Paleo Ridge, a leading producer of high-quality raw dog food, has launched seven VIP raw dog food clubs to support its customers and help them save on orders. The clubs include an Agility Club, a Breeders Club, a Bulk Buyers Club, an Ambassadors Club, a Vets Club and an Affiliate Club building on the pre-existing Stockists scheme.

Members of the Breeders Club will receive 20% off all orders, plus a free special puppy pack for new puppy owners and referral codes that provide additional discounts on future orders. The exciting new puppy packs have an RRP of £19.99 and include a defrost tub, serving tool, an informative puppy leaflet, a bowl, a towel and more.

Any customers associated with a UK agility club will be able to join the new Agility Club, receiving a 20% discount. Customers ordering over £250 in raw dog food will be offered a 15% discount and free shipping as part of the Bulk Buyers Club. Through joining the Ambassadors Club, customers promoting Paleo Ridge on social media or other platforms will also receive a range of discounts.

The Affiliate Club is designed for customers with a website or other platform that would like to earn loyalty points for the Paleo Ridge website. Meanwhile, Stockists are championed as an important and valued extension of the business and receive a variety of benefits, from competitive trade discounts to POS materials. Members of the Vets Club will have access to a generous discount and freezer deals, while also having the opportunity to provide their patients with a highly nutritious diet.

Will Green, Director of Marketing at Paleo Ridge, says: “I am extremely proud of our wide range of raw dog food clubs. These new clubs have been specially designed to offer customers the best possible access to our premium raw dog food, supporting them in providing their dogs with the best diets to lead long, happy and healthy lives.” 

Applying to join a club is simple, visit the Paleo Ridge website for more information and to get started - https://paleoridge.co.uk/raw-dog-food-clubs

One of Spain’s most respected veterinary groups has joined UK-based VetPartners. VetPartners is made up of some of the UK’s most respected and trusted small animal, equine, mixed and farm practices and production animal health business.

Alianza Petsalud, which has 21 small animal practices, as well as the Vetersalud business, has become the biggest group in Spain to join forces with UK-based VetPartners.

Founded in 2004, Alianza Petsalud was established by vets, including founding partner and CEO Jose Antonio Carrillo.

The group chose to join VetPartners, which is expanding across Europe, because of shared values, including the importance of focusing on its people in practice and supporting them to deliver the best possible care of pets and an excellent service to clients.

VetPartners aims to become one of Europe’s leading animal health businesses and currently has more than 600 locations across seven European countries, as well as complementary businesses, including laboratories, two nursing schools, a locum agency and online retail businesses.

After being launched in York in 2015 with three practices, VetPartners, which is led by vet and CEO Jo Malone, pictured right, now has practices in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland.

In January 2022, Praxia, a referral practice specialising in various fields, including cardiology and orthopaedics, based in Elche, Alicante, became their founding practice in Spain, where it now has more than 40 practice sites following the acquisition of Alianza Petsalud.

Jose Antonio Carrillo said: “We are delighted to be joining a group which shares the values of Alianza Petsalud. By joining forces, we can be a force for good in the veterinary profession in Spain and the rest of Europe.

“Both parties are dedicated to delivering clinical excellence for our patients, as well as supporting the wellbeing and development of our people, which is why we felt VetPartners was the right home for our organisation.”

VetPartners’ operations and expansion in Spain is overseen by managing director Augusto Macías, a vet, pictured left, who also has 30 years’ experience in the veterinary business. He is President of AGESVET-GGA Group in AVEPA association and professor in Universidad Europea.

Mr Macias is delighted to welcome Alianza Petsalud, and believes there also potential for more growth in Spain.

Mr Macias said: “VetPartners and Alianza Petsalud share the same values, and together we want to create a great place for our vets and nurses to work, where they feel valued and supported. Both groups have been founded and are led by vets so we understand what is important to our people and to the profession.

“We also want to be renowned for providing an excellent service and care of our patients with investment in our practices and continued development of our team members.

