A company claiming to be the ‘world’s first pet brand’ established in London in 1860 has been re-invented into an award-winning modern-day success. 

Spratt’s Patent Limited has been recognised with two major UK honours during its re-launch year – a prestigious Gold International Green Apple Environment Award and a finalist in the New Pet Product of the Year category at the PIF Awards.

The double recognition marks a significant milestone for the brand’s modern revival, led by founder and chairman Tariq Ali, positioning Spratt’s as one of the most promising and innovative pet companies in the UK market.

Selected from over 700 global entries, Spratt’s Patent Limited has been awarded a Gold International Green Apple Award for outstanding environmental achievements for its product Spratt’s Chews.

The organisers confirmed Spratt’s as an award recipient in the 2025 programme, placing the heritage brand alongside leading sustainability-focused companies across the UK. The awards ceremony took place at the House of Lords in London on 17 November 2025, adding significant prestige to the recognition.

Earlier this month, Spratt’s was shortlisted as a finalist in the New Pet Product of the Yea’ category at the Pet Industry Federation Awards, recognising Spratt’s Chews as a standout new product in the UK pet sector. 

Originally founded in London in 1860 and widely credited as the world’s first commercial pet food company, Spratt’s pioneered the global pet industry.

Today, the brand is being revived with a multi-vertical ecosystem spanning nutritional chews, AI-driven pet health technology, DNA testing, educational platforms and an exclusive society membership programme.

Tariq Ali commented: “To receive national recognition from both the Green Apple Awards and the PIF Awards during our revival year is an honour. These accolades reflect our mission to restore Spratt’s as not only a heritage British brand, but a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and pet wellness. This is just the beginning.”

Spratt’s will officially launch its first consumer products in the coming months, with its core technology, and pet wellness verticals scheduled to roll out in phases through 2025–2026. Spratt’s will also introduce an exclusive ‘Spratt’s Society’ membership programme in December, supporting the brand’s growing community and heritage revival.

Spratt’s Patent Limited has undertaken a complete revival of the historic SPRATT’S brand, including extensive trademark filings, preserving its original heritage, and redeveloping its product range for the modern era. The company’s long-term vision is to re-establish Spratt’s as the world’s most innovative and future-focused pet brand –reflecting both its historic origins and its next-generation development strategy.

The interim boss of Pets at Home has revealed that “urgent and necessary action is needed to return the retail side of the business to growth”.

The group’s retail business saw underlying profits plummet by 84.1% to £3.5 million in the six months to 9 October.

Ian Burke, interim executive chairman following Lyssa McGowan's abrupt September exit, announced a “retail turnaround plan with four clear priorities of Product, Price, Execution and Cost.”

He said: “Stepping into the role as Interim CEO 10 weeks ago, I set out with a clear agenda – to establish a firm grip on the issues facing our retail business, whilst maintaining the positive results we're seeing in areas such as Vets. 

“For over 30 years, Pets at Home has been a business with a clear purpose, an established market and loyal customer base, but it's clear that urgent and necessary action is needed to return the Retail business to growth to meet both our own expectations and those of our investors.

“I've spent time visiting over 100 Pet Care Centres and engaging with colleagues at all levels of the business to establish where the challenges are isolated, resulting in the implementation of a retail turnaround plan with four clear priorities of Product, Price, Execution and Cost. We are returning to our retailing roots to stabilise and rebuild momentum in our Retail business, and to lay the foundations for a new CEO in due course.

“At the heart of our business remains 17,000 trusted and passionate colleagues and vet partners, and it's through them that we will deliver future growth. I am grateful to them all for their unwavering dedication and energy and together we'll ensure the business can thrive again.”

Pets at Home Group Plc: FY26 Interim Results for the 28 week period to 09 October 2025, were announced yesterday (Wednesday).

They included: 

Group consumer revenue# up 0.7% to £1.06bn.

• Vet Group consumer revenue# up 6.7%, high quality growth driven by average transaction values and continued growth in Care Plan revenues with over 50% of clients having one. Visits were more subdued due to more of our clients entering healthy mid-life where visits are lower.
• Retail consumer revenue# down 2.3%, delivered against a flat market growth and no inflation of note. Q2 performance sequentially improved over Q1 as we saw a full quarter of strong online performance, partially offsetting weaker store sales. Food sales declined 0.3% with accessories sales falling 5.9%, lagging a soft market.

Total Group statutory revenues down 1.3% to £778.3m, with Group like-for-like# (LFL) revenue -1.3%.

Group operating costs broadly flat excluding insurance start-up costs. Including them they grew 1.2% YoY. Well within the stated guidance of ‘operating costs to increase no more than 5% in FY26’.

Group underlying PBT# of £36.2m down 33.5% YoY, underlying PBT margin# of 4.7% down c220bps.

Arden Grange has unveiled the biggest brand and packaging update in its 30-year history. With the roll-out beginning at the end of the year, the new designs combine a modern, impactful look with familiar heritage elements and reinforce the brand’s promise of 'nutrition without compromise'.

A look rooted in trust, designed for today The packaging refresh mirrors the brand’s journey, maintaining a legacy of trust with progress. The revitalised Masterbrand keeps Arden Grange’s iconic green and familiar logo structure, ensuring instant recognition of the brand mark for loyal customers.

 Clear range design and bold new visuals help pet owners and stockists quickly identify the right product with strong emphasis on the brand’s use of natural ingredients with science-backed benefits. New bespoke pet photography and visual health cues make a stronger impact and connection with customers at point of purchase.

