Pets at Home has been reflecting on a blaze that destroyed its store in Northampton a year ago, as it prepares to open another outlet in the East Midlands town.

The fire at Nene Valley Retail Park in Northampton destroyed a Pets at Home outlet, which included a Vets for Pets surgery, along with a Dunelm home furnishings store.

Pets at Home will relocate to Sixfields Retail Park along with the Vets for Pets surgery, which has been temporarily based in another store since the fire.

Posting on the Vets for Pets Facebook page, the company said: “A year has passed since we lost our practice in a devastating fire. It is a day that we will never forget. In a matter of hours, everything we had built up and worked hard for, was gone.  We could never have imagined we would find ourselves in this situation, at this point we were left with nothing.

“Within a few days, an absolutely amazing person and his team reached out and offered us some space to work from!  What was only meant to be a couple of months, three at most, has now turned into a year! Bogdan, Vicki, Omar, Darko, Abbie, Adam, Lucy, Alison, Debbie and Alex, thank you so much as not only did you offer us a place to work from, but also a place to heal.  We will be eternally grateful for your kindness, support and friendship.

“To every client that helped us along the way, shared kind words, supported us through temporary changes and stood by us while we rebuild our new base, thank you, your compassion carried us through some emotional days.

“While the fire took away our building, it could never take away the dedication, love and care of a team that makes our practice what it truly is.

“One year later, as we prepare to move again, we are stronger, more grateful and just as determined to continue caring for the pets and people who mean so much to us. Thank you for standing by us over the last year, we will never forget it.

“We will post more details regarding the opening of the new practice at Sixfields in due course.”

Pictures taken for Vets for Pets Facebook page.

Monkfield Reptile has been appointed as the exclusive UK trade distributor of the Mazuri Reptile Diet range. This marks another significant milestone for the business and reflects its commitment to introduce the highest quality nutrition brands from around the world.

Mazuri is one of the most respected names in reptile nutrition globally, trusted by professional keepers, breeders, and zoological institutions worldwide. Its reputation for scientifically formulated, professionally trusted nutrition perfectly aligns with Monkfield’s values.

George Fidoe, UK National Account Manager for Monkfield Reptile, said: “Mazuri is a globally respected brand with an extensive product range. We have been looking for the right tortoise and herbivorous reptile nutrition to add to our range and Mazuri’s exceptional standards made them the clear choice. We are proud to offer the Mazuri Reptile Diet range exclusively to the UK market through Monkfield Reptile.”

The Mazuri Reptile Diet Range

Mazuri Tortoise Diet

Mazuri’s original tortoise diet, formulated for forest and tropical species. Ideal for Redfoot, Yellowfoot, Burmese, Elongated, and Star tortoises, as well as adult Box and Wood turtles. Highly palatable large-particle pellet with antioxidants, vitamin A and E to support immune, eye, and skin health.

Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet

A high-fibre, low-starch formula, specifically developed for arid and grassland species. Suitable for Sulcata, Aldabra, Galapagos, Gopher, Greek, Leopard, Egyptian, Desert, Pancake, and Radiated tortoises, as well as Chuckwalla and Uromastyx lizards. Contains live probiotics and natural source antioxidants.

Mazuri Herbivorous Reptile Diet

A high-fibre, low-starch diet for herbivorous and omnivorous reptiles including adult Bearded Dragons, Green Iguanas, Uromastyx, and similar species. Can be fed as a complete diet or as the plant-based component alongside greens, vegetables, or insects. Smaller pellet size reduces waste and suits a wider range of species. Contains live probiotics and vitamins A and E for digestive, eye, and skin health.

Becky Whyle, Operations Director for Mazuri UK, added: “As the UK and Europe importer of Mazuri diets, we are delighted to collaborate with Monkfield to bring the exceptionally well formulated diets to the reptile market. We strive to ensure we can always provide the best in nutrition to so many and working with Monkfield brings this to reality.’’

Nearly a third of Brits have given up a pet; almost three quarters of which say they did not want to but felt they had no other choice, according to new research by Woodgreen Pets Charity. 

The survey of 1,000 pet owners found that a third have given up a pet at some point, with bereavement, unemployment, ill health, and financial pressures among the key reasons behind the heartbreaking decision.

This is not for a lack of love for their pet. Over 70% of owners said that they would be willing to go into debt to care for their pet, and just over one in five would sacrifice the food on their table. Being separated from their pet is often a last resort for owners, but one that too many are being forced to face.

Woodgreen is urgently calling for greater support and compassion for owners facing hardship, challenging the judgment and stigma that currently prevails around giving up a pet.

The charity is famous for Channel 4’s 'The Dog House', which pairs people with dogs in need of a new home, but claims shelter alone is not enough to support the scale and complexity of the challenges faced by pet owners. Instead, Woodgreen provides inclusive support to owners to prevent their pets ending up as rescues – redefining what pet rescue actually means.