“By focusing on its people and the veterinary profession, VetPartners is making a huge difference. We want to focus on attracting and growing talent, with good professionals and good people who can continue developing in the profession. This will enable VetPartners to become the group of choice in Spain and Alianza Petsalud are a very welcome addition to our family of practices.”

As well as veterinary practices, Alianza Petsalud also has Vetersalud, which provides services, including training, to independent clinics.

A new podcast has launched this week to help pet parents navigate the remarkable yet challenging journey they go through with their furry friends.

Hosted by one of the best-known Cotswolds farmers and rural TV presenters in the UK, Adam Henson, and curated by the specialist pet insurer Agria, the podcast All Ears provides a wealth of guidance and advice to make owners feel supported in looking after their pets.

Welcoming expert guests including dog behaviourist, trainer and nutritionist, Anna Webb, through to The Webinar Vet, Anthony Chadwick; the podcast covers the key concerns for new ‘pawrents’, including how to truly nourish your pet through diet and sharing tips on how to become a more sustainable pet owner.

In the first episode, founder of Puppy School, Gwen Bailey, joins Adam to talk about the important milestones leading all the way from an adolescent pup to an old-aged pup (OAP).

Previously Head of Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s largest animal welfare charities, Gwen has lived and worked with dogs all her life and in this episode, she provides enlightening advice, spanning from how to introduce a new dog into the family, to how to care for your animal friend as they get older.

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, says: “We are delighted to launch the All Ears podcast - the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee. Since spending more time at home over the last few years, so many of us have added a new furry friend to our family or an additional walk to our daily routine. As a pet owner myself, with a menagerie of mostly rescued animals including horses, a dog, a cat, and ex-battery hens, I know how important it is to equip yourself with tips to help our pets to thrive. By collaborating with some of the most experienced individuals in the pet industry, we are hoping to make pet parents feel confident in their animal ownership – providing a lifetime of love – guaranteed!”  

Adam Henson, Cotswolds Farmer, rural TV presenter and All Ears Podcast Host, says: “It’s a pleasure to be a part of Agria’s All Ears podcast. I’m passionate about sharing my love of animals with others and the podcast not only allows me to do this, but as a pet owner myself, I have also gained some valuable hints and tips from the insightful pet experts that I can apply at home. I can’t wait to hear what our listeners think!”      

All Ears with Agria Pet Insurance is available to listen to and download from Spotify, Acast, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible and all main podcast directories. There are five episodes to enjoy, the first launching yesterday (13th July). Episodes will be launched bi-weekly thereafter. New Agria Pet Insurance customers can receive their first month free and a luxury hamper for their pet when quoting EARS at agriapet.co.uk.

A pet shop has used its social media platform to debunk myths about animal welfare during a heatwave.

Maggie’s Pet Store in Stockport, Greater Manchester, has posted on its Facebook page the following advice to pet owners:

The hot weather has brought out the usual myths on social media! So I just wanted to clear this one up for you:

• DO NOT walk dogs in this heat - true
• DO NOT leave dogs in hot cars - true 
• DO NOT give your dog ice cubes - false 
• DO NOT give frozen treats or frozen KONGs - false 

There are lots of posts in circulation sharing an unnamed vet's advice that giving ice or frozen treats will cause serious harm or even death. This is simply not true.

When you see anything shared on social media, question the source. An unnamed vet, a post copied and pasted or simply posted from a cropped screen shot is an instantly questionable source.

If your dog is fit and healthy with no signs of heat stroke they are more than safe to:

• eat an ice cube
• play with ice cubes
• have ice in their water bowl
• have frozen food/doggy ice cream
• have a frozen KONG
• enjoy frozen treats inside ice

These can only be dangerous when a dog is already suffering from heatstroke and have been given iced water in an attempt to cool them down. This can cool them down too quickly and potentially send their body in to shock.

If your dog is overheating or suffering from heatstroke, then please get your dog to a vet as soon as possible!

Picture taken from Maggie’s Pet Store page, credited Jennifer Bartlett, Canine Behaviourist

Petface, the pet product experts, have partnered with Greenfingers, the national charity that supports children across the UK by creating inspiring gardens at hospices.

