Unique Pets of Aylesbury were crowned Independent Pet Retailer of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.

This week Pet Trade Xtra finds out from directors Lucy Ellis and Jenna Tomlins what makes the company, whose mission statement is ‘Your pets are unique… so are we’, stand out from the rest.

This is what Lucy, pictured with Jenna above, had to say:

"Unique Pets was conceived by its founder, Jenna Tomlins, as a ‘pet shop with a difference’ in Winslow, Bucks, in November 2011. Based on individually-tailored advice, good old-fashioned customer service and high quality natural pet supplies, just two years after opening demand led to the launch of another store in nearby Aylesbury.

"This second branch has expanded each year since and 2015 saw it move to a large 6,000 sq ft warehouse. The new unit houses a ground-breaking mix of a large retail area, a stock room with generous walk-in freezer, two grooming salons, a training room, a photography studio, a hydrotherapy pool, a Bowen in Motion treatment room and offices.

"We are creative with our photography studio offering pop-up photobooths at local festivals and engaging in-store events, including seasonal fancy dress opportunities and Pose with a Nose for Wetnose Animal Aid. Alongside charity dog shows and puppy parties, our shop calendar hosts first aid courses, holistic treatment demos and informative talks.

"Our holistic approach to pet health has seen the in-store launch of several local businesses – Star Vet physio, Bowen in Motion (human and canine) and Bucks Canine Hydrotherapy. We are also working with Dr Nick Thompson to produce tailor-made seminars at the shop in 2018.

"We are one of largest independent suppliers of raw food with 22 freezers boasting six brands of complete food and 11 freezers of DIY, including cat and reptile food. In 2016 we partnered with a new local raw food supplier to design and launch his food, and we continue to consult on new products for We Love Raw brand.

"The majority of new customers arrive through word-of-mouth, but targeted SEO and social media campaigns has seen a growth in online referrals. There are over 7,000 customers subscribed to the loyalty scheme, with 100+ newcomers joining every month, and we pride ourselves on regular 5* reviews on Facebook.

"Unique Pets has increased its staff count to 18, with a diverse age range from 18-61, supporting one employee with learning difficulties. We offer a proactive training programme with a combination of in-house tutorials, supplier training, online courses and external seminars. Staff are trained not to “hard sell” any products, but instead to educate the customer so they can make an informed decision. All learning achievements are shared on Facebook offering regular success story posts.

"Turnover increased by 46% 2015-2016, with a further 25% increase projected for 2016-2017. A dedicated purchasing manager - who grew into the role from the shop floor - has improved our profit margin from 30-40% since 2015. Alongside using wholesalers, we foster excellent relationships with exclusive suppliers to keep prices low for customers and secure good deals for our various events.

"Reinvesting profits back into the business, we’ve redecorated both grooming salons, added racking to the freezer and introduced a staff reward package, including bi-annual payrise opportunities based on merit, a SMART bonus scheme, a pension and health cashplan."

To find out more about the company visit www.uniquepets.mobi

Jenna and Lucy receive their Pet Industry Federation Award from Jason Comber (left) of Royal Canin, who sponsored the award category, and guest presenter Professor Tim Morris, of the Animal Health & Welfare Board for England.

Top picture: Lucy and Jenna outside their premises in Aylesbury.

Below: A gallery of pictures from Unique Pets.

Recruitment specialist Lynda Ward has urged pet firms to move quickly when appointing new staff or they run the risk of losing the best talent to rival companies.

“Recruiters and candidates alike need to be on their toes when it comes to clinching job vacancies says Lynda Ward, owner of Pet Trade Solutions.

She explains: “The pet trade is unique with its companies having complex and diverse needs, and my 35 years’ experience within the industry enables swift and accurate identification of experienced or entry-level candidates…in effect seeing beyond the CV.

“However. today’s job market is so fast moving that taking too long to meet applicants or making an offer can easily result in prime candidates being lost to a competitor.”

She continues: “Likewise, although it can understandably be difficult, job seekers have to be flexible in order to meet prospective employers as and when they wish – often when companies need staff they need them now so a swiftly arranged interview can make all the difference to their prospects.”

