A total of 102 exhibitors have already snapped up their stands for PATS Sandown, which takes place in March next year.
There will be an impressive line-up of new faces, as 12 companies so far have signed up to exhibit at Sandown for the first time with a further two returning after a year’s break.
Newcomers to the Southern show, taking place on March 19-20, are CSY Retail Systems, Hungry Hector, Scruffs, Pero Foods Ltd, Pet Care Trade Association, Pet London, Phileas Dogg, Simpsons Premium, The Paws Pet Supplies, Town & Country Petfoods, Unipet and Vegusto UK & Eire Ltd, while returning companies include Pet Revolution and PJ Pet Products.
Hungry Hector exhibited at PATS Harrogate for the first time in September, using the exhibition to start their export drive, and they are hopeful that Sandown will be just as successful in driving overseas business. Managing Director Kevin Collins says it’s crucial his company have a presence at both events.
“We have approaching 300 retailers throughout the UK, and that figure is growing by over 20 a month. Many are based in the South of England, so Sandown will be a great opportunity to meet up with existing retailers and to attract new ones too,” comments Kevin. “We have one of the most innovative dog treats on the market and our sales are growing strongly. Sandown will help us to continue to develop and meet our 2013-14 targets.”
Town & Country Petfoods are currently undergoing their biggest new product development programme in the history of the company, and they have lots of new products to showcase at Sandown.
Antoon Jansen, Town & Country’s Sector Sales Manager, comments: “Over the past 12 months we have developed our first pet trade exclusive ranges and are investing heavily in supporting the trade. PATS is a great platform through which to access and present our developments to key decision-makers within the industry.
“We are aiming to attract new customers and give potential and existing customers a better insight into Town & Country Petfoods and the HiLife brand. PATS provides us with an opportunity for increased direct interaction with customers so that we can continue to develop the lines that they want and need to help grow their business.”
Phileas Dogg hold exclusive import and distribution rights to some unique new brands that are sourced globally, and the company have chosen to exhibit at PATS Sandown as the show provides the perfect opportunity to launch their new products.
“We will be launching our new range in February 2013,” says Annette Sprake, of Phileas Dogg. “PATS Sandown will provide the ideal platform for retailers and wholesalers to view our product range. The show date falls at the right time to coincide with the launch of our new products. We are hoping to reach out to the retail and wholesale market, showcase our fantastic new products, introduce Phileas Dogg as a brand, and ultimately achieve pre-orders.”
CSY Retail Systems, who provide EPOS systems to retailers, are exhibiting at PATS Sandown for the first time on the strength of recommendations from existing customers.
“Our customers range from pet shops within garden centres through to animal feeds stores, many of whom are regular visitors to PATS. They felt our solution should be promoted and beneficial to those attending the exhibition,” said Deanna Vine, of CSY Retail Systems, who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2013.
“At Sandown we hope to increase our profile within this sector, raise awareness of the solutions we offer and ultimately secure some new business. Retail requirements have changed in recent times and we have changed to meet this, by embracing multi-channel retailing and offering integrated e-commerce to all our customers.”
PATS regulars TopLife are one of the many companies to have re-booked their stand space for Sandown, and their Brand Manager Simon Mayne says: “PATS is a key event in our exhibition calendar in 2013. We have an exciting year ahead planned for TopLife Formula and the Sandown show provides us with a great opportunity to talk to our customers.
“We are seeing more consumers demanding natural, healthy products and the PATS forum will allow us to showcase our existing range as well as our new and exciting products we plan to launch at the show.”
With PATS Sandown well on the way to becoming a sell-out, the two halls at Sandown Park – Surrey and Esher – are set to be a hive of activity for visitors. Both halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue, a free programme of seminars and dog grooming demonstrations and many special offers.
The PATS website can be found at www.patshow.co.uk and the PATS hotline is +44 (0) 1892 862848. Companies wishing to exhibit should call Annie Dyke on the same number.
