Billy + Margot Ltd has acquired the UK business Benyfit Natural Pet Food Limited from its shareholders and founders, Ben Van Praagh and Greg Van Praagh.

Billy + Margot is part of the international pet food group that trades as Real Pet Food Company in all markets outside of the UK. In addition to its UK business, the RPFC Group has operations in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and China.

Benyfit Natural is a UK based producer and distributor of optimum natural nutrition for dogs. Started in 2015, it has gained traction in the market, particularly after successfully insourcing manufacture of its range of high quality frozen meals earlier in 2018.

Benyfit Natural currently employs a team of more than 10 people who will join forces with the existing Billy + Margot team.

The combined business will be led by Greg Van Praagh who will take on overall responsibility for the management and growth of the UK market as well as help support the Group with its expansion into the frozen category in other markets. Helen Ellwood will continue to be the lead for the commercial function.

David Grant, CEO for the RPFC Group, said the acquisition represents an important step in the Group’s strategy to continue to grow internationally, with a strong and strategically aligned brand in the frozen segment that aligns to the Group’s category and portfolio strategy.

Mr Grant pointed out that the RPFC Group is the global market leader in Chilled & Fresh Pet Food.

“This move will strengthen our position in the pet care market globally,” he said. “Importantly, it allows us to continue to focus on natural and fresh ranges that are becoming increasingly important to our consumers."

The RPFC Group was acquired by a group of Asia Pacific leading investors in November 2017. The partner group is led by Hosen Capital, a leading private equity firm based in Beijing, together with China’s largest private agribusiness enterprise New Hope Group, and Singapore investment company, Temasek.

The acquisition took effect from 1 November 2018.

Loving Pets, named in an international ‘fastest growing’ company list, has seen its foray in Australia take off in a spectacular way.

Since its launch in June, Loving Pets Australia has already picked up many new customers across the continent and received outstanding feedback at the Australian trade show “AusPet”.

Malcolm Hall, Managing Director of Australia, said: “We’re very excited to be part of such an innovative, expanding, award winning global organisation. We see a massive opportunity to grow this brand across Australia & Asia.”

Loving Pets was named in the renowned The INC 5000 ‘Fastest Growing Company’ list.

Pictured, from left to right: Malcolm Hall (Managing Director/Owner Australia), George Patience (Managing Director/Owner Australia), Eric Abbey (CEO & Founder Loving Pets), Shane Layton (Vice president & Owner Loving Pets), Jonathon Moyce (Managing Director/Owner Loving Pets Europe).

The UK’s largest independent producer of dry pet food is concerned that the health of the nation’s pets could be at risk in the event of a hard Brexit.

“There are some 15 million pet cats and dogs in the UK. Naturally their owners want to ensure that they are able to purchase their favourite products without major interruption from supply side issues,” said Richard Page, managing director of Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the company behind the well-known Wagg and Harringtons brands. 

“This is not a comment on the pros and cons of Brexit itself, but we are concerned that in the event of a hard or no deal Brexit, minimal planning has been done to deal with the congestion which is likely to occur at UK ports.  This could cause significant disruption to our supply chains and damage an industry which is valued at about £3 billion.”

Currently IPN sources some 85% of its raw materials from within the UK including wheat from the Vale of York and packaging from Somerset.  However, raw materials such as maize currently come from France where growers can guarantee to supply the huge volumes required, whilst other raw materials – such as turkey proteins - are not manufactured in the UK in sufficient volumes and have to be sourced from mainland Europe.

“People are focussed on how goods from Europe could be affected at the ports, ignoring the fact these goods will also be joining an import queue of other materials from around the world,” he added.   “Like many businesses, we operate a just in time production schedule with raw materials such as maize only delivered 2-3 days before it is required.  This enables us to achieve production efficiencies and product quality which would be at risk if we were to face supply chain disruption.”

While a recent Institute of Directors survey of UK business leaders showed that nearly 50% were not intending to do any planning for Brexit, IPN has a six-strong team which meets weekly as part of its determination to ensure the business is fully prepared for whatever Brexit agreement finally emerges.

IPN is focussed on mitigating post-Brexit risks and has gone through its full supply chain, analysing the countries of origin for all its raw materials.  Part of IPN’s strategy will be to treble stock of finished products and increase stock of ‘at risk’ raw materials.  It is hoped this will provide a good buffer for customers, should disruption at ports become a reality.  As a further safeguard, and to ensure these stock levels can be reached, IPN has also obtained additional warehouse space.

Despite the likely challenges which will be posed by a hard Brexit, Richard Page feels the business is as well-placed as it can practically be.  “Whether the product is a baked treat, extruded dry pet food or a wet dog product sold in trays, we can make it at our three factories where we have invested some £60 million over the past 14 years,” he added.  “We are currently working on sourcing an even higher percentage of our raw materials from within the UK and, as an independent, family run business we can respond very quickly to market opportunities.”   

Michael Bellingham, CEO of the PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) commented: “Market access with frictionless borders is vital to our members as some 80% of them currently export to the EU and 50% import raw materials or finished goods.   A large number of our members are planning seriously and we are working closely with them. We share their real concerns, however, that all the planning in the world will amount to nothing if ports gum up and owners find they cannot get hold of the products their pets prefer."

Pets at Home has appointed a new chief operating officer of retail.

David Robinson joins the Handforth-headquartered company with a wealth of experience in the retail industry, including spending the past two years as managing director of Bestway Retail.

He also spent 15 years at Home Retail Group, most recently as chief operating officer for Argos, where he ran day-to-day operations and played a key role in the digital transformation of the business.

At Pets at Home, Robinson will report to chief executive Peter Pritchard who said: "Following Robert Kent's appointment as chief data officer only a few weeks ago, we are making another strategically important and senior level appointment who will be critical to achieving our goal of becoming the world's best pet care business.

"David has proven strength in running operations across a diverse group of retailers and his experience leading the digital transformation at Argos will be hugely valuable in our pursuit to make Pets at Home an increasingly digitally-led business."

