Bring Your Dog To Work Day, founded and organised by ethical pet care brand HOWND, smashed its fundraising target this year as dogs and businesses up and down the country joined in the annual fun day out for dogs.  

More businesses than ever signed up to bring sheer joy into the workplace and to raise funds for its chosen charities, Animal’s Asia and All Dog’s Mater. Thousands of pounds were also raised for charities up and down the country- as official sponsors and other businesses raised funds for their own causes too.

During the day there was record breaking media engagement across all sectors, with many household names joining in the fun, including UK Parliament, ITV’s Lorraine Show, Good Morning Britain, The Tower of London, the Peaky Blinders team, Lords Cricket, BBC radio, Lionsgate, the police and fire rescue services and celebrities including Simon Cowell’s team, Ben Fogle and others taking part and posting pictures of dogs “at work” on social media.

Bring Your Dog To Work Day achieved an incredible social reach across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, trending at number 1 on Twitter with the hashtag being followed by 60K on Instagram.  The Bring Your Dog To Work Day page that showcases the sponsors’ logos and company details reached almost 20k visitors in the period leading up to the big day giving official sponsors incredible exposure.

More sponsors than ever came from the pet sector including Purina’s Pets at Work Alliance, Dog Friendly, Lily’s Kitchen, Billy & Margot, Woof & Brew, Fish4Dogs, Pets Pyjamas, Poppy’s Picnic, Nylabone, Covetrus (formerly Henry Schein), Barking Mad, Webbox Natural, Scruffs, Arden Grange, Butternut Box, Hi life, Pure Pet Food, Tails.com, Smart Choice, Vita Animal Health, Vets Now, Purely Pets, Gentle Dog Food, Dogrobes, Honeys, Beautiful Joes,  The Office Dog, Ruff and Tumble, Mikki and Four Paws Groom School to mention just a few.

Big brands outside of the pet sector included Knight Frank, Miele, Norton Rose Fulbright, Trainline, Trusted Housesitters, Zip Now London, as well as IT firms, airport navigation companies, property developers, schools, hotels and activewear brands.

More than 125 media outlets covered the day, with the HOWND team appearing ITV’s the Lorraine Show, with coverage by the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Evening Standard, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Waitrose Weekend, The Sun, LADBible, Unilad and many more. There were stories throughout the day on BBC radio stations, weather stations such as STV News Scotland and ITV news stations across the country, as well as press coverage in most major regional and local newspapers.

There were many entries for the ‘Dog with a Job’ Hall of Fame to win over £1000 worth of prizesfrom the official sponsors, and there are some gorgeous photos uploaded onto the site from all the dog owners that entered the competition. The winner is being announced this week.

Jo Amit, co-Founder of Bring Your Dog to Work Day and HOWND says: “We say every year that the event was bigger than the year before, but it really was, with double the funds raised, thousands of companies and employees taking part, and for 2020 we will be looking for a handful of headline sponsors from non-competing sectors. As the Huffington Post headline said, “Bring Your Dog To Work Day is serving us ridiculous levels of joy”, adds Jo.

The 7^th Bring Your Dog To Work Day takes place on 26 June 2020.

www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk

Homeland By Products Ltd is recalling three batches of frozen raw pet food because salmonella has been found in the products.

The affected products were: Frozen Raw Beef, Frozen Raw Turkey and Frozen Raw Tripe.

The Food Standards Agency announced the recall on its website. In its risk statement the FSA said:

“Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans and animals. The product could therefore carry a potential risk, because of the presence of salmonella, either through direct handling of the pet food, or indirectly, for example from pet feeding bowls, utensils or contact with the faeces of animals.

“In humans, symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Infected animals may not necessarily display signs of illness, but symptoms can include diarrhoea.”

And in its advice to customers, the agency added: “If you have bought any of the above products do not use them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.

“When handling and serving raw pet food it is always advised to clean utensils and feeding bowls thoroughly after use. Consumers should wash hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, bowls, utensils or after contact with the faeces of infected animals.

“Raw pet food should be stored separately from any food (especially ready to eat foods). Care should be taken when defrosting to avoid cross contamination of foods and surfaces.”

The full Food Alert can be viewed here

https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-29-2019

Forthglade, the award-winning natural pet food brand, has increased sales by 21% for the year ended 30 September 2018 in accounts soon to be filed at Companies House.

Established in 1971 and based in Okehampton, Devon, the company’s turnover rose to £16.8m (2017 13.9m), driven by further growth of the Forthglade brand, with increases in all sales channels and product ranges. Its three new ranges (gourmet wet meals, cold pressed natural dry food and grain-free treats) performed particularly well, contributing more than a quarter of sales growth. Last year, the company supplied more than 40 million tasty natural meals.

