In This Issue
Group 55 named Best Small Business in the North West
Astar Pets builds on the vibrant online market
Humanisation of pets drives growth in product sales and services
New dog grooming collection from Betty and Butch
TopLife reports significant growth of its pet milks
VetSavers opens new Pet Shop & Vets in Peterborough
flexi introduces new product line-up at Interzoo 2014
Pedigree Wholesale exclusive distributor of Hungry Hector
Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds doubles capacity with new production unit
Dorwest says pets should stay happy in their skin this summer
VARIO System driving footfall for UK pet retailers
The Pet Charity appoints media and campaigns officer
Safety and welfare take priority at forthcoming PIF courses
First resident at Dogs Trust Essex home is a tabby cat
Hollings Ltd unveils new Lamb Treats
Stone's Snack Bars are a winning treat for retailers
Greater transparency needed in animal experiments, says KC
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Group 55 named Best Small Business in the North West


Group 55, supplier of the award-winning Animology brand, has been named as a finalist in a competition to find the UK’s best small business after coming top in the North West.

Stephen Turner, who launched the company in1999, said: “We’ve produced a global brand, but 95% of our products are still manufactured in the UK, so British recognition is of the upmost importance to me."


Group 55, supplier of the award-winning Animology brand, has been named as a finalist in a competition to find the UK’s best small business.

The Preston company beat off stiff competition in the Micro-Business category to be selected overall best small business in the North West for the 2014 FSB WorldPay UK Business Awards.

The firm has been awarded £500 and will now compete against 46 other businesses from across the UK and go through to the national final in May where it will have the chance to win up to £10,000. More than 950 businesses entered the awards and this year Karren Brady will deliver a keynote speech and announce the winners of each category.

The company manufactures world-known pet care brands including Animology, Strikeback, Ridovit and Acquiesce.

Stephen Turner launched the business in 1999, when e-commerce was first emerging, selling pest control products which were sourced from around the world. At the time even the largest hardware stores had very small pest control product offerings, so Stephen had tapped into a niche market and began to reap the rewards.

In 2007 Stephen also set up his own brand of pest control called Strikeback which went on to be stocked in more than 2,500 stores throughout the UK. Group 55 however came under pressure from much larger competitors as it tried to penetrate the market.

Stephen Turner, managing director of Group 55, comments: “We had launched a successful brand and we were infiltrating the market at an incredible rate. This didn’t go unnoticed by the multi-national conglomerates we were competing against and they started to fight back. It was disheartening as our product was selling well, but we learned first-hand how effectively big companies can defend and secure their market position; we couldn’t compete so we had to adapt to survive.”

Survival was assured when in 2009 Turner identified a new niche to enter within the pet care industry. Stephen (pictured left) continues: “I identified an opportunity within the animal grooming market, in particular shampoos and sprays, as this industry was hugely underdeveloped.

“So in 2010 we launched a completely new brand called Animology and it became an immediate success. Animology is now a world-leading dog shampoo and spray range and in the first year it was awarded Best Pet Product in the UK and exported to more than 15 countries. Today more than one million bottles have been sold in over 10,000 outlets located in over 30 countries around the world. ”

While Group 55 has enjoyed global success, the team remains grounded and true to its North West routes. Stephen continues: “My team hasn’t changed much since we first began and that’s really important to me. We have a small team of five who cover everything from International Sales through to Operations. We’ve created our own success and everyone has been part of that team from day one. “

When asked about how he felt about Group 55 being named the best North West small business in the FSB WorldPay awards, Stephen added: “We’ve produced a global brand, but 95% of our products are still manufactured in the UK, so British recognition is of the up-most importance to me.

“We strive to manufacture in the UK and if more businesses did this, then maybe the economy wouldn’t be in this current state. It is a tragedy that the achievements of small businesses often go unrecognised. Small businesses face the most extraordinary challenges regardless of the economic climate and very often a small businesses survival and growth is more impressive than that of a bigger business.