Robinson added: "Pets at Home is a much-loved brand and industry leader, which is uniquely positioned to deliver the full range of pet care to owners across the UK.

"I'm very excited to be joining the team at a time when the business is moving towards a more integrated, digitally lead approach, where I can help deliver on its ambitions to be the world's number one pet care business.”

Meanwhile, Jane Balmain has rejoined the Pets at Home vet business after previously establishing the joint venture Companion Care in-store vet model in 2001 and then growing the business before retiring in 2014. Also reporting to Pritchard, she will remain with the company for next twelve months whilst also helping Pets at Home to find a permanent leader for the vet group. Pritchard will continue to manage the vet group's specialist referral business.

Pritchard added: “Jane was responsible for establishing the in-store Companion Care joint venture model and growing the business successfully and sustainably through her tenure. Jane is well known by many of our joint venture partners and vet group colleagues, and we look forward to benefiting from her expertise and support over the coming months."

Jane Balmain commented: “I’m both pleased and proud to have been asked to return to the Vet Group as Interim CEO of First Opinion business. This was an easy decision for me, not only do I believe it’s an amazing business, but it’s also one that I am hugely passionate about. I’m looking forward to meeting our Joint Venture Partners and the team at the Support Office, and seeing some familiar faces once again. Over the next twelve months I will be focusing my time on listening to Partners and colleagues in the business, improving our service levels to practices and making the changes necessary to grow the business successfully and sustainably.”

Wilsons Pet Food, a Perthshire-based pet food company that can trace its heritage back well over a hundred years, has just launched a range of exciting cold press recipes for dogs. The company has also announced plans today to invest in the growing raw food sector of the market by building a plant to manufacture the recipes so that they can take advantage of the increasing popularity in high meat content premium pet food diets and the growing trend to feed raw.

Wilsons Pet Food, which is now owned by Craig Wallace and his family, can trace its origins right back to the time of the Crimean War.

Fed up of toiling in a seed crushing mill and going out and selling animal feed from the back of his horse and cart, John Wilson, the original owner of the business, managed to set up his own feed mill in Dundee in the 1880s. He was able to introduce labour saving machinery from the United States and the advent of electricity in the 19th century led to the increased productivity of the mill.

During World War Two the mill was taken over by the Ministry of Food producing animal feeds for the war effort. In the 1980s the business moved to state-of the-art facilities in Dundee to concentrate fully on the working dog feed market which Wilsons Pet Food still specialises in to this day.

As well as working dog foods, the company produces an expanded range of products to cater for an ever-demanding consumer and continues to innovate within the pet food sector. They source only the best quality ingredients and produce top quality, appetising foods which help to maintain the health and vitality of any dog.

“It was a philosophy actively embraced by John Wilson, and we are proud to continue that long tradition” says Craig Wallace.

Craig himself has a strong background in manufacturing having spent the last decade working in the food industry from both the manufacturing and consultancy side of the business.

When he bought Wilsons Pet Food he was looking for a business that he could call his own and having seen what he saw as the poor quality of dog food being sold in the market, he believed that there was a better way and felt fortunate when Wilsons came up for sale and that he could take over an established brand.

Craig has been brought up around dogs all his life owning a Springer Spaniel when he was younger and now being the proud owner of a Dogue de Bordeuax. He has made it his mission to produce some of the best pet food on the market and to make Wilsons Pet Food one of the best premium food manufacturing companies in the UK.

With the only purpose built factory in the UK to produce cold press food, Wilsons are hoping to expand their customer base even further. They want to establish the Wilsons brand even more in the pet food market as well as maintaining their presence in their more traditional markets of working dog and agriculture.

Craig says,

“Our cold press food has been designed from the scientific data to have the correct level of protein as well as the right balance of fat to protein. Our range was developed with the help of pet nutritionists Milka and Damir Tesla who organise the Nordic Pet Food Conference and are experts in the field of cold press pet food.”

Cold Press Dog Food is a dry dog food which is pressed at a lower temperature of 55 - 65°C compared to ‘kibbled’ dry dog food which is extruded at a temperature of approximately 145°C.

High temperatures result in the denaturing of proteins and complexing of starches (sugars) reducing digestibility and thus absorption within the gut. Cold pressing minimises the impact of temperature damage and produces a food with greater digestibility and superior nutritional value.

The lower temperatures used with Cold Press Technology allow a greater range of beneficial raw materials to be added, including fragile herbs which have significant health benefits for dogs and are sources of essential vitamins and antioxidants. These cannot be used effectively in traditional extruded ‘kibble’ as they would be almost entirely destroyed in the high temperature process.

The natural pressing and blending of materials create a high density, high nutrient, high digestibility product that breaks down naturally and quickly in the digestion process; releasing all the value and goodness as it does so. Whereas, traditional kibble can remain intact and partially digested for hours.

“The Cold Press process itself brings a number of benefits” says Craig, “however, at Wilsons we are mindful that a well-rounded product needs good quality ingredients and a well-balanced, nutritional recipe. We have worked with the top nutritionists specialising in Cold Press products, who have, based on scientific studies, created a complete dog food with all 6 of the major nutrient groups:  Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat, Vitamins, Minerals and Water.

“Achieving a good balance of vitamins and minerals is important and we have ensured that our product adheres to the “golden ratio” for 1 part Phosphorous to 2 parts Calcium to aid bone development.

“The Cold Press technique has also allowed us to incorporate super foods which provide additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including:  Seaweed, Ginger, Turmeric, Thyme, Cranberry, Dandelion Root and Merry Gold Yellow .

“Starch is an essential part of a balanced diet. The domestic dog has evolved/adapted to a starch rich diet but is only able to digest cooked starch. We pre-cook all our starch (particularly peas) to break down the cell walls and aid digestion.