Lynda is predicting more new jobs in the New Year as newer companies expand and says: “I have a range of screened candidates with live contacts, skills and experience ranging from Area Sales Managers to National and Key Account Managers and Salesforce Managers looking for their next challenge and eager to meet companies who are looking to increase sales and serious in their need for excellence within their teams.”

She adds a gentle reminder: “When they’re gone, they’re gone!”

You can contact Lynda on 07946 743784.

Following the recent announcement from the FDA regarding the safety of processed bone treats, the UK and Europe’s leading experts in raw and natural pet food Natures Menu, wants to highlight the safety of raw bones and chews, when fed appropriately.

Bones are safe to be fed raw and if selected appropriately for the age and experience of the animal. Raw bones are moisture rich, softer and more flexible compared to cooked bones. Once a bone is cooked they become very dry and brittle which is when they can easily splinter and potentially cause problems.

Melanie Sainsbury, Natures Menu’s Veterinary Nurse, said: “All our bones are raw and natural with no additives, and no processing. They are simply chopped and bagged for retail, as a butcher would do.

“The FDA defines a ‘bone treat’ as “real bones that have been processed, sometimes flavoured, and packaged for dogs.

"These are unlike butcher bones and the bones that we produce here at Natures Menu, which are uncooked and have no added flavour. We would never recommend bones to be cooked before feeding as the drying that occurs through cooking means the bone is susceptible to splintering, which can be dangerous for the dog.

“Natures Menu bones and chews are the safest way to feed your dog a bone treat and there have been numerous benefits associated with feeding them including improved skin health, joint health and firmer stools. In addition to this, chewing can be an immensely satisfying and relaxing experience for dogs as well as improve dental health.  A softer, uncooked, raw bone will clean a dog’s teeth without the worry of it splintering.”

Natures Menu produces raw bones, chewing meats and offal which are the perfect addition to a raw or natural diet for dogs, adding texture and variety as well as a host of nutritional benefits to its complete and balanced meals. The range is produced to be safe, easy to serve and totally scrumptious for four legged friends.

For more information on feeding raw bones and chews please visit https://www.naturesmenu.co.uk/advice-centre/feeding-raw-bones

FDA’s warning that processed bone treats for pets could be potentially deadly after an estimated 15 dogs have died, was reported by the Huffington Post. Read the report here http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/fda-warning-dog-bone-treats-death_us_5a1db88ce4b003f9c7fb0dbb

Nineteen 87, a new, super premium dog food which uses UK sourced ingredients and supports the 'farm-to-bowl' ethos, has organised a double-decker bus tour of dog-friendly central London today (Thursday) to celebrate their new product.

Cooked using a gentle baking process, plus 50% fresh meat, poultry and fish in each product, it’s no wonder that Nineteen 87 is setting tails wagging across the country. 

The man behind the range is Graham Wheeler, who began the hunt for the perfect pet product because of his concern for the health and happiness of every member of his family – including that of his pups. As a result of this prioritisation, Nineteen 87 supports Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

During the bus tour the company is inviting guests and their dogs to board its bus and delve into a variety of baked treats (both for pet and human consumption).

Guest will be also be joined by Milos Dog Running, City Dog Expert, plus the Pets as Therapy certified volunteer dog and owner team, Bridie and Max.

For more information on Nineteen 87 visit www.nineteen87.co.uk or follow @Nineteen_87official for live coverage from the event.

A fish-based diet could be the answer if you pet suffers from a sensitive stomach, a leading pet nutritionist advises.

Fish can help counter sensitivity as it has lower fat levels and less dense muscle fibre which makes it very easy to digest and allows dogs to extract more nutrients.

A sensitive stomach is not a disease but a symptom of underlying cause – often triggered by poor diet or external factors, outlines David Southey Bsc in his latest video for Fish4Dogs.

Fish also benefits from having well-balanced amino acid profile which are the building blocks for protein.

“There are tens of thousands of different proteins in our body, each one consisting of a combination of amino acids - some made from a few, whilst others consist of many thousands. When you consume protein in your diet, this protein is broken down into its constituent amino acids and then pieced back together to create the range of proteins your body needs,” explains David.

