Donald Trump dog and cat toys are set to be a massive hit for Sharples Pet, which has secured exclusive distribution of the US-produced products in the UK. There are also Vladimir Putin toys in the range.

The 8-inch Trump cat toy is supercharged with top quality organic catnip and retails at £5.99.

The Trump dog toys, styled with golden tan, quaffed plush hair, feature top-stitched floppy elbows and knees for active play. They’re available in a 12-inch version, retailing at £9.99, or a giant sized 17-inch version, retailing at £18.99.

Trump is part of a range of brilliantly designed dog and cat toys for which Sharples Pet has secured exclusivity for distribution in the UK, all of which will be on display at PATS Telford next month.

The National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW) officially opened its doors yesterday after a year in development. The centre is a joint venture between The Pet Charity and Hadlow College in association with the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade (REPTA) and it aims to provide a centre of excellence for all aspects of reptile welfare.

This is the first facility in the world that combines the expertise of an educational establishment, a national charity, industry, government and enthusiasts. It will bring together these groups to harness their interest in reptiles and amphibians and allow them to work together to not only help animals in need today, but also educate keepers and decision makers of the future.

The centre consists of a range of facilities:

• Veterinary triage and reception room Initial quarantine facility Holding for up to 600 reptiles and amphibians Separate holding for animals that need to be segregated Venomous animal room with external viewing Virtual pet shop to facilitate training Classroom area Full food prep and hygiene area
• These state of the art facilities provide the centre and its associates with opportunities to provide unrivalled services:
• Rehoming of all reptile and amphibian species, including venomous animals, with a capacity of over 1000 animals a year.
• Holding animals related to legal cases.
• Non invasive research opportunities for degree students attending Hadlow college.
• Hands on experience for students relating to all aspects of reptile care.
• Training opportunities for local authorities, industry and enthusiasts.

Quarantine of some species where required. The centre also benefited from a donation of £98,000 from Pets At Home charity "Support Adoption For Pets" for which it is extremely grateful.

Chris Newman (REPTA) said: "There are many pet rehoming centres across the UK, some good and some not so good.

"This facility will be different as it not only draws from the expertise and opportunities provided by its partnership with Hadlow, but also works with the pet industry to help solve the inevitable outcome of pet ownership; animals that need a new home.

"Although reptiles and amphibians account for only a small percentage of the pets that need to be found a new home each year, compared to dogs and cats for example, there is a need that requires addressing"

Tim Wass MBE, The Pet Charity and former Chief Officer of the RSPCA said: "When the opportunity arose to develop this centre the board of the Pet Charity were unanimous in its support for the project.

"There has never been a project like this, that can make a real difference to animal welfare now and in the future by drawing on the experience of so many people.

"Although ultimately its future will rely on the generosity of the public for its ongoing success, we felt that it deserved the initial funding we provided."

Pets At Home donated many of the vivariums as they were being removed from stores. In a statement Pets At Home stated that they "were delighted that the vivariums and associated equipment could be recycled for such a worthy cause."

The NCRW will have an official opening in the Autumn.

For more information regarding the NCRW please email dave.perry@thepetcharity.org.uk or call 07897 692060.

Some facts and figures:

• It is estimated that there are currently more pet reptiles and amphibians than pet dogs in the UK.
• Reptiles and amphibians generally have a lower need for rehoming than other animals and form only a small percentage (less than 5%) of the animals re-homed in the UK each year.
• The centre cost over £500,000 to develop with funding and assistance received from The Pet Charity, Hadlow College, REPTA, Support Adoption For Pets, Peregrine Livefoods, Vetark, Microclimate, Hagen UK, Monkfield Nutrition, the FBH and many other industry and hobby supporters.
• The centre will cost over £100,000 a year to run which will need to be met with public donations and industry support.
• The UK reptile and amphibian industry is worth over £300 million per annum.

A multi-million pound pet hospital created by a TV vet has opened its doors in High Wycombe.

Hamilton Specialist Referrals is the joint brainchild of renowned husband and wife vet team Michael and Clare Hamilton.

The state-of-the-art, 24-hour hospital has been four years in the planning and has finally opened its doors this month in Halifax Road.

Michael featured on TV shows like The Bionic Vet on BBC One and Channel 4's Vet on the Hill.

The pet hospital has three operating theatres, an MRI and a CT scanner and is equipped to carry out surgical procedures like joint replacement and spinal decompression.