“An important trend in today’s market is the prevalence of “Grain Free” foods, with key emphasis on the removal of Wheat Gluten from products. We have designed two of products to be completely grain free with our other product using a low allergenicity gluten source, rice.

“Our recipes have been designed with a limited ingredient ethos with single source protein. It was essential for us to keep the product as natural as possible and so we have prioritised achieving nutritional balance through ingredients. Wherever possible we use all UK ingredients. We have had to source the best rice from abroad but even our seaweed is sourced from UK coastal waters; supporting UK industry and minimising the carbon foot-print of our product. Not having to import product is a cost saving for us also, which we can pass on to the customers.”

The Wilsons cold press food is currently available in three varieties, Mountain Stream which is Scottish Salmon and Sweet Potato, Secret Pasture which is British Lamb and Brown Rice and Sunrise Song which is Chicken and Vegetables. The recipes can be purchased in 2.5 and 10 kg bags.

Wilsons currently has a factory being commissioned in Blairgowrie, after removing their small pilot line,  which will be purpose built for the cold press manufacturing process and the project is being supported by the Scottish Government. The second unit Wilsons are getting is for raw frozen food and has been built by the Perth Council. This unit has its own solar farm.

Wilsons are currently being stocked by Vital Pet Food, Broomhall Wholesalers, Harbo, Pets at Home and Tarff Valley to name but a few. They are looking to expand their stockists further south and work with retailers who specialise in stocking premium and raw food diets, especially independent and grouped pet stores.

For further information on Wilsons Pets Foods visit: www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk. If you are interested in becoming a stockist visit: www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk/become-a-stockist/ or Tel: 01250 798298 email info@wilsonspetfood.co.uk

British organic skincare brand ila-spa has announced the launch of a pet range called ilapet. Described as ‘the perfect remedies for peaceful pooches’, the new collection includes three products for dogs – Peaceful Pooches, Shampoo and Paw Wash, and Doggy Mist.

Peaceful Pooches

ilapet’s Peaceful Pooches rescue remedy may be used to calm and relax dogs of all ages in moments of anxiety, separation and restlessness. Place two to three drops on the dog’s tongue or add to their water bowl. Key ingredients include pulsatilla which allays fear and provides protection; gelsemium which soothes; and passiflora which calms frayed nerves and lowers stress levels.

Priced at £14.95

Shampoo and Paw Wash

ilapet’s Shampoo and Paw Wash is an all-breed shampoo containing natural oils to keep coats clean and free of tangles. The plant-derived formula and calming essential oil blend help promote a glossy and hydrated coat. Key ingredients include quillaja which is an ancient natural cleanser; rose geranium for flea, tick and insect repellent; and lavender which has natural soothing and calming proprieties. Priced at £19.95

Doggy Mist

ilapet’s Doggy Mist is a meditative calming spray that relaxes and provides a sweet smelling natural aroma for dogs. The non-irritant formula absorbs quickly, leaving no marks or greasiness on the fur or skin, allowing the doggy mist to be safe for even the most sensitive skin. The odour-fighting mist is suitable for all breeds and coat types, including puppies. Key ingredients include rose hydrolat which soothes itchy and irritated skin; palo santo to reduce stress and anxiety; and rose geranium for flea, tick and insect repellent.

Priced at £19.99

The ilapet collection has been tested widely on ila-spa’s dogs, including founder Denise Leicester’s, own pup Tashi. The ilapet range only contains ingredients certified as cruelty free and each product is free of parabens, petroleum derivatives, propylene glycol, sulphate and DEA.

Denise said: “Anxiety separation and loud noises have always distressed my dogs and I could never find any homeopathic remedies to help them. ilapet will not only calm and relax four-legged companions, but the products will also create a wonderful aroma that works with their natural odour.”

The ilapet collection is available from today (November 1).For more details visit ila-spa.com

The latest ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event, organised by the PetQuip and Gardenex associations, is due to take place on 8 November 2018 at the associations’ head office in Brasted, Kent. Key pet product buyers from The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland and a garden product buyer from Belgium will be seeking to source a wide variety of UK products during one-to-one meetings with British suppliers.

In view of the imminent date, suppliers wishing to be involved in the meetings should make immediate contact with Katie-Mai Smith of PetQuip and Gardenex on katie-mai@petquip.com or telephone 01959 565995.

The meeting is the latest in a series of highly successful ‘Meet the International Buyers’ events that have resulted in major export contracts being won by UK firms over many years.

The buyers in attendance on 8 November are:

Altranet, The Netherlands.  The company is looking to represent and/or partner with UK suppliers who are seeking to do business in Benelux and mainland Europe.  Altranet is a Dutch importer/distributor of innovative, unique brands of functional products for dogs, focusing on items that make it easier to own, train and enjoy having a dog.  The company supplies independent pet shops, pet chains such as Faunaland, Discus, Dobey, Dierallin, Pet’s Place and Jumpers, in addition to dog trainers and groomers.  Products currently handled include cooling mats and collars, bike brackets for dog walking, sonic/ultrasonic bark control devices and feeders with timers.

Comercial Dimac SA, Spain.  The company is an importer/distributor/wholesaler and looking to expand its range of products for all types of pets.  The company supplies independent pet shops and pet chains and also has a cash & carry store in Barcelona.  The company offers foods and a broad range of accessories for dogs and cats, along with products for small mammals, reptiles, fish and caged birds.  The company’s broad range means that it able to be sole supplier for independent pet shops.

Meiko Heimtierbedarf AG, Switzerland.   This Swiss pet retailer operates 10 stores plus a web-shop, and is looking to add quality products for dogs and cats to its range.  The company offers a range of over 8,000 items for dogs, cats and their owners.  In addition to pet owners, customers include professionals such as pet clubs and breeders, along with army and police emergency medical services.  Seven of the company’s stores include grooming parlours and vet practices.

The garden product buyer is from Floralux, Belgium.  Floralux has a huge garden centre in Dadizele with an annual turnover of around €45 million and has a new second garden centre located in Ham.  