“A well-balanced protein such as fish, has amino acids in the proportion that your body will need. With poorly balanced proteins there are excess amino acids that the body doesn't need and so these will be excreted via the urine and the faeces however, this process of excretion has a negative effect on good bacteria in the gut. With well-balanced protein, such as fish, the makeup of amino acids closely matches the body's needs meaning there is less excess to excrete.”

Marine-sourced EPA and DHA omega-3 oils found in fish help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract improving digestive health.

Says David: “As well as bacterial disturbance, another cause of digestive upset is disruption to the natural rhythmic motion of the gut. In a healthy dog there is a peristaltic motion that is a contraction and relaxation of muscles that gently pumps the food through the intestines with a rhythm that allows the body time to digest and absorb the nutrients.

“However, things such as stress, anxiety, infection, excitement or even just exercise can all disrupt this motion by causing erratic or spasmodic contractions. This generally results in poor digestion and faecal quality. Again, highly digestible food such as fish will allow the body the best chance to absorb the contents despite this disturbance.”

He advises dog owners to further reduce disturbance by feeding smaller portions more frequently.

“A small amount of insoluble fibre from ingredients such as beet pulp and pea can also help to promote the peristalsis by brushing the inside surface of the intestines and this physically stimulates and encourages the body to return to its normal rhythm,” David recommends.

Finally, he urges owners to be mindful of treats.

“Any treats or snacks offered to a dog with sensitive digestion should also be low in fat since a high dose of fat can cause disruption of the gut’s bacteria as well as reduced peristalsis by lubricating the internal surface,” he warns.

The video can be seen on Fish4Dogs YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU9e0_SWZFw

A formerly heavy hound from Middlesbrough has been named biggest loser in the UK’s largest pet slimming competition after shedding an incredible 34% of his bodyweight in just six months.

Alfie the Beagle once weighed-in at a whopping 4st 10lbs (30kg), - 67% over his ideal weight (2st 12lb/18kg). His health was at serious risk from his excess pounds, say PDSA vets. But after pounding the streets and cutting back on the excess food, he’s lost a third of his bodyweight and wowed the Pet Fit Club judges. He is now a much healthier 3st 1lb (19.7kg)

Each year, PDSA helps the country’s fattest pets take on a strict six-month diet and exercise challenge, specially tailored and overseen by the charity’s vets and nurses.  Pet Fit Club helps our four-legged friends slim down, and raises awareness of the serious health and welfare implications of pet obesity.

Since its launch in 2005 the Pet Fit Club competition has helped 79 dogs, 37 cats and 8 rabbits lose a total 71 stone – equivalent to a grand piano (or 16,000 doughnuts!)

The winner: Alfie’s tail

Owner, Emily Simcox (25), adopted Alfie, the bulging Beagle, five years ago. Alfie was already seriously overweight and found it difficult to get around.

Emily has been trying to help Alfie slim down ever since but back in April, admitted she needed help from PDSA to shake off some bad habits.

She said: “Taking part in PDSA’s Pet Fit Club is unquestionably the best thing I have ever done. Seeing the transformation in Alfie has been incredible. He’s a completely different dog and we’re over the moon.

“Before, he was sluggish, tired and looked sad a lot of the time. He couldn’t even walk up the stairs; he’d struggle half way up and then had to stop for a rest before getting to the top. On walks, he would sluggishly walk towards a ball we’d thrown and often wouldn’t bother even trying to bring it back. But since being on the diet his tail hasn’t stopped wagging! He leaps and bounds, and is so full of energy.

“Before Pet Fit Club, I would continually feed him treats as a way of showing how much I love him. Those eyes are so hard to resist. But we know now that we were drastically affecting his life by doing this and it was no good for him. It was heart-breaking to say no at first. I felt as though I was starving him. But with the help of the PDSA team, we managed to stick with it and learn to say no.”

Alfie’s diet hasn’t been without its slip-ups, said Emily: “I was making a cheese sandwich and left it on the kitchen counter. I walked back in the room to find Alfie licking his lips, and the cheese sandwich gone!

“I want other people to realise there’s help out there. You don’t need to be embarrassed about having an overweight pet. I hope others are inspired by Alfie’s story and take their pet to the vets for advice and support. Alfie is proof that change is possible - we’ll never look back!”

