The garden industry has been paying its own tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her sad passing on Thursday, September 8.

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of PetQuip, said: “Everyone at PetQuip was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. For over 70years she dedicated her life to service for her country and the Commonwealth, and has been a figurehead of national unity and stability at a time of enormous change. She will be hugely missed, not just in our country but across the world. We offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences.”

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, commented: “We are truly saddened to hear the news released by Buckingham Palace this afternoon, announcing the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of everyone at PDSA, I send our condolences to our Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, KG, GCVO and the rest of the Royal Family. We have a long and proud association with the Royal Family, having received Royal patronage since 1919. Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

And Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, added: “Everyone here at PIF was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.”

The UK’s leading pet retail group, Pets at Home, paid its own tribute, stating: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of everyone at Pets at Home, we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences. Her Majesty The Queen was an inspiration to our nation with a life full of service, generosity and lifelong love of animals.”

Pet retailers throughout the country will be closing their stores on the day of the Queen's state funeral – Monday, September 19 – as a mark of respect.

Pets Corner (above) and Jollyes (below) informed customers of the decision to close stores on Monday, September 19.

Following a record number of entries for this year’s PIF Awards, the preliminary judging is complete and finalists for each of the 20 categories will be announced next week. 

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, explained: “Everyone here at PIF was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen so it made complete sense to delay the finalists’ announcement by one week out of respect for the national mourning period which we are all currently observing.

"We have received an unprecedented number of entries this year and very much look forward to welcoming everyone to the PIF Awards in November. Tickets and accommodation sold out in 2021 so we’d encourage early booking this year.”

The 2022 PIF Awards take place on Thursday November 17^th at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire.

Tickets to the black tie event include a complementary drinks reception, three course meal with wine and live entertainment. Individual tickets can be purchased at www.petfederation.co.uk with savings for tables of ten and a discount code available for accommodation at Whittlebury Hall.

Hundreds of pet product manufacturers have confirmed there is only one place to be this September…and that’s exhibiting at PATS Telford.

The showpiece event, taking place on Sunday, September 25, and Monday, September 26, will be packed solid with the pet industry’s leading firms and brands eager to exhibit their products and services to visiting UK and international buyers.

The mood is one of eager anticipation as the biggest-ever PATS Telford moves closer.

So why should buyers from pet stores and garden centres attend this year’s PATS Telford? 

Here’s what visitors can expect:

• More than 230 exhibitors
• 50-plus companies exhibiting at PATS Telford for the first time
• All the latest pet product launches under one roof 
• Top class demonstrations from professional groomers
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• New for 2022 a free breakfast or lunch voucher for every visitor

“There is a tremendous buzz surrounding the show,” said organiser Gordon Thomas. “So much is happening at PATS Telford over both days of the exhibition, it really is a must-visit event for retailers and buyers. You won’t be disappointed.

“All the latest new product launches will be unveiled and there will be great workshops from the country’s top groomers. I can promise it will be a great buying experience so make sure you travel to Telford and attend the biggest pet industry exhibition for years.”

One of the major successes at PATS shows over the years has been the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews. This year a record number of new products – 332 in total – will be on show in the designated area. From all the entries, a panel of independent retailers will decide the winners of the prestigious New Product Awards.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. 

PATS Telford is definitely THE place to be this September so make sure you register for free entry to the show at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors.

Goodchap’s has won a prestigious New Product Award at the leading equestrian trade exhibition, BETA International, for its Tricks & Trivia card game.

The company was exhibiting at BETA International for the first time and picked up the award on the first day of the show which took place at the NAEC Stoneleigh from Sunday to Monday.

The Tricks & Trivia card game is designed as a bonding tool for owners and their dogs, and the New Product Award judges loved its concept.

“As it helps owners bond with their pets, this card game is ingenious. It’s also a great gifting idea at a fantastic price,” said the judges.

Goodchap’s sales associate Mark Peake received the award from BETA’s director general Claire Williams. He said: “It’s fantastic to see this innovative idea be recognised at a leading industry event.”

The hot summer this year saw sales of a new healthy hydration smoothie drink called Furr Boost soar. This has led to the brand now being stocked by two further major retailers in the sector, Jollyes and Viovet.

The smoothie drinks were created by a former technical manager to the food industry with over 20 years’ experience, Louise Toal and the success of the brand has also meant that they have made the finals in four categories at this year’s PetQuip Awards for Product Innovation Green and Organic, Sustainability and Supplier of the Year.

