PATS has joined forces with PetQuip in an attempt to boost international visitor numbers at its trade exhibition at Harrogate in September.

Organisers will be attending Zoomark in Bologna, Italy, next month as part of the PetQuip-organised British Pavilion, where they will be encouraging international buyers to visit the Harrogate show on September 15-16.

Last year PATS Harrogate attracted 60 overseas visitors from across the globe, including companies from Europe, and as far afield as Australia and America, representing a 100% increase on 2011.

It is hoped that numbers will rise still further this year and to accommodate the expected increase, a special International Buyers’ Lounge sponsored by PetQuip will be located in Harrogate International Centre.

Overseas buyers will have exclusive use of the lounge, where they will be offered free tea and coffee, have free use of the internet, and have access to the services and advice provided by PetQuip .

Harrogate is the perfect venue for international visitors to discover what’s new in the marketplace and an ideal opportunity to talk to UK-based manufacturers and suppliers. Exhibitors who export will have a ‘PATS Exporter’ logo on the fascia of their stand at the show, to help people navigate their way around the exhibition.

PATS Harrogate is promising to be the biggest exhibition yet with 110 exhibitors having already booked their stand. With more than half of them exporting, meeting international clients is a key part of their plans for the show.

Katie Goldsmith, sales director of Collarways, says: “At PATS we have the opportunity to meet in person many of our international customers, some for the first time, even though we have been supplying them some while. It's great to put a face to the name.  

“The Collarways stand is always busy as the show attracts a wide spectrum of different buyers from all around the world. We are really looking forward to introducing our latest products at Harrogate to both UK and overseas visitors, in time for the busy Winter season.”

The Animology brand of pet care products has grown at a remarkable rate over the past few years and is fast becoming a leading international product range. Group55's Stephen Turner says: “We've exhibited at home and abroad and the response from the pet and grooming trade both here and overseas has been fantastic. PATS is a great place to get over the message that we’re serious about exporting our products.”

For more information about PATS Harrogate and how to register for free entry visit www.patshow.co.uk