According to the charity's findings, nearly half of all owners didn't know that support was available which could have helped them keep their pets during difficult times – something Woodgreen says reflects its own experience supporting owners in crisis and what it intends to change. 

Linda Cantle, Director of Pet Services at Woodgreen Pets Charity, said: “It shouldn’t be the norm that people must part from their beloved pets. We see so many people who believe they’ve run out of road and feel they have no choice but to give up their companion unnecessarily.

“We’ve seen countless cases of cherished pets requiring expensive veterinary care or behavioural training, and people going without food to try to afford it – and ultimately failing. We offer help for all these issues and want more people to be aware they can reach out to us for support.

“Many owners are scared to ask for help for fear of being judged or their companion being taken away by force. That’s where we want to change things – both in the way we view owners who need help, and in delivering that help in time to keep pets and their people together. This is how we rescue.”

One example of an owner who was able to stay with her adored pet thanks to Woodgreen’s support is Lynne, aged 72 from Cambridgeshire.

Lynne and her husband, Graham, adopted a Patterdale Terrier puppy named Doug during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he quickly became the apple of their eye. Unfortunately, when Graham passed away in 2024, Doug started to suffer from dramatic behavioural changes.

Struggling to cope with both grief and a challenging young dog, Lynne reluctantly visited Woodgreen’s website to request to give up Doug. She saw the support available and instead made the decision to reach out and see if there was any other way that Woodgreen could help keep them together.

Wendy, a leading behaviourist at the charity, stepped in to support Lynne and Doug to overcome Doug’s behavioural challenges. She worked with Lynne to implement a rigid training programme and a new diet plan for Doug, providing help and sympathy at a trying time for Lynne.

Thanks to Lynne’s perseverance and Woodgreen’s help, Doug’s behaviour steadily improved, and Lynne was able to keep Doug in her care for two more years, until he sadly passed away in April of this year.

Speaking about her experience with Woodgreen, Lynne said: “I can’t praise the training we received from Woodgreen enough. It really was a lifeline for me and Doug during one of the hardest times of our lives.”

By sharing her story, Lynne hopes to encourage others who may be struggling to ask for help before things become too difficult. She added: “The way I look at it, there may be someone in my position who needs help just as much as I did and is too afraid to ask for it.”

With Woodgreen reporting 400 requests from owners to rehome their pets every month, Linda explains how the charity hopes to tackle this issue and keep more pets and their owners together: “We must remove the fear, shame and stigma that prevents owners from seeking help. Many owners do not want to give up their pets, but they are so often left without any other choice.”

The charity's plea follows its striking installation of 1,330 pet toys at Tower Bridge last month, representing an estimated 26,565 dogs and cats that could have remained with their owners if the right support had been available.

Each toy symbolised 20 pets who were given up because their owners lacked the support needed to keep them.

Woodgreen offers a range of services, including free practical support from health checks to behaviour advice, a national 24/7 Pet Helpline, and veterinary support.

To find out more about the charity, visit its website: https://woodgreen.org.uk/

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A panel of vets has told a parliamentary inquiry that over-the-counter flea treatments for pets should be banned.

It has been reported that some environmental scientists have flagged two parasiticides found in most spot-on treatments to kill fleas and ticks on cats and dogs as being toxic to wildlife.

Giving evidence to The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee yesterday (Wednesday), the vets said they wanted to see an end to year-round preventative treatments and a ban on the sale of spot-ons containing  fipronil and imidacloprid by anyone other than vets.

The industry body representing flea treatment companies defended the use of preventive flea treatments as important for animal health.

The Lords' environment select committee heard from three vets, who said there was growing awareness that fipronil and imidacloprid were causing environmental damage and many vets have already moved away from using them.

Giving evidence were:

• Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, Senior Vice President at British Veterinary Association (BVA)
• Dr Rose Perkins, Veterinary Surgeon and Visiting Fellow at Grantham Institute
• Dr Martin Whitehead, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital

For the full story click here.

With almost 80% of Europeans planning to take a summer vacation, and more than half of households in the UK owning at least one pet travelling with furry companions is becoming an increasingly common part of holiday plans.

Whether by car, plane or train, travelling with animals requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 

As pet owners across the UK prepare for their trips, Dr. Sarah Endersby, Global Technical Manager Behaviour at Ceva Animal Health, shares a vet-approved checklist to help pet parents plan ahead and navigate the latest EU travel regulations with confidence.

‘’Travelling with your pet is highly rewarding, but it also demands careful and early preparation,” she said. “Preparing ahead isn’t just about health checks and paperwork; it’s about understanding the new EU pet travel rules, arranging comfortable travel conditions, and anticipating your pet’s needs during the journey and at your destination. To help you get started, here are three essential steps every pet owner should follow.”