During the ‘Meet the International Buyers’ meetings, the buyer will be looking for all types of practical gardening equipment and accessories, water systems, propagation equipment, greenhouses and accessories, fertilisers, garden fencing and children’s garden products.  

Other products of interest include outdoor leisure items such as furniture, umbrellas and barbecues, along with outdoor and indoor decoration ranging from garden statues to candles and Christmas decorations.  Food and accessories for dogs, cats, rodents, chickens and pond fish will also be on the shopping list.  Floralux also owns Tuinadvies, the Belgian mail-order business, and Florink Nederland BV, a central buying operation for plants and flowers.

For further information on PetQuip or Gardenex, the trade associations that works on behalf of British companies to help them increase sales worldwide, contact telephone +44 (0) 1959 565 995or email: info@petquip.com or info@gardenex.com

The annual British Dog Grooming Championship, sponsored by Bestpets, took place on Sunday (Octobe 28)r at the Warwickshire Event Centre. The event was organised by the British Dog Groomers’ Association (BDGA), the UK’s leading trade association for dog groomers.

Linda Barker, of Barkers, Bletchingley, Surrey, was crowned as Groomer of the Year 2018, as well as being the Advanced and Experienced Group winner. Linda’s outstanding grooms on a Handstrip Schnauzer and scissored Standard Poodle saw off competition from dozens of other talented groomers.

Beth Kranz was named Newcomer of the Year.

Alongside the competition, over 50 trade stands were in attendance, kept busy by the hundreds visiting the show; and the seminars and demonstrations, sponsored by Christies Direct, left people in no doubt that groomers love to learn and improve their skills.

Other highlights included the BDGA’s tombola which raised over £400 for the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Animal Cancer Trust. The members’ area, a VIP section exclusively for BDGA members and sponsored by insurance brokers, Jelf, was also well attended throughout the day.

The full list of winners can be found on the Pet Industry Federation website at www.petfederation.co.uk.  

Official photographs from the event will be available at www.groomersgallery.com

The date for the 2019 British Dog Grooming Championship is Sunda, October 27.

Leading fish-based treats company WOOFS has launched an attractive range of cookie jars to take advantage of the Christmas market.

These crafted kilner jars are designed to keep WOOFS treats nice and fresh. Perfect for storing WOOFS Cod Cookies, Cod Fingers, Cod Cubes, Cod Crunchies and Granola in, they make an affordable and attractive gift for any dog owner. Prices start from £13.25  RRP including treats.

WOOFS is one of the only few UK pet food companies to hold the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certificate, which means that all the fish that goes into the manufacture of the treats is from fully traceable and sustainable sources and that the WOOFS’ fishery has been independently assessed on its specific impacts to wild fish populations and the ecosystems surrounding the areas where the fish are caught. The treats are packed full of Omega 3 and have many health benefits for dogs.

In addition, WOOFS accesses all of the raw material used in its manufacturing bases, ensuring that the best quality fish is utilised in all of its current and future products.

The company wants to bring top quality fish products to the attention of the discerning dog owners. Fish has all the natural ingredients/properties to enhance a dog’s health.

WOOFS’ Cod Fish Fingers and Cod Cubes are made from 100% cod skins. Packed full of  Omega 3, an essential fatty acid that must be supplied in the diet because it cannot be created by the body, these tasty treats help support healthy vision, joint mobility and can help heal sore, flaky, damaged or itchy skin.

The brittle nature and rough texture of the fish skin, is also great for reducing tartar and plaque, which creates healthier teeth, gums and a fresher breath.

Fish is a great, easily digestible protein source for dogs and is ideal as a snack for overweight dogs who are trying to lose weight or dogs with allergies or intolerances. It also makes an excellent dog training treat so it is ideal for use in the show or agility ring and can also be used to train gun and working dog breeds.

Other products in the range include Cod Cookies which are made from 85% cod and 15% potato as well as Dried Sprats  which like all the other products in the Woofs range are 100% natural and Hypoallergenic. WOOFS’ products are great for dog owners who feed raw as they are a perfect complement to the diet.

The  WOOFS’ range is perfect for retailers to stock. It fully complements the raw food diet as the treats are 100% natural and low in fat. They can also be used as a topper, to enhance the nutritional quality of cheaper diets, as in the new Granola product that has just been launched, which can be sprinkled on top of wet, raw and dry diets.

The WOOFS’ range has been veterinary approved, and the firm works alongside vet Imogen Moore, who acts as an additional adviser to their customers. She has appeared on Channel 4 with Alan Davies. Imogen is currently working as a Veterinary surgeon at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital.

If you are interested in becoming a stockist fill in the form at: www.woofs.co.uk/pages/stockists or email Steve Nile at s.nile@woofs.co.uk

The new Beaphar CatComfort Calming Range helps cat owners to provide a calm, stress-free home atmosphere for their pets.

Using pheromones, which are clinically proven to promote feelings of reassurance and prevent unwanted behaviour in cats, the Beaphar CatComfort Calming Range provides your customers with simple, easy-to-use products, which offer a long-term solution to reducing cats’ stress and preventing unwanted behaviour around the home and while travelling.

Pheromones are the invisible markers left by cats to mark an area as a safe, comfortable space, and are often associated with feelings of reassurance and happiness. Cats leave these pheromone markers by rubbing up against objects or people, which creates a positive connection between the cat and the object, space or person.

When a cat feels comfortable and reassured, they are less likely to exhibit problem behaviour, such as scratching or spraying. By using a synthetic replica of these pheromones in the Beaphar CatComfort Calming Range, it gives cats an indication that the area is a ‘safe-space’, helping them feel more comfortable and settled, and reducing problem behaviour.

The range includes the Beaphar CatComfort Calming Diffuser – Starter Kit, an easy-to-use plug in diffuser which promotes feelings of reassurance and prevents unwanted behaviour for up to 30 days.

