The Garden Centre Association has pledged its continued support for Glee and has urged more members to attend next year.

The GCA says the UK’s largest horticultural trade show is still an important diary date for the industry and is encouraging members to turn up despite the event being smaller this year.

"We believe Glee is an integral event for serious garden centres and suppliers," said GCA chairman Peter Burks.

“The show has a very specific place in the industry. While it may not focus on plants as much as it did in the past, it is excellent for gardening goods. It has a niche role within the industry.

“Some people have commented that the event this year was smaller than previous years, but we believe this just makes it more manageable. In the days that there used to be nine halls to make your way through it was almost an impossible task, now there are just the best products in a smaller space.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide, many of which have pet and aquatic departments.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

“Not only is Glee a great show for meeting suppliers and finding out about the latest products on the market, it is also an invaluable opportunity for networking and catching up with friends from the industry," added Peter.

“We attended the event this year and met lots of members, and friends old and new, and are already looking forward to next year’s show.”

The Pet Care Trade Association is seeking a new chief executive to develop, drive and deliver a strategic vision for both the PCTA and the Pet Care Trust following the sudden departure of Janet Nunn after eight years at the helm.

The position holder will lead and motivate the staff team of eight in recently refurbished offices in Bedford, and report to two Boards of Directors (comprising top professionals in the pet care industry).

"It is an exciting time to join the PCTA," commented chairman Keith Aldis.

"Two years ago we remodelled as a trade association with a strong commercialised approach to business. As the only membership association to represent all pet specialist sectors, taking on the mantle of figurehead to the entire pet industry is a considerable challenge.

"Because of this, the successful candidate is likely to have an extensive commercial management background, excellent financial acumen as well as brilliant communication and relationship building skills.

"A wide knowledge and network within pet care businesses, associated organisations and government could be a distinct advantage."

Full details of the position are available at www.petcare.org.uk

To apply, candidates should email their CV with a covering letter stating salary expectations to: rosie.loft@petcare.org.uk

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23^rd October, 9am.

Expected dates for interviews: first round Friday 9^th November, second round Thursday 15^th November.

As a company we are dedicated to ensuring that our customers receive excellent advice, the best quality products, efficient service and maximum satisfaction every time they visit our stores. Management, directors, head office and store teams are all 100% 'committed' to ensuring that our customers return to our stores time after time. We believe that quality training is vital and offer a full 12-week training programme to all our retail staff as well as investing in additional training like the Pet Care Trust qualifications, SQPs and micro-chipping.

What makes you such a good retailer?

We are lucky enough to have a very low staff turnover, and this means that experience stays within the company, in the stores, head office or warehouse, benefitting both our customers and new team members. As we have grown we have been able to promote from within – many of our current store managers joined the company as sales assistants and have been with us for years. We listen to what our customers want, and are able to act quickly if we identify a gap in our product ranges as we have a small buying team.

How do you keep your customers loyal?

We always try and provide great service to our customers and take time to learn a little about them, their pets and their needs. Many of our customers have shopped with us for years, and we know what they like. We try to be competitive on our prices and offer strong promotions, and keep our ranges fresh and exciting as well as offering a special offer service

How many people are employed by Just For Pets?

Approximately 250.

Are they all pet lovers?

The majority of us have pets of our own, some more than others! Regardless of the question that a customer asks there is usually someone who has experience of that type of pet who we can ask. We hold regular training nights that are really well attended – this gives stores the chance to meet each other as well as providing some great ongoing training – and we always try very hard to live up to our slogan ‘the pet people who care’!

What piece of advice would you give to other pet retailers?

We believe that owning a pet should be rewarding and fun for both owner and pet. Spend time with potential new owners to ensure that they understand the responsibility that comes with a new pet and always put the welfare of the pet first. Offer excellent customer service at all times and keep ranges new, interesting and your prices competitive.

How have you managed to overcome difficult trading conditions?

By remaining positive and reactive to the market. We have listened to our customers and introduced value lines to complement some of our ranges as well as ensuring costs are under control. Strong promotions are vital as well as good relationships with our suppliers.

For more information visit www.justforpets.uk.com



Keith Aldis, chairman of the Pet Care Trade Association, presents the Favourite Pet Specialists Award to Just For Pets Yardley store manager Kirk Gopsill (right). Also pictured is Natalie Sheargold, deputy manager of the Bentley Bridge store, which was also one of the seven finalists.

Pictured below: Inside the Yardley store.

• Small ground living gecko from Afghanistan and India.
• One of the first lizards to be bred in captivity and are avilable in a huge range of morphs not found in the wild. They are a truly domestic reptile.
• Insectivorous and nocturnal so have no special light requirements. This makes their set-up relatively inexpensive. An ideal starter species.

• Medium sized constrictor from North America.
• Like leopard geckos they have been bred in captivity for many decades and there are literally hundreds of colour morphs available. A truly domestic snake.
• The set up is similar to leopard geckos and again are an ideal starter species.

• Large agamid lizard from Australia.
• A day active basking species. They have a higher ticket set up and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Probably the most popular pet lizard in the UK. They are interactive and seem to enjoy human company.

• Not especially easy to look after, have legal issues and need a lot of space.
• Probably cause more confusion and concern than any other species.
• Despite this they remain extremely popular and have a high ticket set up, but if you stock these you need to realise that you have these extra considerations.

• Small arboreal gecko from ne Caledonia.
• Easy to keep with a simple set up.
• Can be kept entirely on artificial diets - no insects.
• Very popular in USA and the UK.

Consumers are turning their attention to bird care displays in-store, so now is the perfect time to stock up on new products to help drive those sales on the run up to Christmas. 

CJ Wildlife has released its trade update for winter 2012/13 and it’s packed with new offerings.

