In This Issue
Insect-based dog food firm wins Sky funding
Pets Corner set to open worldwide flagship store
Record number of new products set to be showcased at PATS Telford
Why PATS Telford is a must-attend event for retailers
New pet superstore opened by 15-foot dragon
The National Pet College launches new website
Burns launches new Sensitive Turkey and Potato
Retailer and supplier team up for unique dog event
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Pet shop closes due to rising costs
Walker & Drake continues to drive dog nutrition market
Dog festival embraces needs of nervous dogs
The best of last edition of Pet Trade Xtra
Premium pet retailer to expand with 10 new stores
PetQuip Awards 2023 finalists revealed
Who made it on to the finalist list?
Cruelty-free pet care brand launches senior treats range
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Editorial: neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Advertising: alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk


Insect-based dog food firm wins Sky funding

Sky has announced that pet food manufacturer Grub Club is one of five winners of its award-winning Sky Zero Footprint Fund. Now in its third consecutive year, the £2 million advertising fund uses the power of TV advertising to tackle climate change by supporting campaigns that drive behaviour change for a more sustainable world.


 

Sky has announced that pet food manufacturer Grub Club is one of five winners of its award-winning Sky Zero Footprint Fund. Now in its third consecutive year, the £2 million advertising fund uses the power of TV advertising to tackle climate change by supporting campaigns that drive behaviour change for a more sustainable world.

 

The five winning brands were selected because of their pitch’s display to inspire change, with each one demonstrating sustainable values that align to Sky’s own. Sky Zero‘s pledge is to go net zero carbon by 2030 and inspire others to join the journey.

 

Last Thursday (10 August) a panel of industry experts, with credentials in advertising, creativity and sustainability, met and assessed live pitches from the shortlisted brands at the Thinkbox HQ in Holborn. Each brand was judged on the merits of their creativity (ability to capture the attention of the nation); impact (the potential to drive real, tangible behavioural change); and sustainable credibility (their authentic commitment as a business to tackle climate change).

 

Each of the winning businesses has been awarded £250,000 in media value. They will now move into ad production, ahead of a final stage of judging in December, which will see the most compelling creative securing an additional £750,000 (totalling £1 million) in media value.

 

Grub Club is a supplier of hypoallergenic insect-based dog food. Alessandro Di Trapani, co-founder & CEO, said, “We are absolutely buzzing to have made this year’s Final 5. The Sky Zero Footprint Fund gives us an incredible opportunity to tell the Grub Club story to millions of people across the UK, which will be a game-changer for us in educating pet parents about the sustainable alternatives that exist in pet food. Time to turn man’s best friend into Earth’s best friend.” 

 

This year’s judging panel included a range of new additions with Chris Baker, Co-Founder of Serious Tissues who won the Grand Prix £1 million ad spend last year; Sky Sports News Presenter and Sustainability Lead, David Garrido; Pippa Glucklich, Chief Executive Office of Electric Glue; Marketing Consultant Michelle Carvil, author of Sustainable Marketing and Co-Founder of Can Marketing Save the Planet Podcast; Creative Consultant, Rosie Arnold; Richard Shotton, Behavioural Scientist and Author of The Illusion of Choice and The Choice Factory; and Dino Myers-Lamptey, founder of The Barber Shop & Co-Chair of The Conscious Advertising Network GSD Advisory Group. 

 

The panel also saw the return of Stephen Woodford (Chair of the Advertising Association), Fiona Ball (Group Director of Bigger Picture at Sky), Sarah Jones (Director of Planning at Sky Media) Jo Fenn (Global Director of AdGreen) and Gideon Spanier (UK Editor in chief of Campaign).

 

All five winning ads will be produced using insights, tools and learnings from AdGreen. Part of the Advertising Association, AdGreen supports the ad industry shift towards net zero, eliminating the negative environmental impacts of production. Established by Sky Media, the Footprint Fund is part of the Sky Zero campaign to be net zero carbon by 2030. 