Source: Bucks Free Press

Raw dog food company Poppy’s Picnic has teamed up with TV soap actress Gemma Oaten to call on dog owners to try the fresher way to feed their pets during August.

Poppy’s Picnic has announced it is launching its new RAWgust ‘change-for-life’ themed month for dogs this August. 

The company is calling on all pet owners to pledge to try its fresh food throughout the month. It hopes to make noise and educate those that are unfamiliar with the benefits of feeding raw, while also encouraging those who have always wanted to try it, to see how easy it is to do.

With the help of first-time-fresh-feeder, soap star Gemma Oaten, it hopes to run a successful campaign this year, that will inspire other fresh food companies to join in as a collective in 2019.

Poppy’s Picnic handmakes locally sourced, 100% natural food and describes the benefits of feeding its fresh, mince, meatballs and treats as follows:

• Improved digestion: pups will digest the majority of the food they eat, causing smaller, healthier, firmer, and less odorous and frequent poos meaning they’re smaller and easier to pick up
• Healthier skin and coat: the full complement of nutrients and their added natural oils mean full, glossy and strong coats.
• No added sugar: leading to better weight management and better teeth and gums
• Reduced allergy symptoms: the food is free from wheats, grains, chemicals and preservatives which can contribute to allergies and behavioral problems, leading to calmer, tail wagging dogs

Founder, Dylan Watkins says: “We are calling on people to join our Raw Revolution this month because few dog owners know that when they feed kibble-only diets, they’re giving their four-legged friend fillers and ‘meat derivatives’, that are sprayed with fat and other substances to make them more appealing to dogs.

"With over 50% of dogs being obese in the UK, and the percentage of dogs with diabetes having risen by 30 times in the last three decades, it’s time to take a stand and do right by our dogs.”

Former Emmerdale and Holby City actress, Gemma Oaten, is supporting Poppy’s Picnic in its campaign and feeding her Miniature Schnauzer, Ruby Tuesday fresh food for the first time.

She says: “I saw Poppy’s Picnic on Dragons’ Den and immediately wanted to support the brand. I’ve never tried raw before now as I've always been told that dry is best so was just led by that.

"Having read all of Poppy’s Picnic’s testimonials, I felt RAWgust was the opportunity to get involved and it looks very promising for Ruby.”

Feeding Poppy’s Picnic is easier than some dog owners might think, providing control, convenience and cleanliness. Its complete mince and perfectly portioned meatballs are easy to feed and handle, and look like those you would eat from the supermarket.

Once defrosted the food is quick and easy to serve for those and transferring from pack to plate is a much easier, cleaner experience, compared to conventional trays, tubs and chubs.

Dylan adds: “We’re aware that feeding fresh frozen food isn’t convenient or cheap enough for everyone’s lifestyles but believe that any fresh nutritional intake is better for dogs than nothing but dried brown pellets.

"If owners can just feed our balanced meals then great, but if mixing it with kibble makes it more accessible, we’d encourage owners to try it out. We are all about making it easier for more people to feed their dog the best – as much or as little as is possible.

"Our Very Important Paws team are always on the end of a phone or email to help with the transition.”

Blogs and informational posts will be shared via social media and the website. Those pledging are asked to use #RAWgust in their updates on social media.

www.poppyspicnic.co.uk

Husband and wife team Jack Walker  and Aneisha Soobroyen were so shocked with the lack of high quality, ethical pet food at an affordable price available in the UK that they decided to form their own company called Scrumbles.

For the past two years they have been developing Scrumbles to create a values driven company with a nutritious and delicious product and a unique playful tone of voice.

Based from their home office in Croydon they live with their dog and cat, Smudge and Boo.

"As doting pet parents we’ve always wanted what’s best for our Smudge and Boo. But having seen the pet food market from the inside out we were unhappy with the choices available. Unable to find yummy, good food that didn’t cost the Earth, we set out to create our own," said Aneisha and Jack.

"We’ve taken care to ensure our food is both nutritious and delicious.

"Each of our recipes are carefully tailored for species, breed size and life stage and crammed with up to 75% chicken.

"Using a blend of freshly prepared and dried chicken, ensures high levels of animal protein (the best kind!) and delivers an irresistible taste.

"We avoid nonsense like artificial preservatives, colours or flavours and unnecessary nasties like salt, sugar and pea protein.

"Catering to sensitive tummies, our food is gluten free, has added probiotics and is naturally hypoallergenic.

"We’re serious about nutrition but determined to have fun along the way. We also believe in the power of business to drive positive change in the world and are committed to supporting the communities and environment around us, guaranteeing adventures for future families."

