Beco Pets, the leading manufacturer of eco-friendly pet products, has been named as a ‘National Champion’ for the UK in Europe’s top business awards.
The company scooped the honour of being among just 54 shortlisted from among “thousands” of rival British firms who submitted entries for the highly respected and prestigious European Business Awards 2015/2016.
 Across Europe, 32,000 businesses from 33 countries applied to the awards, whose judges have previously included some of the world’s top business, economic and political leaders, such as Christine Lagarde (Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund), the former Prime Minister of Spain Jose Aznar, and the former EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
Organisers of the awards today praised Beco Pets as “a top business in Europe”, telling the company: “You are a flag bearer for your country and a case study for European business success. Companies like yours will continually raise the standard benchmark for business excellence across Europe.”
Beco Pets Co-Founders Toby Massey and George Bramble (pictured above L-R), said today they were “excited and very proud” to have been shortlisted for the finals, which are expected to take place in Milan, Italy, next summer.
Beco Pets, which exports to 43 countries worldwide, is currently enjoying the most successful chapter in its six-year history, with UK and international sales booming.
Co-Founder George Bramble (right) said today: “The quality and calibre of companies across Europe and the UK set the benchmark very high in the European Business Awards and we feel excited and very proud to have been awarded a UK National Champion status.
“Beco Pets’ ethos of producing environmentally-friendly pet products and accessories using recycled and degradable materials is winning new customers worldwide and being recognised by these awards is a great vote of confidence for us.”
Co-Founder Toby Massey, who as Design Director, leads the creative team behind Beco’s award-winning products, added: “This is a tremendous honour for us and a well-deserved reward to our hard-working UK team and all our European distributors.”
Now in its ninth year, The European Business Awards are widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies.
Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards, said: “Congratulations to Beco Pets and all the companies that have been selected to represent their country as National Champions, they play an important part in creating a stronger business community.”
Beco Pets entered three categories for the awards, the Award for Environmental and Corporate Responsibility, the Award for companies with a turnover of Euros 0-£25m, and the Import Export Award.
The next round requires National Champions to make a presentation video, telling their unique story and explaining their business success. Judges will view all of the National Champions’ videos, and award the best of this group the coveted ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ status. Ruban d’Honneur recipients will then go on to be part of the grand final in 2016.
Last year, in the 2014/15 competition, all EU member markets were represented, plus Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Their combined revenue exceeded €1.5 trillion, and together they generated profits of over 60 billion Euros and employ over 2.5 million people.
Six years after launching their company, Toby Massey and George Bramble are aiming to double its exports this year, moving into five new markets. In the US, their sales have experienced rapid growth after partnering with the world’s biggest distributor, Animal Supply.
Beco markets include Denmark, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, New Zealand, Iceland, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Portugal along with many others. Retail scalps include PETstock (Australia) Animates (NZ) Maxi Zoo (Italy), Stockmann (Finland), Woof Gang Bakery (US), Petland (Canada), Sagaflor (Germany) and Masque Pets SL t/a Kiwoko (Spain).
The company recently launched their 'Project Poop Bag' campaign (Campaign motto: 'We Love Poop!'), inviting independent pet retailers to register to become a Beco bag stockist.
As one of the UK's leading poop bag specialists, Beco Pets have sold a staggering 10 million bags to 15 countries around the world. With 8.5 million dogs in the UK, enterprising entrepreneurs Massey and Bramble seized a gap in the market for bigger, stronger and more eco-friendly poop bags.
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Ahead-of-the-game advice on offer at PATS Telford
PATS Telford has secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential. The UK’s No 1 pet trade exhibition, takes place at Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, September 27-28...