Alfie’s weight-loss has been supervised by PDSA vet nurse Steph Williams, from Middlesbrough PDSA Pet Hospital. She said: “Alfie’s transformation over the last six months has been incredible. He is unrecognisable from the dog that waddled into our hospital for his first weigh-in six months ago. He’s much healthier and will be able to enjoy a much happier life.

“His owners Emily and Neil have been very dedicated to adjust his lifestyle for the better. They have listened to all the advice and stuck to the diet religiously. It’s helped increase Alfie’s exercise levels and showed what can be done with determination!"

PDSA vet nurse Katy Orton, who helped to judge the competition, added: “It has been great to watch Alfie transform over the past six months. His success is testament to the hard work of his owners and our PDSA veterinary team at Middlesbrough Pet Hospital.

“Pet obesity is a growing issue that affects millions of UK pets. Up to forty per cent of dogs and cats in the UK are estimated to be overweight or obese. Recognising a healthy body shape is an important first step, so we are encouraging pet owners who are concerned about their pet’s weight to speak to their vet or vet nurse as soon as possible. This expert advice can help owners make the necessary changes to ensure their four-legged friends lead a happier, healthier life.”

Since its launch in 2005 Pet Fit Club has helped 79 dogs, 37 cats and 8 rabbits lose a total 71 stone – equivalent to a grand piano or 16,000 doughnuts!

Find out more about this year’s pet slimmers and register your interest for next year’s competition at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub. Follow the conversation on social media with #PetFitClub.

Alfie’s owners have won a pet-friendly holiday courtesy of Sykes Cottages and a year’s free pet food from Dechra Specific. 

Richard Higgs, of Trust Pet Products, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award last week. The category was sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, and the following was read out by Alistair Cook of Agria:

The PIF Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded each year to someone who has, in the view of the PIF board of directors, made an outstanding contribution to the pet industry throughout their career.

It is awarded to someone who has had a major impact on the UK pet industry and made a significant contribution to a particular aspect of it. And this year is no exception.

Previous winners have included: John James; Keith Davenport and Steve Fowler.

This year sees more garden centres opening their Grottos for Santa Paws events, particularly on weekdays and Pet Trade Xtra's Trevor and Karen Pfeiffer took their Doodles to see Santa at Frosts Woburn Sands to test the experience.
 
And we can report it was all that Trevor and Karen and their pets expected... and more. 

At Frosts they got a full on 'doggy' version of their grotto experience and the welcoming, friendly and patient elves made it all the more enjoyable. 

The experience included: meeting the yeti; a gift of a Petface pudding; finding biscuits and making a bag full to take away; a photo with Santa him and a reindeer toy as a present for each doodle.
 
From a retailing point of view it was great to see pet products merchandised at the photo checkout. 

"We don't normally have product here when children come through the grotto but pet owners love the opportunity to pick up an extra gift item for their pet," explained the head Elf.

Other Santa Paws grotto events have taken place at:

• Frosts Millets Farm
• Frosts Woburn Sands
• Garden King, Swadlincote
• Gordon Rigg, Rochdale
• Groves, Bridport
• Kershaw’s, Brighouse
• Notcutts Wheatcroft
• Planters Tamworth
• Squire’s Badshot Lea
• Squire’s Long Ditton
• Squire’s Stanmore
• Squire’s Washington
• Squire’s West Horsley

To help further boost their industry-leading growth rates, Pooch & Mutt have hired two key staff.

Paul Dennison joins as Commercial Manager after 3 years at Ocado working as Senior Buyer on the online grocer's pet specialist site Fetch.co.uk.

Katie Simpson joins as Key Account Manager from Nestle where she led their instant coffee account at Waitrose.

Pooch & Mutt founder, Guy Blaskey commented: "Paul and Katie are huge additions to the team and will help us to continue to go from strength to strength.

"Paul has a wealth of knowledge from his time at Fetch, which will be invaluable to us to help us grow strong commercial partnerships with both our suppliers and our customers.

"Katie's experience working on one of Nestle's top accounts will help in our constant endeavour to ensure that we provide our customers with the best possible experience and service".

Pooch & Mutt is set for huge things in 2018, with key product launches set or Q1 and Q2 as well as other exciting top-secret plans to help with their mission to topple the dominance of the 'confectionery companies', who in their opinion, control too much of the pet market, whilst offering sub-standard products.