Scrumbles, which launched May, will be exhibiting at PATS Telford next month. For more details visit: https://scrumbles.co.uk

Leading pet food manufacturer, Pets Choice, has confirmed that three of its well-known brands will be exhibiting at PATS Telford in September.

The company, which has been attending the popular show since 2014, will be showcasing a selection of best-selling products from its Webbox Natural, Meatiful and TastyBone brands.

Webbox Natural, a sub brand of Webbox offering natural cat and dog food high in essential vitamins and minerals, will be displaying a number of products new for 2018, as well as unveiling its brand new Webbox Natural Sausages. Available in Turkey and Chicken with Brown Rice and Vegetables or Lamb and Chicken with Brown Rice and Vegetables varieties, the Webbox Natural Sausages come in 300 and 650g servings.

Meanwhile, Meatiful, known for its 100% natural and gluten free gourmet sausages for dogs will be unveiling a brand-new variety of sausage and its first ever grain free sausage – White Fish with Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash.  As with all Meatiful products, it is a vet approved recipe, hypoallergenic and is slowly steam cooked to maintain nutrients.

Zoe Hardaker, Webbox and Meatiful product manager, comments: “We’re really looking forward to PATS this year as it’s a show that’s always been important to us. Webbox Natural had its first presence at the show in 2016 and we launched the Meatiful brand there last year – it’s safe to say both brands have come on a considerable amount so we can’t wait to launch more newcomers and showcase our diverse and high-quality portfolio of products.

“Visitors to the show can find Webbox Natural and Meatiful on stand E36 and will be able to take advantage of exclusive show offers throughout the two days.”

TastyBone will also have a range of exclusive show offers for attendees and can be found on stand F27. The UK’s leading manufacturer of nylon chews and edible treats for dogs will be launching two brand new products at the show, including QuattroBone – a 100 per cent virgin nylon bone, boasting a unique four-pronged shape and available in four brand-new worldwide flavours, including Chicken Tikka, Fish ‘n’ Chips, Hoisin Duck and Chorizo.

Camille Ashforth, TastyBone product manager, comments: “PATS provides a great opportunity for us to showcase our most popular ranges and is the perfect platform for us to reveal the new products we’ve been developing behind the scenes.”

“We urge anybody attending this year’s show to visit us on stands E36 and F27 to see some of our most popular lines as well as our latest innovations.”

Orvis UK awarded a Harrogate family with one of its premium memory foam dog beds as a thanks for the families' charitable efforts. 

The Harrogate family raised over £1,300 for Pets as Therapy after attending the Orvis sponsored Pets as Therapy dog walks in Harrogate. 

Harrogate mum, Chloe Darcy and her parents, Sally and Terry Ryan, all participated in the sponsored dog walk for the charity in April, raising a combined total of £1,390.

Chloe's daughter, who unfortunately remains unwell in hospital, is regularly visited by PAT volunteer Ian and his PAT dog Rosie.

As such, the family wanted to repay the kindness by raising money for the charity.

The family were presented with the Orvis dog bed at the Orvis Harrogate store..

Picture credit: Harrogate Advertiser

Bestpets has launched a new, own label cat litter to offer customers a lower cost, premium alternative to brands.

Bestpets Hygiene Cat Litter, available to purchase now, is 100% Calcium Silicate and benefits from high odour control, low dust content and a non-clumping formula providing cat owners with a clean and effective solution. Available to buy from all Bestpets depots in 20 Litre bags, Bestpets Hygiene Cat Litter is exclusively available to independent pet retail traders.

Karen Hubbard, Category Manager for Bestpets, says: ‘Own label product quality has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. There is no longer a stigma attached to own-label with many such products outscoring their branded equivalents.

"At Bestpets, we regularly benchmark our own-label products against leading manufactures to ensure that product quality is maintained throughout our extensive range of petcare products.

“Bestpets Hygiene Cat Litter is therefore a must-stock item for retailers looking to offer consumers the option of trading up from Bestpets Wood Based or Lightweight Cat Litter with the knowledge that they are offering a product from a trusted name.

"This brand-new product will allow those within the independent pet retail trade a real point of difference by offering customers a premium product which is not available in the multiples.

"In launching a new own label product, exclusively available for independent pet retail traders, this again shows Bestpets commitment to supporting our customers and helping them to compete in challenging market conditions”.

The premium quality of the product also comes to the fore in the packaging with a departure from the Bestpets normal packaging – again reinforcing the premium nature of the product.