 

The five winning businesses are (alphabetically):  

  1. Grub Club (Hypoallergenic insect-based dog food) 
  2. Milliways (Plastic free, plant powered and planet friendly gum)
  3. Ocean Bottle (B Corp certified reusable bottles)
  4. OceanSaver (Ocean safe eco cleaning products) 
  5. UpCircle (Natural skincare with upcycled ingredients)
Pets Corner set to open worldwide flagship store

Pets Corner is set to open a new 'worldwide flagship store' in Ascot next month. It will be the first of 10 new outlets the company hopes to have up and running before the end of the year...


 

Pets Corner is set to open a new 'worldwide flagship store' in Ascot next month. It will be the first of 10 new outlets the company hopes to have up and running before the end of the year.

 

The store in London Road, Ascot, will open on Friday, September 8, followed by a grand opening weekend event on the Saturday and Sunday. As well as stocking an extended product range, the store will feature the Dogwood grooming salon and a Pet Practice veterinary service.

 

 

Ascot will be the 151st in the brand's portfolio and is being pitched as the retail group's first worldwide flagship store, showcasing natural products to visiting international trade buyers as well as UK customers.

 

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.

Record number of new products set to be showcased at PATS Telford

Seeing the latest pet product launches under one roof is one of the major attractions to PATS visitors, and this October’s show at the Telford International Centre is set to unveil a record number of new items.

HayPigs! won the Small Animal and Bird Product Award at PATS Telford last year. The popular brand will be exhibiting again in October.


 

Seeing the latest pet product launches under one roof is one of the major attractions to PATS visitors, and this October’s show at the Telford International Centre is set to unveil a record number of new items.

 

An impressive line-up of entries to the popular New Product Showcase is a positive sign that PATS Telford exhibitors are excited about their latest products and can’t wait to show them to visiting retailers and buyers.

 

Products entered into the Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Sunday, 1 October) to decide the winners of the New Product Awards.

 

“It’s great to see so many companies putting their new products forward,” said show director Gordon Thomas. “I would urge those exhibitors who haven’t entered the Showcase yet to make sure they do so because it’s a not-to-be missed opportunity. 

 

“Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the Showcase first. They can view all the latest items in the Showcase, and once they’ve seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”

 

There are eight categories in the New Product Showcase and exhibitors recognise that winning a New Product Award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.

 

HayPigs! won the Small Animal and Bird Product Award at PATS Telford last year with its Pig ‘n’ Mix Treats Range. Owner Rik Cridland said: “Winning a New Product Award was no mean feat – it meant the world to us to be recognised in 2022. This was a huge product launch for us, so for it to be so enthusiastically received was wonderful.”

 

Naturaw triumphed in the Dog Food Product category and the company’s Chris Broadbent commented: “Winning was a real boost for our newly launched Forage product, gaining momentum for this complete raw dog food range. For 2023 we have extended the range with new flavours and have entered them into the 2023 PATS New Product Showcase.”

 

As a first-time exhibitor Twiggy Tags won the Dog Harnesses, Leads and Dog Wear category, and director Lois Saunders admitted: “The show gave us the opportunity to really show retailers the quality of our products. To win a New Product Award was the icing on the cake.”

 

Entries to this year’s New Product Showcase have already passed the 300-mark with still six weeks to go before the show, and look set to beat last year’s record number of more than 340.

 

The Showcase is designed to help visitors to find easily the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade. There is an information card beside each product, giving details such as suggested retail price and where to find the item’s exhibitor.

 

The New Product Showcase entries will be displayed under the following eight award categories:

 

  • Cat Food and Products
  • Dog Food Products
  • Dog Treat Products
  • Dog Accessories and Toys
  • Dog Harnesses, Leads and Dog Wear
  • Small Animal and Bird Products
  • Pet Care Products
  • Grooming Products

 

With so many new products on show and more than 250 exhibitors attending PATS Telford this year, the exhibition is set to draw an equally impressive amount of visitors. 

 

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.

 

PATS Telford takes place at Telford International Centre on Sunday, 1 October, and Monday, 2 October 2023.