Having new recruits who have seen the industry from the other side will help them in this mission.

Two Fish4Dogs products have been highly commended in the 2017/18 ‘Your Dog’ Product Awards.

The awards, run by Britain's best-selling dog magazine, are voted for by readers to “celebrate and recognise all those must-have doggy products that enhance the lives of pet owners and their pets”.

Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky was highly commended in the Best Treat category while Fish4Dogs SOS (Save Our Skin) Salmon Oil was equally recognised for Best Health Product.

Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky, comes in 6 different shapes and is made from 100 per cent white fish skin.  Naturally low in calories (an average of 11 per treat across the range). It has a rough texture which helps remove tartar from dogs’ teeth and has a taste that dogs adore. They contain no additives or preservatives and are rich in Omega 3 fish oil.

Fish4Dogs SOS Salmon Oil is made from the finest Norwegian Salmon and provides high levels of EPA, DHA and Omega 3 which helps hydrate skin, aid joint mobility, soothe cracked paws and maintain a lustrous, glossy coat.

It can also be to be used drizzle over the top existing food to aid palatability.

Fish4Dogs Marketing Manager Jo Little said: “We are delighted to have been recognised in the awards, particularly as they are voted for by readers of the magazine who hold the welfare of their pets closest to their hearts.

“Our Sea Jerky range and SOS Salmon Oil are already firm favourites with our customers and their dogs, but to have these two products ‘highly commended’ by Your Dog readers is a great endorsement which we hope will lead others to enjoy the benefits offered by our Fish4Dogs extensive range.”

 100% fish skin dog treats these natural low calorie (average 11 per treat) titbits have a rough texture which not only help remove tartar from your dog’s teeth but have a taste dogs adore.

Sea Jerky Fish Twists are fish chews made from twisted pieces of fish skin that can be held in the paws, they contain no additives or preservatives and are rich in Omega 3 fish oil.

Sea Jerky Fish Twists are a natural product and by nature may vary in size. Current stock is 130mm long by 25mm wide and 14mm deep. 

We now supply our larger sizes 1kg (2 x 500g bags) 2kg (4 x 500g bags) 4kg (8 x 500g bags) in 500g bags to lock in the freshness

There are 13 different categories in the Your Dog Product Awards where readers could select a product from the shortlist (drawn up from the previous year’s awards) or enter an alternative product giving the name and the manufacturer.

Details of the awards are published in the January edition of the magazine – on sale today (December 7).

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Police have released a CCTV image of a woman they would like to speak to in connection with an incident in which a Pets at Home customer was reportedly bitten by a dog.

The incident happened at the pet store on the Retail Park, Sprowston, Norfolk, where a woman suffered a broken knuckle and puncture wounds following the incident.

Anyone who may recognise the woman should contact PC Vicky Hagon at Sprowston Police Station on 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Picture: Norfolk Police.

An African Grey Parrot called Barney who is a "local personality" in Ballymena, County Antrim, has been stolen from a pet shop - along with a python, seven tortoises and two lizards.

The incident happened at a pet shop in the Ladysmith Terrace area of Ballymena on Sunday.

An African grey parrot, seven tortoises, two lizards and a tree python were taken.

A sum of money is also believed to have been stolen.

The £750 parrot has belonged to Ladysmith Pet Supplies owner, Marian McAuley, for a decade.

Thieves "deliberately targeted" the premises due to the value of its birds and reptiles, according to Ms McAuley, and broke in some time between Sunday evening and the early hours of Monday by removing the shop's tin roof and landing on the fish tanks.

"Thankfully the fish weren't harmed but they knew what they were after," Ms McAuley told the Irish News.

"Barney was my pet and could repeat anything you said, he was very intelligent. People came into the shop just to see him, he was a local personality.

A couple made off with a charity box off the counter of a pet shop in Alcester, after one of the thieves distracted the manager.

The thieves fled That Pet Place manager Louise Bennett, taking two training leads with them, and it was only when a member of the public came in with an empty charity box – for Redditch-based rabbit charity Hopper Haven – that manager Louise Bennett realised what had happened.

“Checking back on CCTV I could see that the woman, who might have been pregnant, had her eyes darting everywhere and looked really suspicious,”  Louise told the Redditch Standard.