Forthglade’s Joint MDs Chris Brooking and Gerard Lovell, both with a background in food production, took over the once struggling business in 2011.

Together with specialist consumer brands investor Piper (which invested £6m into Forthglade in 2015), Santander Growth Capital (who funded £5m towards the new factory) and chairman Peter Farquhar, they have transformed the brand, increasing production fourfold and creating an additional 71 local jobs.

Today Forthglade’s 100% natural dog food can be found in all the main supermarkets, as well as UK pet shops and online. Forthglade is currently sold in 11 countries worldwide, with successful recent launches in Italy, Spain and Finland.

In September 2018, the brand relocated to a purpose-built 70,000 sq ft factory next to Dartmoor National Park. The new factory significantly increases production capacity and sales for the first six months of operations are already up by 24% on the same period last year. The brand is also set to increase its 130-strong local production team to 150 staff over the coming years.

Said Gerard Lovell, Joint MD of Forthglade: ‘We’re delighted by another strong year of growth and particularly excited for the future now that we’ve begun settling into our new Okehampton home. We’ve already had a fantastic start and look forward to continued and sustained growth as we bring Forthglade’s premium natural meals and treats to dogs and families in the UK and beyond.’

PFMA has released new data in its Obesity Report, highlighting that an alarming 51% of dogs, 44% of cats and 29% of small mammals are overweight or obese. Moreover, an overwhelming 100% of vets are concerned about pet obesity.

Despite this weighty reality, research among 8,000 households, shows that the majority of owners are seemingly unaware of the problem; 68% of pet owners think their pet is exactly the right weight and 67% admit they are not worried about pet obesity.

With almost 8.5m pets in the UK currently overweight, the last five years has seen a worrying increase and today almost 600,000 more UK pets are overweight or obese and at risk of living two years less than a healthy, fit pet.

To emphasise the seriousness of the current situation, these latest findings will be the subject of a gathering of MPs and animal welfare experts at a dedicated session in the House of Commons today.

Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive of the PFMA, said: “Pet Obesity is a serious condition, which is now recognised as a disease among many health organisations. Over the last ten years, we are proud to have helped communicate the importance of healthy nutrition and dangers of obesity – to pet professionals and owners. However, the message is not getting through to pet owners - and we need to do more.”

With one in five children aged 10-11 classified as obese, many argue that the increase in pet obesity mirrors this trend. Unfortunately, this lifestyle at the other end of the leash has had a significant impact on pet feeding habits and pet health.  Moreover, overweight pets are incorrectly being perceived as normal.

PFMA research also analysed professional and pet owners’ insight on why pets are obese.  Most revealing is the significant mismatch between the views with 98% of vets but only 41% of owners thinking excessive treating contributed most to obesity. Surprisingly, only 23% of owners admit to feeding scraps. With regards to fitness, 80% of vets think that a lack of exercise contributes to obesity whilst only 44% of owners shared this view.

Junior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Daniella Dos Santos, advised: “Obesity ranks as one of the top pet health and welfare concerns for vets, and this important report comes at a time when more and more veterinary practices are seeing overweight or obese animals coming through their doors with weight-related problems like musculoskeletal conditions, breathing issues and diabetes.  Pets are an important part of the family and while many owners show love for their pet through food, this is often a case of killing them with kindness. Prevention is better than cure, which is why we would encourage owners to seek advice from their vet on proper nutrition, exercise and how to recognise healthy body condition.”

The report ‘Pet Obesity Ten Years On’, PFMA’s third report in ten years, details the findings from the vet and owner surveys, discusses why the UK is struggling to beat the obesity epidemic and looks at potential solutions to help owners keep their pets fit and healthy.

To view all the latest PFMA research and read the PFMA Obesity Report please visit www.pfma.org.uk

Pedigree Wholesale has become the exclusive distributor for TropiClean, a well-established pet grooming and hygiene brand into the specialist pet trade.

The relationship will include exclusive distribution for all TropiClean products including their current range of Flea and Tick Shampoo’s that repel unwanted pests for up to 7 days and their Dental Health products of gels, sticks, sprays and drops.

Steve Brown, Managing Director at Pedigree Wholesale, said: “I’ve grown up in the pet trade and the team at TropiClean are some of the most passionate people you’ll meet in the trade, they’re committed to meeting the needs of specialist retailers, consumers and their pets. It’s a brand that I strongly believe should be on the shelf of every pet shop in the country."