 

Opening times

Sunday, 1 October: 9.30am-5.00pm

Monday, 2 October: 9.30am-4.00pm

 
Why PATS Telford is a must-attend event for retailers

As excitement starts to build towards this year’s October showpiece, two regular exhibitors reveal why PATS Telford has become a must-visit event for pet retailers and buyers.


 

As excitement starts to build towards this year’s October showpiece, two regular exhibitors reveal why PATS Telford has become a must-visit event for pet retailers and buyers.

 

Simon Lane, Director of Ancol Pet Products (stand H10)

 

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?

After deciding to take a rest from exhibitions for a few years, we were lucky enough to secure an excellent location at PATS 2021. After a three-year exhibition break, we were astonished at the level of interest, the quality of the visitors and the overall positive reaction we had at PATS. It was repeated at PATS 2022, so we are very pleased with the return on our PATS investment and can’t wait for this year’s show.

 

What makes the exhibition so special?

The location is excellent. All our customers state how much they enjoy visiting Telford.

 

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

People like to buy from people. It’s very important to meet our customers in person and we like to show and explain our product range in situ, not just from a catalogue or images on a computer.

 

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

We are looking forward to engaging with old and new customers and chat to them, hopefully take orders and make plans for future business.

 

Will you be unveiling new products there?

We will be launching our new catalogue and price list along with 200+ new products.

 

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show?

If they are passionate about growing their business, there’s no better opportunity to see what’s new and interesting for sale. Being able to differentiate their offering from their competition is the best way to develop sales.

 

Antoon Murphy, Managing Director, Nova Dog Chews (stand H32)

 

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford? 

We have exhibited many times over the years at PATS Telford and have always found it to be a great chance to speak to new and existing customers in one place and showcase our range of products. It is the best opportunity to speak to the whole pet market over two days.

 

What makes the exhibition so special? 

There is always a good buzz about the exhibition. It comes at good time in the calendar year for us, in the early stages of the build up to Christmas. It is the most important event in the year for the UK pet trade.

 

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

It is very important to be able to meet and speak with customers at least once per year at a venue like this. It is a great chance to introduce new products and let customers know about what we can offer as a company. Some customers sometimes don’t realise the extent of our range until they see us at PATS Telford. Many also like to see the quality of the products in real life rather than viewing from a brochure or website.

 

What are you hoping to achieve at the show? 

We would like to introduce new products to our existing customers and showcase as much of our range as we can. Of course, we are also looking to speak to customers who don’t stock our products yet and hopefully we can encourage them to start. One of the main reasons for attending is to build long-term relationships with customers and build trust that we are the company to go to for natural premium dog snacks in the UK.

 

Will you be unveiling new products there? 

Yes, we intend to unveil some new products within our Paddock Farm natural range, including some novel proteins. We will also be adding to our very popular Luxury Pâté range.

 

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show? 

It is a great chance to see what the UK pet market has to offer and to see products in the flesh. It’s also great to catch up with customers and have a chat. We would encourage everybody to drop past our stand even if it’s just to say hello.

 

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

New pet superstore opened by 15-foot dragon

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes unveiled its Merthyr Tydfil store at the weekend. The flagship store, at Triangle Business Park Rd, Pentrebach was opened by Dreygo - a dragon with a huge 15-feet wingspan, smoke-breathing nostrils, and his Welsh Wizard owner.


See pictures of the store opening

 

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes unveiled its Merthyr Tydfil store at the weekend.

  

The flagship store, at Triangle Business Park Rd, Pentrebach was opened by Dreygo - a dragon with a huge 15-feet wingspan, smoke-breathing nostrils, and his Welsh Wizard owner.

 

Joining Dreygo was Merthyr County Borough Council – new Mayor Councillor Malcolm Colbran and regeneration cabinet member Michelle Symonds and her dog Milo who declared the store open by biting through a string of sausages.

 

The store is Jollyes’ 93rd in the UK and fourth in Wales and a flagship location for the pet retailer.

 

It has a new-look Community Pet Clinic and ‘Jolly Groomer’ - part of a £1 million investment over the next 18 months to supercharge Jollyes’ provision of vet clinics, grooming parlours, and other pet services in its UK stores.