1.Planning your journey

• Schedule a vet visit before your trip to ensure vaccinations are up to date and get advice on appropriate parasite protection, which should be tailored to the region you are travelling to and may differ from what is needed at home.
• Check entry requirements and vaccination rules for your destination, especially given recent *EU regulation changes*. Your vet is the best source of information.
• Verify that your pet’s microchip is registered with your most recent contact information, and ensure your pet’s ID tag is visible. Consider adding a secondary tag with your holiday address.
• Pack a pet first aid kit with essentials such as a tick hook, sun protection for short-haired dogs, and any necessary medications. Consider health insurance for overseas travel.
• Confirm pet travel policies with airlines, trains, and public transport providers. Some may not allow pets or may require a separate ticket for your pet.
• Choose pet-friendly accommodations with secure and accessible outdoor spaces and check rules in parks and beaches around. Some restrict dogs during high season.

2. When travelling

• Avoid feeding pets right before departure to prevent motion sickness.
• Control temperature during travel, and keep pets well hydrated.
• If using a carrier, ensure it fits your pet comfortably and make this space comfortable by placing familiar blankets or toys inside. When travelling by car, ensure all dogs are properly restrained, smaller dogs secured in a carrier or crate fastened with a safety harness or seatbelt, and larger dogs wearing a harness clipped in safely, to keep them secure and comfortable during the journey.
• For longer trips, plan frequent stops for exercise, interaction and reassurance, water, and, if owners are sure their dog can stomach them, treats such as calming chews or long-lasting snacks.
• Never leave pets unattended in vehicles.
• Remember, under the new EU pet travel regulations, a maximum of five pets per vehicle is allowed.

3. Once at destination

• Allow your pet time to adjust and explore their new environment calmly.
• Set up a cozy area with familiar bedding and belongings from home.
• Identify and save the contact details of the nearest veterinary clinic at your destination in case of an emergency.
• Maintain your pet’s regular routine as much as possible: consistent feeding times and food, usual walk schedules dependent on temperatures, and quiet rest periods to help them recover from travel stress. It’s their holiday too!

A leading independent retailers association has welcomed government plans to introduce new legislation giving police and councils enhanced powers to shut down criminal businesses on the high street.

The Home Secretary announced a nationwide crackdown on organised crime operating from high street premises including vape shops, barbers, nail salons and mini-marts, backed by £30 million in new funding. New secondary legislation to extend the maximum duration of closure orders is expected to be introduced by the end of 2026, alongside a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate the response across government.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira - the British Independent Retailers Association, said: "We welcome this new initiative to tackle illicit shops on high streets throughout the UK. For too long the problem has been ignored, and legitimate independent retailers have been left to compete alongside businesses that are, in effect, funded by criminal activity.

"We are keen to understand when these new powers will come into force - our members need them as soon as possible."

Mr Goodacre also called for the landlord community to be brought into the response. "We would like to see landlords engaged on this issue and, where necessary, mandated to carry out greater due diligence on prospective tenants and the source of their funds before agreeing a lease. Closing the door on criminal operators at the point of entry would make enforcement far easier further down the line."

The NCA estimates that at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with around £1 billion laundered through high street businesses.

Bira said it would engage with the forthcoming consultation process and continue to press for the earliest possible implementation of the new measures.

An independent pet shop in Dorset is closing down at the end of June after just six months of trading due to rising costs and a decline in footfall.

Pet Barn Blandford informed its customers of the imminent closure on its Facebook page, stating:

“After much consideration, we are saddened to announce that the Pet Barn Blandford will be closing its doors for the final time on June 25th.

“Since taking on the challenge of restoring the shop to its former glory it has certainly been a hard-fought battle which has eventually taken its toll. 

“Mounting pressures from the ever-rising costs associated with running a small business, alongside a decline in footfall, means that the business is unfortunately no longer viable.”

Pet Barn Blandford officially opened on Saturday 6th December 2025 in the former premises of Healthy Pets on Milldown Business Centre, Brandford Forum.

The shop added on social media: “We want to sincerely thank every customer who has supported this venture and shopped with us, your support hasn’t gone unnoticed and for that, thank you. 

“A big thank you goes to all our staff who have worked with us throughout the Pet Barn journey.

“Over the coming weeks we will continue to trade as normal until our final day on June 25th, We would love to see as many of you as possible before then. Thank you all for your support.”

Photo taken from Pet Barn Blandford's Facebook page.

While much of the pet industry continues to focus on direct-to-consumer growth, raw dog food challenger brand Meat for Dogs has taken a different approach – one that deliberately gives independent retailers advantages over its own website.

The strategy appears to be paying off.

Meat for Dogs was created with a simple mission: make raw feeding more accessible through straightforward products, straightforward pricing, and straightforward communication.