“If micro businesses continue to prosper then they will be key to the country’s economic recovery. We now export more than 25 per cent of our business and if all micro UK businesses did this, the economy would be in good shape – certainly the Chancellor, if his recent budget was anything to go by, would approve.”

Colin Willman, Chairman FSB (Member Services) Ltd, said: “The FSB WorldPay UK Business Awards are designed to raise the profile of small businesses across the UK and to highlight the crucial role they play in supporting the economy. We’ve had a high number of top quality entries this year and it’s a great achievement for Group 55 to have been selected as the overall winner for their area.”

Ron Kalifa, Deputy Chairman of WorldPay said, “For too long small businesses were struggling through recession, hit hard by a consumer spending dip and financial pressures. Group 55 has weathered the storm by adapting to new markets and driving innovation – their fighting spirit is at the heart of economic recovery. WorldPay is proud to recognise and reward these entrepreneurs”.

For further information please visit the website www.fsbworldpayawards.co.uk

Astar Pets builds on the vibrant online market



The pet industry is becoming more attractive to major investors who view it as a lifestyle marketplace. And online businesses like Astar Pets, launched in March, are seeing big opportunities to grow quickly...




The pet industry is becoming more attractive to major investors who view it as a lifestyle marketplace. And online businesses like Astar Pets, launched in March, are seeing big opportunities to grow quickly.

Astar Pets claims to offer a utopia for pet owners, selling everything from essentials to luxury products for pampered and well-travelled pets.

It all started with Will Cooper, who had previously founded members-only lifestyle website, Achica. He realised during a family trip to the park, that people were increasingly treating their pets as part of the family.

On further investigation he dsicovered but there wasn't a place or business that brought all pet services together.

After talking to another entrepreneur Quentin Griffiths, who had co-founded of ASOS, the online fashion and beauty store, they decided to capitalise on the growing pet market

They soon recruited Chris Webster and Zoe St. John to start building the Astar Pets team from late 2013, and the site was officially launched on March 28. It has continued to expand its offering on a weekly basis since then.


Chris Webster joined as CEO from eBay where he had spent two years as Director of International Commerce. He had previously launched the John Lewis Partnership card and insurance businesses.

“We are passionate about creating the ideal destination for pet lovers to find everything they need for their treasured pet," says Chris.

"From our vibrant online marketplace to buy everyday essentials and inspirational treats through to our services and online magazine to find information, we invite everyone to join our community, share our passion for our treasured pets and find some amazing inspirational products sourced from around the world."

Zoe St. John is 34-years-old, was born in Barbados and now lives in Blackheath. Zoe joined the founders as Head of Buying for AstarPets.com in late 2013, following a successful eight years as a Corporate Buyer at TJX Europe (TK Maxx).

In just three months, Zoe liaised with and signed up over 2,800 products for the launch. One month down the line, this number had grown to just shy of 5,000 (from over 60 sellers).

For more information visit www.astarpets.com


 
Humanisation of pets drives growth in product sales and services

The increasing global trend towards the humanisation of pets has led to an upsurge in the sales of pet products and services, according to Garcia Amico, who has swapped an executive career with high-street fashion brand Hobbs to manage the online business PetsPyjamas.com...




The increasing global trend towards the humanisation of pets has led to an upsurge in the sales of pet products and services, according to Garcia Amico, who has swapped an executive career with high-street fashion brand Hobbs to manage the online business PetsPyjamas.com

This week Gracia spoke exclusively to Pet Trade Xtra and shared her hopes for the company.

What has attracted you to the pet industry?
The huge potential of the industry and my passion and affinity to it. The industry is growing very fast and is worth £4 billion in the UK alone. We have seen some great developments in our industry. I have been in online retail for 15 years and believe that the pet industry has a lot of potential for online growth. In addition, at PetsPyjamas.com we have unique services alongside our pet product offering. Services is an area that has a few years of catching up to do and we know we can make a big difference as this is partly where our expertise shines. In addition I am a dog owner and feel passionate about the services and products we offer. 