 

Regional manager Sam Wells said: “We’ve had a warm Welsh welcome from everyone here in Merthyr.  We’d like to thank customers for coming to support the store from the moment we opened our doors and look forward to serving pet parents here in Merthyr for years to come.”

 

Gallery of pictures from the store opening below...

The National Pet College launches new website

The National Pet College (NPC), the training provider for pet professionals, has launched a new website along with a number of re-developed and new courses.


 

The National Pet College (NPC), the training provider for pet professionals, has launched a new website along with a number of re-developed and new courses.

 

The website contains short, online training courses, based particularly around animal husbandry issues, which are aimed at busy pet professionals. Many of these have been re-developed for the site launch, such as the kennel and boarding course; canine first-aid, small mammals in a retail environment and parasites and your pet. Others are under-going redevelopment currently and will be added to the site over the course of the next few weeks. Many of the courses help businesses to meet the staff training requirements of the Licensing of Activities Involving Animals Regulations 2018. 

 

One of the new courses which has been launched is the Professional Dog Walkers’ Certificate. Given the current absence of legislation in this area and the discussions around whether professional dog walking should be included in the forthcoming review of Animal Licensing Legislation, the course has been designed to cover a range of animal welfare, business related and legislation topics that will enhance what professional dog walkers already know and ensure they are running their businesses as efficiently as they can. The course includes areas such as transportation, health and safety, ethical considerations, dealing with different canine life stages and handling emergencies. 

 

Pet Industry Federation members receive a discount on all NPC courses and the codes can be found in the members’ area of the PIF website. 

 

For more information and to access the courses, visit www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk

Burns launches new Sensitive Turkey and Potato

Burns Pet Nutrition has introduced a new recipe to its sensitive range. Launching this month, Sensitive Turkey and Potato comes packed with natural and gentle goodness.


 

Burns Pet Nutrition has introduced a new recipe to its sensitive range. Launching this month, Sensitive Turkey and Potato comes packed with natural and gentle goodness.

 

Burns continues to champion a simple and wholesome diet for all dogs. The latest nutrient-packed recipe contains a handful of healthy ingredients which naturally help dogs to maintain a healthy coat, skin and digestion while being lip-smackingly tasty.

 

Using a single novel protein source, Burns Sensitive simple recipes are easily digestible and bursting with natural goodness.

 

The new dry food will be available in pet retailers across the country from today (August 17) and it will make any dog feel extra special at dinner time.

 

John Burns MBE, founder of Burns, commented: “Launching this new recipe to our sensitive range is an exciting extension to this line of food. Thousands of pet owners across the country may be unaware that their pet has specific dietary needs. With 90,000 dogs alone requiring a grain free diet it is pivotal that pet owners are made aware that it’s not unusual to both cats and dogs to suffer intolerances that are not too dissimilar to those that their human counterparts suffer with.”  

 

For further Information visit https://burnspet.co.uk/

Retailer and supplier team up for unique dog event

PetPlace joined forces with leading pet product supplier KONG to host a UK-first event for dogs and their owners. The North Wales retailer’s revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni store held exercise and games sessions...


 

PetPlace joined forces with a leading animal play company to host a UK-first event for dogs and their owners.

 

The North Wales retailer’s revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni store held exercise and games sessions in partnership with Kong Company Ltd.

 

Kong ambassador and esteemed dog behaviour specialist Diane Kasperowicz shared an insight into how dogs play, with a focus on health and wellbeing and the best ways to enhance recall, improve nose work, and sharpen cognitive abilities.

 

Paul Ratcliffe from Kong thanked PetPlace for showcasing the “power of play” and added: “We chose to partner with them because their enthusiasm and attitude towards the welfare of dogs matches our own.

 

“This was the first event of its type ever held in the UK, so for it to take place over two days at PetPlace’s Llangefni store and dog park was fantastic.

 

“We rely on the knowledge of educated retail staff to ensure Kong products meet the needs of dogs, and after all, dogs need to play, so it’s an important connection.

 

“We often come across owners who show little or no interest in play, or don’t know how best to form a bond with their pet, so these sessions gave them lots of tips and advice they can take away for the future.”