The gold and black colourway with a photographic image – rather than the usual Bestpets cartoon icons – has been designed for maximum on-shelf presence ensuring that the pack stands out from the crowd.

Despite its premium credentials, Bestpets Hygiene Cat Litter is competitively priced with an RRP of £7.99 for a 20 litre pack while still delivering very attractive margins for the independent pet specialist retailer.

For more information on Bestpets and its own-label range of products - or to find your local depot - please visit best-pets.co.uk

With dog owners being warned about the abundance of ticks this summer CSJ is highlighting its Skinny range of cream, shampoo and spray.

Ticks aren't just pests that feast on your dog and cause him to itch; they can also be carriers of some serious diseases. UK ticks can carry a devastating condition called Lyme disease caused by serious bacteria, which affects both muscle and nerve cells.

Skinny Cream is an effective, natural cream that is extremely kind to skin - for both dogs and owners! Specially formulated against fleas, ticks, mites (including mange), lice and flies - as well as pesky midges.

Skinny Cream contains no preservatives, sulphates or artificial colours while smelling of coconuts. Now available in the new handy 100ml size.

Skinny Shampoo is an effective, natural shampoo that has been formulated against fleas, ticks, mites (including mange), lice and flies. Perfect for dogs, horses and humans!

Skinny Spray is an effective, natural spray that has been formulated against fleas, ticks, mites (including mange), lice and flies when they become troublesome.

Perfect for dogs and horses, but not suitable for use on cats because of the essential oils used. Apply a light spray mist daily when contact problems exist - what could be easier? May also be used on pet bedding and sleeping areas.

CSJ says: “Insects can cause irritation and spoil pets’ and owners’ enjoyment of the outdoors but this year experts have particularly warned people to be aware of ticks and the diseases they can carry.

"We have seen an uplift in sales of our Skinny products and feedback has been terrific…we are happy to know that we are ‘doing our bit’ to foil the critters."

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

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Nylabone has added a new ‘rawhide alternative’ chew to its Wild Alternatives range.

Available in two sizes (small and extra-large) the new chicken flavoured roll chew is splinter free, clean, and safe.

Designed to withstand even the most powerful canine chewers its textured surface guarantees flavour throughout and unlike real rawhide which has to be discarded after five days to prevent an unhealthy build of bacteria and germs, the Nylabone Wild Alternatives can last for months. 

The chews are available to order now.

www.nylabone.co.uk

Members of the public are urged to put food and water out for wildlife during the current heatwave.

Wildlife rescue centres have seen a huge increase in the number of admissions due to dehydration and starvation.

A small bowl of water can be a life saver.

Animals such as hedgehogs are also struggling to dig the hard ground so a quality hedgehog food such as Brambles Crunchy or Brambles Meaty can make life much easier.

Brambles wildlife foods are used by wildlife hospitals and are available through major pet wholesalers, Rosewood Pet Products and Decco.

www.bramblespaw.co.uk

hello@bramblespaw.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/BramblesPAW/

Ruffwear, the performance dog gear brand, has launched its latest range for Autumn/Winter 2018 featuring the largest apparel collection to-date, including shell, fleece and quilted styles.

A selection from the range, including early season Autumn apparel lines and bedding, is available from 1^st August and detailed below. The remainder of the AW18 range will be available from 1^st October. 

The latest products are inspired by the companionship owners share with their four-legged friends and designed to take dogs and owners on adventures together.

The new Wind Sprinter Jacket is ultra-lightweight (90g, size medium) and packs down into its own collar. It is constructed using durable, nylon ripstop fabric that blocks wind with a DWR coating that repels light rain. It features leg loops for secure fit, a leash portal for compatibility with most harnesses and has side release buckles for easy on/off. A reflective trim and light loop for attaching the Ruffwear Beacon safety light give the jacket visibility in low light conditions.

The Stumptown Jacket is designed to offer cosy warmth on cold days with an abrasion and water-resistant exterior shell and recycled polyester insulation. It features a leash portal for harness compatibility, side release buckles for easy on/off, reflective trim for low-light visibility plus an attachment loop for a Ruffwear Beacon™ safety light. It comes in two colourways: Metolius Blue and Larkspur Purple.

The Clear Lake Blanket is a durable, water-resistant quilted blanket designed for life in the outdoors. It is made from quick-drying fabric making it the perfect resting place for four-legged friends on any adventure. It uses recycled polyester insulation that holds in warmth and includes a stuff sack for easy transport. At 110cm * 140cm when flat it provides ample coverage for even the largest of four-legged friends.