Three tiers of healthy nutrition For the first time, Arden Grange introduces a 3-tier portfolio:

• Daily Nutrition - optimal, natural nutrition to sustain your pet’s overall vitality and wellbeing, every day.
• Advanced Nutrition - gentle natural recipes to support dogs with specific needs at every stage of life, including the brand’s best-selling Sensitive products.
• VetCare - grain free, vet-approved, PARNUT compliant formulas offer tailored support for dogs with diagnosed health conditions, without compromising on the quality, natural nutrition they enjoy.

Each tier uses distinct colour palettes, icons and background patterns for easy range navigation and faster decision-making.

Benefits for pet owners and retailers The tiered structure and stronger on-pack communication were developed following extensive consumer research. These changes deliver clearer shopper guidance in-store, and a stronger story to share with customers – supporting repeat purchase and brand loyalty.

While the design is modernised, Arden Grange has preserved its well-known legacy colours on core products, ensuring familiarity for existing customers. Updates such as better alignment between puppy and adult life-stage diets further simplify the owner journey.

The refresh builds on the successful launch of the VetCare range earlier this year and represents another important milestone in the Arden Grange story.

“The fantastic response to our VetCare launch has confirmed just how much pet owners value our commitment to natural ingredients, product quality, transparency, and trust. This brand refresh marks the next exciting chapter for Arden Grange – giving our products a modern, stand-out look while staying true to our longstanding mission of delivering nutrition without compromise,” said Robert Craig, Managing Director.

The new packaging will begin appearing in stores and online at the end of the year, followed by a consumer facing campaign designed to raise awareness of the Masterbrand evolution.

With further innovations on the horizon, Arden Grange is set to remain a must stock brand for retailers in 2025 and well into the future.

Award-winning pet discount superstore Jollyes is set to open its doors to the first of five new stores that will replace a former Poundland.

Part of the retailer’s plans to open six stores in just six weeks ahead of Christmas, the first former Poundland to become a Jollyes Pets store will be in Thurrock tomorrow (28 November) and will be rapidly joined by new Jollyes in Colne (29 November), Carlisle (6 December) and Burnley (13 December).

In the last few weeks Jollyes has already opened new stores in Chesterfield (18 October) and Swansea (15 November) and last weekend welcomed customers to its new Southend-on-Sea (22 November) store for the first time.

As part of its expansion plans, Jollyes has also agreed to take on an additional former Poundland location in Blackpool which will open as Jollyes in the new year (24 January 2026).

All the new stores opening before Christmas are launching with the full Jollyes range which includes a promise to be the best value pet retailer in town, following successive moves to lower the price of two-thirds of its ranges over 2025 and significant reductions on big brand favourites.

The new stores will offer frozen food that’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for pet owners, the retailer’s very latest expanded range for cat owners, and a community pet clinic with a vaccination and microchip service from trained Royal College Vets.

Each location will also carry its new extensive ‘pick and mix’ Natural Treats range which include sausages, lamb braid pigs’ ears and pork rolls.

The stores will be set-up from day one to offer ‘Zoomies’ – Jollyes’ new partnership with Uber Eats which allows customers within a five-mile radius of each store to have pet food, frozen raw food and toys and accessories delivered in as little as 30 minutes via the Uber Eats app.

All the openings planned at Thurrock, Colne, Carlisle and Burnley will feature a special appearance by Santa Claus and his reindeers with goody bags for the first 100 customers and an opportunity for all customers to play its iconic ‘wheel of fur-tune’ for instant prizes.

Alongside local mayors in Thurrock, Carlisle and Burnley, retired service dogs supported by Jollyes’ charity partner the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) will bite through a string of sausages to declare the store open.

Jollyes’ chief operating officer and CEO designate Adam Dury said: “These are exciting times for us here at Jollyes, bringing our combination of low prices and pet expertise to so many new communities before Christmas.

“We’ve had a warm welcome from customers in Chesterfield, Swansea and Southend and can’t wait to now open our doors this week in the first of the former Poundland units we’ve secured.”

Over the past three years Jollyes has almost doubled the number of store locations across the UK, becoming a clear challenger brand in the UK pet retail market.

It was named as one of The Sunday Times’ best big companies to work for in 2024, and this year won the Retail Week Award for Head Office Heroes following its highly successful raw frozen food roll out.

Gallery of pictures of Southend-on-Sea store opening below:

Tuft, the business management platform for pet groomers, today launched a free pricing calculator designed to help UK groomers discover what they should be charging based on their real business expenses.

The calculator, available at tuftapp.com/calculator, allows groomers to input their actual business costs, from rent and insurance to card machine fees and product costs, to generate recommended prices for each service they offer. The tool aims to help groomers move away from pricing based solely on what competitors charge and instead build pricing strategies around their true operational costs.

Addressing the pricing challenge

"We kept hearing from groomers across the UK who were fully booked but struggling to make their businesses financially sustainable," said Chloe Smith, CEO and Founder at Tuft. "While groomers are experts at animal care, many haven't had formal business training. This calculator gives them a simple way to understand what they need to charge to run a profitable business."

The calculator addresses a common challenge in the grooming industry: many groomers price their services based on what competitors charge rather than their own unique business costs, which can vary significantly based on location, premises, and business model.

How the calculator works

Unlike simple pricing guides, Tuft's calculator accounts for the full reality of running a grooming business and the fact that most groomers don't operate at 100% capacity every day.