 

Diane met with owners without their dogs, then held activities and exercises with them and their pets to see what toys their canine companions preferred, encouraging interaction to ensure more fun when out on walks or in the home. 

 

PetPlace’s Business Development Manager Matt Davies thanked everyone who came along to the sessions.

 

“We have had a long and successful relationship with Kong, but this is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” he said.

 

“The feedback from our members was really positive so it’s something we will definitely look to do again in the future.”

 

Matt added: “PetPlace and Kong are known nationwide for pushing the envelope and being at the forefront of advances in the industry, and this was another example of that.”

 

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. 

 

If you were unable to attend the event, and for more information, visit the ‘Classroom’ page on the Kong website: www.kongcompany.com.

 
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Pet shop closes due to rising costs

A pet and reptile shop has announced its closure, blaming rising costs for its demise...


A pet and reptile shop has announced its closure, blaming rising costs for its demise.

 

East Midlands Pet and Reptile Supplies in Leicester told customers of its decision in an emotional social media post.

 

The statement on its Facebook page said: “Please note that due to the rising operating costs the costs of our rent, the electricity along with the rising costs of products we try to stock that East Midlands Pet and Reptile Supplies will cease trading no later than the 19th of August.

 

“No more stock will be purchased and we will spend this week selling off the remaining stock we hold. We have battled for the past 12 months to remain open to serve our local customers however we just can’t do so anymore.”

 

The pet shop opened 12 years ago and built up a strong customer base.

 
Walker & Drake continues to drive dog nutrition market

Yorkshire-based pet food manufacturer Walker & Drake, which recently invested heavily in new production facilities in Barnsley, has added to its product portfolio with a 100% Scottish Salmon Oil that is rich in Omegas 3, 6 and 9...


Yorkshire-based pet food manufacturer Walker & Drake, which recently invested heavily in new production facilities in Barnsley, has added to its product portfolio with a 100% Scottish Salmon Oil that is rich in Omegas 3, 6 and 9.

 

The new product, which is available in a handy 500ml pump dispenser, will be launched at Edition Dog Live at the end of August 2023 where visitors will be able to benefit from an exclusive launch offer ensuring their pets can quickly begin to reap the rewards associated with adding this supplement to their dog’s diet. 

 

The complete range of Walker & Drake’s products will also be on show to the trade at PATS Telford Stand N14.

 

Benefits of adding this ethically sourced and sustainable oil include:

  • Improved skin and coat quality in turn meaning less itching, flaking and shedding.
  • Reduced joint inflammation resulting in improved mobility and decreased pain.
  • A positive impact on cognitive function and brain health, particularly in seniors.
  • It promotes a healthier heart.
  • As salmon oil contains Vitamin A and DHA it promotes good eye health.
  • It is easier to digest than other proteins.

Walker & Drake recognises the many qualities of adding fish to a dog’s diet and the subsequent health benefits. Salmon Oil is the second fish- based product to be launched by them after their Cold Pressed Ocean Fish Food for All Life Stages which is available in two sizes and with a high salmon and white fish content, all ocean-caught.  There is also a variety for small breeds Ocean Fish with Rice, which has a smaller kibble size for smaller mouths. This will be available soon.

 

The Salmon Oil launch is in response to consumer demand for products that can be used to supplement the cold pressed, UK made recipes that Walker & Drake already offer.  The company prides themselves on being small enough to respond to their customers’ requests and have many other product developments in the pipeline. 

 

For further information visit: www.walkeranddrake.com

 
Dog festival embraces needs of nervous dogs

The North East Dog Festival stands out as a #DogsInYellow friendly event, aiming to embrace and accommodate the needs of dogs that may be nervous, reactive, in training, recovering from an injury, or simply need some space.


The North East Dog Festival stands out as a #DogsInYellow friendly event, aiming to embrace and accommodate the needs of dogs that may be nervous, reactive, in training, recovering from an injury, or simply need some space. 

 

One of the most exciting highlights of the North East Dog Festival, which takes place at Kirkley Hall, Newcastle, on 2-3 September, is the presence of My Anxious Dog, a company dedicated to promoting #DogsInYellow awareness. 