The full range can be viewed at www.ruffwear.co.uk.

The end of the summer holidays isn’t the happiest time for many people and pets can also be miserable about it too. But it’s not disappointment that the holidays are over that affects pets –many suffer from being left alone for longer during the day after an idyllic summer with all the family close at hand.

Premium natural supplements company Lintbells says there’s often an increased need for its pet calming supplements in September as children return to school and family routines go back to normal after a summer spent together. 

Up to 30% of dogs1 show obvious signs of anxiety when home alone and many more could be affected, but with the signs not being recognised by owners.

Cats can also suffer from separation anxiety with destructiveness, litter tray accidents, excessive vocalisation, or psychogenic grooming and self mutiliation2being the most common signs. It’s not always obvious that separation anxiety is the cause of the signs observed in cats.

Genetic factors, a previous history of early weaning, prolonged departures and excessive greetings, or a lack of environmental enrichment3 may be acting as a background to the problem. Both cats and dogs that shadow their owners may be more predisposed to separation anxiety.

Lintbells Commercial Lead, Sue Lewis says everyone experiences some level of adjustment to their routines once summer is over.

“As pet owners are focussed on the changes they have to make, pets don’t always receive the attention they deserve at this important time.

'And of course some pets have already experienced a period of adjustment while their owners are away on holiday – whether that’s in a boarding setting or being looked after by house-sitters or relatives. It can leave them feeling quite unsettled, creating a pattern of behaviour that can be difficult to disrupt.

"If owners don’t act it may even become habitual, setting up the household for a significant period of disruption and making the pet increasingly unhappy.”

The Lintbells veterinary team says that it recommends a multimodal approach, which includes making changes to the environment so that when home alone the pet has stimulating activities and also a safe place to wind down and rest. 

There’s an opportunity for retailers to recommend products such as timed feeders, toys that can be safely played with when the pet is alone and beds that feel secure, to help stressed pets. Natural supplements like YuCALM Dog and YuCALM Cat also play an important role in restoring a sense of wellbeing without causing drowsiness or otherwise altering the expression of natural behaviours.

For further information, visit www.lintbells.com.

A Lancashire pet shop has been cleared of any wrong doing by its local council after animal welfare concerns were raised on social media. Pictures of mice in a crowded cage, allegedly taken in Diane’s Pet Store, in Thornton, near Blackpool, were shared online.

The images, appearing to show dozens of white mice crammed into the same cage, sparked outrage on Facebook before they were removed.

Wyre Council said the pet shop was found to be operating within the terms of its licence following a visit .

And according to the Blackpool Gazette a person speaking on behalf of Diane’s Pet Store hit back at the online critics, and called the people posting the images on Facebook “morons”.

“We haven’t got any mice running about. They are all running in their cages. There are some very sad people around. We have done nothing wrong,” the newspaper was told.

A Wyre Council spokesman said: “The council carried out an inspection of the pet store and at that time did not find any breaches of their licence.”

The full report can be read by clicking here

HOWND, who won two awards in 2017 – Marketing Project of the Year and Pet Product of the Year (Accessories) – are a finalist again, this time in the Pet Product of the Year (Food & Treats) category.

The 2018 finalists are:

Business of the Year

• Broadreach Nature +
• Danish Design
• Group 55
• Loving Pets
• Naturediet
• Natures Menu
• Pedigree Wholesale
• Wild Wash

Exporter of the Year

• Burgess Pet Care
• Chicken Guard
• Group 55
• Loving Pets

Marketing Project of the Year

• Company of Animals
• HayPigs
• Hownd
• Inspired Pet Nutrition/Harringtons
• Just for Pets
• Natures Menu/True Instinct
• Wild Wash

Pet Product of the Year (three categories)

1. Food & Treats:

• Hownd – Hemp Wellness Treats
• Kennelpak – Yakers Dog Chews
• Loving Pets – Ora Bone
• Meatlove – Training Sausage
• Naturediet – Moist Meaty Treats
• Nutriment – Dinner for Cats
• Poppy’s Picnic – Enhanced Pet Food
• Poppy’s Picnic – Complete Meatballs
• Poppy’s Picnic – Follow-on Paste 
• Slurps – Nutritious Dog Drinks