Is the PetsPyjamas.com brand targeted at a particular type of pet owner?
Not really, anyone with a pet will have found themselves wanting to go on holiday and bring their dog or have been in need of a dog walker in their area. Everyone with a pet needs to buy food and other essentials. Pet owners all have something in common, a love for their pet. So we have created an environment where like-minded people can engage.

What is the background to the company?
PetsPyjamas.com, launched in 2012, is backed by Shoreditch incubator JustAddRed whose investors include a number of toptable.com founders. (toptable.com, Europe’s number 1 restaurant booking service, was sold to US Nasdaq listed Opentable in 2010 for $55m). The rapidly growing online business has been built around the lifestyle elements of the increasing global trend towards the humanisation of pets. The site lists over 8,000 pet products, many from independent manufacturers, and bookable services from dog walkers to pet sitters and groomers as well as a wide selection of pet friendly travel destinations. It also features a unique social ‘petwork’ where pet lovers interact.

Is the idea to make it a worldwide brand?
It certainly is. One of my tasks will be to roll the business model out internationally, starting with the US and another European country.

What makes your proposition so special?
The business model PetsPyjamas has developed is totally unique, very innovative and one of the reasons I am so excited being part of it. It has looked at the customer, listened and put together a holistic model that offers all a pet lover needs will everything in one place: products, travel bookings for pet friendly places, services (including bookings for dogwalkers, dog sitting etc) a large community where like minded people can engage and talk about their pets and for example ask questions. In addition we have an enormous amount of high quality and interesting content which is fun to read and informative at the same time. 

Do you focus more on the quality of products rather than price?
Both are extremely important to us. We would never want to charge more for our products than anyone else. As for services and bookings, the customer's delight with our service is our ultimate aim. We consistently go the extra mile to ensure that the experience with us is memorable happy one. This could be reflected in our pet concierge service where we personally help every customer to ensure they get what they need. We recently  picked up a dog in a taxi to get him urgently to his dogwalker. Whatever it takes!

What are the company's long term aims?
Long term, we aim to fine tune our offering and continue to increase our services to ensure that we are the ultimate destination for pet lovers. We also hope to roll out the business model on an international scale.

For more information visit www.petspyjamas.com

New dog grooming collection from Betty and Butch


Natural dog product brand Betty and Butch has launched its new dog grooming collection, featuring soaps and fragrances to refresh dogs and promote a healthy, shiny coat, with a smell pleasing to pet and owner...



Natural dog product brand Betty and Butch has launched its new dog grooming collection, featuring soaps and fragrances to refresh dogs and promote a healthy, shiny coat, with a smell pleasing to pet and owner.

Wash The Dog soaps are 100% natural, easy to use soap bars which have been developed and used in Manchester’s premier dog salon as a chemical-free replacement to dog shampoo.  The growing range includes specialised bars for the skin conditions of specific breeds.

"The dog soaps are of better quality than most human soaps," said developer and award-winning groomer Angel Moore.

"Customers have been switching to soap after seeing the benefits – it gets rid of fox poo in one wash without containing chemicals, and works out much cheaper than shampoo. Some even use it on themselves, it’s that good."

Smell The Dog fragrances are perfect for a top-up when out and about with a stinky hound. Each natural fragrance is made with pure essential oils to give a healthy shine and sweet almond oil to nourish the coat, and the 4 distinctive scents will suit every dog's personality.

The new collection will be launched at this year’s London Pet Show and is available for national and international orders. 

For further information email sales@bettyandbutch.co.uk or visit www.bettyandbutch.co.uk

TopLife reports significant growth of its pet milks

TopLife Formula, the natural pet milk treats for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, has announced significant growth in sales following a re-launch of its full range of pet milks during the latter half of 2013...


TopLife Formula, the natural pet milk treats for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, has announced significant growth in sales following a re-launch of its full range of pet milks during the latter half of 2013.   

Like-for-like sales in the first four months of 2014 compared to 2013 showed the pet brand, owned by Delamere Dairy, increased overall sales by 32.5%. Its Milk for Cats and Milk for Kittens products both enjoyed the biggest growth of 67% increase.

TopLife overhauled the design and format of its 200ml cartons during Q3 and Q4 of 2013, moving to a more convenient screw cap version.