 

With its trade stand at the festival, My Anxious Dog brings valuable expertise and products designed to support canine well-being and comfort.

 

My Anxious Dog is the creator of the national awareness day, #dogsinyellow, celebrated annually on 20th March. This special day serves to recognise and raise awareness about the needs of dogs that might require extra space or understanding during social interactions. The presence of My Anxious Dog at the festival adds a significant touch of advocacy and care to the event.

 

Visitors to the North East Dog Festival will have the opportunity to explore a range of award-winning yellow space awareness products at My Anxious Dog's trade stand. These thoughtfully designed items, including leads, harnesses, jackets, and other accessories, play a vital role in helping dog owners communicate their dogs' need for space in a gentle and effective manner.

 

Through itsproducts and advocacy efforts, My Anxious Dog actively fosters a dog-friendly environment where all dogs can thrive. The presence of their trade stand and the #dogsinyellow awareness day together create a powerful platform to encourage responsible pet ownership and promote a more understanding and supportive dog-loving community.

 

At the heart of the North East Dog Festival lies a deep appreciation for the diverse needs of our canine friends, including those represented by #DogsInYellow. The festival's compassionate organisers, judges, and stewards are the driving force behind the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at the event.

 
The best of last edition of Pet Trade Xtra

The top-read stories from last week's Pet Trade Xtra can be seen below, if you missed them...


 
Premium pet retailer to expand with 10 new stores

Pet Family, which operates 150 stores under its Pets Corner brand, has secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support its growth nationally and internationally, and to create up to 320 jobs nationwide. The company will be using the multi-million pound funding to open 10 new stores...


 

Pet Family has 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, which operates 150 stores across London and the South East of England under its Pets Corner brand, is using the multi-million pound funding to open 10 new stores throughout England including in Chelmsford, Ascot, East Grinstead, Newbury and Colchester by the end of the year with more to follow. The funding also includes an acquisition of a small retail chain and supports a four-year capital plan to roll out more retail stores, pet spas and Veterinary centres. 

 

The funding will also fuel Pet Family’s international growth plan, with the retailer set to launch its presence in Europe by acquiring a stake in a family retailer with seven sites in Europe. Additionally, the brand plans to open stores in the USA, where it currently sells its products to the existing independent pet trade.

 

The new stores and planned acquisitions are expected to lead to up to 320 new full and part-time jobs in the UK, in addition to the 1,200 employees currently working for Pet Family. 

 

As part of the HSBC UK funding package, Pet Family will draw on a revolving credit facility to pursue further acquisitions, with plans to open up to ten further new stores every year, as well as investing in launching more of its Pet Practice veterinary clinics within its existing stores.

 

Pet Family is targeting strong, consistent growth of at least ten per cent per year over the next three years as a result of the planned expansion. 

 

Dean Richmond, owner of Pet Family, said: “The support we have received from HSBC UK over the last five years has been invaluable and we are excited to continue to grow our unique offering for pet owners who want the best products for their pet. The growth of consumers wanting better products, sourced with integrity has shown no signs of slowing down, and we look forward to expanding internationally, both across Europe and in the USA with the support of HSBC UK.”

 

Michael Wilding, HSBC's Relationship Director, commented: “HSBC UK is proud to be supporting Pet Family as it continues its impressive growth journey, bringing new jobs and opportunities across the country. Our long-term, relationship focused approach has ensured that we’ve become a trusted partner to Pet Family, and we’re pleased to be able to be a part of this exciting phase in their growth and international expansion”. 

 

Pet Family invests in and operates several pet focused service outlets and pet food makers across the UK including Pets Corner, Pet Practice and Dogwood grooming spas. Pet Family began as a single Pets Corner store in Haywards Heath in 1968, growing to become a high-end, family-owned supplier of pet food and services across the UK.

 
PetQuip Awards 2023 finalists revealed

After a record number of entries, the PetQuip trade association has revealed the list of finalists for the PetQuip Awards dinner on 1 October at Telford International Centre. Spanning 11 categories, the awards include a mix of supplier, retailer and product categories, recognising products and people from across the trade. 