The company has developed a new range of garden themed pet products, available in a dual branded FSDU, from the sale of which Petface donates a percentage to Greenfingers.

The range includes a plus cauliflower, asparagus, sweetcorn and aubergine toy, in addition to a pineapple and strawberry made from latex.

Greenfingers is a charity close to the garden centres’ hearts and gives them the opportunity to offer unique, fun pet products to their customers, whilst supporting a great cause.

To further support the partnership, Petface will be collaborating on a series of events and fundraising drives, to raise awareness and help the charity reach their goals in building new hospice gardens across the UK.

Greenfingers

A hospice can be extremely stressful for children and their families, Greenfingers creates relaxing environments that offers therapeutic rest, fresh air, and space for children to play, especially for those with life-limiting conditions.

To date, over 60 specially designed, stimulating garden spaces have been created, enabling children, their siblings and their families, the chance to spend time together outdoors and away from the bedside.

Petface

Petface has over 50 years of experience developing ranges of innovative, design-led products for trade, retail, and distributors in the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe.

Each individual product is thoroughly researched and expertly designed, creating collections of fun practical toys, bedding, treats, and accessories that pets will love!

www.petface.com

PATS Telford, the UK’s number one pet industry exhibition, will stage its biggest ever show in September.

The two-day event on Sunday, September 25, and Monday, September 26, will be staged in three halls of Telford International Centre with exhibiting stands extending into Hall 3 for the first time.

More than 200 companies and brands have already booked stand space, and the final total is expected to be around 230, which would be a record for a PATS exhibition

A growing number of new companies have chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford, and as a result the event organisers have introduced a New Starter Zone in Hall 3.

“The demand for stand space at PATS Telford has been phenomenal, so we took the decision to extend into Hall 3,” said organiser Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions and Events.

“It’s great to be able to offer pet start-ups the chance to showcase their new products and services in the New Starter Zone, and again the take-up has been really good.”

A total of 40 extra stands will be located in Hall 3, and those companies having already booked their place include: Poochiful, Paws the Planet, Shredhouse, TRM Pet, Healthy Option Pet Food, Noochy Poochy, The Doggy Baking Co, maxxipaws, Pack Leashes, Kompact9 and Benebone.

Poochiful will be exhibiting for the second time at PATS Telford and managing director Ryan Lord said: “We can’t wait to meet the UK and international buyers at the show. The first exhibition really helped the brand get noticed and we are hoping to capitalise now the brand has had a lot more exposure.”

And Greg Fraser, founder of The Doggy Baking Co, commented: “We're really looking forward to returning to PATS for our second ever pet trade show. We were thrilled to win the New Product Award for Dog Treats when we were at the Sandown show earlier this year and cannot wait to share our new products with the UK and International attendees of the Telford show.”

Maxxipaws will be making its first appearance at a PATS show and owner Birgir Gislason said: “We are very excited to be exhibiting at the show in September and introducing our range of unique formulation supplements to the many UK and overseas retailers who will be visiting.”

As well as seeing and touching an unrivalled array of products in the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, visitors will also be treated to demonstrations from leading dog groomers.

PATS Telford will also see a return of the International Buyers Centre as more overseas visitors are expected to attend following the pandemic. The centre will be run in association with PetQuip, which will also be staging its prestigious industry awards after the first day of the show.

Trade association manager Pat Flynn said: “It is a pleasure to be working alongside the PATS team once again, helping to deliver international buyers to the show. We will also be celebrating innovation in the pet industry by announcing the winners of the PetQuip Awards 2022 at a special awards party on the Sunday evening.  We look forward to seeing everyone and to working with such a professional team from PATS.” 

All visitors to PATS Telford will receive a free catalogue, free tea and coffee, and free parking, and you can register online for free entry at the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk. 

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

Supreme Petfoods has launched Harry Hamster Fruity Nutty Mix as an extension to its highly successful Tiny Friends Farm range.

Known for its focus on providing great value nutrition with no compromise on quality, the brand has experienced 37 percent year-on-year growth in the last 12 months.

With an exciting new flavour variant, the new product promises to be popular with pets and owners, building on the phenomenal commercial success of Tiny Friends Farm to date.