“And then you can see her just sweep the charity box off the counter.

“It’s such a low thing to do, stealing a charity box.”

The thieves are described as being in their mid-30s.

The results of a rabbit feeding trial were announced to delegates attending the Pet Industry Federation’s Forum.

The year-long research study into the differences between feeding muesli and nuggets to rabbits, commissioned by the Pet Industry Federation, and run in conjunction with Hadlow and Moulton colleges was established to validate a previous study (Meredith et al., 2015; Prebble et al., 2014; Prebble et al., 2015) on the subject of diet presentation and its effects on weight, feed intake and dental health.

32 rabbits were split across Moulton and Hadlow and were not kept in laboratory conditions, but in outdoor pens to simulate how a rabbit may be kept in an outside home environment. The rabbits were allowed free access to hay and water and were provided with driftwood logs as a non-nutritional chew.

Both food presentations were similar in nutritional composition and based on FEDIAF guidelines, which provide the most current recommendation for pet rabbits and each set was offered the feed at maintenance levels.

The dental health was assessed by a specialist veterinary surgeon at the beginning, middle and at the end of the study. Dental assessments looked at malocclusion, elongation, slanting wear, ridging, fractures of incisors; direction, elongation, step/wave mouth, missing teeth and gingival health of cheek teeth, as well as facial indicators of dental health.

Announcing the results of the trial at the Forum, Drs Ambrose Tinarwo (Hadlow College) and Wanda McCormick (Moulton College) revealed that there was no significant difference in either the weight, body condition score or dental health of the rabbits regardless of whether they were fed muesli or nuggets. Both sets of rabbits gained a small amount of weight during the trials and there was a general improvement in dental health in each set which could, the researchers felt, have been attributed to the hay quality and non-nutritional chew.

Importantly, all the feed was consumed each day by both sets of rabbits on each diet, so there was no evidence of selective feeding.

In concluding, Dr Tinarwo explained to delegates that the trial suggested that feeding the correct amount of feed to maintain a healthy body condition score was more important than whether they were fed nuggets or muesli; and that if this was done incorrectly, then concerns regarding dental health and weight would remain for both diet types. He also concluded that the importance of good quality hay as the primary diet could not be underestimated in helping to ensure that rabbits remained healthy.

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF said: “We were delighted to have worked with Hadlow and Moulton colleges on this research and are very grateful for the time they have spent establishing the trials and carrying them out with their students. These interesting results show, most critically, the importance of conveying correct husbandry advice to pet owners, specifically with regard to their feeding regime.

“We look forward to moving on with further studies into defining quality hay and collaborating with both manufacturers, retailers, welfare charities and other trade bodies, to enable owners to have as much correct information about how to feed their rabbits as possible, to help safeguard rabbit health and welfare.”

Starting with Crufts, the Hokamix team will be hitting the road in 2018 with a newly liveried stand and exciting offers for both new and existing customers. 

C&T Pet Products (formerly Skan Petcare), headed by co-founder and canine specialist Christine Lowe, will be offering friendly and knowledgeable advice on feeding – including how to get the best from a RAW diet – health problem solving and supplementing.

Christine says: “From the conversations we have daily with even very experienced owners we know that there are many aspects of feeding and supplementing that people don’t fully appreciate or misunderstand, so we will be at lots more dog and cat shows next year…fully armed with comfy seats and ‘the kettle on’.

“We’ll also have an interactive quiz at Crufts – so see us in hall 4, stand 62, and see what you can win.”

For more info visit www.ctpets.co.uk or call 015439 624541.

The owner of UK brand Billy + Margot has been sold to an Asian consortium for one billion Australian dollars in a deal which will see the ‘Dragons’ Den’ company launch a range of premium dog food products.

Real Pet Food Company has ambitious plans to become one of the world's top five pet food companies from its current position of No.15 after the sale was announced.

The company has been acquired by a consortium comprising Chinese agribusiness company New Hope Group, Beijing private equity firm Hosen Capital and the Singapore Government-backed investment vehicle Temasek.

The firm, previously known as VIP Pet Foods until a name change in August 2015, operates from seven plants in Australia and two in New Zealand and it has made multiple acquisitions in the past two years including Billy + Margot. 