The tool provides groomers with:

• Recommended prices for each service they offer
• Break-even pricing at different capacity levels
• Their effective hourly rate after all expenses
• A confidence score showing how complete their expense data is
• Downloadable pricing spreadsheets for easy reference

Users can adjust profit margins to see how different pricing strategies would affect their income, helping them make informed decisions about their business sustainability.

"Grooming is skilled, physically demanding work that requires years of training and ongoing professional development.” Chloe continued.  “This calculator helps groomers value their expertise and build sustainable businesses." 

Free access and future development

The calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. Tuft plans to use anonymised data from the calculator to develop regional pricing insights that could help the wider grooming industry understand business economics across different areas of the UK.

Groomers who want to save their calculations or explore Tuft's full business management platform can create a free account.

For more information visit tuftapp.com/calculator

Retail chain Just for Pets is now stocking pet keepsake brand Oh So Precious. 

Oh So Precious products have been available through Just for Pets flagship store in Stafford for some time, but the retailer has now extended the number of stores and taken the new brand’s freestanding wooden display units.  

The entire range is also now available online at www.justforpetstores.co.uk.

Helen Davies, founder of Oh So Precious, said: “We are honestly thrilled to be in the Just for Pets stores as we’ve always believed their brand to be completely aligned with ours.  The store teams have embraced the range and opportunity for supplementary sales so I’m looking forward to a prosperous partnership.”

Leanne Buckley Blunn, head of buying for Just for Pets, said: “It’s an exciting time to be introducing this gifting range to our website and stores, just ahead of Christmas and offering our customers something different, in addition to what they come to expect from Just for Pets.”

Oh So Precious pet keepsakes is just one of the ranges owned by The Lovely Gift Group, which has celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.  The range is widely available in pet stores, garden centres and gift shops, as well as online retailers.  

Oh So Precious includes a number of products to help owners celebrate milestones and memories during their pets’ life.

Henry Wag, a leading innovator in pet travel, drying and outdoor accessories under 3P Enterprise Ltd, has announced the release of its newly updated Medium Air Kennel. 

The kennel now features smaller 19 mm grid ventilation holes which increases safety for feline passengers and makes the product suitable for both cats and dogs.

This update meets the growing demand for secure and airline compatible pet transport solutions.

Designed to support safer and more comfortable travel, the upgraded Medium Air Kennel offers enhanced security while maintaining the strong build quality and practical features that Henry Wag products are known for. The new grid size aligns with requirements set by pet travel specialists and IATA guidelines for feline transport.

A Thoughtfully Updated Solution for Modern Pet Travel

“As more pet owners travel with their animals, we wanted to ensure our Air Kennel range met the needs of both dogs and cats,” said Grant Rogers, Managing Director at 3P Enterprise Ltd. “By reducing the grid hole size to 19 mm, we are able to offer improved safety and peace of mind, especially for cats and smaller pets who require extra security during transit.”

The Medium Air Kennel continues to feature its durable hard shell construction, secure locking mechanisms, spacious interior and excellent airflow. With the addition of the smaller grid size, the kennel now caters to a wider range of pets and travel requirements.

Key Product Features

• New 19 mm grid ventilation holes for improved cat safety and reduced escape risk
• Airline compatible hard plastic shell designed for reliable long distance travel
• Secure metal bolts and locking door for added peace of mind
• Comfortable and easy clean interior for stress free transit
• Sturdy carry handle for safe and stable lifting
• Suitable for cats, small dogs and other small pets

Meeting Market Demand with Versatile and Reliable Travel Solutions

As the number of pets travelling nationally and internationally continues to rise, Henry Wag remains committed to creating products that support safe and responsible pet transport.

“Our updated Medium Air Kennel is a direct response to what both consumers and retailers have been asking for,” added Grant Rogers. “Cats and smaller pets now have a travel solution that prioritises their safety without compromising comfort.”

Available Now

The updated Medium Air Kennel is now available to retailers, pet transport specialists and consumers. For stockist enquiries, trade orders or product information, please visit: 3penterprise.co.uk

Buckinghamshire-based pet nutrition brand Tribal Pet Foods, the first UK company to cold-press fresh meat into a complete dry dog food without the use of meat meal, is stepping into the cat food market with an entirely new range.

The offering is grain-free, natural, and targeted at adult cats aged 1+ years, packed with high-quality, easily digestible protein and free from grains, fillers and artificial additives. It is ideal for cats with sensitive digestion or food intolerances and is gently steamed to lock in goodness.

The range launches with three fresh-meat sausages for cats: Fresh Chicken, Fresh Chicken & Trout, and Fresh Pollock & Cod (launching soon). Each recipe contains 70% fresh meat or fish and is gently steamed to lock in goodness, providing a simple, natural, grain-free option ideal for sensitive digestion. All recipes include glucosamine and devil’s claw to support joint health.

Founded in 2017 by Oxford-trained food scientist Fatima Maktari, Tribal has played a pivotal role in redefining the dry dog food category. The brand’s Fresh Pressed™ range is sold in over 20 countries and has delivered more than 20 million meals to date. Tribal is known for its focus on fresh, human-grade meat, gentle processing and exclusive support for specialist pet retailers.

Fatima said: “From day one, when we launched the first ever cold-pressed dog food made using fresh, human-grade meat, Tribal has always connected with people who want to understand what they’re feeding.

"Whether it’s owners dealing with allergies or sensitive digestion, or specialist retailers who care deeply about ingredient quality and education, that’s always been our focus. We’ve built this brand on good science, simple ingredients and trust.