Gerard O’Mahony, Commercial Director at Pedigree Wholesale, said: “the TropiClean brand is the perfect addition to the Pedigree Wholesale portfolio which now includes exclusive brands for the specialist pet trade in a large range of product areas from Chuckit! a dog toys and play brand to Hurtta a range of quality dog harnesses."

TropiClean had the opportunity to meet and discuss their innovative grooming range with over 200 retailers on June 12^th at Pedigree Wholesale’s annual Trade Show held at Hangar 42 in Leicestershire.

Paul Mercer from Tropiclean said: “it was great to see existing customers who are committed to the brand and the sales it brings to their business as well as so many new faces who were impressed by our range and are considering becoming new stockists now we are exclusively available at Pedigree.”

Gerard continued: “We know that the TropiClean range fills many gaps in this market and that there is growing consumer demand for these natural and healthy products that really do enrich the lives of pets and looking to the future, there are great possibilities for innovation within this brand."

To celebrate the new partnership the team have announced a range of exclusive introductory deals as a further incentive for specialist pet retailers to recognise the benefits of this already successful brand.

The range is available from Pedigree now.

Actress Gemma Atkinson was just one of the celebrities who visited the Billy + Margot stand during the Dogfest shows at Knebworth, Tatton Park and Ashton Court, Bristol.

Billy + Margot were sponsors of the ‘Fun Dog Show’ at all three shows, and shared a show stand with Benyfit Natural for each event (as they now both sit under the ‘RPFC Group’).

Both Greg Van Praagh and Marie Jones were judges for the Fun Dog Show.

Greg Van Praagh, Lead UK Operations & Frozen R&D, Benyfit Natural, said: “Dogfest was a really successful show for both RPFC Group brands - Benyfit Natural, and Billy + Margot. We had a great presence across all three weekends of the whow, even taking part in the Fun Dog Show judging!

“We really valued meeting customers, receiving their feedback and talking to them about their dogs. It also gave us the opportunity to talk to new customers, and tell them about the range of products from both Benyfit Natural and Billy + Margot - from raw through to dry, wet and treats – and pointing them to their local retailers. It’s been a great way to connect with people.”

Luxury pet treat company, The Innocent Pet, has launched two innovative festive dog treat products for their Christmas range this year. The quirky, grain free Christmas Cake Mix and the festive Christmas Treat Collection are available to pre-order now from The Innocent Pet.

Founder Chloe Heaton said: “The Christmas market is flooded with re-packaged everyday products that are often tacky and unhealthy with excessive packaging.  We wanted to offer retailers something different, exclusively for the festive season, that adds a touch of class and luxury to their Christmas range.”

The easy-to-make Christmas Cake Mix combines air-dried British turkey and cranberries with a grain free flour blend and produces the ultimate dog-friendly festive bake. The kit consists of 2 sachets: one with air-dried British turkey and herb pieces (the turkey has been gently air-dried for up to 4 days to maintain nutrients and flavour).  The second sachet contains grain free flours, gluten free baking powder and a blend of cranberry, apple and nettle. 

The Christmas Treat Collection contains two pouches of exclusive, luxury air-dried treats. Turkey & Cranberry Triangles, and Venison & Apple Bites are on the menu with this tasty Christmas treat.

Chloe added: “The cake is the perfect way to include our dogs in the Christmas fun, whilst still being healthy. Our children love to bake so this is a brilliant way to involve the whole family, by making a tasty treat that our dogs can enjoy at Christmas without us having to worry about anyone stealing the turkey!”

Both products are packed in striking recyclable boxes, making them perfect gifts.  RRP for both products is £10.

Contact:

Chloe Heaton, MD, chloe@innocentpetcare.co.uk, Tel: 01937 841175

www.theinnocentpet.co.uk

Research has revealed that 14% of over 55s spend over 51 hours alone a week. Now a new campaign is looking to highlight the benefits of owning a dog, particularly an older dog, to those over 55 who spend on average 19 hours a week on their own.

The research was commissioned by Lily’s Kitchen pet food to coincide with the 16th birthday of ‘Lily’, the Border Terrier behind the brand who is the equivalent of 112 in dog years.   The natural pet food company is partnering with animal welfare charity ‘The Mayhew’ as they look to raise awareness of the benefits that adopting an older dog can have on over 55s across the country.

Tens of thousands of older dogs are dumped or put up for rehoming in the UK every year and with British over 55s saying the main attributes they look for in a companion are loyalty (61%), trustworthiness (71%), comfort (43%) and a sense of company (43%), an older dog could be the perfect solution.

According to the research, having a dog even helped ‘empty nesters’ fill the void of not having their kids at home anymore, but also ensured their mental health didn’t suffer as a result (54%), with a further 25% saying they helped keep loneliness levels at a minimum and 21% it encouraged them to do exercise.