Tiny Friends Farm Harry Hamster Fruity Nutty Mix combines shell-on sunflower seeds, peanut kernels and redskin peanuts with tasty apple, carrot, maize and peas, for maximum palatability. Suitable for all breeds including dwarf hamsters, it contains no added sugar and no artificial colours, reflecting customer demand for products that are naturally healthy.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods says that it’s the right time to expand their range of hamster foods, “With a 200 percent increase in hamster ownership over the course of the pandemic, the demand for high quality nutrition for these small pets has never been higher. Our Harry Hamster Tasty Mix has proved to be very popular with a 70 percent share of the hamster food market. Today’s millennial owners are much more aware of their pet’s nutritional needs - they appreciate choice and retailers will benefit from stocking an extended range.”

As the cost-of-living rises, consumers are on the lookout for great value products and Tiny Friends Farm is ideally placed to meet the demands of these cost-conscious pet owners. Claire says the company works hard to stay current and reflect consumer trends, “It’s important to create products that match what people are looking for but also result in better health and welfare for pets. Being responsive to consumer needs means we can also serve the retailer well.” 

With eye-catching branding featuring the playful Harry Hamster Tiny Friends Farm character, packaging is designed with in-store displays in mind. Retailers looking to stock the Tiny Friends Farm range can benefit from a comprehensive range of point-of-sale material to support sales including posters, care guides and loyalty schemes. Tiny Friends Farm Harry Hamster Fruity Nutty Mix comes in a 700 gram pack size with a recommended retail price of £2.99. It is available now from all good pet product wholesalers. 

To find out more, contact Supreme Petfoods on experts@supremepetfoods.com or visit https://supremepetfoods.com/products/

A new balanced, nutritious, daily fishmeal-free food that’s not only better for fish but also helps protect the world’s oceans has been launched by leading pet and aquatics company Interpet.

FIT & WILD Pond Sticks by Blagdon are based on the natural diet of most pond fish – insects and small crustaceans – and helps prevent the unnecessary depletion of the planet’s resources.

Adrian Exell, Head of Development and Marketing Manager at Interpet, which is part of the Central Garden & Pet company, explains: “Our new FIT & WILD range of food is best for fish and best for the environment. Every year, the world’s oceans are raided of billions of fish to make fishmeal.

“Our FIT & WILD range, including the pond sticks for garden pond fish, has been formulated to be completely fishmeal-free to protect the oceans’ resources, yet it still provides all the nutrition fish require.

“Fishmeal is traditionally one of the main ingredients of many fish foods and is mostly made of small oily fish, unsustainably harvested from the sea.

“Millions of tonnes of these fish are taken from the wild annually, which adds to the over-fishing issues that we face as a planet. These forage fish are also fundamentally important for supporting and feeding the marine food web, including animals like dolphins, sharks and whales. Feeding fish an insect-based food is not only much kinder to the oceans and the wider environment, but also is far closer to their natural diet.

“In the wild, most pond fish don’t eat other fish, yet we still feed them fishmeal-based diets. Instead, most have evolved to eat insects and small crustaceans and have developed a digestive system to fit this.

“That is why we’ve formulated FIT & WILD using these ingredients to give fish the best and most natural diet possible to help keep them fit and healthy.”

The new FIT & WILD fish food is a complete range of food, which offers a more natural diet for garden pond fish and is highly palatable. It contains high quality, palatable protein that is closer to what fish would eat in the wild, including Mealworm meal, Daphnia, Bloodworms and Black Soldier Fly Larvae.

Adrian adds: “Our new range offers garden pond keepers with fish the chance to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their aquatic pets and lessen their environmental impact at the same time.

“Feeding a more natural, complete food will help bring out the best in their fish. With better diet and nutrition, they will maintain a healthier condition, be stronger, have more vitality and vivid colours, as well as enhanced growth and resistance to illness.”

Blagdon’s FIT & WILD pond fish food comes in various options and package sizes:

• FIT & WILD Pond Sticks 180g   £5.99 SSP
• FIT & WILD Pond Sticks 675g   £17.99 SSP
• FIT & WILD Pond Sticks 1.6kg £33.99 SSP                

The FIT & WILD range is available for retailers to order now.