PATS Telford has secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.The UK’s No 1 pet trade exhibition, taking place at Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, September 27-28, promises to be a spectacular event with a record number of over 180 companies exhibiting their new products. And the talks by prominent industry figures, produced in association with Pedigree Wholesale, look set to keep visitors entertained and informed throughout both days of the show. The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover a wide range of topics including: retailing RAW pet foods; using social media to build a loyal customer base; your ultimate guide to independent success; getting more online visitors to your website; helping your customers’ pets get back in shape; and giving retailers something to chirp, shriek and warble about. There will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar by animal healthcare specialists Merial. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry. “One of the easiest ways to discover new ideas that could help boost your business is to attend the free seminars at PATS,” said organiser Annie Foord. “If there’s a subject that catches your eye then make a mental note of the time or write it down in your diary so you don’t miss it. “Most seminars last half-an-hour so there’s no time to become bored. In fact, because of the time limit, there’s a lot of information packed into such a short session and often it’s a good idea to take notes or write down bullet points. Usually, the speaker will take questions at the end of the talk.” As well as the free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see on the exhibitor stands packing the exhibition hall at Telford. One of the show’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which sees an increasing numbers of entries each year. Early indications suggest the trend will continue at Telford, and as a result the Showcase will have a huge presence at the exhibition. Visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers. Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. Visitors will also be able to relax and chat further with exhibitors at a free drinks reception once the show closes on Day One. Visitors are now being urged to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk. The full PATS Telford Seminar Line-Up Sunday, September 27 10.00-10.30 Your ultimate guide to independent success Julie Conway, National Membership Manager, BIRA 10.40-11.10 Shopper Marketing for Growth Opportunities Christopher Chew, Royal Canin 11.20-12.20 Why Pet Health Care is important to your business – CPD accredited Frontline Spot On team, Merial Animal Health 12.30-13.00 Using social media to build a loyal customer following Richard Rockett, Burgess Petcare 13.10-13.40 Retailing raw pet foods Craig Taylor, Natures Menu 13.50-14.20 Giving retailers something to chirp, shriek and warble about Lorron Bright, Bucktons 14.30-15.00 eCommerce: Get more online visitors, optimizing your website for Google in 2015 Nathan Stevens, Intelligent Retail 15.10-15.40 Urinary health for cats Fiona Marjoram, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Monday, September 28 10.10-10.40 eCommerce: Get more online visitors, optimizing your website for Google in 2015 Nathan Stevens, Intelligent Retail 10.50-11.20 Why Pet Health Care is important to your business – CPD accredited Frontline Spot On team, Merial Animal Health 12.00-12.30 Urinary health for cats Fiona Marjoram, Hill’s Pet Nutrition 12.40-13.10 What are customers saying about your pet business online Maximilian von Garnie, Yelp Deutschland 13.20-13.50 The vets view on raw feeding Dr Claire Miller, Natures Menu 14.00-14.30 Shopper Marketing for Growth Opportunities Christopher Chew, Royal Canin
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Interpet shows they care for people just as much as pets
Interpet Limited has been manufacturing aquatic and pet products for over half a century and remains as passionate today. And the company has proved it is equally passionate about caring for its staff by gaining an Investors in People Silver Standard...
Interpet Limited has been manufacturing aquatic and pet products for over half a century and remains as passionate today - about developing innovative and trustworthy products that make caring for creatures at home enjoyable and successful for everyone - as when the business was founded.
The company is equally passionate about caring for its staff and in 2012 signed up to ‘Working with Investors in People’. Their people management processes were benchmarked against best practice as evidenced by the Investors in People Core Standard Indicators and in August 2014 the business gained Investors in People Core Standard accreditation. Less than a year later in July 2015 everyone was absolutely delighted when the Company were awarded Investors in People Silver Standard.Investor’s in People is the UK’s leading accreditation for business improvement through people management, and provides a wealth of resources for business to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business. Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said ‘Achieving Investors in People Silver Standard is something any organisation should be truly proud of. It is a sign of a company which is very committed to good people management practice and we’d like to congratulate Interpet Limited on their achievement.’ Commenting on the Silver award, Mark Hoskins, Managing Director, said: "Not being a company to rest on its laurels we have been working hard since first achieving Investors In People Core Standard to further enhance our people management strategies and make Interpet an even greater place to work for all our colleagues.