The latest addition to CJs product range is WoodStone, a collection of nest boxes constructed from a mix of wood and concrete fibres. This mix of materials provides a very durable exterior, making the boxes resistant to all weather conditions and predators.  These boxes are guaranteed to last for 10 years.

Launched earlier this year, the Fiesta range consists of a feeder, water bowl and nesting material holder and each is available in a choice of six vibrant colours.

These compact, practical and stylish products make an attractive addition to any bird care display and aim to nurture, feed and sustain garden birds. 

CJs now supply a range of nest boxes and hanging tables, featuring real thatched roofs!  Made from natural materials, the thatching gives a rustic look and make these products the perfect gift line for the upcoming festive season. 

With Christmas in mind, why not stock up on some festive sales boosters? Try the Suet Snowman (1kg) and  Suet Bell (700g) for the impulse gift buy; and back by popular demand is the Christmas  Peanut Cake (500ml). All three fat products are packed with the high energy goodness birds need to get them through the cold winter months.

For more information on CJ Wildlife’s product range or to request a copy of the winter trade update, contact the commercial department on 01743 709555 or email commercial@birdfood.co.uk. You can also visit www.cjwildlifetrade.com

New packaging of its cat treats is helping to give Beaphar products much more presence on pet shop shelves.

The new look has been applied to treats like Beaphar Cat Nip, Beaphar Malt Bits, Beaphar Salmon Bits and the Beaphar Vit Bits.

"We have chosen a beautifully glossy cat who is proudly and attentively adorning our new packaging with a very sophisticated demeanour," said marketing manager Amy Hepworth.

"I am sure you will agree the new clean and fresh packaging adds a real touch of class and style to our delicious range of treats, giving real shelf presence. We are confident this new packaging will sell effortlessly."

For information on the Beaphar product range contact your Local Area Sales Executive, call the Customer Care Team on 01440 715700, email info@uk.beaphar.com or visit www.beaphar.co.uk

Collarways put the Modapet feeding bowls through their paces before agreeing to become the UK distributor and launch the range at PATS.

ModaPet are unique, stylish bowls that address specific needs identified by pet owners. They are extremely durable, dishwasher safe, non-slip and non-toxic.

There are three styles of bowl – 2-cup, 4-cup and 5-cup – available in bright, modern colours. The bowls are made from food grade ABS plastic, which is BPA free. The material allows for a very durable product that withstands the roughest of treatment. So whether a dog carries the bowl or it gets knocked off the counter, ModaPet bowls survive the test of time.  

The bowls are finished with a glossy look, comparable to the appearance of glass or porcelain and have a hygienic white interior surface. The base is made from TPE plastic, moulded to the ABS bowl, creating a solid bond. This gives the bowls their anti-slip features while still making them dishwasher safe.

Collarways director Gabriela Lerner says: "As with all new products we have tested the Modapet bowls extensively before agreeing to become the distributor and I was amazed at the functionality and beauty of these bowls.

"We have tested the 4-cup True Blue with our German Shepherd and it's the first bowl that actually stays in exactly the same place where I put it down for her. It frequently goes in the dishwasher and comes out looking like new. After three months of use there is not so much as a scratch on this wonderful bowl."

For more information contact Collarways on 0845 4568395 or visit the website www.collarways.com

Organic pet food brand Lily's Kitchen claims it has produced a world first in dog foods...a grain-free, meal-free complete dry food...

Available in two unique flavours - Very Venison and Chicken & Duck – each dish is filled with fresh meat and vegetables and is specifically designed to ensure that dogs lead a healthy and balanced diet.

Unlike any other dry food currently available the food is wheat free, rice free and does not contain any fillers.

Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen, says: “The Complete Dry Food range is an enormous launch for Lily’s Kitchen as we are the first ever pet food brand to offer this type of product.

"It is also an incredibly innovative and exciting move for such a small brand. With no fillers being used in any of our products, owners can be certain that their dog is enjoying a healthy diet that will make him full of vitality and only the freshest ingredients.”

For more information visit www.lilyskitchen.co.uk

Johnson's has added to its popular health care range for poultry, with the inclusion of a Corn 'n' Mealworm Treat.

The Johnson's range of complete healthcare products for poultry ensures that chickens become and remain in tip top condition.

They are also perfect for helping the many thousands of re-homed battery hens to recover full health and produce fine eggs.

Poultry Corn 'n' Mealworm Treat was launched at the PATS and it's complementary to the Corn 'n' Grit Treats which have proved popular as a healthy aid to digestion.

Corn 'n' Mealworm Treats are enclosed in a half coconut shell to give protection from wet weather and the treats contain dried mealworms which chickens find irresistible, together with wheat, split maize and grit.

They are a complementary food to be given as a supplement to a normal diet and should be suspended or placed in the chicken coop or outside run.

For more information visit www.johnsons-vet.co.uk

A world record attempt involving dogs on surfboards has failed…

Organisers of the Surf City Surf Dog event in California, USA, tried to set a world record by getting 20 dogs to ride the same wave for five seconds.

The attempt was unsuccessful, but the pets' owners said the contest was still a blast.

“It's just a great way for people with dogs to have a good time together, and with all the support of the people who come out - it couldn't be better,” said organiser Heather McKenny.

Judges gave points for positioning on the board and surf skills, awarding the ones that stayed on the longest and rode the biggest wave.

These snazzy-looking knitted dog coats being modelled by Louis, Bracken and Jack have helped to raise over £200 for a dog rescue centre in North Yorkshire...

The coats, in all colours, shapes and sizes were knitted by animal loving volunteers and were on sale at Perry’s Garden Centre at Briggswath, near Scarborough, over the summer.

Money raised from sales of the coats was donated to Whitby Dog Rescue.