For further trade information, retailers should contact their Interpet Area Sales Manager or sign-up to Blagdon’s new online ordering system: https://trade.interpet.co.uk.

To find out more about the new Fit & Wild range, please visit www.fitandwildfood.com or http://www.blagdonwatergardening.co.uk.

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

A new study has shown that transporting pets can reduce a used car’s value by up to 10%.

And the survey of almost 2,700 motorists by What Car? found 47.5% would avoid models that had had pets in them.

More than 64% expected to pay less for a car that had been used to carry animals.

When asked how much less they would expect to pay for a vehicle that had transported pets, 37.5% of buyers said they would expect a cut of between 5% and 10%. A further 26..3% expected to pay between 0 and 5% less.

Steve Huntingford, editor at What Car?, said: “Mileage, service history and overall condition are usually the big factors that determine a used car’s price, but as our research shows, habits of previous owners can have a significant impact on the perceived value of a used car.”

With summer upon us, many of us will be spending more time in the garden enjoying the warm weather. Our dogs will also relish the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, and the garden can offer the perfect space for them to roam and play to their heart’s content. Yet, while our gardens do offer safety, they still pose some risks.

With a little thought and planning, however, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your outdoor space is paw-fect for your pooch. PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, shares her top tips for keeping a spring in your pup’s step by protecting them from hidden hazards.

Avoid poisonous plants

“Our furry friends are naturally curious and are sometimes tempted to chew on plants or flowers. While beautiful to the eye, some common spring flowers such as hydrangeas, geraniums, foxgloves and oleanders can be highly dangerous for pets. For avid gardeners, it’s a good idea to fence off areas where you’re planting autumn bulbs or cover the soil with mesh to stop paws from getting access. Bulbs have a higher concentration of nutrients than plants and flowers, making them a greater risk.

Say no to garden chemicals

“Anyone with green fingers will know that weeds and pests can be a real bugbear but for those with a dog at home it’s important to steer clear of dangerous chemicals in our gardens. Avoid using weed killers as they can be harmful to your pet. Pesticides such as slug pellets can also have fatal consequences for dogs if eaten – and for other pets and wildlife too. Hedgehogs and birds are a great environmentally friendly alternative for keeping bugs at bay. Try attracting them by providing easy access routes under fences for hedgehogs and ground water sources such as a birdbath or water fountain, along with bird feeders around your garden.

Create dog-friendly spaces

“While our precious pets love nothing more than frolicking in the grass, they can easily overheat on warmer days. Make sure there are plenty of shady spots, such as under trees or shrubs, where they can retreat to when they’re feeling warm. Dogs may also enjoy a paddling pool where they can cool down. For dogs who love to dig, it’s worth creating a dedicated dig-pit where they can burrow and play without ruining any perfectly pruned borders. You can encourage them to use this spot by praising them and offering treats when they use it correctly.

Secure the perimeter

“Adventurous dogs may be inclined to find gaps in bushes and shrubs, leading them to enter your neighbour’s garden, or worse – a busy road. Installing a sturdy fence will prevent your pooch from squeezing through any holes. Make sure hedgehog entrance holes are kept just big enough and ideally have a solid base, so your dog can’t dig and make them larger. This will allow your dog to explore within the safety of their garden. Make sure your fence is high enough that they can’t jump over it and check regularly for any escape tunnels they may have started digging underneath the fence. Be mindful too of any damage to your fence that could cause paws or noses to become trapped.”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. www.pdsa.org.uk

The threat of lungworm will most likely be one that dog owners are well aware of. It is potentially deadly to dogs and is found across much of the UK. According to pet health specialist my pet and i,  new cases are now being reported across parts of the country that have never seen it before.

Dogs can become infected with lungworm when they eat slugs that carry lungworm larvae, and even if they ingest some of the slug’s slime trail. Once swallowed, the larvae can go on to travel to the dog’s heart where they develop into adult lungworms.