 

After a record number of entries, the PetQuip trade association has revealed the list of finalists for the PetQuip Awards dinner on 1 October at Telford International Centre.

 

Spanning 11 categories, the awards include a mix of supplier, retailer and product categories, recognising products and people from across the trade. 

 

Launched this year, the New Starter Award acknowledges the many businesses who have entered the pet industry over the last three years. 

 

“The pet trade naturally attracts innovation and originality and this award recognises exciting, trend setting newcomers. The entries we have received for this category have been of extremely high quality, from businesses which have seen impressive growth so early in their business plan. Many of these entrepreneurs have come from adjacent industries and have switched from a corporate role to a kitchen table or workshop," said Susan Fairley, Trade Federation Manager for PetQuip.

 

This category mirrors the launch of the New Starter Zone at PATS Telford, which is an initiative proposed by PetQuip and supported by the trade association. The zone includes over 30 companies who are bringing fresh ideas, new trends and innovation to the market place.

 

Following preliminary judging, the entries have been shortlisted to finalists, who will be judged by an independent panel in early September. The winners will be announced at the industry awards dinner on 1 October, the first day of PATS Telford.

 

The evening will begin with a drinks reception, followed by a table service dinner and entertainment.

 

“The PetQuip Awards are always a great evening of celebration, recognition and networking for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. We are reverting to our original format of a table service dinner this year, which promises to be a lively, enjoyable evening, celebrating the best of the best!” added Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General, PetQuip.

 

Tickets for the dinner can be booked through the PetQuip website or by calling 01959 565995.

 

The PetQuip Awards are sponsored by: Group 55, Pedigree Wholesale, Whistl, Noble Futures, CIPS, James & Steel, Petface and PBW News and is organised in association with PATS Telford.

Who made it on to the finalist list?

The PetQuip Awards 2023 are being contested by an impressive list of big-name brands and start-up companies. Find out who made it to final judging...


The PetQuip Awards 2023 are being contested by an impressive list of big-name brands and start-up companies.

The Ark, Devon, won UK Retailer of the Year in 2022. Who will pick up this year's prestigious award?

 

Business Service of the Year 

Antantics

DryDogs

Extremus Dog Training

Henry & Co

Pedigree Wholesale

Pet Trust UK

Puppy Tales

Slapton Holiday Cottage

Whitebeam Wood

 

Celebrating Green and Organic

Antantics

Benyfit Natural

Blue Pet Co (Vital)

Denzels

Di Filippo Legmani

Dogs 4 Wildlife

Dorwest Herbs

D-Style Ltd (Kompact9)

Eddgy

Furr Boost

HayPigs!

Inter-Zoo Pet Products

Mr Bug

Naturaw

Nilaqua Pets

Petface

Poocher

Simply2

The Soap Story (Vital)

Verm-X

Vitalin

Walker & Drake

Westland Horticulture

 

The Theresa Swann Exporter of the Year Award

Hownd

Macahl Animal Health

Mutney's

 

New Starter Award

Aloise & Co Ltd

Antantics

Bark Avenue 

Blue Pet Co (Vital)

Buddycare

DryDogs

D-Style Ltd (Kompact9)

Eddgy

Furr Boost

Gizzls

Hundhaus

Hugo and Ted

Oh So Precious 

PawDaw of London 

Pawer Water

Pet Trust UK

Petto Smart Nutrition (Vital)

Poocher

Poorly Paws

Simon's Kitchen Raw Food

The British Glass Lady

The Buffalo Co (Vital)

Tippaws 

Trinkety Paws

Walker & Drake

 

Product of the Year - Accessories/Technical

Aloise & Co Ltd

Bark Avenue 

Cocopup London

Company of Animals

DogSpace

D-Style Ltd (Kompact9)

Eddgy

No Fuss Fill (3 products)

PawDaw of London 

Paws in Earnest

Pedigree Wholesale (7 products)

Pets Choice

Pets Love Scruffs

Poocher

Red Dingo (3 products)

The British Glass Lady

The Dog-G8 Co

Trinkety Paws

Twiggy Tags

Yellow Dog UK

 

Product of the Year – Food/Treats

BasicBxtch 

Benyfit Natural

Blue Pet Co (Vital)

Burns Pet Nutrition 

Butchers Pet Care 

Denzels

Eden Holistic Pet Foods

Forthglade 

Furr Boost

HayPigs!