The handy Beaphar CatComfort 30 Day Refill is also available, meaning your customers can use this product all year-round, and guaranteeing repeat sales.

Also available is Beaphar CatComfort Calming Spray, which is ideal for use around the home and while travelling. Long journeys, and visits to the vets or catteries can be a stressful experience for cats, so spraying the inside of cat carriers 15 minutes before the journey will help your cat feel less anxious.

To support the products in-store and encourage customers to lift them off the shelves, Beaphar has created eye-catching point-of-sale items, including an informative consumer leaflet, A4 and A3 posters, wobblers and a striking counter display unit.

Alongside this, the company has also produced digital assets which can be used across social media and your own website. Simply log in to our Trade Zone, and download them from the Media and Marketing Tab.

For more information about the new Beaphar CatComfort Range, contact your local Sales Executive or call the Customer Service Team on 0333 0066236 or email info@uk.beaphar.com.

Natures Vets opened its new, fully renovated branch at the Radstock Retail Centre, Somerset, this week.

The company's main branch in Paulton, Bristol, is known for providing high-quality, affordable care to pets from all around the area, and the same standard of care will be provided by the new Radstock premises.

The new branch has been specially renovated to accommodate all pets and their needs. It boasts a cat-only waiting area, and other facilities include:

• Two vet consult rooms
• A dedicated nurse consult room
• A state-of-the-art dental suite
• Operating theatre
• Digital X-ray
• Separate inpatient wards for dogs and cats

Natures Vet was one of the founding veterinary practices of Independent Vetcare back in 2011.

"It’s a very exciting time," says Clinical Director Dr David Tweedle. "I am tremendously honoured that Independent Vetcare have allowed us to invest in the future of Natures Vet by helping us set up this new practice.

"The support we received from IVC throughout the entire process has been impeccable and knowing that we have experts in the field of finance, building project management and marketing to help us has made the whole experience far less stressful than it potentially could have been.

"We are so excited to have these new facilities to work in – it makes the opportunities for the business to grow and adapt seem limitless."

The team at HOWND, the ethical pet care brand for happy hounds, has put together a selection of stocking fillers and gift ideas for the holiday season for dog lovers and owners.

HOWND's Hmep Wellness Treats

HOWND's award winning cookie-shaped 100% natural Wellness Treats are made in the UK from ethically sourced local ingredients and packed full of goodness so that they not only taste delicious but will do your dog good too. Hemp Wellness Treats are, hypoallergenic, gluten free, grain free, human grade and vegetarian and there are five flavours to choose - inspired by our original best-selling grooming range.

HOWND's Skin, Nose and Paw Balm

Hemp by HOWND, Skin, Nose and Paw balm, with added sun protection. Little pots of natural, protective, goodness, made with ethically sourced, 100% vegan ingredients, these balms with added SPF will help protect, soothe and nourish your pooch's snout, nose, paws and any exposed skin during the cold months ahead. Playful Pup is a specially formulated version just for pups (from 12 weeks).

Slick some of this unscented, fast-absorbing balm on your pooches' paws before heading out on cold days to provide a protective barrier that will keep out grit and salt on paths and pavements. HOWND Skin, Nose & Paw Balm is designed to help prevent scratches and cuts from the ice and grit that can damage a dog's soft paw pads in the cold weather, and are great for humans chapped lips too.

HOWND's Yup You Stink Emergency Wipes

HOWND's Yup You Stink antibacterial jumbo sized emergency dog wipes are a "must-have" for every dog owner.  Yup You Stink super durable wipes make cleaning your dog after muddy walks or worse, a frolic in stinky fox poo, a breeze.  

Keep HOWND alcohol- and paraben-free Yup You Stink handy packs in your pocket, the glove compartment, or by the back door so you can give your dirty dog a good wipe down whenever they need a quick clean-up or a refresh between baths. Especially useful at Xmas before the guests arrive.

HOWND's essential-oil fragranced body moisturising body mists.  Too busy preparing for the festive season?  Give your dog a quick spritz of one of our body mists to make them smell fabulous and will also keep their coats soft.

Natures Menu has refreshed its ultimate chewing meat range with an all new look and name. The raw pet food manufacturer has rebranded the range to ‘Raw Chunks,’ complete with all new packaging, to help attract the consumer and boost sales for stockists and retailers.

The rebrand follows the success of the Natures Menu ‘Raw Bones and Chews’ range refresh, just three months ago, which has seen an increase in sales for the pet food company’s natural healthy treats.

Available in six variants, including Beef, Poultry Breast and Tripe, the Raw Chunks range is packed full of natural nutrients and can be served as a tasty snack or as the meat ingredient in home prepared raw meals. With 100% naturally, ethically sourced human grade meat, Natures Menu Raw Chunks are carefully selected to accommodate dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds and can be fed from 10 weeks of age.

The refreshed packaging also comes with handy feeding advice and guidance on the back of the pack to help stockists and retailers guide their valued customers to select and feed the best product for their beloved pets.

Benefits of the Natures Menu Raw Chunks range include:

• Great for oral health: Chewy meats promote dental hygiene in dogs with benefits including clean teeth and fresher breath as well as strengthening teeth.
• Have a calming effect: When dogs chew, the serotonin hormone is produced which helps to keep them calm and happy.
• Fantastic source of nutrition: Free from artificial colours, flavour and preservatives, Raw Chunks are a great treat for dogs up to 3 times a week or as part of a home prepared raw meal.

To stock the Raw Chunks range or any of Natures Menu’s other products or for more information please visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk or speak to an expert for advice on 0800 0183770.

Lintbells has launched its new Mobility Matters initiative to the pet trade for the first time. It provides training and useful resources to stores, to assist owners in the multi-modal management of dogs with stiff joints.

On offer is free training and support materials that allow outlets to offer a value-added service to dog owners. It’s estimated that one in five dogs suffer from mobility problems* so there is a distinct need for help to manage it.

The Lintbells’ Mobility Matters initiative includes support materials that help pet owners better understand their pet’s joint health. There is a step by step guide in a flip chart format that allows a more structured conversation to take place and which addresses the many ways the pet can be helped.

The role of supplements in supporting mobility is discussed but the materials extend even further. It includes adaptations that can be made in the home, such as using non-slip mats or raised food bowls and hints on how to choose a complementary therapy.

Lintbells is offering to visit stores and provide staff with the appropriate training. Once complete, certificates are issued for every staff member that has taken part and an ‘Accredited Mobility Matters Store’ window sticker provided to help signpost that expert support is available.

Also included is a handy pocket guide for staff to carry around and refer to as needed to ensure those ‘on the spot’ conversations reflect the learning, as well as giving the pet owner a reminder of all the key points to take home.

The initiative has been introduced following great feedback in the vet sector where a veterinary version of the materials has been used to support the set up of vet nurse-led clinics.

Lintbells Brand Manager, Gemma Cunningham, says retailers can use the materials to complement the advice given by veterinary practices and to refer customers to the vet when needed. There is a lot of potential to assist pet owners by reducing weight in overweight pets – which reduces the strain on joints – encouraging regular but gentle exercise and adapting the pet’s environment so it’s easier for them to get around the home and in and out of bed.

The idea behind the initiative is to take a wider, more ‘holistic’ look at how pets and their owners can be supported.

Gemma says that while Mobility Matters can help increase the sales of supplements and generate incremental sales from mobility aids and harnesses, the benefits go much further, “It’s about improving expert credentials and knowledge and developing the services pet owners want. We want to ensure that pet owners have a great experience when they ask their retailer for advice. Mobility Matters will enable retailers to exceed expectations and help their stores become a destination for expert pet care.”

*Johnson JA, Austin C, Breur GJ. Incidence of canine appendicular musculoskeletal disorders in 16 veterinary teaching hospitals from 1980 through 1989. Vet Comp Orthop Trauma 7:56-69, 1994.

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Thieves broke into a pet shop in North Yorkshire and stole a till, cash and charity box.

Ingleby Pet Supplies and Dog Grooming Thornaby was raided shortly after 5.30am on Tuesday morning, and a glass door was broken in the process.

The store posted the following message on social media:

“Thank you for all your kind words today. We do have CCTV footage of the break in which happened in the early hours this morning. The till was dumped nearby in a bin and found this morning by a dog walker. The shop is back up and running and we will be open as normal tomorrow.”

The picture of the damaged door was taken from the pet shop’s Facebook page.

A full report of the break-in can be found by clicking here

Two burglars wearing Freddy Krueger-style Halloween masks broke into a pet warehouse in Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

The burglars took more than £700 of cash from a safe and tills and caused thousands pounds worth of damage to the roof and phone line, which they apparently destroyed thinking it was the alarm system.

The intruders entered through the roof of Aquatic Pet Warehouse by using pickaxe and a pair of tin cutters.

The store's owner Simon Smith told Derbyshire Live: "It's sickening to the point of making you wonder if it's all worth it any more."

For full story click here

The panel of experts responsible for selecting the winning products in the 2019 Innovation Awards – BETA International's leading industry awards – has now been revealed.

Each judge is a specialist in his or her own field and will call on their breadth of knowledge and extensive experience when considering each of the awards' eight categories.

Judging the Innovation Awards, which are sponsored by leading industry title Equestrian Trade News – the trade fair's official media partner – will take place behind closed doors on Sunday 20 January.

Those in the hot seat are:

● Steve Hodgson – co-owner of Nags Essentials, King's Lynn, Norfolk.

● Kathryn Jaquet – managing director of independent retailer RB Equestrian, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

● Catherine Rudenko – independent equine nutritionist, of Equine Nutri Health.

● Kay Hastilow – master saddler and saddle fitting expert.

● Liz Brown – an equine vet specialising in performance horses. She is also the British Eventing team vet.

● James Sommerville – a Yorkshire-based international event rider.

“The Innovation Awards are highly prized throughout the industry, with the winning products going on to secure considerable acclaim,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas.

“Our judges always have a mammoth task on their hands when it comes to selecting the very best entries. All aspects of a product must be considered and no stone is left unturned. There is no greater feeling than to gather with our exhibitors and visitors to hear the winners announced and see the celebrations unfold as companies are acknowledged and congratulated. The awards are hugely important – that's why it's essential that we have the very best people to judge them.”

The Innovation Awards are created to highlight the show's diverse range of exhibitors and feature the following categories: Country Clothing & Footwear, Feed & Supplements, General, Horsecare Equipment & (Horse) Clothing, Pet Products, Rider Clothing & Footwear, Saddlery & Tack and Safety & Security.

Judging takes place on Sunday 20 January and the winners are announced at The Charles Owen Spotlight later that day as part of the show's special awards ceremony.

BETA International is the world's No 1 trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2019 show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, from 20 to 22 January. Visitor entry is free on registration at beta-int.com/visit.

Vitalin will have a stand at the National Pet Show on the 3rd and 4th of November at Birmingham NEC.

Described as the nation’s favourite pet show, the show will consist of live performances and activities, talks from animal specialists, a canine catwalk and an international cat show.

The show attracts animal enthusiasts from all over the world, and has many interactive activities for both adults and children. Guests are invited to meet the animals and meet the experts, and this year there is going to be a Secret Rabbit Garden to explore too.

Vitalin are extremely proud to be part of such an exciting and eventful two days at the NEC, and cannot wait to show guests what new luxury dog products they have to offer. Exclusively for guests at the National Pet Show this year, Vitalin will have a surprise for those that visit their stand.

National Sales Manager, David Tinker said:

“We have an exciting new range of products that we will be offering to visitors at the National Pet Show this year. Our new luxury dog range includes tetra eco-friendly packaging, which is 100% recyclable and we feel this shows our commitment to the environment, as well as to pet healthcare and wellbeing. We hope visitors stop by our stand to see our new dog food range and to take advantage of our special show offer.”

Vitalin have recently added five additional dog foods to their hypoallergenic range, including Luxury Dog Treats, Adult Fresh Meat, Adult Small Breed and Fresh Chicken/Tuna Pate. If you would like to know more about Vitalin’s quality food products, visit their website at www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk or find them at the National Pet Show on the 3rd and 4th of November.

For any further information about Vitalin or their products, contact the company directly on 0844 800 3347 or email them at info@vitalinpetfood.co.uk.

A distraught dog owner has issued a warning to other pet lovers following the death of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who died after eating a ‘natural treat’ bought at a pet shop.

Katy Wilson, from Kinmel Bay, North-East Wales, lost her dog Jilly after treating her to duck necks.

Less than five days after eating the treats, the 11-year-old dog started to experience sickness and diarrhoea, she was unable to sit or lie down and was pacing back and forth.

The 57-year-old took her to her local vets, where an X-ray revealed there were fragments of bone causing an obstruction in her bowels. She died at the surgery only hours later.

"Every dog owner should know about the dangers of feeding their pets these treats,” she told the Daily Post.

"I think they should be taken off the market, but at the very least they should have warning signs on the back of the packaging.”

RSPCA Cymru said it advises against feeding bones to dogs because of the risks of obstruction, damage to the teeth and fatal injuries.

The full Daily Post story can be read by clicking here.

Pet food supplier Barking Heads has won a major honour in the 2018 DogFriendly Awards. The company picked the Large Employer Award with the commendation: “Great food, open and honest ingredients.“

Barking Heads was also described as being “a great place to work and very dog friendly.”

The Pet Shed in Brighton picked up the Best Pet Shop Award thanks to comments like: “Really lovely little & local pet shop. They go out of their way to provide a good service.“

Malton in North Yorkshire was voted Best Dog Friendly Town while The Dog House in London (below) won the Grooming Award.

Lauren Pavey, of The Dog House, said: "I think the success of our business comes from three things – the support of our customers who are amazing and have really supported us and become our friends since day, my amazing team who go above and beyond for the business and the support of my mum and dad who have helped me in every aspect of my life and given me the courage to start and develop the business.

"I'm disabled and it has been a real struggle being young, disabled and starting up a business but if i can do it anyone can. 

"I really would like to thank everyone who voted for us from the bottom of my heart as it really has meant the world to win this award and I can't believe we have been nominated for pet retailer and grooming salon categories in the Pet Industry Federation awards too."

The DogFriendly Awards, in association with the Kennel Club, are an opportunity to recognise and reward dog friendly places and pet businesses that go the extra mile for the benefit of the UK’s 9.4 million dogs

Winners and finalists were announced at the Awards ceremony at The ExCel Centre, London, on Saturday.

A full list of the winners can be viewed by clicking here

Radio Systems Corporation – owner of PetSafe Brand and SportDOG Brand – has announced the acquisition of Motivation Design LLC, makers of Kurgo pet products.

Based in Minnesota, USA, Kurgo has a portfolio of innovative, highly functional and easy-to-use pet travel products that allow families and pets to experience outdoor travel and adventure together.

Kurgo’s outside-the-home product line is positioned to capture the active lifestyle pet goods market which is a large category with significant growth potential.

“The acquisition of Kurgo will enable us to expand our reach to customers seeking adventure outside their home,” said Angela Critchley, International Marketing Director of Radio Systems Corporation.

“Our customers tend to focus on spending more quality time with their pets, which includes bringing their dog on outdoor adventures with them.

"The Kurgo product portfolio helps to keep dogs safe during outdoor excursions. This acquisition will enable us accelerate the expansion of our travel and access category which we began in 2017 with the acquisition of Solvit and help us better serve our customers.

"Kurgo’s passion for adventure pet products is also in sync with the PetSafe® Brand mission to help pets and their owners live happy lives together.”

Kurgo co-founder Gordie Spater said: “We are excited about this new chapter for Kurgo products. We take our work personally and each product we create solves a real need to help more people enjoy time outside their house engaged with their dog.

"We are proud of the fact that our gear helps dogs to be a central part of family adventures and outdoor travel. With the expanded scale of Radio Systems Corporation, we’re looking forward to seeing how Kurgo products will impact more families’ lives.”

Popular Kurgo products include products for traveling in the car with your dog such as car seat covers, crash-tested harnesses, booster seats and backseat barriers as well as products to make outdoor excursions a success such as active harnesses, backpacks for dogs, dog life jackets, leads and collars.

Kurgo was represented in this transaction by Cascadia Capital LLC, an investment bank serving middle market clients globally.

www.radiosystemscorporation.com

Poppy’s Picnic has come away with a top prize at the South-West regional heats of the UK-wide Rural Business Awards. The company, based in Melksham, was handed the award for Best Rural Start-Up.

Following the impressive win at the regional awards, Poppy’s Picnic will now go on to represent the region at the national final in February 2019.

Poppy’s Picnic produces raw dog food meals that are lovingly handmade by a team of fourth generation butchers in the heart of Wiltshire, using locally produced human grade ingredients. Its nutritionally balanced meals are the closest thing to what a dog would choose to eat in the wild. Poppy’s Picnic is committed to growing the business from the heart of Wiltshire and providing pet owners with the best alternative to processed, unnatural dog food.

Founder of Poppy’s Picnic, Dylan Watkins, said: “Just as humans need to eat fresh food for optimal health, it’s the same for our four-legged friends. Poppy's Picnic's fresh raw dog food meals are lovingly handmade in the heart of Wiltshire by 4th generation butchers.

"I am so proud of how the business has soared since launching in October 2016, and winning the award for Best Rural Start Up really brings home just how much we have achieved in two years. Hopefully this award is a sign of great things to come for Poppy's Picnic, as we strive to change dogs' lives one bowl at a time.”

Now in its fourth year, the Rural Business Awards is the only UK-wide programme dedicated to showcasing the success of rural businesses. It is run in partnership with Amazon.

“Rural communities are home to some of the country’s most inventive and innovative entrepreneurs and we want to celebrate their achievements and contribution through the Rural Business Awards,” said Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon.

“I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and runners-up at this year’s regional awards and wish the winners the best of luck ahead of the national final of the Rural Business Awards in February.”

The Amazon Rural Business Awards are the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who want to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain – a sector of the economy they feel is all-too-often overlooked in favour of large, city-based firms.

Following their success at the Rural Business Awards, Poppy’s Picnic have since found out that two of their products, (COMPLETE Meatballs and ENHANCED Follow-on Paste) have been nominated for the Product Innovation category at the Pet Industry Federation Awards. They have also reached the finals of the British Small Business Awards in the Innovator (Disruptor) of the Year Category and Dylan Watkins; Founder of Poppy’s Picnic has been nominated for the Scale-Up Entrepreneur Award for the Wales and South West region in the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards. This is on the back of Poppy’s Picnic winning the Start-up of the Year at both the Wilshire Business Awards and the Business Leader Awards. Three of their products were also awarded Highly Commended status at the PetQuip Awards recently.

Inspired Pet Nutrition has announced that David Proctor will be joining as Group Operations Director in early December. 

He will be based at the firm’s head office at Dalton Airfield, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

David has spent over twenty years in the automotive and consumer goods industry and has broad experience in manufacturing, planning, warehousing, distribution and procurement.

Most recently at Molson Coors where he was Operations Director, UK and Ireland, while also leading a world class supply chain initiative across Europe.  

Most of this career has been spent in the UK, but he has also had the opportunity to work in the USA, China and Central/Eastern Europe.  David holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough University of Technology and an MBA from London Business School.  

Married to Martha, David has an eleven year old daughter called Noa and a chocolate brown Cockapoo called Rocky.  

Commenting on his new appointment David said: “I am extremely excited to be joining an exceptional team at Inspired Pet Nutrition.  I have been particularly impressed with the company’s track record, its ambition and its focus on producing great quality pet food.”

Richard Page, managing director of IPN, said: “David brings a wealth of manufacturing experience to our business at a critical time.  With the road map for our change programme now delivering some early gains, David is the perfect candidate to help us take production to the next level, with the aim to make us World Class within the next few years.”

Devon firm The Dog Treat Co has taken the imaginative step to add a vegan-themed snack to stand alongside its meat themed portfolio.

Known for avant-garde approach The Dog Treat Co has made its name both at home and abroad creating a range of clean deck/human grade ingredient treats that provide a far-reaching range of functional benefits, a respite from the unrelenting avalanche of mainstream dog treats that remain jam-packed with masking salts and sugars, low-grade meats and  health affecting cheap fillers.

Company founder Joe Halliwell said: "Our  Coconut + Chia +Turmeric treat was a positive response to a significant strand of our loyalist following who wondered if we’d consider adding a top notch vegan variant to our wider offer, a treat that specifically targetted hounds with delicate tummies and meat/protein-based allergies.’

If that wasn’t helpful enough, these hand-baked wheat/gluten free treats are a generous provider of lauric acid (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits) in addition to being rich in beneficial fatty acids which boost K9 immunity whilst simultaneously assisting brain and eye development.’ 

Then there’s turmeric, widely admired for its wide reaching, anti-inflammatory properties.

Lily’s Kitchen has been named as the UK’s top rated ethical pet food company for the 10th year running by ethical consumer comparison company The Good Shopping Guide, the world’s best-selling ethical shopping reference book and website, covering areas such as environment, animal welfare, treatment of people amongst many others.

Lily’s Kitchen achieved the top index score of 100, which highlights the company’s continued commitment to ethical behaviour, responsible corporate governance and employee integrity. 

Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen, comments: “From the very beginning, our aim has been to give consumers a choice in what they feed their pets as well as what the food is packaged in.

"We were the first pet food company to use compostable bags for our dry food, printed with vegetable dyes…and although they look quite crumply, our consumers love the fact that they will not be heading to landfill.

"Our wet food packaging is also recyclable, so pet parents know they’re doing well for their pet and doing well for the planet too.

“I was one of those people who had no idea that single serve cat and dog pouches take several lifetimes to break down and end up doing terrible harm to the environment by going into landfill in enormous quantities.

"In the UK alone, in one year, almost 9 billion cat pouches go into landfill. It’s brilliant that people are now realizing this and actively seeking alternative packaging for their pets.”

Commenting on the accolade, Kat Alexander from The Good Shopping Guide said: “Once again, we are very pleased that Lily’s Kitchen remains as one of our top-ranking Ethical Accreditation members and continues to perform so well in our ethical research rankings.  We look forward to continuing to work with them and promote Lily’s Kitchen as an ethical choice to our dedicated audience of ethical shoppers.”

When compiling this year's list, The Good Shopping Guide independently assessed the company’s competency in ethics and compliance; culture of ethics; leadership, innovation and reputation; corporate responsibility and governance.

Three years ago, Lily’s Kitchen became a founding member of B Corp UK - an organisation which begun in the US (Etsy and Patagonia are among the founding members) as a collection of companies united in their desire to use business as a force for good.  Lily’s Kitchen is still the only pet food company to be a certified B Corp. It has been ethically minded since day one, and its status as a B Corp UK founder member goes to underline that commitment.

Individually, ‘B Corps’ as they are known, meet the highest standards of performance and are transparent and accountable in their business operations. Member companies are encouraged to use their individual and collective power to help solve social and environmental problems.   

Ensuring the business has a positive impact on society and the planet is at the heart of all Lily’s Kitchen does, and with their simple but meaningful mission - dedicated to providing naturally nutritious food for pets, and a pledge to tread carefully on the planet and actively engage with the community - Lily’s Kitchen heads towards its 11th year with a success to match its ambitions.