A massive 45% of over 55s said their dog helps reduce their stress, anxiety and depression levels while just under a fifth (17%) went as far as saying their dog was ‘the reason they get up in the morning’.

According to Tanya Madden, The Mayhew’s Deputy Head of Animal Welfare: “Many people automatically think of a puppy or young dog when they think of adopting a dog, but older dogs are calmer, more relaxed, more independent and often trained, providing that loyal and uplifting companion over 55s may be looking for.

“Rehoming an adult or senior dog can be immensely gratifying whilst providing a second chance to a deserving pet to become part of a loving household.”

Henrietta Morrison is the founder of Lily’s Kitchen pet food and parent to Lily the Border Terrier who was the inspiration behind the brand.  Lily suffered from a skin condition which led Henrietta to cook her food from scratch in her kitchen in Hampstead, London, before launching her own rage of natural, real food for pets which is now available in supermarkets and pet food shops nationwide.

Says Henrietta: “Owning an older dog requires a change of pace. Taking care of them is a very different way of life to when they were excitable puppies. And the transition from puppy to old dog seems to happen very quickly. 

“Lily is now sixteen but it only seems like yesterday she was chasing little Lulu, my other Border Terrier aged six around the garden. Life is much slower with an older dog; you have to be so much more sensitive to their needs. 

“But learning to be slower does have its benefits for us humans and this often suits older people much more. I’m definitely making the most of every moment I can spend with Lily and enjoying taking things at her pace instead of mine."

To support the 130,000 dogs taken in by UK shelters every year, Paws.com - the pet wellbeing startup - is launching The Chow Down Challenge, a nationwide social media craze that will see 250,000 healthy meals being fed to shelter dogs across the UK by the end of the summer.

Paws is challenging dog lovers to show their pup chowing down their favourite meal. For every mealtime moment shared online, Paws will feed a healthy meal to a shelter dog in the UK.

To get involved, people will need to:

• Share a video, photo or GIF of their pup ‘chowing down’ their dinner to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
• Mention #BuyFoodGiveFood and @Paws
• Nominate and tag 3 friends to keep the ‘bowl’ rolling

Neil Hutchinson, Founder of Paws, says: “In 2018 we launched a mission to tackle pet abandonment. Buy Food, Give Food is an initiative which helps the UK’s brilliant independent dog shelters, many of whom struggle to get funding and afford healthy meals for their dogs.

“We’re hoping that the Chow Down Challenge will spread the word even further about these unsung heroes, and we can’t wait to see what the nation's dog-loving community has to share.

“We know they will make a difference to those all-important meal donations, these amazing shelters and their brave dogs.”

Full details on the Buy Food Give Food campaign here: www.paws.com/bfgf

Leading pet accessory company, Dogrobes is set to launch their new Gauntlets at the Scottish Game Fair 5-7 July. 

Now in its 31^st year this annual event is held in the stunning Scone Parklands in association with NFU Mutual, the leading rural insurer. Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), this fantastic three-day event attracts tens of thousands of visitors and is a true celebration of conservation and the countryside, while raising vital funds for wildlife conservation science.

The show which features a plethora of country sports activities to appeal to all ages and abilities from fishing and clays to gundogs and well as the popular Cookery Theatre, is very close to Dogrobes’ heart as it was the first show that the company attended when it first started out.

Margaret Reynolds, owner of award-winning dog drying coat manufacturer, Dogrobes, also says that visitors to the Scottish Game Fair have helped them develop new products by suggesting ideas for new ranges such as the tartan and camouflage Dogrobes, the Snood for drying wet spaniel ears and now the Gauntlets.

Gauntlets are sold as a pair and have a handy loop for hanging. They are made from a double layer of super-absorbent, exclusive cotton towelling to absorb maximum moisture and are the perfect solution to drying wet, muddy paws and legs.

They are designed specifically to have a wide opening to fit over jacket sleeves and there is elastic on the inner cuff to ensure a good fit. Like all Dogrobes products they are made in Britain and are available in all colours to match the Dogrobes, red, navy, green, pink, grey, purple, burgundy, teal.

Commenting on the new Gauntlets, Margaret said: “The benefits of using the Gauntlets are that they’re easier to handle than a towel and better for nervous dogs; they’re thicker, so more absorbent than a towel and customers hands are kept dry and warm.“

For further information visit: www.dogrobes.co.uk

Vince the Vet TRAVEL ANXIETY is a specially formulated remedy that relieves the stress of travelling and being in unfamiliar surroundings.

It also helps pets settle into new locations, including holiday accommodation, kennels, catteries, and pet sitter’s homes. Using a clinically proven blend of plants extracts, TRAVEL ANXIETY supports the body’s adaptive and recuperative powers to naturally soothe and restore calm.

Vince the Vet® TRAVEL ANXIETY is extremely easy to use. Give as often as needed to help restore calm, as follows: using a clean finger gently dab a drop on the lips or nose, and a paw. You can also, stir a few drops into a pet’s drinking water. Travel Anxiety can also be sprinkled on bedding and the area around a pet. 

An information video accompanies the product which can be shown in store or used to train staff and customers on how to use the product.

During the month of July, Vince the Vet® will be offering new retailers a special deal on Travel Anxiety. Buy a box of 12 and get 6 bottles worth £108 (RRP) free.

With 30+ years veterinary expertise, Vince the Vet are the UK leaders in supplying results driven, clinically proven, uniquely formulated, natural supplements and remedies.

From stiffness to stress, from sloppy stools to sensitive skin, from fear of fireworks to flatulent bowels, visible health benefits are typically seen in a matter of weeks, which

frequently defy all expectations.

There is also a cycle of product promotion throughout the year, plus extensive multimedia support and online training

You can also visit stand A33 at PATS to discover how we can help you take advantage of the surge in demand for effective, natural alternatives to traditional forms of pet care. 

For further information, please email sales@vincethevet.co.uk, call 0800 689 3859 or visit: www.vincethevet.co.uk

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Leading pet care brand Animology is boosting its multi-award winning product range with the addition of two new specialist shampoos for dogs – Animology Curly Coat and Animology Deep Clean.

Animology Curly Coat is a shampoo specifically designed for curly coated dogs. Enriched with oatmeal and shea butter, it helps to remove knots from a dog’s coat and improve overall appearance, maintaining the structure and texture of the coat without over conditioning.

Animology Deep Clean is an intensive shampoo that penetrates the coat to target, loosen and remove stubborn dirt and malodour to leave even the thickest of coats clean and fresh.

Martin Breen, Group55’s Sales Director for Pet Care commented: “Animology is firmly established as a favourite grooming brand amongst dog owners, with a “go to” product in the range for almost everyone.

"The addition of our two new shampoos reinforces that reputation and delivers the sort of product innovation that Animology is synonymous with.

"Curly Coated dog breeds are increasingly popular, and yet there is relatively little on the market that specifically caters for their grooming needs.

"Deep Clean ticks the box for owners of those dogs who just love dirt, and I’m sure it will prove to be another essential product for those people for whom grubby dogs are an occupational hazard."

Animology Curly Coat and Animology Deep Clean are immediately available, direct from Group55 and from pet specialist wholesalers.

Both products carry a SRP of £5.50.

Beaphar UK is celebrating their success in the PPM Retailer Recommended Awards once again, with their popular Beaphar FIPROtec and Beaphar WORMclear floor standing display unit (FSDU) being crowned Shopfitting/POS of the Year 2019.

The FSDU was designed to focus on complete parasite control, and typically highlights three key products, Beaphar WORMclear, Beaphar FIPROtec and Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray.

“Fleas and worms are the two most common parasites cats and dogs in the UK suffer from,” explains Dr Sue Huggett, UK Business Manager. “Both Beaphar FIPROtec and Beaphar WORMclear are vet strength, easy to use products that retailers can recommend to pet owners with confidence, to keep their cats and dogs happy and healthy. Meanwhile, Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray is effective for up to six months, providing long-lasting flea protection for homes.

“The FSDU allows retailers to display and promote these key products while taking up minimal floor space. It’s striking, eye-catching, and we’re absolutely thrilled that retailers consider it to be the best POS item of 2019. To everyone who voted, thank you so much!”

The award comes as Beaphar’s flea campaign moves into its second month, with FSDUs still available for Beaphar retailers to order.

“Typically, we suggest stocking it with Beaphar WORMclear, Beaphar FIPROtec Spot-On 4 pipette and Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray, but the shelves also hold Beaphar FIPROtec Spot-On 1 and 6 pipette and both sizes of Beaphar FIPROtec COMBO, so it really is a flexible and useful piece of POS to have in your store,” explains Dr Huggett.

“We also make sure all our POS is made from long-lasting and durable materials, so you can use it all year round, year after year.”

And you don’t need to worry if any cheeky dogs use it as a toilet post either; Beaphar include a plastic tray that protects the bottom of the FSDU from unwanted accidents!

If you are interested in Beaphar’s award-winning FSDU, contact your local Sales Executive. If you’re interested in becoming a Beaphar stockist, call the Customer Service Team on 0333 0066236.

Manchester-based pet bedding and accessory specialist Scruffs has supported 'Barking Mad Dog Rescue', a rescue and rehoming charity based predominately in Romania.

Barking Mad Dog Rescue was formed when Hilary Anderson and Alex Shipp, travelled to Romania in a bid to understand the stray and abandoned dog problem across the country.

They said: “Nothing could have prepared the Barking Mad team for the impact of seeing so many beautiful, affectionate dogs, all desperate for attention, crammed into a small shelter. Many were thin, all were full of ticks and fleas.”

Since the initial visit, the charity now has teams, which visit the country every two months. Since the charity was formed, over 1,000 dogs have now found new homes in both the UK and Germany. The charity also feeds around 850 dogs every day across their network of partner shelters.

Scruffs has donated several pet bedding and accessory items to support the charity in their efforts and activities across Romania. Over the coming months, the charity will begin to stock selected Scruffs products on their online shop, further boosting fundraising efforts to ensure they can keep providing a service which makes a difference to the welfare of these animals.

A spokesperson for Barking Mad Dog Rescue, said: ''Barking Mad Dog Rescue works day in and day out to rescue, and provide sanctuary for, some of the most persecuted dogs in the world. Thanks to Scruffs, some of our little dogs and our oldies will have somewhere soft to lie down and rest.”

A spokesperson for Scruffs said: “We welcome the opportunity to support fundraising events, to help registered charities improve the welfare of pets less fortunate than our own. Barking Mad Dog Rescue provide a much-needed service for the dogs of Romania, and we will continue to offer our full support as they tackle this problem.”  

“This is tiny Chloe. She was thrown out in the rain and cold one winter and was rescued by chance by a kind passer-by when she was hypothermic. Chloe now lives with our Romanian team leader Gea. Her role this day as to test this gorgeous bed so generously donated to us by Scruffs - Chloe says 'Yes, please!'”

To find out more about Barking Mad Dog Rescue visit: www.barkingmaddogrescue.co.uk

British birdcare business Meripac has initiated a search for the bird most like Boris Johnson. In an attempt to provide all UK citizens the opportunity to decide the bird most closely associated with the politician likely to be the next Prime Minister, Meripac will offer the latest model from its range of bird feeders for photographic evidence of such a bird..

To date, Meripac has identified the Yellowhammer as the most suitable candidate for Boris Johnson’s bird. The Yellowhammer is a sparrow-sized bird with a bright blonde top. The male Yellowhammer is known to find it difficult to tell the female species apart. While the Yellowhammer was once thought to be keen to join its European counterparts during the winter, it can still be seen in Britain all year round - though notably absent in London during the early part of the 2011 London Riots.

Bertram Mindell, founder of Meripac Ltd, said: “I expect Boris Johnson is a keen bird enthusiast. In the absence of a public vote on the UK’s next Prime Minister, perhaps the search for his bird might create an opportunity for UK citizens to make their voice heard in some other way.”

Meripac is also accepting suggestions of birds that have similarities to Jeremy Hunt. Entries can be emailed to enquiries@meripac.com or sent via post. Details can be found at www.meripac.com. Twitter users can also upload their photos with the hashtag #meripac.

The latest in Meripac’s range of bird feeders is the Window Feeding Station. With an eye-catching design for birds, prominent fatballs, bird food varieties and coloured strips - this model attracts birds whilst helping to avoid any collisions with windows. It also includes an additional nut tube feeder and seed tube feeder, with specially designed hangers to deter any squirrels or unwanted intruders.

Top-selling brand Billy + Margot first came to prominence when founder Marie Jones appeared on the BBC TV hit programme Dragons’ Den where she secured investment from Deborah Meadon. The brand, now owned by Australian firm Real Pet Food Company, is now relaunching in the UK with an exciting range of new products.

Canine nutritionist Marie, who is still involved in Billy + Margot, talks exclusively about her remarkable journey with the brand since first launching seven years ago.

It has been a remarkable journey for Billy + Margot, are you amazed at how far the brand has come?

It has been an incredible journey for Billy + Margot and for me personally. Seeing the brand sold in so many countries around the world now is amazing. I had envisioned that one day the brand would become global, but I never thought it would happen so quickly and on such a big scale. Of course, along the way there has been a lot of help from my first investor, Deborah Meaden, and now with the RPFC Group. But global expansion was in my original business plan. So my dream has come true which is incredible.

You’re still remembered for winning an investment in the Dragons’ Den, is that a good or bad thing?

