Jim Weston was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Pet Industry Federation annual awards event and dinner.

Jim joined the pet trade at the age of 21 – his first job was to clear a rat’s nest from underneath a pallet in the cellar. 

He has remained in the industry ever since, successfully launching and selling two very profitable businesses – one a superstore retail chain and the other a global pet food brand. 

Together with his great friend Martin Irving, he founded Wilsons Pet Centres in 1993. In the following 15 years, they built a chain of 10 pet superstores with central distribution and a growing import programme. 

“Those were truly special times,” said Jim. “We had a fantastic team of staff and the pet trade was really taking off so there was huge opportunity.” 

Wilsons was acquired by Wynnstay Plc in 2008 and rebranded as Just for Pets, which is now owned by Pedigree Wholesale.  

Jim was also a founder of Fab Creations Ltd, a non profit making import and buying group of five independent pet chains spread across the UK. He served on the Pet Care Trust and was a speaker at many trade events.

Jim co-founded The First Class Pet Company in 2010, initially to represent premium UK brands in the Asian market. Five years later Little BigPaw was launched to great success, supplying premium quality British made foods and treats. Little BigPaw is now sold across 45 countries, winning Exporter of the Year twice as well as both the Queens Award and the Kings Award for Enterprise for outstanding export growth.

“I have been incredibly lucky to have had many adventures in the pet trade,” added Jim. “I have been fortunate to work with some incredible people, to travel all around the world and to experience different cultures but most of all to create many lifelong friends, many of whom are also customers and suppliers”

Jim even met his wife through the industry. Melanie was the second representative taken on by Eukanuba in the UK. She called into one of Jim’s stores and the rest is history.

“I just wanted a good deal on some dog food,” said Jim, “but ended up with kids, dogs, chickens and a flock of sheep. We celebrate 30 years of marriage shortly and Mel has always been there to support me . This award is a huge honour and it is as much for her as it is for me.”

The First Class Pet Company Ltd was acquired by Swedish-based Pet Buddy Group in 2022. Jim remains in the background and has stepped back from day-to-day operations so that he can concentrate on his property business.

“The pet industry is very special to me so I will always take a keen interest in it. The Pet Buddy Group has enjoyed some impressive early success and it is great to see new blood entering the trade. They are incredibly ambitious and will be a big name in years to come – I just wish I was 20 years younger so I could keep up with them.”