As the average British garden can contain up to 15,000 slugs, this is a huge risk for dogs when they are enjoying time outside in the summer.  With changeable summer weather often shifting from warm to wet, that number of slugs is likely to increase, according to BASF, the company which produces Nemaslug, an organically compatible form of slug control.

The most effective way of dealing with the risk is to remove slugs from your garden, and the best way to do this without risking harm to your pets, – other than hand collecting them – is using nematodes.

Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like creatures that occur naturally in garden soil.  Specific varieties seek out different prey species.  Nemaslug is the UK’s brand-leading nematode-based slug control product.  It is simply mixed with water and poured around plants using a watering can or hose feed.

This small but powerful box of fresh nematodes can be delivered directly to a dog owner’s doors throughout the slug season to ensure that they can be controlled effectively and continuously.

For further information and to find a list of stockists, please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.

It has been a busy week in the UK pet industry as a number of leading suppliers and retailers have changed hands.

The first news to break was national retail group Jollyes increased its portfolio of stores with the acquisition of Midlands-based Penparc Pet Centres.

This was followed by details of ‘buy and build’ company Assisi Pet Care, whose brands include Hollings and Hi-Life, snapping up award-winning Pet Munchies.

And then came news of Rosewood Pet Products selling a majority stake of the company to European powerhouse Dayes.

The full stories can be viewed in this week’s Pet Trade Xtra.

Houseware and pet product supplier Dayes, whose brands include Pets Unlimited, has acquired a majority stake in a Telford-based Rosewood Pet Products.

Rosewood’s major shareholders Neil and Bev Panter said: "After 27 years of continuous growth, we have reached the point where it would be beneficial to team up with a bigger group to ensure further development of our company.

"Dayes has distribution power in Europe and additional category expertise to complete our offer. Together with Dayes, we can cover the full range of pet treats and accessories and offer a branded portfolio with proven success around Europe.

"We feel that within Dayes our entrepreneurial spirit is appreciated, and we are able to utilise our joint strengths to ensure a strong future."

Dayes chief executive Wouter Meijerink commented: "Over the last 12 months we have become acquainted with the directors of Rosewood. We were impressed with how they have built their pet care business over the last 20-plus years. They have become a key partner for many UK retailers, are driven by expert knowledge in petcare and are renowned for their product innovation.

‘With the Rosewood team in our group, we aim to be the leading European pet care specialist, offering a wide portfolio of pet products.”

Nationwide pet retail group Jollyes is accelerating growth with the acquisition of Penparc Pet Centres. Penparc operates five stores in Cannock, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, West Bromwich and Telford. It takes Jollyes to 80 stores across the UK. 

Jollyes also reported annual revenue up 15% to £86 million and announced plans to recruit 100 new colleagues and open eight new stores – including Poole, Stockton-on-Tees, Warrington and Billingshurst, plus three in Scotland at Glenrothes, Robroyston and Hermiston Gait.

Pictured: Jollyes chief executive Joe Wykes (right) and regional manager Sarah Farrar outside Penparc’s Telford store.

With the support of HSBC, Jollyes has bought Penparc’s five stores in Cannock, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, West Bromwich and Telford which become part of the Jollyes family from today. 

The move, following the opening of a new store in Southport on Saturday, takes the number of Jollyes stores to 80.  With seven other openings planned across the UK over the coming weeks, the retailer is on track to deliver on its promise to open 20 new stores by May 2023.   

Jollyes also today released very strong trading results for the full year to 29 May 2022.  

• Turnover over the full year grew to £86m – a 15% increase. 
• Jollyes’ headcount has grown by 164 over the year - almost 25% - in stores and at its Waltham Abbey support centre as it supports its growth.   
• During the full year Jollyes also added seven new stores, organically and through the acquistion of The Pet Store in Yorkshire and Bannerbrook Pets in Coventry. 
• The investment in an extended logisitics contract with Wincanton in Wigan that introduces backhauling arrangements with eight suppliers that have led to 50,000 fewer road miles 
• Overhauled and relaunched its Lifestage private label food leading to a 70 per cent-plus increase in sales. 