"Moving into cat food is a natural extension for us, and we took our time because we didn’t want to rush it. I’m excited to grow Tribal in a way that still puts pet health, transparency and independent retail at the centre of everything."

Tribal is part of the Symply Group, a newly-formed umbrella organisation that brings together a portfolio of premium, ethically produced pet care brands. 

James Milbourne, Managing Director of Symply Group about the launch: “We’re thrilled to now offer gourmet food for cats. We’ve admired what Fatima has built for years now, a science-led brand that never compromises on quality. Tribal shares our belief in doing things properly, for pets, for the planet, and for the independent retail community. We're delighted to bring Tribal's brand new food range for cats to hundreds of specialist pet stores up and down the country before expanding to other territories soon."

Key details of the new cat food range include:

• A grain-free and natural complete food for adult cats aged 1+ years.
• Made with 70% fresh meat (or fish) enriched with glucosamine and devil’s claw for joint support.
• Packed with high-quality, easily digestible protein and free from grains, fillers and artificial additives.
• Ideal for cats with sensitive digestion or food intolerances.
• Gently steamed to lock in goodness.

Link to website: https://tribalpets.com/uk/

Neerdog is now available in five Blue Diamond Garden Centres, bringing its nature inspired style to the shelves. Each product is named after a flower – Cosmos, Lantana, Erysimum, and Hollyhock – linking the brand to the gardening world and the outdoor spaces dog parents love most. 

The Neerdog Go-B-Bold range of dog collars, leads, harnesses and coats offer retro inspired patterns with high quality modern style. The Go-B-Bold Lantana and Hollyhock styles can be found on Neerdog’s striking free standing display unit which makes the brand easy to spot on the shop floor.

Sales Director Lauren Bentley said: “We’re so excited to be stocked in Blue Diamond Garden Centres. With the Go-B-Bold range, we wanted to create kit that’s inclusive and comfortable, something dog parents can use whether they’re out hiking or out at their local park or coffee shop. 

“The patterns were inspired by moments in nature and seeing them come to life on the shop floor has been extra special for us. 

“Over the last decade, we’ve noticed dog parents becoming much more thoughtful about the kit they buy and the brands they connect with, and I think that’s why Neerdog is really resonating with people.”

www.neerdog.com

Waita Pets has introduced two advent calendars as part of its Christmas offering for cat and dog lovers. 

Sales have been soaring as the packing team has demonstrated with this short film on their social media. https://www.facebook.com/reel/2702926163396807

There is a limited amount of stock left so pet owners can still order online or purchase through their nearest stockist. 

Each box features 7 individually portioned freeze-dried treats, combining premium protein, functional nutrients, and playful shapes to deliver joy, variety, and health in every bite. Each of the treats is made from natural ingredients such as real meat, goat milk, egg yolk, and natural botanicals like cranberry and catgrass.

Each of the treat shapes in the advent calendar also has a targeted benefit.

• Goat Milk Stick – Gentle on tummies, supports digestion and immune health with calcium-rich goat milk and chicken.
• Christmas Tree & Leaf: Cat Box (Green) – With catgrass and egg yolk powder, helps digestion and adds fibre for sensitive cats; Dog Box (Yellow & Pink) – With parsley and salmon, supports breath freshness and omega-3 for coat shine.
• Beef Cubes – A protein-dense option to build strong muscles and provide lasting energy.
• Salmon Cubes – Packed with omega-3s, perfect for skin hydration, brain function, and anti-inflammation.
• Egg Yolk Cubes with Cheese – Provides lecithin, healthy fats, and vitamins to support coat condition and cognitive health.
• Chicken & Cranberry Lollipop – Combines lean protein with antioxidant-rich cranberry for urinary and immune system support.

Each advent calendar provides wholesome festive fun with a joyful new treat every day, wrapped in seasonal shapes, perfect for sharing daily holiday moments with your cat or dog. RRP. £19.98. Pre order now with shipping from November.

For further information visit: www.waitapets.co.uk

Trade visit: www.waitapets.co.uk/pages/wholesale-contact

The Kennel Club, which has been rebranded as The Royal Kennel Club, is breaking with tradition to expand its focus from pedigree dogs to all dogs in the UK.

Central to this evolution is the launch of the UK’s largest-ever Dog Census, the reinvention of Crufts as a year-round community for dog lovers and owners, and the extension of the RKC’s renowned health programmes to benefit every dog.

To mark the occasion of become the Royal Kennel Club, the organisation commissioned a special ’21-dog salute’ outside Windsor Castle, featuring a host of the UK’s most loved, celebrated and vulnerable dog breeds including a few familiar faces.

A census for every dog in Britain

The RKC is inviting every dog owner in Britain, regardless of breed, to take part in the UK’s largest-ever Dog Census, a landmark project that will shape the future of dog health, ownership, and wellbeing. The project will build on insights from the more than three million pedigree dogs already served by the organisation.

As the first major initiative of the RKC’s new chapter, the Census will collect invaluable data on dogs’ health, behaviour, lifestyle, and wellbeing, guiding scientific research, supporting new initiatives, and informing the development of services through the RKC and its year-round Crufts community.

Crufts: A year-round community for all dogs and their owners

For the first time, Crufts, the world’s most famous dog show organised annually by the RKC, will evolve into a digital community accessible to all dogs and their owners. While the show remains a highlight, the new platform will operate year-round, meeting the needs of all dog owners through a range of new products services, all designed to support dogs and their owners every day of the year.

