show.”

To book a specific time to discuss your project with Tillymint at the show (stand P12) contact: info@tillymint.co.uk or call 07412 465462.

Registration for free entry to PATS Telford is open for retailers and buyers at www.patshow.co.uk