"We were over the moon last month when, following a rigorous 2 day external assessment, it was confirmed that we had been awarded Investors in People Silver Standard. This is a fantastic achievement since currently only 6% of Investors in People UK accredited organisations have gained Silver" Interpet places great importance on team working, communication, involvement, empowerment, constructive feedback and engagement and here’s what some of Interpet’s colleagues said to the Assessor about working at Interpet. - Interpet offers me great opportunities.
- I love coming to work and enjoy what I do, there’s stimulation and opportunity, I have flexibility.
- It’s all about the team, I like that.
- Everyone is passionate about what they do and they care.
- I feel confident that we can speak up and put forward our ideas, we respect each other’s opinions.
- They give you the freedom you need to express yourself, a free hand to show individual flair, it gets recognised.
- They are trying to improve all the time and they want feedback.
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Keeping clothes and furniture clean when working around animals or keeping pets can be a real issue.
To meet this everyday challenge The Company of Animals has recently launched the Lilly Brush BE FOREVER FURLESS™, a new and innovative design of hair removal brush to eliminate pet hair from clothes, upholstery, bedding and even carpets.
A category leader in the USA, Lilly Brush is now receiving great reviews from UK pet owners since the product launched here in July. The brush has specially engineered bristles that quickly collect pet hair, household lint and even wipe away dried muddy paw prints. The clever design means the Lilly Brush is tough on pet hair but can be used on even the most delicate fabrics such as cashmere. It is both hygienic and reusable making it very cost effective compared to a lint roller. The Lilly Brush comes in two sizes. Lilly Brush large (RRP £11.99) is very robust and excellent for daily use around the house. Its durability and comfortable ergonomic handle also make it great for use in animal work environments such as groomers, kennels, vets and equine yards. Lilly Brush Mini (RRP £8.99), with its compact size and handy case, is perfect for everyday on the go, in car and travelling. For more information visit http://companyofanimals.co.uk/brands/lilly-brush
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Roy Thatcher, of Thatcher’s Pet Shop in Queen Street, Wells, Somerset, has died at the age of 91.
He worked in the shop until his retirement when his daughter Ann and son in law Rodney Miles took it over and have successfully run the business ever since.
Roy was originally from London and first moved to Somerset as a child during the Second World War when he was evacuated.
As soon as he old enough he joined the Royal Air Force, and initially shipped out to Canada for air crew training, on his return to the UK he was assigned to bomber command and flew in the famous Lancaster bombers.
At the end of war Roy moved back to west Somerset and joined the National Assistance Board, where he worked for three years before being posted to Shepton Mallet, it was then that he took up residency in Chamberlain Street in Wells.
Roy’s son Tony said: “My dad immediately fell in love with the city which became his long-term home – he hasn’t lived anywhere else since.”
Shortly after moving to Wells he took a role with a wholesale seed and corn merchants, and it was during this time his fondness of animals, especially golden retrievers, led him to establish Pets Pantry in Queen Street which he opened in 1958.
Roy continued to work for the seed merchants while the shop was in its infancy and the day to day running was left to he wife Doreen.
The shop expanded and moved across the road to its current site in Queen Street and one of the main attractions was the blue and yellow Macaw, Coco, which could be regularly seen on the pavement on his perch outside the shop.
Roy also set up a company that produced hand stitched leads, collars and bridles, the company also distributed dog biscuits throughout the South West of England.
Tony said: “My parents were great dog lovers and they could regularly seen walking across Palace Fields with their golden retrievers in all weathers.”
In 1993 Roy was awarded the Freedom of the City of London through his right of patrimony and attended the guildhall for his investiture, an honour he was very proud to obtain.
Tony added: “My dad was lucky to have lived in the heart of the city he loved in Priest Row and spent many happy hours in his garden, for which he once received a prize from Wells in Bloom.
“He remained in the cottage and was surrounded by supportive neighbours who regularly looked in on him. Only recently he moved to Fletcher House and after a short illness he passed away at the RUH on August 27. He will be sadly missed by his family.”