Simon Mayne, Brand Manager of TopLife comments: "Our new packaging has resulted in significant gains for the business in terms of volume and value and we expect sales to continue to grow for the remainder of 2014 as we look to increase listings.

"We have also enjoyed very positive feedback from our customers following the new packaging entering the market; as well as bringing more vibrancy and fun to the TopLife range of Milks our customers are reporting the cartons are much more convenient with the new screw-cap, re-sealable carton."

As well as improved sales across retailers, TopLife also reported a positive increase of 78% in sales at this year’s Crufts show.

TopLife Milk for Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens, are all made from highly digestible goats milk and offer owners a healthy, daily treat that’s gentle on the digestive system and nutritionally beneficial. 

 
VetSavers opens new Pet Shop & Vets in Peterborough

VetSavers has opened a joint Pet Shop and Veterinary Surgery in Peterborough this week - the first building to incorporate a pet shop as part of its offering since the company launched a similar operation in Chingford two years ago...




VetSavers has opened a joint Pet Shop and Veterinary Surgery in Peterborough this week - the first building to incorporate a pet shop as part of its offering since the company launched a similar operation in Chingford two years ago.

The shop unit at the new Carde development has been fully fitted out and now displays a large range of toys, bedding, training aids and other pet accessories, for cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and wild birds. It also stocks pet food ranges Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Iams, James Wellbeloved, and also offers  frozen raw food from Natures Menu.

Charlotte Thirtle (left), a Veterinary Nursing Assistant at the new business, said: “As a local resident I’m so thrilled that VetSavers are bringing their great value services here and can’t wait to start meeting lots of Cardea’s four-legged residents."

Charlotte has five guinea pigs, a three-legged cat, a hamster, a leopard gecko and recently added a puppy to her family. So it’s safe to say that she has plenty of first-hand experience with many species as a pet owner, as well as a veterinary professional.

The Pet Shop and Vets has some fantastic opening offers, including 25% off any Royal Canin Lifestage food. Plus any clients registering pets at the Vets throughout May and June, will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a year's supply of Royal Canin pet food – a prize that could be worth over £650!

The vets will offer all the usual GP services such as vaccinations, consults, and ongoing care for existing conditions. Clients will also benefit from local referral services at Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Peterborough for cases that require hospitalisation, intensive care, Ophthalmic or Orthopaedic care.

“Even before we opened this week, we have been made to feel very welcome by many of the local residents as well as the other local businesses here. We are already enjoying being part of such a positive and proactive community and are very excited about the future here," said Marketing Manager Julie Howard.

Like the other 14 VetSavers practices, the Cardea site is participating in the free Microchipping campaign in conjunction with Dogs Trust. 

VetSavers Cardea is currently opening 9am-7pm weekdays and there are plans to be open all weekend from June onwards.

flexi introduces new product line-up at Interzoo 2014
flexi will be presenting more innovations than ever before at Interzoo at the end of May on a stand of more than 350 sq m...


flexi will be presenting more innovations than ever before at Interzoo at the end of May on a stand of more than 350 sq m.

Premiering for the first time at Interzoo will beflexi’s innovative VARIO System which has already been a resounding success at UK shows PATS and Crufts.

flexi is especially proud of the new design of its VARIO System, which has been distinguished by the most significant international design juries. The new generation of the retractable lead system has received two exceptional awards for its trend-setting design quality and innovative solutions: 

  • Red Dot Award: Product Design 2014
  • iF product design award 2014

In addition to the VARIO System, Interzoo will also benefit from the world premieres of two new product lines: the NEW CLASSIC line and the new COLLECTION series.

flexi will be at Interzoo from 29 May to 1 June 2014 in Hall 5, Stand 101.

Pedigree Wholesale exclusive distributor of Hungry Hector

Pedigree Wholesale has announced a distribution agreement for Hungry Hector, a range of natural dog treats made in Cornwall...


Pedigree Wholesale has announced a distribution agreement for Hungry Hector, a range of natural dog treats made in Cornwall.