Jollyes plans to build on its current trading performance with ambitious plans for FY23.  During the current full financial year, it expects to: 

• Recruit an additional 100 roles across the UK - 80 in new stores and 20 in back office functions to support its expansion. 
• Open an additional eight new stores in FY23. 
• Grow revenue so it becomes a £100m-plus turnover business by the end of its 2023 financial year cent. 
• Step-up its private label development, introducing new Lifestage artisan ranges alongside other launches. 

Jollyes expects family-run Penparc to be a highly complementary addition to its family, giving it a significant presence in the Midlands. 

Penparc started with a single shop in Cannock in 1990 and has built a strong following for its focus on customer service and quality pet foods and accessories. 

The purchase is the latest move by Kester Capital-backed Jollyes to accelerate growth and has been completed with financial support from HSBC. 

Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes said: “The dedication of the Penparc team to their pet-owning customers have made them legendary in the towns they trade. We couldn’t be prouder to bring them into the Jollyes team. 

“Whether organically or through acquisition, we remain ambitious as we seek other opportunities to grow.”  

Penparc director Richard Allen said: “We’ve got to know Jollyes well over the last few months and we’re confident that we’ve found a buyer who shares what makes us special and will be a good steward for the business, our colleagues and customers in the years to come.” 

The eight new stores opened by Jollyes in the past year included Cookstown in Northern Ireland in March, Wrexham in May, Stirling in June and Southport on 2 July.  

Planned future openings include Poole, Stockton-on-Tees, Warrington and Billingshurst in West Sussex, as well as three in Scotland at Glenrothes, Robroyston and Hermiston Gait near Edinburgh. 

That pace of growth which has seen Jollyes grow its store estate by almost 30 per cent in a little over a year, makes it one of the fastest growing physical retailers in the UK. 

On its FY22 performance, executive chairman Richard Cotter said: “While we’re delighted with the numbers, our performance is about people and a passion for pets.  Our performance is simply a consequence of us transforming our business to empower our people to provide products that meet the needs of Britain’s pet owners.   

“We’re proud that this transformation is now leading to 100 additional opportunities to join the Jollyes team in the year ahead as we double-down on our ambitious growth plans.” 

In addition to its store network, Jollyes has invested in distribution through a new contract with Wincanton in March, in its click and collect service, in extending online ranges and in staff training to increase the number of colleagues qualified to dispense certain veterinary medicines. 

It has also forged closer links with key suppliers to refresh and extend popular ranges such as its exclusive Lifestage dry and wet dog food.  It has also recently rolled out freezers to 15 stores as customers look to take advantage of the money-saving power of frozen pet food.

Assisi Pet Care Limited has acquired Pet Munchies Holdings Limited, the owner of the multi award winning Pet Munchies premium natural dog and cat treats brand, for an undisclosed sum.

Assisi Pet Care, which was founded in 2020 by Peter Mangion in partnership with Harwood Capital Management, has delivered significant and rapid growth in pursuit of its buy-and-build strategy and has brands like Hollings and Hi-Life in its UK portfolio as well as the Maced brand in Poland.  

The acquisition of Pet Munchies complements the natural positioning of all Assisi’s brands whilst broadening the company’s reach into new distribution channels.

Peter Mangion, Assisi CEO, said: “We are delighted that Suzanne has entrusted Assisi with Pet Munchies and look forward to welcoming Suzanne and her team to our growing company. Under Suzanne’s leadership, the team at Pet Munchies has done a terrific job of building the brand to where it is today and we are very pleased to be adding those people, as well the brand itself, to our existing structure. We believe that Pet Munchies has enormous potential to grow in both the UK and European markets and we look forward to helping deliver that growth in the very near future.”

Suzanne Rothman, Pet Munchies founder, said: “Building Pet Munchies into a leading UK treat brand has been a great and rewarding journey and we have made lots of pet owning friends along the way. We are now excited about our new chapter with Assisi Pet Care. The opportunity will give access to many more pet owners and the ability to widen our markets. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Pioneering pet product manufacturer Tracey Voss has marked her 25 years working in the sector by being shortlisted as a Finalist for one of Britain’s biggest and most prestigious business awards.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022, a glittering, star-studded event to be staged at London’s 5-star Grosvenor House Hotel in November, attracted over 5,300 entrants nationally, the biggest number ever to apply for the awards.

