Bookings for PATS 2024, which takes place at Telford International Centre from Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024, are gathering pace as the pet industry looks forward to the new three-day format.

Some of the UK’s major pet companies and brands have already secured their stand space, including Ancol Pet Products, Cranswick Pet Products (Alpha & Vitalin), Danish Design, Eden Pet Foods, Fold Hill Foods, Forthglade, IPN, Kennelpak, Natures Menu and Nature’s Variety, Nova Dog Chews, Paleo Ridge, Pedigree Wholesale, Rogz, Trixie, We.pet, and Westland (Bucktons and Peckish), among others.

“The response to PATS 2024 becoming an all-encompassing three-day exhibition has been fantastic,” said organiser Gordon Thomas. “With still over eight months to go before the show, major companies are already booking their spaces, with many of them taking larger stands.

“We have the capacity to accommodate more than 300 exhibitors, making it the biggest-ever PATS we’ve staged.”

Danish Design was one of the first companies to book its stand at PATS 2024, and director of operations and sales Rob Newsome said: “We think the extra day will be a great addition as it will allow us to spend more time with buyers. Some of our customers have previously told us they have run out of time at the show and haven’t managed to see everyone, so having three days will really help in this respect.”

Ancol Pet Products was another company to book a stand early, and director Simon Lane said: “We are very pleased that we’ll get an extra day to exhibit – in our opinion extra show time is a huge benefit to everyone.”

It’s a similar story for Cranswick Pet Products with head of marketing Jerry Lowe stating the exhibition is the perfect place to showcase its popular brands Vitalin and Alpha brands. “Having an extra day next year is exciting and creates an opportunity to see everyone for longer.”

After a very successful PATS in September, Rogz was quick to book for 2024. Sallie-Ann Reed, managing director for UK and Ireland, commented: “I’m 100% behind the move to a three-day show.” 

Swedish company Voff sees PATS as an “excellent” opportunity for its brands Nova Dog Chews, Nutriment and Aniforte to showcase products and services to existing and new customers. UK managing directors Antoon Murphy and Lloyd Murdoch said: “This is a great opportunity for all businesses and attendees. We are looking forward to the extended event, providing more time to meet with existing and new customers, and to strengthen lasting relationships in the industry. As the event is bigger and better we hope to see as many of our customers there as possible.”

Retailers and buyers can register their interest in visiting PATS 2024 by going to the exhibition website www.patshow.co.uk, which has all the up-to-date information about the show.

Alison Pettitt, who jointly owns four Pettitt & Boo stores in Norfolk with husband Adrian, has already logged the dates of PATS 2024 in her New Year diary. “We certainly don’t want to miss it,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see the growth of PATS. The additional day provides a greater window to really get into more productive and beneficial conversations with exhibitors, rather than having to rush. The extra day is very welcome so we can get the most out of this excellent event.”