Consumer spend on treats continues to grow and there is a growing interest in natural products. According to Mintel sales of natural dog treats increased by 8% to reach £40m between 2011 and 2012.

Hungry Hector natural dog treats are gently baked using human grade ingredients, locally sourced in Cornwall wherever possible. Hungry Hector treats contain no preservatives, salts, sugars, colorants and no animal or vegetable derivatives or artificial ingredients.

Low in fat and easily digestible Hungry Hector treats are suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. Ten varieties are available, including Cornish Cluckies, Doggy Oggie Cornish Pasty, Cornish Tasty Tiddlers and Stargazy Surprise!

Hungry Hector treats come in fantastic quality packaging which are easy to merchandise and look great on shelf. The cardboard retail pack clearly communicates each individual product and the bone shaped window in the front allows the consumer to see the product inside. Inside the box the treats are in a double pouch sealing, in freshness and giving a six month shelf life.

Merchandising stands are available for the complete range of Hungry Hector treats including a two tier counter top unit and a four tier floor standing unit. Made from wood the robust stands make merchandising the range quick and easy.

If you would like more information about Hungry Hector please call 0115 982 3900 or e. info@petproducts.co.uk.

Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds doubles capacity with new production unit


Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin has officially opened Sneyd's Wonderfeeds' new manufacturing plant, which has doubled the company's warehouse size and production capacity...



Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin has officially opened Sneyd's Wonderfeeds' new manufacturing plant, which has doubled the company's warehouse size and production capacity. 

He was given a tour of the building, which includes a new equipment and production line, before sitting down for a meeting with chairman  John Sneyd and managing director Phil Judson. They discussed local skills, education and training as well as levels of interest from local government.

Mr Dakin said he was impressed with the way the company was expanding, and found it refreshing the business employed three generations of the same family.  In particular, he liked the way the company treated suppliers, employees and customers as part of its extended family.  

He added that he was delighted to see the company's support for the independent trade in the form of pet shops, animal feed suppliers, farms and garden centres, and was impressed with the new delivery vehicle and its eye-catching livery.

Pictured above: Nic Dakin MP (centre) with John Sneyd (left) and Phil Judson (right).

Dorwest says pets should stay happy in their skin this summer

With the warmer weather signalling the onset of skin disease despair for many dogs and cats, Dorwest Herbs is stepping in to save summer with its ‘Happy in my Skin’ campaign. And the company is giving retailers a great range of hot offers to champion the cause...


With the warmer weather signalling the onset of skin disease despair for many dogs and cats, Dorwest Herbs is stepping in to save summer with its ‘Happy in my Skin’ campaign.

High pollen counts, hot temperatures and increased numbers of problematic parasites can mean months of misery for many pets, sometimes causing incapacitating skin conditions.

With its array of licenced veterinary herbal medicines and range of specialist resources to help connect with consumers when it comes to skin, Dorwest are all geared up to give retailers a great range of hot offers to champion the campaign.

Commencing on May 19, Dorwest’s special ‘Skin Product Pack’ will be available at a huge 40% discount to retailers, containing Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets and Mixed Vegetable Tablets and point of sale materials (skin leaflets and skin poster) as well as their brand new Oatmeal Advance Shampoo to celebrate its launch – and all for only £64.90.*

That represents a retail value of £129.70, promising some serious profit potential! This new super shampoo is made without any artificial additives or controversial surfactants sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLEs) that can produce skin irritation, making it a great choice for everyday skin soothing and coat cleansing.

The Garlic & Fenugreek and Mixed Vegetable Tablets work synergistically to boost each other’s effects when given together, with the proven anti-inflammatory1, anti-histamine2 and antiseptic properties3 of the tablets’ key ingredients making them ideal for tackling symptomatic skin complaints in dogs and cats.

Facebook is also focusing on skin this summer, with Dorwest’s fantastic #happyinmyskinselfie photo competition which is looking to find the pet who epitomises everything about being ‘Happy In My Skin’. Dorwest aren’t after the handsomest hound or cutest cat but if you know a pet that is perfectly content in themselves, submit their ‘selfie’ to the Dorwest Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dorwest). The top shot will win a wonderful dog-friendly weekend break to T’yr Gof courtesy of Under the Thatch and ten runners-up will receive an awesome ‘Happy in My Skin’ goodie bag. The competition kicks off on May 19 and will run until June 13.