During Lockdown Tracey, Nottinghamshire-based MD of pet product company Tailor-Grace, created a new pet concept, Huskaloo, the world’s first eco-friendly, compact cat litter made from coconut husks.

Last year, Huskaloo was named ‘New Product Showcase Winner’ at PATS Telford 2021. And it also won Gold at the PetQuip Awards 2021 in the ‘Innovations In Lockdown’ category.

Now a third ‘feather in her cap’ has come with Huskaloo earning Tracey a Finalist nomination in the category ‘Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year’ – and she is hoping she will be “third time lucky” on Finals night.

Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC Television’s hit business series ‘Dragons’ Den’. Bartlett was a special guest at last year’s awards.

Held in partnership with Starling Bank, The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledge and champion the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

Tracey told Pet Trade Xtra today: “I am absolutely blown away to be shortlisted as a Finalist amongst what has to be considerable talent.

“We’ve already enjoyed great success with Huskaloo winning two awards in the past year. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will be third time lucky again.”

‘Made possible by collective team effort’

A ‘pet parent’ herself for 30 years, Tracey used Lockdown to create Huskaloo at the peak of the Covid pandemic when many cat owners were extra-reluctant to visit High Street stores and carry home heavy sacks of litter.

With most brands producing clay-based litter, created by the environmentally destructive process of strip-mining, Tracey invented a 90% smaller, 90% lighter and more ecologically sustainable alternative.

The eco litter is 100% biodegradable, can be put onto garden compost heaps, and is also odour-free. Coconut husks are super-absorbent and friendlier both to the environment and to cats.

Tracey added: “It has long been an ambition of mine to be involved in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. I’ve always kept a close eye on the event and, having seen previous years’ applicants, I’ve dreamt of being a finalist myself.

“Now that day has come and after the year we have had, this is the icing on the cake. I am thrilled for the whole team because this achievement has only been made possible by a collective team effort.”

On Finals night, November 21, 12 awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.

This year marks a decade of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and, over the years, the ever-growing network of alumni has collectively turned over £30 billion and employed around 450,000 people.

PATS Telford launch due

Great British Entrepreneur Awards Founder, Francesca James, said: “From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.”

Huskaloo isn’t the only pioneering product Tracey has created. Ten years ago, she also pioneered a new pet product concept for dogs – Oggi’s Oven, a bake-your-own-biscuits for your dog brand that was the first of its kind. As well as being Britain’s “first ever”, Oggi’s is also now the leading No.1 product in this field.

The original idea for Oggi came from a conversation Tracey shared a decade ago with leading UK canine geneticist Dr Malcom Willis. Chatting at a dog show, Tracey spoke of her desire to create a character who could educate families and children about how to keep dogs healthy.

Now, to mark Oggi’s 10th birthday, a new product, ‘Oggi’s Birthday Gift Box’ is to be launched at PATS Telford 2022 in September.

Burns Pet Nutrition has announced its first partnership with Warner Bros. to support the release of the highly anticipated big-screen movie DC League of Super-Pets, which opens nationwide in cinemas on 29th July 2022.

DC League of Super-Pets promises to be the big family release over the summer holiday season. The on-pack promotional campaign with Burns Pet Nutrition will run in-stores from early July through to September 2022. The promotion will backed by a national marketing campaign including in-store POS, ATL national newspaper ads, social media spend, digital marketing and social media influencer activations.

The promotion offers customers the chance to win a UK Holiday alongside runner-up DC League Super-Pets goody-bag prizes. The winning package will include a two-night stay at a luxury cottage in a location of the winner’s choice for four people, including £300 for spending money and travel.

Of the new partnership with Warner Bros., Burns founder John Burns commented: “As our brand continues to grow and expand, we’re thrilled to be supporting the release of this movie and partnering with Warner Bros. in what we hope will be the start of a fruitful relationship.”