Roy’s funeral will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on September 7, at 2pm.
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Celebs from the world of TV, music and sport took to the pitch of Shrewsbury Town Football Club to help raise cash for vet charity PDSA.
Stars including Eastenders’ Jake Wood, Calum Best and Towie’s Dan Osborne donned blue shirts for Dog’s Town, playing against Cat City in green: Dane Bowers, James Arthur and Love Island winner Max Morley.
Eastenders’ Jacqueline Jossa joined Lee Latchford-Evans to manage her beau Dan Osborne’s team. Jacqueline even took to the pitch lines to take over from the linesman, wearing her manager’s jersey.
Cat City was victorious, beating rivals Dog’s Town by 7 penalties to 6 after the match finished 4 goals all. James Arthur almost reversed the fortunes for Dog’s Town with a penalty, 90 seconds before the full time whistle but his gallant efforts were saved by keeper Derek Redman.
Dawn Ward from The Real Housewives of Cheshire managed Cat City to victory, picking her best players to take on the penalty spot in the tense finale.
Calum Best showed that football truly is in his blood with some fancy footwork on the pitch but the goal-scoring heroes of the day were X Factor’s Jay James, who scored three goals and So Solid Crew’s MC Harvey, who also put three past the keeper.
Jake Wood, said: “I’m a huge football fan so to play at a league club for a great cause is a pretty good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.”
X Factor winner James Arthur was a huge favourite with the crowd. He said: “There is some real talent in the ranks and it was a hard-fought match. We all had a blast and the fact that we are helping to raise money for the a charity like PDSA, that helps so many people across the country, is a real honour.”
All funds raised from the football match, which was attended by over 2,100 fans, will go towards treating the 470,000 pets that PDSA helps every year through its network of 51 Pet Hospitals and 380 Pet Practices.
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A motorist tore across Teesside at up to 145mph in a hair-raising police chase - with his pet dog on his lap, a court heard this week.
Alan Richardson, 45, said he went out looking for his Tibetan terrier which had managed to wriggle out of a bay window and escape his home.
The HGV driver and mechanic got into his Audi A3 while over the alcohol limit to “widen the search” for the errant animal.
He found the runaway canine but was approached by a marked police car as two men stood by his stationary car window.
He fled at high speed at about 3am from Lanehouse Road, Thornaby on March 14.
He raced on to the A19, A174, A1085, Eston High Street and Grangetown before a police stinger finally brought him to a stop in Hemlington, Middlesbrough.
He sped in built-up areas, drove on the wrong side of the road and the wrong way around a roundabout, Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday (Wednesday).
He reached speeds of 145mph and drove on Greystone Road, known as the “mad mile”, at up to 120mph, said prosecutor Emma Atkinson.
The pursuit lasted about 20 minutes before he was caught in the driver’s seat with his dog on his lap. No one was hurt.
Richardson, of Lindisfarne Avenue, Stockton, admitted dangerous driving and drink driving.
Peter Wishlade, defending, said Richardson had psychiatric problems including depression and panic attacks.
When two people approached his car for a light, he was worried he might be “carjacked or robbed” and shot off in panic.
He said Richardson was “up the creek” and his life was in “utter turmoil” with estimated debts of £50,000.
Richardson had stopped driving and sold his share of a haulage business following an accident, then he and his partner lost a fish and chip shop business.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told Richardson: “This is as bad a piece of dangerous driving as I’ve come across.
“What you did was drive in an exceedingly dangerous fashion over a prolonged period and over a prolonged distance.
“You knew you had too much to drink. Looking for a dog is no excuse for you getting into a car in that condition.
“Very soon after the pursuit started you were aware you were being pursued by a police car, and you could and should have stopped.
“You exposed members of the public to serious risk, if not death.”
He took into account Richardson’s previous good character, hard work, loving relationship, financial and health problems.
He jailed Richardson for 14 months and banned him from driving for five years.
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A once popular pub in Gorleston, Norfolk, is to become a veterinary practice at the end of this year.