Summer should be a carefree time that all pets ought to enjoy without the suffering that skin disease can inflict. Join Dorwest on its mission to help pet owners wave goodbye to their pets’ warm weather woes and say hello to happy summer skin, for every cat and dog.

Visit www.dorwest.co.uk email trade@dorwest.com or phone 01308-897272 for information or advice about all Dorwest products.

 
VARIO System driving footfall for UK pet retailers
Industry research conducted by international pet brand flexi has revealed that 66% of pet retailers from across the UK are looking to stock the VARIO System for its innovative modular system and extra accessories...

Industry research conducted by international pet brand flexi has revealed that 66% of pet retailers from across the UK are looking to stock the VARIO System for its innovative modular system and extra accessories that will help to drive consumers to repeat purchase and add to the business bottom line.

Questioning retailers at PATS Sandown 2014, the manufacturer quizzed a broad spectrum of the industry to glean insight from pet retailers on what they think about the pioneering VARIO System and what it is that will most attract them and their customers.

With 60% of those questioned saying customers already walk into store looking for the flexi brand, 53% of retailers said that the LED belt addition and innovative lighting system is the most attractive prospect to consumers - showing that safety and being seen whilst walking the dog remains a key priority.

As well as visibility being of high importance, 73% of retailers said that customers put high quality at the top of their criteria when buying a new leash and are willing to pay more for it, while 46% of those questioned say that the design of a lead was at the top of the list.  

As well as the innovation of the lead benefitting the consumer’s dog walking experience, the brand is also supporting the premium VARIO range by offering an array of retail display solutions; from small counter displays to large one meter peg board presentations to further support sales. These varied display options highlight the unique features of the range, cements what the concept of the new system is and adds buying clarity for the consumer.

UK sales rep Adrian Hind said: “The VARIO System has been an innovation we have been working on for a number of years and we were very interested to know how it is fairing with consumers and retailers alike.

"PATS Sandown was the ideal opportunity for us to speak with our industry and make sure that as a brand we are supporting their needs as well as their customers.”

 
The Pet Charity appoints media and campaigns officer

The Pet Charity, which aims to promote the joy and benefits pets have on society, has appointed Sara Bazeley as its media and campaigns officer...


The Pet Charity, which aims to promote the joy and benefits pets have on society, has appointed Sara Bazeley as its media and campaigns officer.

Sara will be based at the charity’s head office, and will be responsible for developing and implementing campaigns alongside organising research.

Research will help develop the charity’s lobbying and campaigning strategies as it seeks to run programmes as diverse as encouraging pets in schools and care homes, and permitting ownership under tenancy agreements.

Sara will also be ensuring The Pet Charity is the ‘go to’ place for positive pet stories through the management of a media desk.

“Pets bring us joy, health and companionship, and I’m excited at the prospect of demonstrating the public health benefits that pets bring, with the aim of encouraging more people to care for them,” she said.

The Pet Charity chairman Paul Miley said: “Sara brings with her three years’ experience in the PR and marketing sector and has strong project management skills. We are confident she will make a positive impact in increasing awareness of The Pet Charity in order for us to continue our campaigns.”

For more information about The Pet Charity call 01234 224506 or visit the website at www.thepetcharity.org.uk

 
Safety and welfare take priority at forthcoming PIF courses
The Pet Industry Federation has announced details of two one-day workshops focussing on pet first-aid, and behaviour and handling issues, helping to ensure that safety and welfare issues within pet businesses are paramount...

The Pet Industry Federation has announced details of two one-day workshops focussing on pet first-aid, and behaviour and handling issues, helping to ensure that safety and welfare issues within pet businesses are paramount.

The Pet First-Aid and Behaviour/Handling courses will take place at the Muddy Paw Grooming Salon, in Cogenhoe, Northamptonshire on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 28 May
  • Sunday 22 June

The courses are a must for businesses that come into regular contact with peoples’ pets, including dog groomers, kennel and cattery employees, pet sitters and dog walkers.

During the course of the day, attendees will become equipped to deal with simple, but essential, pet first-aid issues during the morning, and learn how handle animals correctly and deal with pet behaviour issues during the course of the afternoon.

The sessions will be led by Vicky Skinner, Advanced Practitioner (Animal Welfare) at Moulton College, who holds a degree is BSc Animal Science (Behavioural Studies); and PIF’s Education Advisor, Sally Crickmore.

Each one-day course costs £75 for PIF members (£100 for non-members). Further details and online registration are available from the Events section at www.petfederation.co.uk
 
First resident at Dogs Trust Essex home is a tabby cat
A "homeless" cat has become the first resident at a new Essex dog rescue centre, settling in a month ahead of any other canine companions...

A "homeless" cat has become the first resident at a new Essex dog rescue centre, settling in a month ahead of any other canine companions.

"Dog the Mog", as staff at The Dogs Trust's Wickford home dubbed the tabby, appeared as work was being completed.

Although she has made herself at home, it is believed the semi-feral animal may be a farm cat.

Staff say if Dog the Mog decides to stay once the dogs move in, she is welcome to remain at the centre.

When the £6.7m Dogs Trust Essex home opens on 2 June it is expected to cater for up to 1,000 dogs a year.

About 1,000 dogs are expected to come into the new centre each year.

The charity's 19th rehoming centre will have almost 70 glass-fronted kennels, a training barn, a veterinary suite and rehabilitation facilities.

Centre manager Maria Wickes said she was not surprised that Dog the Mog had decided the centre was "a good place to set up home".

"One morning this skinny kitty just arrived at the gates and she has made frequent visits ever since," she said.

"It is ironic that our first unofficial resident would be a cat, but we are all animal lovers and we adore her, even if she meows rather than barks at us each morning."

Ms Wickes said the cat was "not keen on human company unless she is being fed" and added she was not sure how she would react once rescue dogs begin arriving.

Staff hope someone will recognise Dog the Mog and claim her, but say they are happy to continue looking after her if not.

 
Hollings Ltd unveils new Lamb Treats

Hollings Ltd has launched three new lamb treats - Lamb Hide, Lamb Bone and Lamb Tub...



Hollings Ltd has launched three new lamb treats - Lamb Hide, Lamb Bone and Lamb Tub...

  • Lamb Hide 100g - 100% natural, low in fat, they give a great alternative to pork and beef treats. Also they are perfect for any dogs that may have sensitive stomachs.
  • Lamb Bone - this product is a 100% natural, tasty treat for dogs with no artificial colours or preservatives.
  • The Tub of Lamb Treats 400g - a selection of 100% natural  lamb products in a great tub, easy to store, easy to display and in stock now.

For more information visit www.hollings.uk.com  or email info@hollings.uk.com

 
Stone's Snack Bars are a winning treat for retailers
Fancy a treat with the added bonus of boosted profits? Well, Stone’s Snack Bars provide just that; as well as being a strong front runner in the active dog market delivering big opportunities for businesses, Stone’s wants to give retailers that little bit extra, with the chance to win a week’s holiday in a dog friendly cottage in the UK, worth £500.

Fancy a treat with the added bonus of boosted profits? Well, Stone’s Snack Bars provide just that; as well as being a strong front runner in the active dog market delivering big opportunities for businesses, Stone’s wants to give retailers that little bit extra, with the chance to win a week’s holiday in a dog friendly cottage in the UK, worth £500.

To enter, all retailers have to do to is call Debbie or Penny on 01473 823296 to place an order for Stone’s Snack Bars, and each order will automatically be entered into the competition. And don’t forget, there’s also the added bonus of a 2+1 promotion on every order! The competition closes at the end of July so now is the perfect time to get involved.

So what makes Stone’s Snack Bars so special? As well as being a convenient, portable snack, they provide a much needed energy boost to prevent that dreaded ‘flop effect’ active dogs get when their energy levels plummet. They are also ideal for use in training as they can be broken up in handy bite size pieces.

What’s more, the bars are nutritionally balanced and can even be given as a complete meal replacement, perfect for long car journeys without the fuss of feeding bowls. Stone’s Snack Bars contain no artificial colours and are packed with added vitamins and minerals for consumer’s peace of mind. They also contain added fibre to help aid good digestion and calcium to help keep bones strong and healthy.

Stone’s Snack Bars are available in three delicious flavours- beef & country vegetables, ocean fish & rice and chicken & potato so there is bound to be a bar to suit every dogs taste.

And at £0.59 per bar it’s an impulse buy at the till but with so many opportunities to snack, the figures soon add up. So why not bring a slice of the outdoor market into your business and be in with the chance to win a well-earned break away in the UK too?

Visit www.stonesactivedogs.com to view the complete range of healthy snacks and bars on offer.

Greater transparency needed in animal experiments, says KC
The Kennel Club has welcomed the release of a Home Office consultation to review the level of secrecy involved in legislation on scientific experiments on animals, and believes that greater transparency is needed to protect animal welfare...

The Kennel Club has welcomed the release of a Home Office consultation to review the level of secrecy involved in legislation on scientific experiments on animals, and believes that greater transparency is needed to protect animal welfare.

The consultation will review Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), which the Kennel Club says is a step in the right direction in increasing transparency and ending the ban on sharing information on animal experiments.

The Kennel Club previously responded to the transposition of the EU Directive 2010/63/EU consultation, which requires the UK and all other Member States to fully transpose the legislation into their domestic law by January 2015. One of the concerns the Kennel Club raised in its response to the consultation was the amendment of Section 24 to better improve transparency and information sharing.

The current provisions under Section 24 mean that the Home Office cannot disclose or release information surrounding animal experiments received under ASPA even when the provider has no objection. Currently, individuals who share this information risk committing a criminal offence carrying up to two years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Kennel Club calls on the government to amend Section 24 to facilitate the sharing of information on animal experiments which will promote openness and transparency in the industry, something that is of course paramount when animal welfare is involved.


“Section 24 prevents the public from being openly informed about what is being done in animal experiments and the justification for these tests.

“The Kennel Club does accept the need to retain confidentiality clauses, however, that protect intellectual property as well as the health and safety of particular people and places involved in animal research.

“We will be submitting a response to the consultation which will call for an amendment of Section 24 to allow for information to be disclosed in order to assist public understanding of the use of animals in scientific experiments whilst taking into consideration not compromising safety and commercially sensitive data. Such a change would help reaffirm that the Coalition government is genuinely dedicated to its commitment of promoting a more open and transparent environment surrounding animal testing.”

The deadline to respond to the consultation is June 13th. For more details, visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations/section-24-of-the-animals-scientific-procedures-act-1986.

Commercial Sales Opportunity for Pet Trade Xtra

Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team. We’re looking for the ideal person to take on the sales of our unique mix of banners, buttons, Webitorials and E-mail Advertorial special issues for Pet Trade Xtra, GTN Xtra and GTN Food Xtra.


Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team.

We’re looking for the ideal person to take on the sales of our unique mix of banners, buttons, Webitorials and E-mail Advertorial special issues for Pet Trade Xtra, GTN Xtra and GTN Food Xtra.

If you have telephone and face-to-face sales experience, have a good understanding of digital media and an interest in either the pet, gardening or catering markets then joining our team could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Our company is renowned for producing excellent b2b editorially-led products that fully engage with our audiences and provide real results for our advertisers and commercial partners.

To find out more about this great opportunity, please send an e-mail to Trevor Pfeiffer making your case to be interviewed, together with your current CV.  E-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk.

Pet Trade Xtra – Circulation Report 2013
  • Total e-mails sent:  355,576
  • Issues published:  47
  • Unique readers (e-mail openers):  6,647
  • Average opening rate each issue:  28%
  • Average page views per month:  13,902

Source: Newsweaver Reports


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