I was aware that Dragons’ Den had its risks but for me the experience and the involvement from Deborah were both very positive. Not only did it give the brand instant recognition but the TV exposure and the association with the show opened doors that would have otherwise taken longer to open. People often ask me if I would do it again and the answer is Yes - although I have to say the hour and a half I spent in the Den was a terrifying experience that I would not necessarily wish to repeat!

When you started out was it always your intention to extend the range beyond the original product?

It was clear that an iced treat, especially in the UK where the weather is not always hot, would have a short selling window - April to September at best. So yes it was always my intention to add other treats to the range and I also had plans to include food. Deborah and I were particularly keen to include a raw food range and it is only this year that the brand will launch its first range of raw food. But the work started in 2014. In our various markets – UK, US and Australia – Billy + Margot is the only brand to sell all formats of food: dry, wet, fresh and raw.

You’re now firmly established as an international brand, how many countries are you sold in?

To date we sell in the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, China and in smaller markets like the UAE, Singapore and a few countries around Europe. We are launching this year in Canada and we have plans to expand into the EU.

Has the growth of the brand been accelerated by being part of a larger company?

There is absolutely no doubt that without the financial investment, production facilities and expertise that the RPFC Group has brought, Billy + Margot would not be where it is today. I launched it in 2012 and the company is worth over $15 million today.

How involved do you get in the development of new products?

I work closely with our production teams in Australia, and I still put together all the recipes for our food and treats. I am very specific when it comes to the ingredients and the mix of ingredients that go into our products and I am lucky that the RPFC Group allow me such involvement. It is important for the brand to retain its authenticity as it’s what resonates with our customers. Although Billy + Margot is now part of a big group, it is still that small brand that people love and trust. There are no plans to change that!

Tell us about your relaunch and new products.

It’s really exciting to relaunch in the UK, the home country of the brand. We are introducing a range of dry food – one that includes 3 SKUs of single proteins. Our product will only contain one protein and the matching fat. So our Lamb and Salmon products do not have any poultry in them, which will help customers who are looking to avoid poultry for their dogs. We are also introducing a range of small wet pouches and new ‘wild’ flavours in our wet tins. We are also launching a superb range of raw food suitable for paleo diets. Our venison treats stay the same as they are still very popular and of such high quality.

When will you go public with your new look and new products?

The new range will be sold for the first time in Pets At Home stores from the end of June (Wet and Dry Dog Food, and Dog Treats ranges). We will also continue supporting all independent retailers - products are available through Pedigree Wholesale, as well as direct with Billy + Margot. Customers can also buy through Ocado and Fetch. For more information we can be contacted on 02392 633855.

Billy + Margot has announced a major UK relaunch with a new range of products to be sold in Pets at Home stores for the first time. The decision is the brand’s biggest UK move since being acquired by Australian pet food company, the Real Pet Food Company (“the RPFC Group”), in 2016. 

From the end of June, Billy + Margot products will be available to buy in Pets At Home’s 400+ stores around the UK, as well as on their website. They will also be available through Pedigree Wholesale, and retailers including Ocado and Fetch. The commitment to relaunch is evidence of the RPFC Group’s plans to strengthen its global presence, while supporting the delivery of 'innovative, premium and nutritious' pet food products to the UK market. 

In the brand’s first major UK relaunch since it was founded in 2012 by canine nutritionist, Marie Jones, customers can also expect to see a significant change in the brand’s look and feel, extending to product packaging across the entire range. The investment aims to further distinguish Billy + Margot in the premium dog food market as a supplier of high-quality products that cater for the complex dietary needs of dogs.

The relaunch also sees the creation of a new range of exciting recipes by Marie Jones, to work alongside the existing range of popular flavours and natural ingredients. The breadth of the new range means that Billy + Margot can boast a super-premium feeding regime for dogs across multiple feeding platforms, with products that vary from exclusive iced-treats through to feeding solutions across dry, wet and raw. 

Dave Hughes, Category Manager for Food at Pets At Home, said: “We’re delighted to be introducing the Billy + Margot brand to Pets At Home customers through our 400+ stores across the UK, as well through our online platforms. They provide a really high-quality and distinctive range of products, and we hope our customers agree that they are an attractive proposition for the premium dog food market.”

Canine nutritionist and founder of the Billy + Margot range, Marie Jones, said: “I’m thrilled Billy + Margot products are now available for our customers to buy in-store at Pets At Home. The UK is where I first conceived the first iced-treat recipe, and successfully pitched to Dragons’ Den – and so to now be back in the UK with a complete rebrand and exciting new range of unique recipes, supported for the first time by the UK’s largest pet supplies retailer, Pets At Home, is incredibly exciting.”