Hownd

Kennelpak (2 products)

Macahl Animal Health (2 products)

Mackle Pet Foods 

McAdams Pet Foods (2 products)

Mealberry

Naturaw

Nutriment 

Percuro Pet Food

Pedigree Wholesale (9 products)

Petto Smart Nutrition (Vital)

Sabre Pet Food Wholesale (2 products)

Snif-Snax 4 products

The Buffalo Co (Vital)

Walker & Drake

Whitebridge Pet Brands

Wilsons Pet Food (4 products)

 

Product of the Year – Healthcare/Animal Grooming

Buddycare

Company of Animals

Dorwest Herbs

Gizzls

Henry & Co

MSD Animal Health

Pedigree Wholesale (2 products)

Peregrine Live Foods

Pets Choice

Poorly Paws

ProTrainings Europe (2 products)

The Soap Story (Vital)

Watermans

 

Supplier of the Year

Benyfit Natural

Brambles

Burgess Pet Care

Butchers Pet Care 

ChickenGuard 

Furr Boost

GHS Direct Ltd

Harvest Pet Products Ltd

Mutney's

Naturaw

Pedigree Wholesale

Pet Trade Innovations

PowAir

The Dog-G8 Co

Walker & Drake

We.pet

 

UK Retailer of the Year

Cocopup London

Discount Feeds

Henry & Co

 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

To be announced on the night

 
Cruelty-free pet care brand launches senior treats range

HOWND, a leading brand of cruelty-free certified plant-based products for dogs, has announced the launch of its latest innovation – soft-baked functional Wellness Treats designed for optimal health...


HOWND, a leading brand of cruelty-free certified plant-based products for dogs, has announced the launch of its latest innovation – soft-baked functional Wellness Treats designed for optimal health.

 

With a focus on promoting overall wellbeing, HOWND presents an on-brand recyclable pouch range of five flavours that provide targeted benefits for dogs of all life stages. 

 

HOWND is committed to innovating natural cruelty-free certified products for dogs, with the new treats priced at RRP £2.95 to appeal to both grocery and independents. HOWND Wellness treats are accredited by the Vegetarian (Vegan) Society, PETA Not Tested on Animals, and the Ethical Company Organisation.

 

“We are committed to the well-being of all animals. Our new range of wellness treats reflects our dedication to providing dogs with the highest quality products that address their specific needs,” says HOWND co-founder and product director Jo Amit. 

 

“We believe that by combining natural ingredients with irresistible flavours, we can enhance the overall health and happiness of dogs everywhere.”

 

The vegan trend is gaining momentum more than ever and plant based treats are the natural introduction to both vegan and vegetarian dog food. The brand has sourced an innovative vegan alternative to commercially produced Chondoritin for joint support, and will be the first to include the Phytodroitin supplement in its treat range.

 

HOWND Wellness treats for dogs are hand-baked in biomass wood-fired ovens. They are nutrition-packed, 100% plant based and hypoallergenic to suit sensitive tummies. They come in five functional flavours: Golden Oldies with Phytodroitin, Glucosamine and Sunflower Hearts for joint mobility, Got an Itch? with Shiitake Mushrooms and Turmeric for healthy skin & coat; Yup You Stink! with Mint, Parsley and Lovage herbs to tackle smelly breath, Keep Calm with Camomile, Lavender and Valerian Root for stress relief; and Playful Pup with fresh Bananas and Marine Algae for growing pups and small breeds.

 

Hownd has been selected as a 2023 Petquip award finalist for the new treats, as well as for the Theresa Swann Exporter of the Year Award. HOWND will be showcasing its tasty new Wellness Treats along with the rest of the brand’s product ranges at PATS Telford on 1-2 October 2023, Stand F78.