Louise’s Beagle, Phoebe at the age of 18 months became unwell with bladder problems which after investigations with her vet, were linked to the dog’s food. Using her technical background, Louise then started experimenting with protein shakes to help flush out Phoebe’s system and to provide her with the hydration that she needed when she was refusing to drink enough water in the summer months. This led to the creation of the Furr Boost range of smoothies.

Louise said: “There is no one else making a product like ours. Yes, there are drinks on the market that are botanical, broth based and electrolyte based etc, but none that are like a natural smoothie. Each of our recipes contains a meat, fruit and vegetable, along with added oils and vitamins, so it’s more than a hydration drink, it supports the dog’s wellbeing in areas such as digestion, skin and coat, anxiety, metabolism and immunity.”

Furr Boost can be used in a variety of ways. Served frozen, it can be placed in a Kong Toy or lick mat for dog training or as a distraction, or simply given to a dog as a tasty icy treat. Unfrozen, it can be added as a topper to meals or on hot days, simply pour into a bowl for instant hydration.

Furr Boost is available in three tasty varieties which all use the best quality 100% natural human grade ingredients: Chicken, Butternut Squash & Cranberry, Pork, Apple & Sweet Potato and Beef, Broccoli & Blueberry. Other added ingredients include flaxseed, coconut and salmon oils, dried sea kelp, chicory root extract, yeast beta glucan, vitamins B&C and water.

Furr Boost is also a sustainable product using packaging materials which are recyclable avoiding single use plastic as each smoothie is available in a Tetra Pak Carton.

Since launching, Furr Boost has seen its customer base grow online with a healthy presence on e-commerce websites but it is also now looking to expand its retail operation. The business is receiving a high level of international enquiries for the drinks and is currently exploring export opportunities. There also plans to introduce new varieties in the near future.

The brand is supported by a number of ambassadors and social media influencers and currently sponsors British Flyball Teams, Dog Agility competitors with interest also from the Canicross community who use the drinks to give their dogs instant hydration. 

Not only are the drinks ideal for active dogs but they are also great to give senior dogs when they are nearing the end of their lives as they provide comfort and balanced nutrition.

“Our ultimate aim is to be a global business and a household brand that people can trust.  Using Furr Boost as part of a dog’s daily nutrition and diet can help to keep the vets bills down for unnecessary health issues associated with food and lack of hydration, which was exactly where I started with my first dog,” said Louise.

For further information visit: www.furrboost.com

For trade enquiries contact Louise Toal on Tel: 01746 785 410 email: customerservices@furrboost.com or visit the wholesale page: www.furrboost.com/wholesale

Park Life Pet is heading into the PATS Telford show with an exciting distribution deal with Pedigree Wholesale for its range of natural dog treats. The move will see the expanding brand become more accessible to independent retailers in the UK.

Natural and delicious

With Park Life snacks, dog owners can treat their best friends with playful snacks that are sure to get their tails wagging. As well as a thoroughly engaging experience, Park Life ensure all ingredients are 100% natural and delicious. The quality of the ingredients means these biscuits have good nutritional value, resulting in tasty guilt free dog treats.

The biscuit range is 100% natural, grain free and has no hidden junk. The tasty Love-Bix are heart shaped red berry cookies with no added sugar, ideal as a daytime snack. For playtime there is the award-winning Fris-Bix, a ‘frisbee’ shaped dog biscuit and toy in one product that is a good source of protein, suitable for all aged dogs. Chill-Bix are star shaped honey and chamomile calming biscuits, ideal just before nap time! Available in 300g recyclable packs, the biscuit range retails at £5.99 each.

For a more long-lasting snack, Park Life supply Milk Bone “Super Chews” which are calcium rich dental chews. These are also lactose free and offer up to 1 hour chew time! There are three tasty flavours, Lamb, Chicken, and Salmon, available in 40g (£3.99) and 80g (£5.99) packs.

Expanding independent reach

In 2022 Park Life has become a product in demand and as a result is experiencing rapid growth. With a genuine care for dog well-being, the Irish manufacturer is aiming to make their range of ‘Gut Friendly’ treats available nationwide.

Pedigree wholesale are the leading wholesaler in the independent pet retail sector and are now working with Park Life to help expand its reach to independent pet retailers. All Park Life products feature a ‘Happy Belly Promise’ and with Pedigree’s help Park Life hope more dogs can feel the benefit of their tasty natural treats. You can view the full range on the Pedigree website by clicking here.

New flavours at PATS Telford

Fris-Bix biscuits’ treat/toy dual functionality is a major reason it has been a standout new product this year. Due to this popularity, Park Life will be launching two new flavours at the PATS Telford show on the 25^th-26^th September 2022. Fris-Bix Chicken & Veg and Fris-Bix Peanut Butter will be available for tasting on the Park Life stand, as well as other exciting new products.

Retailers are welcomed to the Park Life stand (Stand: F22) to meet the team and discuss 2023 requirements. The Pedigree wholesale team will also be able to discuss the range on stand D10.

Get in touch today @ info@parklife.dog to discuss a brand that is all about happier, healthier dogs. Visit https://parklife.dog/ to view the Park Life range.

Karnlea Bone Broth will be showcased by Pedigree Wholesale on its stand at PATS Telford.

Beef and Lamb variants will be available for purchase on stand D10 with a special show promotion of 15 per cent off event orders.

Karnlea founder Lara McCullough will be attending the trade show which boasts more than 200 trade stands, talks and demonstrations.

She will be looking to meet with existing and prospective suppliers to outline the benefits of Karnlea Bone Broth in supporting gut, skin, coat and joint health in cats and dogs, and its use as a supplement, topper and treat.

“I am so looking forward to visiting PATS Telford. It is a fantastic opportunity to get to meet people in real life after undertaking business virtually for so long. It is always an inspiring and enlightening event. I hope to see many of Karnlea’s existing customers and meet some new ones,” she said.

Anyone who would like to make arrangements to meet Lara at the Telford International Centre should email: info@karnlea.com

For more information or to set up a trade account visit: www.karnlea.com/trade

iPET Network, an awarding organisation that creates qualifications in the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector, has created a bespoke and exclusive dog grooming qualification the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Professional Dog Grooming in partnership with Pets at Home. 

The bespoke qualification, which is regulated by Ofqual, has been launched to help ensure The Groom Room teams in Pets at Home’s pet care centres across the country continue to provide the very best grooming and welfare for puppies and dogs.

Created especially for The Groom Room colleagues, and building on the in-depth training Pets at Home already offers, the enhanced programme and qualification gives teams additional skills to provide top-quality grooming services.

As part of the programme, there are 12 units that colleagues will need to learn and demonstrate their skills to complete this comprehensive qualification. The units include:

354 - Health and safety in a Dog Grooming Environment

355 - Customer Journey within the Pets at Home Ecosystem 

356 - Canine Emergency First Aid 

357 - Canine Care, Health and Welfare Within the Grooming Environment 

358 - Preparing Dogs for Styling, Equipment and Maintenance 

359 - Canine Behaviour and Handling for Groomers 

360 - Planning and Techniques for Completing a Range of Dog Grooming Styles 

361 - Style and Finish and Range of Dog Breeds for Commercial Styling 

362 -  Style and Finish and Range of Dog Breeds for Traditional and Advanced Scissor Styling 

363 - Canine Anatomy and Physiology for Groomers 

364 - Adapting the Grooming Process to Meet the Individual Needs of the Dog 

365 - Successful Running of a The Groom Room Salon 

The announcement is part of an ongoing commitment from both Pets at Home and iPET Network to raise awareness of the importance of professional dog grooming, so that all pet owners can be sure their pet is getting the best and safest experience.

iPET Network, which was founded by education and pet professionals Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty has long been at the forefront of championing pet care industries, and ensuring that as many people who work in them have top quality industry-recognised skills and qualifications.

Sarah and Fern said: “We always find that owners are surprised to learn that formal qualifications, including first aid training, aren’t a legal requirement for dog groomers.

“That’s why it’s great to see the UK’s largest pet care specialist taking action to raise awareness and drive real change across the industry to deliver the highest standard of practice and care for pets.

"We are delighted to have partnered with Pets at Home and The Groom Room on this initiative, which will ensure that more groomers than ever before receive top quality qualification. A step which is fabulous for the whole industry."

The Groom Room colleagues currently benefit from a thorough six-month internal training programme, a minimum of 1,000 hours of learning, and are continually assessed throughout their career.

The first 400 colleagues will be enrolled into the programme in September, with hundreds more planned over the next two years across its 355 Groom Room salons.

Karl Atkinson, Head of Grooming at Pets at Home, said: “Grooming is an essential part of our pets’ health and welfare, and that’s why providing our colleagues with the very best training is so important to us.

“We’re proud to be leading the way and empowering our grooming teams with the best knowledge in the industry, ensuring we can continue to deliver the best possible care to every pet we meet.”

iPET Network has created a comprehensive guide to becoming a dog groomer, which can be viewed at www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/guides/a-guide-to-becoming-a-dog-groomer/

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Peter Pritchard, the former boss of Pets at Home has joined the board of online electrical retailer AO World.

Peter will be an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Greater Manchester group from October 1.

Commenting on his appointment, Geoff Cooper, Chairman of AO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter as a Non-Executive Director. We set out to appoint an individual with suitable experience to continue to develop the Board's skill set and Peter brings with him a strong mix of knowledge of consumer-focused businesses, as well as experience of transforming businesses.”

Peter was until recently Chief Executive Officer at Pets at Home plc, leading its transformation into the UK's largest and fastest growing pet care provider. He has over 35 years' consumer and broad operational experience, having worked for many of the UK's best-known retail brands, including Wilkinson Stores Limited, Asda/Walmart stores Inc, J Sainsbury plc and M&S plc. He also holds a non-executive position at Motability Operations Group plc.

The British Independent Retailers Association has urged the government to clarify details on their intervention on the energy crisis for businesses following their announcement they would step in last week.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Liz Truss announced that businesses would be getting support for the next six months for gas and electricity bills which are due to rise in October.

However with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II there has been no further details for businesses to be able to plan productively to manage their future.

Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre urged the government to reveal their plans.

He said: "The latest official GDP estimates that came out yesterday have shown that while the UK economic growth rose in July after shrinking in June, economic indicators are further fuelling concerns that the economy is dipping into a recession as we enter Q3. This makes it even more important for the energy support package for businesses to be clarified. Every day lost makes it harder for businesses to plan their strategy as we approach the busiest time of the year."

Last week Mr Goodacre also said: "Making the energy rate for businesses the same as consumers still imposes a 300% increase on energy bills for many businesses, and that will still cause hardship for those business owners. We also believe that any review over the next six months should have a broader remit of looking at all business costs. There is limited prospect of prices reducing in six months time, and so we cannot afford to see business rates increase in line with inflation just as this business support comes to an end."

In a survey conducted at the end of August to Bira members, 65% of business owners had said a price rise would force them to reduce the number of staff they had or reduce wages, while 40% were considering limiting opening hours, while 23% were looking to permanently or temporarily close their business once the proposed price hike came in October.

Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with Thirsk-based Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) on a cutting-edge new project to audit and reduce the carbon emissions of company's full supply chain and ensure it achieves its net zero carbon goal – and secure its position as industry leaders and pioneers in sustainability.

IPN will work with academic experts at Leeds Beckett on a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, which is part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The aim of the project is for IPN to become the first UK pet food manufacturer to analyse the sustainability of the company’s whole supply chain, using a Carbon Footprint Evaluation Model. 

Professor Christopher Gorse, Researcher in the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds Beckett and project leader, explained: “All large companies at the moment are progressing on a journey towards net zero – and IPN are already well on their way. They have already achieved carbon negative accreditation in relation to their on-site emissions (such as fuel and electricity consumption, known as ‘Scope 1 and 2’ of the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol). 

“This project will set up a framework to analyse and evaluate IPN’s ‘Scope 3’ emissions – the carbon produced within the supply – or value – chain. This is the most difficult to measure and will ensure that IPN are a truly sustainable company.”

IPN are the biggest UK-based manufacturer of dry pet food – including some of the biggest and most sustainable brands in the UK, like Harringtons and Wagg. They were the first pet food company in the UK to introduce recyclable and compostable packaging – and the first Scope 1 and 2 carbon negative major pet food manufacturer in the UK, through their use of recyclable packaging, green energy, and a variety of off-setting initiatives. 

Chris Wragg, Group Marketing Director of IPN, said: "Sustainability is at the heart of our vision at IPN: To become the Nation’s most sustainable, most loved, home of pet nutrition brands. This project will play a key role in understanding and improving our supply chain and business, helping us to continue to leaving a positive pawprint in everything we do. For people, by enabling them to feed great nutrition they can afford & feel good about, meaning healthier and happier pets, and for the planet by reducing our environmental impact."

Will Bushell, Head of Marketing – Dog Business Unit of IPN, said: "We believe the key to developing more sustainable business practices is data. By better understanding the environmental impact of our full supply chain we will be able to set better targets, make better decisions and measure their impact more effectively so we can show our customers, our shoppers and our employees that we are making a positive impact and walking the talk."

The KTP will begin with the recruitment of a full-time KTP Associate, who will be an experienced graduate, and will be embedded as a full-time member of the IPN team for the duration of the two-year project. The Associate will lead the project, with the full support and input from the academic team at Leeds Beckett.

The team will begin by capturing exactly where the energy use is within IPN’s supply chain – and then apply sophisticated data analysis techniques to monitor and evaluate this and determine which areas IPN need to prioritise to gain the biggest energy savings. The techniques will be developed throughout the project to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

This value chain evaluation will enable IPN to make strategic decisions about their choice of ingredients and suppliers. A key part of the project will be to work with smaller suppliers to assist them in measuring their own carbon emissions and become more sustainable. The university team will fully embed the new skills into IPN to create a sustainable, resilient, whole systems approach to evaluating their energy sources and select the best suppliers for high value, environmentally-friendly products – now and in the future.

Professor Gorse added: “IPN are a very progressive company – not many companies are doing so much to commit to achieving net zero carbon, and really look at their supply chain and work with people outside of their organisation to make energy savings. It is very exciting to be embarking on this very advanced project.  

“It is so important for us at LSI to create examples of how a company can transfer to be a net zero carbon company, and maintain quality and competitiveness, at a time when energy costs are rising. There is a green economy now and companies need to respond, or they will be left behind. 

“This will be a strong partnership between IPN and Leeds Beckett going forwards, and it is an example of what we can do as a university with similar companies with the ambition to meet net zero carbon by 2030 or sooner. We are in a strong position to support other organisations in a similar way.” 

The Leeds Beckett team includes Dr Alfred Chinta, Course Director at Leeds Business School, with more than 20 years’ experience of working in supply chain management; and Dr Jim Parker, Reader in the Leeds Sustainability Institute, specialising in building energy modelling and the urban environment. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

As part of the charity's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, the RSPCA has revealed it received more than 100 reports of animals being abandoned every single day throughout 2021 and sadly these figures are on the rise this year.

A total of 38,087 abandonment reports were made to the charity's cruelty line last year - an average of over 3,000 reports a month, 104 a day or four abandoned animals every hour.

Heartbreakingly, the number of animals being dumped is also on the rise with a 17% increase from 2020 to 2021 and a 24% increase in 2022.

The charity fears that a huge rise in pet ownership during the pandemic coupled with the cost-of-living crisis putting a strain on people's finances means even more animals are being given up this year.

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer at the RSPCA, said: “The idea of putting your cat in a cat carrier and taking them to a secluded spot in the woods before walking away, or chucking your dog out of the car and driving off leaving them desperately running behind the vehicle, is absolutely unthinkable and heartbreaking to most pet owners - but sadly we are seeing animals callously abandoned like this every single day.

“We understand that sometimes the unexpected can happen - the pandemic and cost of living crisis proved that - but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal. There are always other options for anyone who has fallen on hard times and can no longer afford to keep their pet.”

A recent report released by the RSPCA in partnership with the Scottish SPCA also showed that the cost-of -iving crisis is the most urgent threat to pet welfare in the UK.

Dogs were the most abandoned pet with 14,462 reports of dumped dogs made to the RSPCA last year.

Natural Cornish Pet, based in St Erth, Cornwall, has a range of fish-based toppers and treats to reward any dog, and has now introduced a salmon oil to cater for cats and dogs.

The oil is made from 100% fresh, ethically and sustainably sourced quality Scottish Salmon. 

It is packed with long and short chain Omega 3 & 6 to deliver a wide range of health benefits to dogs and cats, including:

• Strengthening the immune system
• Improving joint mobility
• Calming dry itchy skin
• Supporting cardiovascular health
• Aiding cognitive function, vision and hearing

This is a supplement for pets of any age, to be served with the main meal of the day. Older dogs will benefit from anti-inflammatory properties that should help aid in the reduction of any pains from the onset of arthritis. Younger dogs, on the other hand, generally see improved cognitive function and improved bone density. 

Use as part of a balanced diet to support the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats.

Natural Cornish Pet Shop has made the finals in two categories at the 2022 PetQuip Awards –  Independent Pet Retailer of the Year and Business Service of  the Year.

For further information visit www.naturalcornishpet.co.uk. Trade enquiries Natural Pet Wholesale — Natural Cornish Pet Wholesale

Irene Astbury, reported to be Britain’s oldest pet shop worker at the age of 96, has been making national newspaper headlines this week.

Irene, who opened Pet Food Supplies Ltd in Macclesfield, Cheshire, in 1981 has had her story featured in daily newspapers, including the Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Metro.