All Billy + Margot products are grain-free and made with the highest quality protein as well as Marie’s unique superfood blend of fruits and vegetables, plus Manuka honey, coconut oil, turmeric, ginger root, kale, spinach, carrots, pumpkin and blueberries – all carefully selected for the health and wellbeing of dogs, as well as to offer flavour and texture dogs will love.

The new range will also be available to independent retailers via Pedigree Wholesale. 

Woof & Brew, the award-winning pet drinks company, has successfully raised £1m of new investment.

The investment will be used to increase the company’s sales and operational support in the UK and overseas so that Woof & Brew can take full advantage of the incredible response from retailers and pet owners to their unique range of health and treat drinks for dogs.

Woof & Brew will further capitalise on its position as the leader in the pet drinks industry in the UK and internationally, with new products being launched in 2019.

“We were delighted to receive the backing of a number of successful and influential individuals,” said Steve Bennett – Managing Director of Woof & Brew.

“Since launching Woof & Brew in 2013, we have created a new market, producing healthy drinks for dogs and we are confident that with this investment, we can build a major business in a lucrative and growing market place, with our brands, including Bottom Sniffer Beer for Dogs, Pawsecco, Cham:Paws, Anxious Hound and Senior Hound and our new, unique, subscription service.”

Woof & Brew worked with The Coutts Bank Investment Club to raise the funds.

Hans Prottey, who heads the Investment Club at Coutts, commented: “We were first introduced to Steve by one of our existing investors with Coutts Investment Club.

“Woof & Brew is a great example of an entrepreneurial British business that is growing rapidly, expanding internationally, and doing so profitably. At Coutts, we look to introduce fast growing private UK companies with high calibre management teams to the Coutts Investment Club – and members of which, in turn, bring their valuable business expertise and commercial contacts as well as their financial backing.

“Britain is a nation of pet lovers and the UK and international markets are growing year-on-year, often above other retail segments. The team have huge potential and a bright future ahead of them and we are delighted to be able to support them on this journey.”

Mars Petcare claims to have created the ‘Pet Friendly Workplace of the Future’ at its new North American headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee.

The new office fosters a collaborative working environment for workers and their four-legged friends.

Feature include:

• Wi-fi enabled dog park with seating areas and room to run so people and pets can work and play together 
• Two indoor dog play areas, staffed by a "pack leader" and full-time "pet sitters" so staff who may have a busy day can still bring their pets 
• Coffee bars on every floor that also have automated "slurp stations" for pets so that everyone can enjoy break time together. 
• Custom pet bed and toy storage space throughout the office 
• Wider furniture with pet-friendly fabric, including sofas and ottomans, so workers can lounge with their furry friends 
• More than 60 acres of outdoor green space and walking paths – all designed with pet-friendly landscaping

The company says the new corporate headquarters demonstrate how Mars Petcare is working every day to fulfill its purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PET and in turn, serve as a beacon for other business leaders to introduce pet-friendly polices at their own workplaces.

"We've welcomed pets into our offices for years.  We know that they reduce stress and increase our collaboration and productivity at work," said Mark Johnson, President of Mars Petcare North America.

"And, pets are great for talent recruitment.  We know that a majority of candidates would always choose a pet-friendly employer over one who is not. The bottom line is that being a pet-friendly work place is great for our Associates, it's great for our pets, and it's great for our business."

To learn more about how you can make your workplace pet-friendly or to find tools to communicate the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces to your local business leaders, visit BetterCitiesForPets.com.

Pictures: © Hall + Merrick Photographers

Pet stores and garden centres are being urged to register now for free entry to PATS Telford, the UK’s number one pet industry exhibition, where leading brands will be showcasing their new products and services under one roof.

With so many exciting plans for 2019, PATS Telford is shaping up to be another memorable event in September.

With still three months to go before the show opens, more than 180 companies have already booked their stand space, so retailers and buyers can be certain the exhibition hall at The Telford International Centre will be packed with hundreds of new products.

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Sunday, September 22, and Monday, September 23, 2019.

So why should retailers register now for free entry to the two-day exhibition? Here’s just a quick summary of popular visitor attractions:

• The biggest ever showcase of new pet products
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Leading pet industry figures delivering informative seminars

Sheila Campbell, who owns Hamilton’s House dog boutique in the Cotswolds, revealed why PATS exhibitions play a crucial role in helping retailers choose the right pet products for their stores.

“Visiting PATS helped me launch my business because I found everything I needed for my store,” said Sheila. “Seeing all the latest products under one roof was perfect. It’s a must-visit exhibition.”

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.

You can register on line at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of visitors and information on how to reach the venue.