The Magdalen Arms, situated on the junction of Church Lane and Magdalen Way, has been closed for more than two years due to a decline in trade.
Since then there has been fears that the 65-year-old building would be knocked down and the site redeveloped for housing.
But Great Yarmouth District Council has now approved a change of use agreement to transform the premises into a veterinary surgery.
Leaseholder John Upson said: “We had desperately been trying to find other uses for it and at one stage it was looking like we were going to have to pull it down.
“So we put the lease on the market and along came the vets. I think it is a brilliant replacement and it means the whole of the existing building will remain how it is.”
The premises will be taken over by Norfolk-based veterinary group CVS, which owns 250 surgeries throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
It is also in ownership of five laboratories and two pet crematoriums.
Mr Upson assured nearby homeowners that the building’s Dutch architecture would not be altered. The only change would be the construction of a small extension at the back of the premises and a car park large enough for 12 vehicles.
The Magdalen Arms is the last survivor of three pubs built on the Magdalen estate. The other two, the Fastolff Arms and the Cap and Gown were both demolished and redeveloped with houses.
It was built in 1954 by Lacons Brewery and features Dutch gables, as well as the company’s falcon logo incorporated into the brickwork.
The local authority granted change of use permission back in June after receiving no objections from the community.
A council officer’s report said: “There would appear to be little prospect of the premises being brought back into use as a pub and if no alternative use is found the building will gradually deteriorate.
“This proposal would result in the building being preserved and brought back into use without causing any harm to the appearance of the building of the character of the area.
“The site has plenty of parking and is an ideal location for such a use which would not cause any noise or disturbance to neighbours.”
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Dog owners are being warned of suspicious markings which are believed to have been daubed onto homes by dognapping gangs.
The symbols have been drawn on the front of properties and are thought to represent whether small, medium or large dogs live at the address.
It is thought the clandestine signs are being used in the planning stages of dognappings so heartless thieves can return to homes at a later date.
Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators in Bristol have now revealed how pink, yellow and red crosses have been left on a number of properties in the Nailsea area of the city.
A 'cross' is thought to be used to signal a "good target", with a pink one for small dogs, yellow for medium, and red for larger breeds.
One victim from the area, who found a yellow crayon cross high on her door, said: "At first I thought it may have been children messing around but the fact it was at the top of the door made me think it had been put there by an adult.
"I remember seeing stories on social media about dog thieves marking houses to show a dog was living there, only to come back and steal it later.
"To find this on my door really worried me so I reported to to police immediately."
Police say no dog thefts have been reported in the area, but urged anyone who found the marks to wash them off immediately.
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CSJ's website hosts expert dog handling videos
CSJ, the UK supplier of pemium quality canine feed for active dogs, is giving owners the opportunity to see how experts handle their animals in five new videos hosted on its website...
CSJ, the UK supplier of pemium quality canine feed for active dogs, is giving owners the opportunity to see how experts handle their animals in five new videos hosted on its website. The experts can be seen running their dogs at http://www.csjk9.com/news/2015-pre-continental-shepherd-_p1449.html The new videos on CSJ’s website feature the 2015 Pre Continental Shepherd Trial. Containing interviews with several top competitors plus highlights on days one and two and then the finalists running their dogs over a tricky course on day three, the videos are informative, entertaining and sometimes nail-biting! One of the videos shows Aled Owen’s run with Llangwm Glesni competing for Wales and the UK in the singles qualifying trial on day one (Aled is no stranger to trials enthusiasts as he has won 2 World Championships and is a 3 times International Supreme Champion). Another is dedicated to Norwegian competitor Jo Agnar Hansen's winning run with Sisko in the Double Gather Final showing how Sisko's ability to quickly find and gather the second lot of sheep over a difficult section of the course helped to pilot the pair to victory. In line with their commitment to promoting healthy dogs and all dog sports CSJ sponsored the trial held at Hoogwoud, The Netherlands on the 10th 11th and 12th of July.
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