2. Accessories:

• Collarways – Mookiemax grooming and massage tool
• Collarways – WestPaw chew
• Company of Animals – new launch
• Danish Design – Dog Duvet
• K9 Organics – Shampoos/Paw Balm
• Pet Trade Innovations – Doc & Phoebe No Bowl System

3. Health & Technical:

• Catipilla – Climbing Frame
• Chicken Guard – Automatic Chicken Coop Door
• Collarways – Anti-parasite Collar
• Doggy’s Cuppa – Daily Dog Brew
• PetWeighter – Dog Feeding System
• Sure Petcare – Microchip Pet Door Connect
• Sure Petcare – Cat Flap Connect
• WaggleAntics – Tick Defence 

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/ Wholesaler of the Year

• Saint Vincent Group, Dubai
• Samohyl, Czech Republic
• Wanimo.com, online retailer, France
• Whesco, Denmark

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

• Colchester Pet Stores, Colchester, Essex
• Hart Pet Supplies, Benfleet, Essex
• Mutt & Co Pet Boutique, Hartlepool, Teesside
• Pack and Clowder, Hackney, London
• The Wet Nose Dog, online retailer
• WaggleAntics, online retailer

Lifetime Achievement 

To be revealed on 23rd September at the PetQuip Awards dinner.

Wyevale Garden Centres, the UK’s biggest garden centre operator, yesterday announced the sale of a portfolio of eight garden centres to Blue Diamond.

The centres comprise Bicester, Cadbury, Cardiff, Endsleigh, Melbicks, Percy Throwers, Sanders and Weybridge.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of eight of our largest centres to Blue Diamond, one of the UK’s biggest and most experienced garden centre operators. We would like to thank our great colleagues at these centres, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well for the next stage of their business’s growth and development under Blue Diamond’s ownership.”

Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring these fantastic centres. Over the next three years we plan to invest £16million to remodel and transform them into destination centres modelled around our Redfields Garden & Living Centre in Hampshire, and our Blue Diamond Garden and Home store near Nottingham. We look forward to working with our new colleagues across the centres and welcoming them into the Blue Diamond family.”

In separate transactions, WGC has also agreed the sale of two further centres in Alfold and Binfield, to Q Developments and Spitfire Bespoke Homes respectively, as well as the sale of a parcel of excess land adjacent to its Beaconsfield centre to Oakford Homes. All three sites are likely to be redeveloped for residential use.

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “These centres were previously identified for potential redevelopment as part of the company’s active portfolio management strategy. We continue to explore all opportunities on non-core centres as part of the ongoing sale process. We are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of the teams at these centres.”

Discussions on the sale to Blue Diamond and the individual centre sales started before the appointment of Christie & Co to explore offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business and that process is continuing. WGC has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs.

Justin King, Vice Chairman of Terra Firma and Head of Portfolio Businesses and Chairman of Wyevale Garden Centres said: “Terra Firma is delighted that Wyevale Garden Centres has agreed the sale of ten centres including a portfolio of eight to Blue Diamond.”

Following the launch in May of a formal sale process for Wyevale Garden Centres through Christie & Co, Terra Firma has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining Wyevale Garden Centres business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs. We are currently evaluating these offers.

Winning a New Product Award at the UK’s number one pet trade show can have a tremendous impact on the fortunes of a PATS exhibitor. It can help turn a new launch into a bestselling item in pet stores around the country and clinch that all-important export deal.

One of the main reasons why the Award is held in such high esteem is the fact it is decided be a panel of independent retailers, who know what it takes for a product to fly on the shelves.

Entries for the New Product Showcase and Awards, sponsored by pbwnews at PATS Telford, which takes place on September 23-24, are still flooding in as exhibitors get ready to showcase their latest launches to retailers and buyers from the UK and abroad.

Here Rik Cridland, from the innovative HayPigs company, who triumphed in the New Product Awards at PATS Telford in 2017, reveals what the accolade has done for his business.

How did you react to winning a New Product Award at PATS Telford?

We were obviously delighted to scoop the award. To win best new small animal product in our first year of trading was wonderful recognition for all the hard work and effort we'd put in behind the scenes.

Has the award helped your business?

Winning the award announced our arrival to the pet trade and raised the profile of our brand. We got lots of attention and well wishes, which was lovely. It just helps us in our ultimate goal of enriching the lives of small furries (and their owners) every day.

How have you used the win to promote the product?

Absolutely! The awards logo is now on all our marketing material and we are now able to introduce our product as the 'award-winning' HayPigs! Piggy Weightlifter. We certainly saw sales boasted because of it, so it was well worth entering!

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk