Visitors and exhibitors alike are excitedly preparing for the UK’s National Pet Industry Event, which opens its doors at the Telford International Centre in just over three weeks’ time.
PATS Telford takes place on Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd October, with more exhibitors than ever before. The event will see more than 250 companies and brands showcasing hundreds of new products.
PATS always attracts large numbers of dedicated buyers from both the UK and overseas, and this year offers even more opportunities for business. All the big players in the industry will be in attendance, as well as many newer or smaller companies hoping to catch the eye with innovative products. There will be something for everyone.
Other highlights include the New Product Showcase and the ever-popular Grooming Workshops, which provide a great opportunity to discover some useful trade secrets.
Exhibition organiser Gordon Thomas said: “There has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that PATS Telford delivers the widest range of exhibitors, new products and grooming demonstrations…all under one roof.
“Visitor numbers have been growing rapidly over the years and we’re confident the trend will continue. My advice is to register now for free entry online and then arrive early on the day – doors open at 9.30am – because there’s so much to see and do. You can be assured of a very warm welcome.”
Many of the companies taking stand space at Telford put their decision down to the professional organisation of the event and the outstanding opportunities to engage with retailers.
Sallie-Ann Reed, of ROGZ UK, said: “As an established global pet accessories manufacturer we recognised that PATS Telford has become the number one UK pet trade event and felt it was a huge opportunity we really didn’t want to miss. It’s a fantastic venue – centrally located – and it allows the entire UK pet trade to come together. It’s a special event.”
And Roland Primus, CEO of curli, the harness specialists from Switzerland, commented: “We exhibited for the first time at PATS Sandown in March and we had a very good experience. The support from the PATS team in planning for the show, the logistics and help on site was first class. At the show we got the chance to meet a lot of interesting business contacts. We hope to continue that trend at PATS Telford.”
One of the major draws of the show is the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews. This year there are a record number of entries, with more than 300 products to be judged across eight categories. All entries will be judged on the first morning of the show by a panel of independent retailers and retail experts.
PATS has worked closely with PetQuip, an international trade association for petcare goods and services, to increase international interest in the exhibition. Increasingly, overseas buyers are seeing the value of the show in making connections and sourcing high quality UK products.
PetQuip will be hosting the Business Lounge on the show floor on stand K10 and helping international buyers with their product-sourcing enquiries. Along with media partner PPM, PetQuip will also be supporting the New Starter Zone, a special area in Hall 3 dedicated to 30 start-up companies, and staging the presentation of the PetQuip Awards after the first day of the show.
PATS Telford will be presenting state-of-the-art grooming demonstrations and talks on both days of the show. The Grooming Workshop, in association with For All DogKind, will include some of the country’s leading groomers, and demonstrations will highlight the knowledge and expertise required for traditional grooming techniques.
To register for FREE show entry, simply visit www.patshow.co.uk where you will also find supporting information.
Opening times
Sunday 1 October 2023: 9.30am-5.00pm
Monday, 2 October 2023: 9.30am-4.00pm