The platform will launch in February 2026, with pre-registration opening today, 25 November. For more information and to join the waiting list please visit: www.crufts.com/cruftsclub

Expanding decades of canine health expertise

Over its long history, the RKC has invested millions into research, education, and health programmes for pedigree dogs. The Health Test Results Finder, accessed by over 4 million people annually, helps owners and breeders make informed decisions, while the organisation’s comprehensive evidence base draws on over 4,000 research papers across 222 breeds. These resources, including more than 1.5 million screening results covering hip, elbow, eye, heart, spinal, and respiratory conditions, and over 100 DNA tests, will now benefit all dogs in the UK.

Further to this, building on the Health Standard for pedigree dogs introduced this year, the RKC will also extend this guidance to non-pedigree dogs in 2026, helping breeders make evidence-based decisions ahead of breeding that protect canine health and wellbeing.

21-Dog Salute

The 21-Dog Salute image features many of the UK’s much love breeds, including a Jack Russell Terrier, Crufts legends, and even the current Dulux dog, all coming together to celebrate the Club’s new chapter. The dogs were all sourced from the Kennel Club community with all participants volunteering their time, some travelling a long distance, to take part in the very special (and a little chaotic) photoshoot.

Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club, said: “This is a landmark moment for dogs in the UK. Becoming The Royal Kennel Club is not just an honour, it’s a responsibility to uphold standards not just of dogs but for dogs. We are opening our doors wider than ever before, inviting every dog owner to be part of a movement that puts canine health, happiness, and inclusion at its heart. The Dog Census, the evolution of Crufts, and our expanded health programmes are just the beginning. Every dog matters, and together, we can shape a better future for them all.”

“The granting of the Royal prefix, and the 21-dog salute tribute, reflects the deep and enduring bond between dogs and people, including generations of Royalty; a relationship The Kennel Club has proudly championed for 150 years and is excited to continue for generations of dogs to come.” 

Take part in the UK Dog Census at www.royalkennelclub.com or www.crufts.com and help ensure all dogs benefit from the Royal Kennel Club’s expertise and programmes

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A leading independent retailers association has criticised the Budget for falling short on promised business rates reform and delaying action on unfair competition from overseas sellers, warning that thousands of independent shops will face higher costs despite government claims of support for the high street.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said the new business rates multipliers represented "tinkering around the edges" rather than the transformation promised by government.

"The original proposals talked about reducing multipliers by up to 20p for smaller properties and 10p for larger ones," said Mr Goodacre. "What we've actually got is a 5p reduction - and even that is largely down to the rates revaluation rather than genuine reform. The government has missed a real opportunity to tackle an unfair tax that's crippling high street businesses."

The Budget introduces lower multipliers of 38.2p for properties with rateable values below £51,000 and 43p for those between £51,000 and £500,000 from April 2026. However, Mr Goodacre warned that despite the lower multipliers, many independent retailers will face bill increases of up to 30% next year compared to this year.

"This is not the transformation we were promised," said Mr Goodacre. "Nearly all our members will be paying significantly more in rates next year. That's simply unacceptable when businesses are already struggling with rising costs."

Bira did welcome the two-year extension of Small Business Rates Relief, which will now continue even if shop owners expand into a second premises - a move Mr Goodacre described as "genuinely helpful for growing independents".

However, he reserved his strongest criticism for the delayed closure of the low-value import duty loophole, which will not take effect until 2029.

"Why wait four years when the USA closed their loophole in six months and Europe is doing the same next year?" said Mr Goodacre. "Four years is an extraordinary amount of time. We're being told to live with unfair competition from overseas sellers dodging duties, VAT and safety standards while our members play by the rules and pay their taxes. We could learn from other countries who've acted far more quickly."

The loophole has allowed cheap goods to flood the UK market without customs charges, undercutting legitimate retailers. Mr Goodacre said the delay would cost independent shops dearly during the intervening years.

"This was supposed to be about levelling the playing field," said Mr Goodacre. "Instead, we've got another four years of being undermined by cheap and often unsafe imports while the government drags its feet."

With the National Living Wage rising to £12.71 from April and the 18-20 rate increasing to £10.85, Mr Goodacre warned that independent retailers were facing a "perfect storm" of cost pressures.

"We support higher wages, but these costs have to be absorbed by businesses already on tight margins," said Mr Goodacre. "Business rates aren't coming down for most shops despite government claims, labour costs are rising well above inflation, and we've got another four years of unfair competition to endure. This is not a budget that independent retailers will welcome."

He added that while measures such as the £150 energy bill reduction and extension of the 5p fuel duty cut were welcome, they represented "modest relief" after years of a cost-of-living crisis that had hammered consumer spending and shop viability.

"Will my members be happy with this budget? The answer has to be no," he added.

Stafford Pets & Aquatics is celebrating its seventh anniversary this week and to mark the occasion it has launched a series of birthday and Black Friday offers.

Announcing the offers on its Facebook page, the pet store posted: “Seven years ago, on 23rd November, we opened our tiny aquatic shop… and look at us now! A massive thank you to everyone who’s supported us –  you’re the reason we’re still here.

“To celebrate our seventh birthday and Black Friday, we’ve launched some of our best offers ever, all live right now.

“Pop in this weekend – we’ll have even more deals across the whole shop, from birds to reptiles to aquatics. Thank you for seven amazing years. Here’s to many more!”

Geosynthetics specialist Terram has launched a high-performance, nonwoven geotextile, which is engineered to safeguard impermeable pond and attenuation tank liners to help ensure long-term system integrity and reliability.

The primary function of Terram Pond Liner Protection Geotextile (PPG) is to provide a robust, protective layer between the pond liner and the underlying soil or substrate. This helps prevent punctures, tears and damage to the critical pond lining system, both during installation and throughout the lifetime of the pond.

Manufactured from UV-stabilised, high tenacity virgin polypropylene fibres, Terram PPG is mechanically and thermally bonded to deliver enhanced strength and durability. Its advanced production process results in a more malleable material than standard geotextiles, making it ideal for complex pond and tank installations.

“Terram PPG is designed to be the first line of defence for critical containment systems,” said Adam Brooksbank, National Sales Manager at Terram. “It offers superior protection against punctures and tears, helping to extend the life of pond liners and reduce maintenance costs.”

Key applications include the protection of geomembranes or other impermeable membranes; the separation of pond liner from subgrade soils to avoid damage; protection of attenuation tank impermeable membranes to avoid damage to the membrane during backfill.

The geotextile is manufactured from inert high tenacity virgin polypropylene fibres for excellent long-term durability.  The design incorporates randomly oriented web, to provide consistent strength and performance in all directions, and high elongation at break maintains separation function under load.

To enhance user convenience, the product is lightweight and easy to handle, which helps reduce installation time and labour costs.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has found that advising owners to behave calmly during their arrivals and departures helped puppies adjust to being left on their own. These findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians, trainers and puppy owners which can help prevent separation-related behaviour problems.

Separation-related behaviours (SRBs) are a common canine welfare problem and can include behaviours such as barking, whining, destruction or toileting when left alone. Often signs of stress, fear or frustration, in the most severe cases SRBs can lead to relinquishment or euthanasia. Despite SRBs being identified in approximately 50% of dogs, effective prevention strategies are poorly understood.

This study, therefore set out to address this knowledge gap and provide a better understanding of the impact of preventative advice to owners on SRBs and puppy welfare.

Conducting this study, the RVC team, in collaboration with Dogs Trust, recruited 34 new puppy owners before they brought their dogs home. Owners were then randomly given one of four sets of guidance: general puppy care advice (the control advice), control plus calm departure and reunion advice, control plus gradual habituation to being left along advice, or a combination of all three sets of advice.

Tracking how puppies adapted to being left alone over time, the owners were asked to follow the advice and film their pets at four key stages during their first six months at home: the start of the first week, the end of the second week and then again at the three and six months of being in the home. At three months, owners and their puppies also took part in a supervised separation test. Each observation captured how the puppy behaved when left without human company.

After collating these insights, the researchers analysed the footage, scoring behaviours such as barking, whining, resting or playing to assess signs of anxiety or relaxation. Assessing the puppies’ responses, the research team gained an overview of how different advice strategies influenced SRBs.

While the study found no evidence that the advice had significant effects on specific signs of separation distress overall, it did reveal that puppies whose owners received calm departure and reunion guidance spent more time resting quietly when left alone – suggesting they were more relaxed. Similarly, puppies whose owners had been advised to gradually increase puppy time spent alone showed more resting, but only in the supervised separation test, and they also showed fewer passive signs of stress, such as panting or lip-licking.

It is possible that similar advice would also reduce SRBs, but that would require confirmation in a larger study with greater numbers of puppies than were observed in the current research. Nevertheless, the findings offer hope that advising new puppy owners to behave calmly around separation and to gradually help puppies become accustomed to being alone can help prevent the development of separation distress in puppies.Key findings, include that:

• Compared with a control group, puppies rested more when alone if their owners had been advised to depart and return calmly, exercise puppies before leaving and to provide toys or treats to occupy them while alone.
• Puppies during a separation test also rested more if their owners had been advised to regularly and gradually train their puppies to tolerate being further away from their owners without the puppies ever becoming distressed, and to leave a long-lasting treat for their puppies when away.
• Puppies whose owners trained them in the above way and left long-lasting treats showed fewer passive signs of anxiety, such as lip-licking, looking at the door/entrance, and yawning, when left alone.
• Puppies left with another dog showed fewer of these passive signs of anxiety than those left without another dog.
• Puppies showed more passive signs of anxiety, and less positive behaviour (e.g. less eating and playing) if TVs or radios were left on while owners were away than if they were switched off.

Dr Fiona Dale, RVC PhD graduate and lead author of this paper, said: “Getting a puppy is often an extremely exciting time for many people. However, working out how to successfully negotiate leaving puppies alone is an important consideration as puppies can become distressed leading to serious welfare problems which can also be very stressful for owners.

“On the other hand, some owners may be completely unaware that their dogs have a problem being left alone. When conducting the study, I reviewed one video where a puppy had been left for a few hours - it spent the entire time pacing back and forth, howling and whining and never settling. This was extremely upsetting to watch and was in stark contrast to what the owners had reported to me - they thought their puppy slept the whole time they were gone.

“While further research is recommended, we hope this exciting new study can give owners pointers on how to best prevent separation-related behaviours in their puppies. Taking a calm approach to leaving and returning to puppies and gradually getting puppies used to being left alone may be helpful in preventing SRBs from developing in the first place. So, in short, hopefully if we are calm, our puppies will be too!”

Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science, and senior author of this paper, said: “Separation related problems can develop from a young age while puppies are very dependent on caregivers, so helping young animals cope and stay calm while alone is important for preventing life-long issues.

“This study suggests that calm owner behaviour can help, which ties in with our previous findings that puppies were more likely to develop separation related behaviour if their owners fussed over them or punished them around departure and reunion. We’re really grateful to all the puppy owners who participated in this research to help future dogs and their owners cope better when they have to be apart.”

Dr Rachel Casey, Chief Operating Officer at Dogs Trust, said:“Separation-related behaviours can be distressing and challenging, but this research shows that simple, practical guidance, such as calm departures and gradually building up the time they are left, may help puppies feel more secure when left alone.

“Sadly, Dogs Trust receives thousands of handover enquiries every year from owners struggling with elements of their dog's behaviour. Ensuring owners have access to clear, effective advice and techniques from the start of their dog’s life is key to preventing these issues from arising in the future.”

Family-run Paws For Thought, which has been trading for 45 years, will close its doors for the final time at the end of the month.

The owners of the pet store in York Road, Leeds, have been trying to sell the business as they prepare for retirement but have failed to find a buyer.

The store, rated ‘one of the best’ by Which? magazine, informed customers of the closure on its Facebook page.

The social media post ran under the headline: “The news we never thought we’d have to announce.”

The owners stated: “It is with deep regret that, after 45 wonderful years in the pet industry, we must announce the upcoming closure of the last Paws For Thought Pet Centre on York Road. 

“This marks the end of an era not only for us, but for the wider pet community and we are immensely proud that we have left our mark on Leeds with our knowledge, expertise and customer service.

“We have been honoured to be one of the UK’s leading independent pet stores –recognised by Which? Magazine as ‘one of the best’ and featured on numerous television and radio programmes.

“Paws For Thought began in 1980, founded by Dale Briggs in Halton, before moving to Crossgates and joining three individual buildings into one shop. We later expanded to Plantland on the A64, and ultimately opened our flagship store at 143 York Road. Over the years, our reach has grown from Cornwall to Scotland, and many of our loyal customers have become true friends.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, past and present – many of whom have been with us for decades. Paws For Thought has truly become a family. Our manager Phil has been with us for 35 years, John for 25, Kim for 20, Martyn for 19, Meg for 7, and both Matthew and Iain for 2. Countless staff members have met their partners here – including Dale, who met his wife and business partner, Virginia, in 1983. Together they welcomed their daughter Kristi, who has also contributed to the business for the past 18 years.

“Over recent years, we have made every effort to sell the business in the hope that the Paws For Thought legacy could continue. Unfortunately, most enquiries focused solely on the site, and genuine interest in running the pet centre underestimated how much knowledge, expertise and time it takes to run such a specialist industry. After Dale and Virginia working seven days a week for decades, it is time for them to enjoy the fruits of their labour and live a little. 

“Paws For Thought Pet Centres will be closing its doors 30th November 2025, however staff will still be helping for the following two weeks to clear the store fixtures and fittings. Sales will be beginning this week for stock, and display tanks/vivariums/fittings will be for sale in the following weeks. If you are interested in anything at all, please feel free to enquire instore or on 07393 487202 as everything must go. 

“Once again, we thank you for you custom, loyalty and friendship over the many years of Paws For Thought Pet Centres. We wish you all the best for the future and we will miss you as much as you will miss us.

“With sincere thanks and warm regards, Dale, Virginia, Kristi, and the PFT Team – Phil, John, Martyn, Kim, Meg, Matthew and Iain.”

UK Pet Food, the trade association representing pet food manufacturers, suppliers, and the wider pet food industry, has unveiled ‘Ambition 2030’, a bold new sustainability roadmap. 

Building on the significant work already underway across the sector, this marks a major step forward in supporting members to accelerate progress across a united set of priorities.

The announcement took place at UK Pet Food’s parliamentary reception, ‘Feeding Growth and Innovation: pet food’s role in a sustainable food system’, held at the Houses of Parliament and sponsored by Danny Chambers MP, Vice-Chair of the Dog Advisory Welfare and the Animal Welfare All Party Parliamentary Groups.

The launch brings together representatives from Parliament, government, farming, animal welfare and the wider food ecosystem, reflecting the collaboration essential to achieving shared sustainability goals.

Aligning with evolving consumer values

New data from Vypr, product intelligence specialists, highlights strong public support for sustainability in pet food: 77% of pet owners believe brands should protect nature, and 51% rank animal welfare and ethical sourcing as their top priorities.

Five priorities for sustainable growth

Ambition 2030 gives the industry a shared direction across five key areas that reflect where pet food is heading and what matters most to pet owners, industry partners, and wider society:

1. Net Zero: contributing to a 50% reduction in emissions across the agri-food supply chain by 2030.
2. Nature Restoration: halting and reversing nature loss to help pet owners enjoy and protect biodiversity.
3. Sustainable Commodities: eliminating deforestation and land conversion from directly sourced ingredients by 2030.
4. Circular Food System: optimising co-products, alternative ingredients, and efficient manufacturing to reduce environmental impact.
5. Packaging: supporting a world-class packaging recycling system in the UK and reducing packaging’s environmental footprint.

To support the membership, UK Pet Food has developed a Sustainability Action Toolkit, a practical resource that helps members measure progress and share best practice.

Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, commented: “Pet food is an important part of a sustainable food system. Our industry already uses around one million tonnes of UK agricultural produce each year - much of it by-products from the human food chain. These ingredients help minimise waste and support a circular economy, while enabling us to create affordable, nutritious pet food that contributes to a more sustainable future.

“Through Ambition 2030, we aim to set a benchmark for sustainability across the sector, pooling resources and knowledge to help all our members, large and small, strengthen their strategies. Collaboration, data, and shared accountability will accelerate progress for the whole industry.”

Danny Chambers MP added: “The pet food sector is an important part of the UK’s agri-food economy and has a major role to play in building a more sustainable food system. I’m proud to support UK Pet Food’s Ambition 2030, which brings industry together to take practical steps that benefit animals, people, and the environment alike. It’s vital the sector continues to lead with both responsibility and accountability.”

Leading artisan ice cream manufacturer Baboo Gelato, producer of award-winning brand Doggy Doggy Yum Yum, is looking to raise £300,000 from investors through a Crowdfund. The campaign is running through Crowdcube for three weeks. 

Founder Annie Hanbury said: “We’ve spent nearly 10 years building Baboo Gelato locally in the South West, and now we want to take the brand nationwide. With the super-premium market of ice cream growing 8% per annum, and consumers wanting indulgent treats, we think it is an exciting time to be expanding. Investors can buy into Baboo Gelato via Crowdcube for as little as £10.”  

Co-founder Sam Hanbury added: “We’ve had an exciting year, winning not one but two prestigious Three Star awards from the Guild of Fine Food, bringing our total haul to 51 Great Taste stars since we started. We’ve also seen our trade customers nearly triple in sales to £646,000 since 2021, and we’ve started to make Baboo available through a major South-West distributor.

“Our dog ice cream Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is distributed through a major pet wholesaler and has won many awards, including Best New Product in the Pedigree Wholesale Awards 2021, two Highly Commended certificates in the PetQuip Awards (2022 and 2025) and was voted Best Pet Treat of the Year in 2024 at the Pet Industry Federation Awards. 

“The pet market is worth over £10 billion to the UK economy in 2024 and the frozen treat market for pets has grown quite significantly as well over recent years as shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants all want to get their hands on the poochie pound.”

As part of the Crowdcube offer, investors can receive rewards in the form of vouchers, tote bags, free gelato, lab tours, and even the Willie Wonka opportunity to design their own flavour. 

For more details visit: https://www.crowdcube.com/companies/qDmLrl/pitches/l8wODq

Paleo Ridge, producer of ethically sourced raw dog food, has announced a significant expansion in production capacity, increasing output by 55%, following investment in advanced semi-automated technology and sustainable packaging innovation.

The expansion marks the latest milestone in Paleo Ridge’s continued growth trajectory, with the company almost doubling in size over the past five years. This investment underpins the brand’s long-term commitment to improving product availability, maintaining exceptional quality standards, and supporting its growing network of retail and trade partners.

CEO Tyler Daly said: “Our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality raw food for dogs, while maintaining full transparency and sustainability. This latest investment ensures that we can keep pace with rising demand without compromising on quality, ethics, or environmental responsibility. It’s all about creating a better experience for our customers and their dogs.”

Since its founding, Paleo Ridge has been driven by a passion for canine health and a commitment to ethical sourcing. Over the years, the brand has evolved from a small, hand-packing operation into one of the UK’s most advanced raw food producers. The new semi-automated production lines streamline mixing, portioning, and packaging, improving consistency, efficiency, and stock availability.

Equally important is the company’s innovation in eco-friendly packaging. Following extensive research and development, Paleo Ridge has introduced a new paper-based tray system with a secure seal, eliminating leaks and enhancing convenience for customers, while maintaining the brand’s strong environmental values. The new packaging is recyclable, sturdy, and designed to perform through the entire supply chain, from factory to freezer.

These production and packaging developments come as the UK’s raw feeding sector continues to expand rapidly. Once a niche market, raw feeding is now one of the fastest-growing categories in the pet food industry, driven by consumer demand for transparency, natural ingredients, and premium nutrition.

Tyler added: “We’ve worked hard to ensure that our growth benefits everyone from our staff and suppliers to our retail partners and end customers. By improving efficiency and capacity, we can maintain high stock levels across our best-selling ranges, giving our partners the reliability and confidence they need.”

Looking ahead, Paleo Ridge will continue to strengthen its relationships with independent stockists, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels while expanding within the UK.

Yorkshire’s Finest Pet Food has won Pet Food Brand of the Year for the third year running in the Yorkshire Prestige Awards. 

Owner Dave Chapman, who has been showing his dogs on the professional circuit with significant success since 1999, supplies feed to renowned breeders and exhibitors, and is also a judge in professional shows.

Dave said: “I started my business because I had a Shar Pei called Marley with digestive issues, and grain-free food was not so readily available. He was sponsored by a well-known brand at the time who kept changing the recipe, and the combination of those two things drove me to create my own high-quality product, which would have a consistent recipe at a reasonable price.

“I found a solution for him, and it just made sense to share that with others. We’ve since added numerous products to our range to accommodate other dietary, age and fitness levels, as well as stocking high quality treats, toys and other key products.”

Founded in 2012, Yorkshire’s Finest Pet Food has supported some of the highest profile dogs on the show circuit, including Crufts champions, and also exhibits at shows around the UK as well as Dave showing his own dogs with significant success.

Dave has 12 dogs and is an international championship show judge, judging in countries including Russia, Germany, France, Finland, Norway, Guernsey and also UK. He has had 21 champions all over the world in countries such as America and Australia, and his daughter Megan’s dog, Connor is currently the top German Spitz Mittel in the UK.

Dave added: “This latest award feels like a feather in my cap, showing that what we are doing is not just delivering but also being recognised, and I’m so proud to be able to do that.”