The Billy + Margot brand is being redeveloped and will be used as a main weapon in the company’s US and UK expansion plans.

The founder of Billy + Margot, Marie Jones (pictured with Margot above), said: “From its humble beginnings in 2012, Billy + Margot has had an extraordinary journey from BBC Dragons’ Den in the UK to the Australian acquisition in 2016.

“This latest announcement is another exciting development which will see Billy + Margot launch a range of super premium dog food products covering four key areas of pet food nutrition – dry, wet, chilled and raw. What started as a one product, UK based company, is now becoming a global brand, which is very exciting.”

The New Billy + Margot Brand will be showcased at Interzoo 2018, along with two other brands – Ivory Coat and Farmers Market – that Real Pet Food Company will be launching in to Europe next year.

Real Pet Food CEO David Grant said high-spending ‘millennials’ in North America and China, who are becoming cat and dog owners, were behind strong growth rates.

Real Pet Food Company generated revenue growth in ‘double digits’ and is on course to deliver sales of A$500 million in 2017-18.

VIP Pet Foods was originally established in 1994 by the Quinn family, and Quadrant bought the business in mid-2015 for $410 million. The overall business now employs 900 staff and produces 200,000 tonnes of pet food annually.

A five-year plan had been put in place to expand the operations. New Hope Group's Australasian chief executive Nick Dowling said: "The future of this business is in the northern hemisphere", adding that the Chinese consortium had extensive knowledge of the Chinese market, where a large proportion of pet food sales occurred online.”

Pets at Home chief executive Ian Kellett is stepping down and will be replaced by Peter Pritchard, the chief executive of the group’s retail division.

Kellett (right), who became chief executive last year after his 10-year tenure as chief financial officer, departs amid an 11% drop in profit before tax to £42 million in the six months to 12 October. 

Revenues, however, edged up 6% to £468 million. Its merchandise arm is growing steadily with same-store sales up 5.1% in the second quarter. It said the profit outlook for 2018 is in line with market expectations. 

Kellett, who is leaving to 'pursue his own personal business interests' will stand aside in May 2018.

Tony DeNunzio, Chairman, said: "I am pleased to announce Peter’s future succession as Group CEO. Ian and Peter will continue to work closely together over the next six months through which there will be an orderly handover process. Peter has steered the Retail business for a number of years and has been responsible for the launch of some highly successful initiatives, and I am confident he will provide strong leadership to the Group.

"I want to thank Ian for his long tenure at Pets at Home, having successfully lead multiple areas of the business in his roles as Chief Financial Officer, within Retail, and as Group CEO. On behalf of the Board, I wish him well as he takes a break from corporate life to pursue his personal business interests.”

Ian Kellett said: “Having spent the past twelve years with Pets at Home, I feel very fortunate to have worked in such a special business with some amazing people. I am proud to have been part of transforming the Group from its retail roots into the much wider services and omnichannel business it is today.

“The actions we have taken this year to reposition Retail pricing have landed well, and we have a clearly defined plan that will deliver further results. It is with this in mind that I feel able to move on and pursue my own personal business interests, which will provide me with a different type of challenge at this point in my career.”

Commenting on the trading report, Kellett said: "Our strategic progress and trading momentum have steadily improved through the first half of the financial year.

"In the Merchandise business, our like-for-like sales grew by 5.1% in the second quarter, driven by our pricing changes, omnichannel offer and product innovation.

"Our veterinary business is taking market share and hitting the revenue and profit growth levels expected from both the First Opinion practices and Specialist Referral centres. We see the potential for significant future profit growth in our Vet Group, where 75% of practices are yet to mature.

"We are confident we are taking the right actions to reposition our Merchandise business and having seen the results from our initial investments, we are accelerating our plans. There remains much to do and we will continue to evolve our strategy and adapt to customers' needs in what remains a competitive market place."

Incoming CEO,Peter Pritchard (above) joined Pets at Home in 2011 as Commercial Director and moved to the role of CEO of Retail in 2015.

Over this time, he has overseen the establishment of the sourcing office in China, the launch of the VIP club, the development of its omnichannel strategy, and more recently, the repositioning of its merchandise business.

The 2017 Pet Industry Federation Awards were announced on Tuesday at a thrilling awards dinner held at Whittlebury Hall Hotel, near Northampton, in front of hundreds of pet industry delegates. Among the winners were Bestpets, Marriages, Inspired Pet Nutrition and Natures Menu.

The event was organised by PIF, which this year celebrated its 70^th Anniversary with a special birthday themed awards dinner.

The PIF awards recognise entrepreneurial talent, commercial acumen and quality customer service in a range of businesses across the pet industry. The judges whittled down a record number of entries across thirteen categories, as part of the process to choose the overall winners.

The final honour to be presented was a Lifetime Achievement Award which went to  Richard Higgs of Trust Pet Products.

The full list of winners were:

Independent Pet Retailer

Winner: Unique Pets, Aylesbury

Finalists: Creature Comforts, Glasgow; Millies Wolfheart, Keighley; PetLondon, Marylebone, London; The Pet Experience, Weymouth; Trusty Pet Supplies, Derby.

Pet Retail Chain

Winner: Kennelgate, Hucknall Branch

Finalist: Pets Corner, Horsham branch

Wholesaler of the Year

Winner: Bestpets

Finalists: Pedigree Wholesale, Trust Pet Products, Vital.

Manufacturer of the Year

Winner: Marriages Specialist Foods

Finalists: HOWND, JR Pet Products, Naturediet, Pet Foods UK Ltd, Sea Treats.

Exporter of the Year

Winner: The First Class Pet Company

Finalists: Armitage Pet Care, Danish Design, Naturo Pet Foods, Pero (Foods) Ltd, Benevo.

Sustainability Award

Winner: Inspired Pet Nutrition

Finalists: Benevo; Wildwash.

Innovation Award

Winner: Natures Menu

Finalists: Bruces Doggy Daycare, HayPigs, Tailster,  Pet Remedy, Wildwash.

Kennel/Cattery Business

Winner: Chetwynd Firs Boarding Kennels & Cattery, Telford

Finalists: Quintessential Quarters, Stafford; Hedgerows Cattery, Alpington, Norwich; Lea Wood, Gainsborough; Chequer Trees, Heathfeld, E. Sussex; Lower Mill Boarding Kennels & Cattery, Pontesbury, Shropshire.

Pet Grooming Business

Winner: Shampooches of Harrogate

Finalists: The Muddy Paw, Northampton; Barkingham Park, Neath; The Doghouse, Eltham London; Poppy’s Parlour, Clacton on Sea, Essex; Canny Cuts, Shrewsbury.

Charity of the Year

Winner: The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation

Pet Service Business – Doggy Daycare

Winner: Suffolk Canine Creche

Finalists: Bruces Doggy Daycare, Cobham; Claires Comfy Canines, Burnham; Happy Hounds, Winchester; K9 Cares, Hereford; Willow Tree Canine Daycare Ltd, Biggleswade.

Pet Service Business– Dog Walking & Home Boarding

Winner: Woof Walkies, Wrexham

Finalists: Bona-Fido, Warwickshire; Barking Mad, Middlesex; ChristchurchK9, Dorset; Creature Comforts, Cheshire; Holidays4Dogs, York.

Pet Service Business  – Other

Winner: Very Important Pets, London

Finalists: Agria Pet Insurance, Aylesbury; Amity Pet Care, Redhill; Friends for Pets, Cheddar, Somerset; Rhodes2Safety, Elloughton, E. Yorkshire.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Richard Higgs, Trust Pet Products

The Awards took place against the backdrop of the Pet Industry Forum, which was packed with a fantastic line-up of a range business speakers whose presentations were often insightful and interactive. An outstanding array of talks covering packaging, retail theatre, exporting to the US and online security ensured that delegates took away top-level information and advice to help them develop their businesses.

PIF Chief Executive, Nigel Baker said: “The PIF awards showed that the UK pet industry is thriving.

“The record number of entries we received this year, the range of businesses; the innovative approach that so many companies are taking and the positive response to what the consumer is looking for, show that the pet industry in this country has got a lot to be optimistic about and is working hard to secure its future.

“Many congratulations to our worthy winners. Our judges had their work cut out to determine the winning businesses this year, from the exceptionally tough competition in each of the shortlists.”

Further details about the event can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk