Carina Evans, CEO of Podium Pet Products, was welcomed by King Charles at a Buckingham Palace reception to mark the company’s achievement of being honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise.

The Berkshire-based company, whose popular brands include Dog Rocks and Be:Loved, has been recognised for its excellence in international trade.

Podium Pet Products is one of 148 organisations to receive a first-ever King’s Award for Enterprise. However, it is the second time a prestigious award of this kind has been bestowed on the company after Dog Rocks won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2016.

During the reception at Buckingham Palace, His Majesty met a diverse group of winners from across the United Kingdom, many of whom lead in their fields of innovation, international trade, and sustainable development.

Instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965, The King's Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business awards in the United Kingdom, with recipients recognised as being among the best of British businesses.

This is the 57th year of the Awards and the first-year recipients will receive a King’s Awards for Enterprise, following the programme’s recent name change (formerly The Queen’s Award for Enterprise).

Carina Evans said: “It was a marvellous day at Buckingham Palace, and to meet King Charles was a great honour. Being recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise is recognition of the hard work, innovation and inspiration of our talented team.”

Carina and her team have worked hard at the exporting side of the business, which now makes up more than half of the company’s sales.

She started the company in 2006 when a family friend mentioned a fantastic product called Dog Rocks that was selling well in Australia. She was working as an operations manager for a company that owned racecourses at the time but decided to start importing Dock Rocks. The product took off immediately in the UK and Carina managed to combine her two jobs for a couple of years before deciding to concentrate solely on the Dog Rocks business.

The Be:Loved range took off after Carina found an old animal husbandry book, which contained a treasure trove of recipes to create treatments and balms to calm and soothe human and animal alike. These recipes were reimagined for the Be:Loved brand.

“Being honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2023 will help us grow the business in all our markets, and it is an accolade to be treasured.”

Carina was also presented to The Duchess of Edinburgh, who attended the Buckingham Palace reception, along with The Duke Edinburgh, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

For more information about Podium Pet Products visit www.podiumpetproducts.com

An independent family-run pet store, which launched during the pandemic lockdown and opened a second outlet soon afterwards, has created its own dog treats.

Swansea-based Dewkes Pet Store has developed a range of snacks of dogs, which have been developed for the hospitality industry.

Managing Director James Bygate said: “After opening our second shop in Swansea last year we have created Dewkes Snacks for Dogs. These snacks have gained popularity and are now stocked in over 200 venues across the UK. 

“Our main focus is on ensuring ‘Happy Dog, Happy Customer’ experiences. These all-natural and long-lasting snacks not only keep dogs content, but also have the potential to increase customer satisfaction and extend their stay, leading to an additional pint, glass of wine, coffee etc. 

“As we expand, our products are now being listed with several wholesalers throughout the UK, as well as numerous dog-friendly coffee shops, bars, and holiday venues, including caravan sites, holiday parks, and ferry companies.

“The product is proving to be a huge success and we couldn’t be more pleased after only opening our doors less than three years ago.”

Dewkes has produced special merchandising boxes for new range with each box containing 10 Fish Bites, 10 Beefy Sticks, 10 Chicken Jerky, 10 Pork Scratchings and 10 rolls of 15 poo bags.

For more information visit www.dewkes.co.uk

Jollyes, the fast-growing nationwide pet superstore group, has unveiled an array of new benefits for staff as it aims to attract new talent to the business.

The firm, which is now trading from 90 stores across the UK and employs over 1,000 people, is constantly thinking of new ways to make working at Jollyes even more rewarding.

New perks include a ‘top dog’ scheme, which will run across the business. Every colleague will be provided nomination cards which they write and hand out to colleagues who deserve a little recognition.

What’s more winners will get a ‘Cat Nap Day’ for them to enjoy a day off on Jollyes along with a badge and a certificate.

Other Jollyes benefits that have been introduced include:

• Birthday leave – a day off on a colleague’s special day
• A ‘pet-eternity’ day for colleagues getting a new pet in the family 
• Wedding / civil partnership – a week off for all colleagues on full pay when they get married 
• Enhanced paternity leave – two weeks of full pay for new parents 
• Enhanced maternity leave – Jollyes parents can now get full pay for six weeks for maternity leave
• A gift when colleagues have a baby, including through fostering or adoption 
• An enhanced 20 per cent discount off all Jollyes services
• A discount for a partner or friend - after three months working at Jollyes, colleagues can nominate a second person to get an in-store discount
• Lifetime discount – after 20 years’ service a colleague will qualify for a discount for life 
• New long service award badges for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years’ service – Jollyes has some of the most loyal colleagues in retail with a dozen colleagues on the payroll for over 25 years

These are all in addition to all of the package of benefits staff currently enjoy with big discounts at a number of partner retailers.

Jollyes’ chief executive officer Joe Wykes said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business – our customers rely on them for their knowledge and experience and love how they support the pets in their family. 

“We’re building a package of support that reflects the importance of their work and commitment to our business – part of our aspiration to have some of the best benefits in retail.

“Our colleagues go the extra mile to make Jollyes a special place for customers – and that’s why we’re doing more to help colleagues celebrate the major milestones in their lives from celebrating weddings to civil partnerships, becoming a mum or dad – and of course, getting a new pet!

“Following a great year for the business, it’s another way for us to thank our colleagues’ hard work and help us recruit the best people for dream jobs working with animals as we look to open even more stores in 2023.”

In June, Jollyes confirmed that it has completed a record-breaking financial year and now intends to accelerate growth as it brings its offer to more communities across the UK.

Sales in the current financial year broke through the £100 million threshold, rising 33 per cent from £87 million in the 2022 financial year to £115.5 million in the year to 29 May 2023. Like-for-like sales also grew by 17 per cent over the full year, over double the market which grew at eight per cent.

The increase in turnover continues through a mix of higher sales at existing stores, new openings and acquisitions, and rising digital demand for home delivery and click and collect services.

Jollyes is now trading from 90 stores across the UK, opening 13 new locations in the current financial year. It will open new stores in Swindon, Wiltshire and Belfast Northern Ireland at the end of this month.

After shaking up the premium treat market when the company launched its air-dried venison treats in 2013, Yorkshire pet food manufacturer The Innocent Hound is now celebrating 10 years in business.

Inspired by her rescue lurcher Bongo, founder Chloe Heaton (pictured above with husband Justine) wanted to create a range of treats that mirrored their values that they hold when choosing food for themselves.  The Innocent Hound set out on a clear path to use locally sourced, quality ingredients, and British meat where animal welfare was a priority. 

Reminiscing on the start of her business venture, Chloe said: “When we look back at the treat market 10 years ago, it was a very different scene – today consumers can find a far greater choice of good quality and healthy dog treats, something that didn’t exist when we first started.  We’re proud to have played a key part in raising the standards.”

Although manufacturing was never part of the plan, when their original supplier closed after just a few months after launching, The Innocent Hound was forced to make a radical decision.  Giving up was not an option, and so with the help of their local butcher, and an experienced pet nutritionist, they rented a small food production unit where they specialised in producing high meat content sausages that they air-dried using a bespoke drying system.

The popularity of the products resulted in a move to a bigger factory in 2017 where they are based today.  The Innocent Hound has proven itself to be innovative and groundbreaking as they extended their product range with a host of healthy and functional treats, as well as a unique air-dried complete food.  This food was the first of its kind to be produced in the UK and won the prize for new Dog Food Product at PATS 2019.

With a team of nearly 30 people and a recently completed factory expansion, The Innocent Hound are set to continue growing their business with exciting new plans, but not before celebrating the incredible journey they have been on over the last 10 years.

The UK’s first beachside food van offering doggie takes on typical British seaside meals has been unveiled on Brighton Beach. 

Fetch of The Day, launched  by tailor-made dog food service tails.com,  provides healthy snacks for dogs as new research reveals almost half (49%) of owners regularly catch their dog trying to eat their favourite meals when out and about during summertime activities. 

A survey of 2,000 British dog owners found that 55% admit their dog is more likely to end up eating human food at an informal gathering, such as at a barbeque or the beach, which means less control over the nutritional intake of their pets. A further 42% claim this problem increases during the summer due to more casual outdoor eating, with many Brits admitting their dog steals from their plate up to three times a week. 

With over half (56 per cent) of British dog owners admitting to feeling worried about the impact of this on their dog’s health and nutrition, tails.com is on a mission to offer a healthier alternative as more canine companions descend on UK beaches.

Fetch of The Day allows Brits to feed their dog a variety of delicious treats, that keep their tummies satisfied, whilst contributing to their nutritional needs. The rich-in-protein Barking Burgers are served with a sweet potato bun, high in fibre and packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, whilst the Seaside Salmon Cones will help keep your dog’s coat and teeth in top condition. To finish, dogs can enjoy the refreshing and frozen Watermelon Bites - perfect for a hot, sunny day. 

Dr Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, said: “We’re all guilty sometimes of slipping our pups a morsel from our dinner plate, or treating them to something delicious just for being good, but too much human food can be really harmful. First, it’s often laden with fat and sugar, meaning calories galore and from our studies we’ve found that weight gain in dogs will reduce their lifespan.

“A little snack to us might be the same as half a small dog’s daily allowance - it all adds up. Some foods can cause serious harm, inflaming the pancreas or causing toxicity. So lay off the snacks if you want a healthy hound.”

At the seaside alone, a fifth (20%) of dog owners reveal they have had their sausage roll eaten by a dog, while 17% have lost out on some fish and chips.

This new experience also comes complete with Step, Treat, Eat, Repeat steps so dogs of all sizes or height can get their paws on one of these limited edition items. And it’s not just the treats that the dogs can enjoy - pups who visit Fetch of The Day can cool down on a reclining deck chair whilst they tuck into their cones, or re-hydrate in the cooling water bowl corner.

Dr. McCormack added: “At tails.com we know every dog is different, which is why we're proud to offer food and treats designed to cater to a whole range of different doggie needs. 

“Fetch of the Day provided us with the perfect opportunity to share with people on how to manage their pet’s diet moving forward, making sure they go through life happy and healthy.”

To learn more about tails.com and how to whip up some easy, nutritious summer meals for your dog visit https://tails.com/blog/2023/07/04/fetch-of-the-day/

Pedigree Wholesale hosted its annual supplier conference at Leicester Marriot Hotel with more than 150 guests from multiple suppliers attending for an afternoon of networking, lunch and presentations. 

The company took guests through key updates and plans of its 'Raising the Bar' strategy, which is focused on productivity, quality and impact in 2023.

Steve Driver, Managing Director of Pet Trade Innovations, said: "The supplier conference is a great opportunity to see Pedigree's exciting plans for the future and ensure, as a supplier, we are working in line with their goals. It also gives us a chance to ensure we are making the most of the marketing opportunities and reviewing the best places to invest for growth.”

Some of Pedigree Wholesale's key partners were in attendance, with presentations from Paul Lewis (Managing Director of Just for Pets), Gordon Thomas (Director of Impact Exhibitions who host PATS), and guest speakers and representatives from charity partner Medical Detection Dogs.

George Bramble, Co-Founder of Beco Pet, said: "The Pedigree Wholesale conference was an excellent event. It was fantastic to get together and celebrate pet speciality retailers and suppliers, but also to gain valuable insights on industry performance and how Pedigree Wholesale and their partners can work better together to bring the best pet products to market. It's clear that Pedigree Wholesale care deeply about both their customers and brands. Sign me up for next year!"

The conference was followed by an evening of food and entertainment with a charity dinner to support Medical Detection Dogs, where the Pedigree Wholesale teams and suppliers were joined by customers who all gave generously to the charity raffle, raising over £3,000. Suppliers were also involved in donating raffle prizes with a weekend away donated by Twiggy Tags, pet-friendly weekend away donated by Woof & Brew, a dinner voucher donated by James Marketing, and many more generous donations from multiple suppliers. 

David Bennison, Director of Speciality and Export Sales, said "As ever, the Pedigree Wholesale Conference provided a great opportunity to connect with industry colleagues, but most importantly, it gave a real insight into Pedigree's plans for the future. The information shared by Pedigree really helps IPN to align with Pedigree's strategies ensuring a continued strong, mutually beneficial relationship. It was also fascinating to learn more about Medical Detection Dogs."

Pedigree Wholesale also hosted its annual supplier awards with winners for Large and Small Supplier of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, New Product of the Year and Account Manager of the Year.

Gerard O’Mahony, Managing Director of Pedigree Wholesale, said: “It was great to see so many of our supplier partners attend. The opportunity to share our performance, strategy and specific plans ensures we’re aligned and focusing together on delivering for our customers in the specialist pet community. Congratulations again to the award winners in the evening, and of course, thanks to everyone who made a donation to our charity partner, Medical Detection Dogs, we were delighted with the result.”

Karnlea Bone Broth is to undertake its first live event when it joins exhibitors at Edition Dog Live – a day-long show focusing on an holistic approach to dog health, wellbeing and nutrition next month.

The UK’s leading manufacturer of ambient pet bone broth will be on Stand Six, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 27 August 2023.

It should be the ideal fit for Karnlea which is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients. These include bones from antibiotic and hormone-free beef and lamb, which have been grass-fed and reared on cooperative farms, or free range chickens. Filtered water and a touch of apple cider vinegar is added to the recipe to extract protein, collagen and minerals from the cooking process.

The slow cooked broth is then packed in heat-sealed cartons which allows the contents to be kept on the shelf until needed.

This process ensures the broth contains high levels of nutrients, especially collagen, which is good for coat/skin, bone density and easy to digest. Its ambient form means that nutrients which can be lost in concentrated or powdered collagen supplements, are maintained.

It can be served as a liquid, straight from the carton, chilled for use as a jelly topper, frozen into treats or used in home cooking and bakes.

Karnlea’s founder Lara McCullough said: “We are delighted to be joining Edition Dog Live for our first show. Its focus on natural and holistic products matches our ideas around providing the best possible diet to maintain the health and wellbeing of our dogs.

“Karnlea has been on sale in the UK and Ireland for just over a year now and we have seen enormous growth. Although bone broth is an age-old recipe for supporting our health and aiding recouperation, we have enlightened many pet owners to the benefits of bone broth for the first time.

“Our product range is convenient to use and eliminates the need for slow cooking home made alternatives, meaning no fuss, and no smells.”

Karnlea has also invested in green packaging: its cartons are made with paperboard from sustainable forest materials and its spouts and caps are plastic-free – produced from a sugar cane derivative.

Karnlea’s stand will be located next to the popular canine massage hub – providing owners with the chance to shop while their pooches get a little pampering.

Lara will be in attendance to meet customers and will be sharing ideas and tips on how to use the products.

For more information on Karnlea Bone Broth visit: www.karnlea.com

The Dog G8 Company, supplier of the concertina dog safety gate, is lending support to National Dog Awareness Week (3-9 July), a campaign conducted each year to raise awareness of the number of dog attacks on postal and delivery workers by the Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union. 

The company is collaborating with the University of Liverpool and Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership (MDSP) and developing products to prevent dog attacks at the front door.

Even the most docile dog can lash out when feeling frightened, startled, hurt, confused, or provoked, leading to a nightmare scenario for the injured party, the pet owner and canine companion. 

Over the past 12 months there were more than 3,300 dog attacks on postmen and women across the UK.Over 30,000 postmen and women have been attacked by dogs in the last decade! Over 80% at the front door. 36 postal workers are attacked by dogs every week, 6 every day, 2000 to 3000 every year and 1000 postmen and women have had a finger bitten off or severely injured whilst delivering the mail through the letterbox in the last 5 years. Over the last 12 months the number of recorded dog attacks rose by 15%.  (Statistics provided by the Royal Mail.)

These people were simply carrying out their jobs, trying to deliver mail to customers. The effect of some of these attacks have in some instances led to devastating and life changing injuries with some workers unable to return to work. The rise in the number of fatalities because of dog bites is also concerning for postal and delivery workers. (19 in the last three years). It costs the NHS and UK taxpayers over £75 million a year, treating more than 10,000 patients, including innocent postal worker victims.

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The Key Objectives of Dog Awareness Week are firstly and primarily to remind the public to be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities to control their dogs and prevent dog attacks on postal workers and a reminder to all postal workers to be vigilant, keep safe and take no risks. The public need to be aware that if their dog attacks a postal worker, they will be prosecuted either by the Police, Local Authority or by Royal Mail via a private prosecution under the agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU.

There is a whole host of reasons why dogs may bite. It can be to do with behaviour fallout resulting from a lack of early positive exposure, experience, and comfort of being handled. 

Dr Carri Westgarth, Professor in Human-Animal Interaction - a Senior Lecturer in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health and author of the book 'The Happy Dog Owner' (2021) Welbeck, has been working in collaboration with The Dog G8 Company and one thing she has noticed recently is the number of dog attacks from dogs rescued from countries where they have spent most of their lives living rough on the streets with little human contact. This is something that dog owners who adopt these dogs must think about when it comes to preventing dog attacks and should take necessary precautions.

Other reasons a dog may bite could be to so with possessive guarding of items such as bowl, toy, or bed. A dog may also be sensitive to handling or could be suffering with pain. Some dogs are fearful or are easily startled. Inappropriate handling especially from children can make a dog agitated. Some dogs are also easily redirected where a dog can become agitated on the leash and will bite the first thing that comes to hand, and this can then happen in the home environment leading to dog attacks.

The Dog-G8 Company from Horsham who were recently offered a £50K investment from Dragon, Deborah Meaden on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den, has created a range of highly versatile, concertina gates that aid dog owners with training, prevent dogs from escaping, and reduce the potential risk of an attack on postal and delivery workers coming to the house.

The Dog-G8 gate was the inspiration of Peter Maxted, the founder of the company who has been a pet sitter for over 20 years and a dog owner for the same amount of time. He was very aware of the risks associated with dogs at front doors e.g., escapes, attacks, thefts and although there were other gates on the market, he felt they were inadequate and ineffective enough to work for all breeds. He therefore decided to design and sell his own version so he could keep his and clients’ dogs safer at the front door. 

The Dog-G8 product is British made and features a concertina, modular and retractable design. The product is incredibly versatile and can be used on multiple configurations ranging from the front door to stairways, hallways and many more. The gates modular design enables it to be spanned to any width, allowing the gate to be fitted to the widest of configurations such as patio doors where standard, conventional gates cannot fit.

The gate is made from mild steel, coated in chrome or white powder coat, bolted together with bespoke, customised clips which give the gate strength and durability.

When the gate is not in use it sits flat and compact to one side it’s neat, unobtrusive, and out of the way. Finally, it is removable, enabling it to be easily stored away or docked to other configurations such as the Stairway to the Doorway (if extra brackets are purchased).

The Dog-G8 can also be used in horse boxes, mobile homes, and caravans. When the gate is spanned across the entrance, this allows any motor home or caravan user to have their habitation door open, without the risk of their dog dashing out. The gate will provide dogs with much needed ventilation and offers great visibility.

The gate is excellent for when you are parked up at campsites or beaches where perimeters cannot be formed but you wish to have the door open. 

Since launch the company has seen massive growth and now sells directly to customer in the UK, Canada, United States, and Europe. The product went viral on Tiktok and Facebook attracting over 100 million organic views across all videos. The Dog-G8 Company was the Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday Winner in March 2021 and recently made the finals of the Pet Industry Federation Best Product Innovation Award.

For more information www.dog-g8.com

Supreme Petfoods is the recipient of two PPM Retailer Recommended Awards 2023 – Manufacturer of the Year and Small Animal Product of the Year for its Science Selective range. 

The Manufacturer of the Year award reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to small pet health and wellbeing, and its founding ethos of always doing the very best for small pets. Since its humble beginnings on a Suffolk farm in the 1990s, Supreme has evolved to become one of the best-known small pet food and treat manufacturers, and its Science Selective and Tiny Friends Farm ranges have become synonymous with quality and trusted by pet owners worldwide. 

Supreme’s Science Selective range, catering to the growing demand for natural and healthy products, has consistently dominated the small pet market, winning the highly coveted Small Animal Product of the Year award for an unprecedented sixth consecutive year. This remarkable achievement underscores the range’s exceptional quality as well as Supreme’s steadfast commitment to supporting their retail partners. Backed by years of veterinary and nutritional expertise, Science Selective now offers the widest range of veterinary-recommended species-specific food, treats and hay for small pets.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme, says the company is delighted to gain further recognition for their success. “We are overjoyed to receive these awards. We were up against some strong competition and these accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in small pet nutrition. Our products consistently receive outstanding reviews from consumers, with some even reporting that their pets are so enamoured with Science Selective that it is as if they are addicted! Receiving industry recognition is the icing on the cake.”

Supreme remains dedicated to supporting the needs of small pets, with ongoing investment in market research to ensure that they stay ahead of the game.  Recent insights have revealed that Science Selective is widely regarded as the most pet-centric small pet brand among rabbit and guinea pig owners, as well as being the brand most associated with being ‘veterinary recommended’. 

Supreme’s commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond their product ranges. They provide comprehensive support to retailers including in-store marketing materials, free samples and money off next purchase coupons, as well as expert health and welfare information, product training and exclusive monthly offers for retail partners. This dedication to service and support across all channels, from wholesalers to retailers, vets and pet owners, is an integral part of the Supreme ethos. Further afield, their Food For Life advertising campaign, launched in 2022, has successfully raised brand awareness and spread the Food for Life message. The campaign has reached a global audience through targeted social media platforms.

Supreme extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who voted for them. The company looks forward to cultivating strong relationships with retailers, pet owners and, of course, small pets, for many years to come. With fixed formula recipes, an expanding product range and a clear brand and marketing strategy, retailers can confidently rely on Supreme to provide award-winning excellence.

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

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Arken Zoo – Sweden’s largest pet store chain – has created the Heatstriker, a new product that combines an emergency hammer with a water container. Tthe dual-purpose tool allows quick rescue of a pet trapped in a car as well as direct access to drinking water.

Supported by Swedish law, the Heatstriker can be used to smash a car window if an animal’s health or life is in danger. The relevant legal clause and educational information about dangerous temperatures are printed on the bottle itself, while the packaging displays the steps users need to take before using the Heatstriker.

This summer, Heatstrikers are displayed on parking lots around Sweden, available for the public to use in an emergency. The Heatstriker will also be sold in Arken Zoo stores nationwide.

The main purpose of the Heatstriker is to serve as a powerful reminder to never leave pets in a hot car.

Sarah Frelin Ekvall, Head of Marketing at Arken Zoo, says: “As we are expecting a record hot summer, it is of utmost importance that no pets are left in hot cars. The Heatstriker provides an opportunity to act in an emergency by smashing the car window safely in order to save a life, as supported by law.

“Essentially, we hope that the Heatstriker will never be required, and instead serve as an important reminder that cars are for transportation only, never to leave a pet in a locked, hot car, not even for a ‘quick, few minutes’.”

Johnson’s Veterinary Products, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pet healthcare products to pet shops and stores, has further extended its popular range with the introduction of a Guardian Home Flea Spray.

Marking the first release from the new Guardian Pet Healthcare range, the Guardian Home Flea Spray is designed to rapidly kill fleas, flying and crawling insects, including flies, mosquitos, cockroaches, ants, and bed bugs. The easy-to-use trigger spray, which is manufactured right here in the UK, can be used on surfaces where insects walk or land and can be safely used inside domestic premises. 

Capable of controlling fleas for up to six months and other crawling pests for approximately eight weeks, this environmentally-friendly, water-based advanced micro-emulsion insecticide can be used as a crack/crevice & spot treatment or as a direct spray within households on areas such as pet bedding, carpets & soft furnishings*.  

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary Products, commented: “For more than 100 years, Johnson’s has continued to innovate and manufacture the cost-effective pet healthcare products the public and their pets need, all available from pet shops and stores across the UK. 

“As a water-based product, the Guardian Home Flea Spray represents the steps we continue to take as a business to deliver products that meet pet owner’s expectations with regard to being environmentally sustainable and affordable, by providing an attractive alternative for those who are not comfortable with aerosol products.

“As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer, some pets will naturally want to spend more time exploring outdoors, which will increase their exposure to bugs and insects that latch on to pets and make their way inside. The warmer months also bring about an increase in flying pests that love nothing more than to make themselves at home in domestic households.

“As such, owners must be vigilant to ensure their pets do not become infested or suffer from any uncomfortable bug and insect bites that could later get infected. The Guardian® Home Flea Spray will prevent such a scenario; ensuring pets are properly protected at home.  It is also important to remember to treat all pets with a suitable flea treatment to minimise the risk of a flea infestation.

“The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has hit everyone hard, so the demand for reasonably priced yet effective pet healthcare products is extremely high. Fortunately, for consumers, providing cost-effective solutions is at the heart of what we do as demonstrated by this latest announcement. 

“There are plenty more exciting products in the pipeline too, so pet owners should stay tuned for more information on future releases.”

Johnson’s was founded in 1921 and has remained true to its core roots of manufacturing a broad range of pet healthcare products, from flea and worm treatments to shampoos and treats, all available through high-street pet shops and pet stores across the UK.

*is not suitable for use on animals

The British Independent Retailers Association has said that recent news about WHSmith and Boots closing stores has prompted discussions about the challenges faced by retailers in today's market.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK commented on news that Boots plans to close 300 stores while WHSmith has decided to shift its focus away from the high street and concentrate on airports and non-high street locations.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said that while the strategic move makes sense for these companies, it also raises an important question about the future of retail on the high street.

"The decisions made by Boots and WHSmith reflect the increasing difficulties and costs associated with operating physical stores. While some retailers have struggled due to mismanagement or economic conditions, these closures demonstrate that running a shop on the high street is becoming more expensive and challenging.

"The rising costs of maintaining a physical store, coupled with declining consumer expenditure and profit margins, present significant obstacles for retailers. If no action is taken to address this situation, it is likely that more large chains will make similar announcements in the future."

Mr Goodacre added that this would also lead to opportunities that these closures would present for independent retailers.

"Vacant shop premises provide a window of opportunity for independent businesses with different business models. While running a shop is not without its financial challenges, independent retailers do not have to contend with group overheads. This gives them a better chance to make the high street work for them."

"Large chains are not leaving the high street because the shops are in poor locations or have no customers, and this suggests opportunity for new independent businesses. Bira believe that government and local authorities should proactively encourage the smaller business to invest in these premises to save the high streets.

"Funding is being made available through various initiatives, and this should be used to encourage new retailer businesses to occupy these sites. The government can play a role by ensuring that business rates relief is increased and the retail discount is 100% in the first year of the new business starting. Better still would be the removal of all business rates for retail units below £100K RV," he added.

A pet bed topper from The Wheat Bag Company has walked off with a major New Product Award at the three-day Glee trade exhibition at the NEC Birmingham.

The topper can be used warm or chilled, for comforting warmth or cooling relief for pets. 

Made up of a super soft fleece cover with an inner bag filled with cleaned british wheat, the product is the ideal size and shape to pop on a dog or cat bed. 

The removable cover is washable, for easy maintenance.              

The pet bed topper is the first wheat bag designed for pets by the company. It can be heated in the microwave for comforting warmth, the natural way to sooth pets’ aches and pains, and can also be popped in the freezer to provide cooling relief in hot weather.

The pet bed topper beat off strong opposition on a shortlisted that also included: Earthy Sustainable medium pet bowl made with coffee (Earthy Sustainable), Extra Large Compostable Poo Bags (Twiggy Tags Ltd), TrailFinder Dog Safety Light (Twiggy Tags Ltd), GET OFF Lawn Rescue (Sipcam Home and Garden)

In the Wild Bird Care and Wildlife Products category the winner was Peckish Natural Balance Coco-Not Wild Bird Feeders from Westland Unwins.

Also at Glee, the pet team from the Old Railway Line at Three Cocks near Brecon in Wales won a major buying award.

The garden centre won the Pet Buying Team of the Year award in the Glee Buyers Power List competition.

The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year.

The awards were presented on the second day of Glee.

Pets at Home has unveiled its first location to receive an extensive refurbishment following the launch of its new identity.

The new brand is the next move in the business’ ambition to cement itself as the one-stop destination for all pet care needs, from grooming to veterinary services, dedicated to making life better for pets and the people who love them.

Its veterinary business will evolve to Vets for Pets, formerly Vets4Pets, while its grooming service will now be known as Pets Grooming.

The new brand will be rolled-out across the full 450 plus store estate, starting with four pilot stores around the UK, the first of which is the Pets at Home pet care centre at Leeds Birstall.

The project saw Pets at Home team up with brand and experience agency Household to bring the branding to life in its physical store locations.

With the various Pets at Homes offers unified under the Pets master brand, Household created a blueprint for integration within the retail experience to coincide with the digital launch.

A new customer experience journey was built for the Vets for Pets and Grooming offers that championed the warmth and care of the expert teams in a calming, professional space designed for both pet and pet owner.

Translating the brand into the retail experience, Household established an environmental brand palette alongside principles for wayfinding and retail communications. This formed a visual umbrella that connects the breadth of the Pets at Home offer from the best inspiration and support, through to an incredible range of products and services, to veterinary excellence and expert guidance.

Cath Ryan, Head of Brand at Pets at Home, said: “Our new brand expression is all about showcasing the breadth of services we offer, and it's fantastic to see that come to life. Working alongside Household to translate this for our customers has been so rewarding, and the reaction we’ve received so far has been brilliant.”

Siu-Lan Choi, Executive Creative Director at Household, added: “As a studio that has always had an affinity with dogs, it has been a joy responding to Pets at Home’s brief; from the unification of offer and brand to the everyday practicalities of dealing with dogs urinating in-store! We built out from a creative idea that put the pet and pet owner at the heart of every touchpoint. Our framework allowed us to demonstrate category leadership, showcase the brand’s full spectrum of passion to expertise and connect on a deeper emotional level with customers.

“We are excited to see the launch of this new experience for Pets at Home and even more proud to be continuing our work together on future initiatives, bringing forward-thinking services and expertise to pet owners and exploring new and relevant ways to convert new and existing customers into true fans.”

View the new brand identity and campaign here: www.petsathome.com/allforpets

For more information about Household, visit: www.household-design.com

Norfolk Industries has secured a new contract with leading pet food and accessories wholesaler Bestpets. 

It’s the organisation’s first contract with a major wholesaler. As a small company employing people with disabilities, the deal means Norfolk Industries products will be joining the 8,000 lines Bestpets hold in stock. 

Bestpets will be fully utilising Norfolk Industries own branded products, extending its reach to smaller retailers across the UK and raising our profile in the marketplace. 

“We’ve already established a great working relationship with two new product lines developed which Bestpets will also stock,” said general manager Sharon Tooke. “The first of these is Cloth Bedding which is currently in production and, for the first time, is being sold using Norfolk Industries own branding. 

:A number of our factory production lines are involved in fulfilling the Bestpets contract, so we’re equally pleased that it provides additional work for our regular employees as well as new opportunities for people on our work placements. 

“The product is supplied to Bestpets on mixed pallets, another first for us and has necessitated a dedicated picking and packing area to be created which is providing further tasks that we can train and develop people to carry out. A big win, win for us.”

Visit us at www.norfolkindustries.co.uk

The Pet Industry Federation Awards, sponsored by Jollyes, showcase excellence across 22 different categories, with new categories launched this year, including Pet Behaviourist of the Year, Garden Centre Pet Department of the Year, Pet Store Manager of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year. 

The PIF Awards have grown year on year and judges are expecting a higher than ever standard this year. Entries will remain open until Friday 18 August.

Winners of the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2023 will be revealed at Chesford Grange Hotel, near Kenilworth on Thursday 9 November.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: 

“We are delighted to be hosting the PIF Awards again this year. Following the sell-out Awards in 2022, we have moved to a bigger venue at Chesford Grange to enable all those who want to attend to do so. The PIF Awards, sponsored by Jollyes and in association with Collar App, Cliverton, Lopay and Su-Bridge Pet Supplies provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise and reward the outstanding performances in the pet industry over the last twelve months.”

There are still some sponsorship opportunities available at category level, which provide excellent promotional and networking opportunities. To find out more about sponsorship, telephone Daniel Everett, PIF’s Events Coordinator, on 01234 224507 or email daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk. To enter your business for an Award visit www.petfederation.co.uk