She is reported as saying: “I’m not giving up until they tell me to clear off.”

The great grandmother of seven worked five days a week at the store until the pandemic struck, and now goes in for around 25 hours over three days.

The shop is now run by run by her grandchildren Gayle and Stuart and Irene jokes: “I have nothing better to do, I want to keep my on them all.”

Pictured: Irene, seen here fourth from the right, with the Pet Food Supplies team when the shop celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2021.

A fundraising appeal has been launched after fire badly damaged a pet shop just five weeks after it opened.

Medusa Pet Shop in Stockton-on-Tees was struck when a blaze took hold in a storage unit next door at around 12.30pm on Sunday.

Owners James and Paige Tait were alerted by a passer-by and managed to save animals in the shop.

Customer Helen McCluskey set up a GoFundMe appeal to help soften the blow from loss of income although its understood that James and Paige are now looking for alternative employment.

On the GoFundMe page Helen said: “Please help them rebuild and not lose an amazing shop with beautiful staff. Sadly, there has been an arson attack and luckily all animals safe. They may not be a able to reopen. Let’s fight to get them back on their feet as they don’t deserve this when they have worked so hard to make a lovely business.”

Helen has set a target of £1,000 with more than £100 having already been raised. The GofFundMe page could be found by clicking here.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said the cause of the blaze was being investigated

The PIF Export Scheme successfully passed its trial phase with pallets travelling across Europe and safely delivered to their destinations.

The Trial Phase follows months of due diligence by the PIF team who, after hearing from members about export difficulties, have been working hard to create a scheme which enables manufacturers and suppliers to export products to the EU containing animal protein in a cost effective and efficient way. 

Jonathan Rees, director of Pero Foods, who took part in the trial phase, said: “Since Brexit, exporting products to the EU that contain animal protein has been significantly more complicated so we very much welcome the introduction of the PIF Export Scheme.”

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF, added: “We are delighted to have completed the trial phase and look forward to facilitating weekly shipments in the near future. We would encourage any businesses interested in taking part in the scheme to register their interest as soon as possible.”

The next shipment will take place this month; to receive a quote, or to express your interest in booking pallets onto this delivery, please email Daniel Everett at export@petfederation.co.uk

The next shipment is open to all pet businesses however future shipments will be specifically for PIF members. To join PIF today, visit PIF – Pet Industry Federation (petfederation.co.uk)

One of the biggest names in UK pet insurance – Animal Friends Insurance – has embarked on an exclusive partnership with pet care specialist retailer Pets & Friends, part of the Kennelpak Group.  

The two companies are bringing together not only a shared vision to improve animal welfare, but almost 70 years combined experience of supporting the nation’s pet parents. Animal Friends as the only leading UK pet insurance provider founded to not only offer affordable protection for cats, dogs and horses but to also support animal charities and conservancies around the world.  Pets & Friends through a broad range of food, treats, pet essentials, expert advice, pet parent support and pet services. 

This exciting new partnership will provide Animal Friends customers with exclusive offers for their pet’s birthday to spend online at petsandfriends.co.uk alongside bespoke content and handpicked Pets & Friends product reviews to help with their pet’s health and wellbeing. 

Customers of Pets & Friends will benefit from Animal Friends affordable and easy to understand pet policies and the range of benefits offered, including five types of cover to suit specific pet needs, a selection of policy excess options to help manage monthly costs, and a dedicated vet portal that allows vets to claim on behalf of pet owners, taking the stress out of dealing with a poorly pet.

Westley Pearson, CEO at Animal Friends Insurance, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our existing customers the chance to benefit from the large range of Pets & Friends’ products and services, and bring more than just affordable insurance to new pet parents. With more than half the pet owners in the UK still without pet insurance and household budgets being squeezed more than ever by the rising cost of living, few pet owners could afford to pay large, unexpected vet bills if their beloved companion suddenly became ill. We are excited to have the opportunity to give more than just peace of mind to the nation’s loving pet owners.”

Claire Bayliss, CEO at Pets & Friends, said: “The happiness, health and wellbeing of pets across the country, and making our pet parents lives easier, is what motivates us on a daily basis. So, partnering with Animal Friends Insurance to provide our community of pet parents with affordable pet insurance is a key step, and the latest in several customer-focussed partnerships to come. We are delighted to be able to be working with a like-minded business such as Animal Friends in this crucial area of pet care.”

For information on dog, cat and horse insurance please visit www.petsandfriends.co.uk/insurance