But behind the simple proposition sits a commercial model designed to support independent pet retailers.

Unlike many direct-to-consumer brands, Meat for Dogs does not offer new customer discounts and does not discount subscription orders. Pricing remains consistent whether customers purchase online or through a retailer.

The company has also structured its online offering to complement rather than compete with retail. While customers can purchase individual packs through stockists, online purchases are sold in cases of 16 packs, creating a lower barrier to entry for consumers visiting independent pet stores.

Similarly, customers must purchase 32 packs online before qualifying for free delivery – another area where physical retailers can offer greater convenience for first-time buyers wanting to try the product -especially as there is currently no minimum order quantity for stockists.

The approach comes at a time when many independent pet retailers continue to face challenges from online competition and increasing operating costs.

Rather than seeing retailers as simply another sales channel, Meat for Dogs has positioned them as a core part of its growth strategy.

The product itself follows a similarly straightforward philosophy. Recipes contain only meat, bone and offal, with no vegetables, supplements or unnecessary additions. By focusing on readily available ingredients and simplified formulations, the brand says it has also reduced supply chain complexity and improved consistency.

The result has been strong retailer interest since launch, with the brand securing listings across a growing network of independent pet stores throughout the UK.

As consumer demand for raw feeding continues to grow, Meat for Dogs believes there is still significant opportunity for retailers that offer expertise, convenience and personal service.

For Meat for Dogs, success isn't about choosing between online and retail. It's about ensuring both channels can thrive together. 

IFD Group, Europe's leading freeze-dried pet food manufacturer, has achieved BRCGS A Grade certification as demand for premium freeze-dried pet nutrition continues to accelerate across UK retail.

Founded in 2021, the Norfolk-based business has rapidly established itself as a category leader within freeze-dried pet food manufacturing, supplying products across branded, grocery and private label sectors for both dog and cat food markets.

In just three years of trading, IFD Group has become one of the largest freeze-dried pet food manufacturers in Europe, supporting a growing number of retailers and brands seeking to innovate within dry pet food, treats, toppers and functional feeding categories.

Alongside its manufacturing operation, IFD Group is also the owner of premium freeze-dried pet food brand COYA, which has helped introduce freeze-dried nutrition to a wider audience through major UK retailers and ecommerce channels. The brand's success has provided valuable insight into evolving consumer demand and the growing appetite for convenient, minimally processed pet nutrition.

Freeze-dried products manufactured by IFD are already helping reshape pet food aisles across major UK retailers with brands on shelves in Pets at Home, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose & Partners, Marks & Spencer and many more, as consumer demand grows for high-meat, nutrient-rich and raw-inspired nutrition.

Driven by trends long established in the US pet food market, where the category is valued at more than $422m, freeze-dried pet food continues to gain momentum with annual growth of around 30%, as health-conscious pet owners seek convenient alternatives to traditional raw feeding without compromising on nutrition or palatability.

The business says demand from both established pet food brands and major retailers has grown at an unprecedented rate, with increasing interest in Kibble Plus, freeze-dried inclusions, toppers and high-value treats designed to elevate traditional dry food formats and drive value growth within the category.

While much of the global freeze-dried pet food market continues to evolve, IFD Group believes UK manufacturing capability, technical expertise and retailer confidence in British-made supply chains are becoming increasingly important drivers of future growth.

Managing Director, Craig Taylor, said: "Over the last four years, we have invested heavily in infrastructure, people and systems to build a manufacturing business capable of supporting the next generation of premium pet food innovation.

"Achieving BRCGS certification is a major milestone for the business and reflects our commitment to product safety, quality, consistency and continuous improvement.

We are seeing huge momentum behind freeze-dried nutrition as brands and retailers look for ways to premiumise and differentiate pet food categories. Through both our manufacturing partnerships and our own brand COYA, we have a unique view of how quickly consumer demand for freeze-dried products is growing, and we're incredibly proud to be leading that growth from the UK."

As the freeze-dried category continues to evolve, the business remains focused on driving innovation, supporting retail partners and helping brands unlock new opportunities within one of the fastest-growing segments of the pet food market.

For more information visit IFD Group or contact the team at hello@ifdgroup.co.uk.

Honeyfields, the wild bird food brand from WHM Pet, has unveiled a major rebrand, designed to boost on-shelf standout, simplify shopper choice and unlock stronger retail performance.

Backed by extensive market research and rooted in a bird health-first philosophy, the new Honeyfields Simply Range is built to work harder in-store - delivering clearer navigation, stronger visual impact and improved margin potential.

At the heart of the relaunch is a new brand positioning; putting bird health first to Rewild Your World, taps into rising consumer demand for nature-led lifestyles. Feeding birds is repositioned from a routine purchase to a bird-health conscious, rewarding, feel-good experience - driving stronger shopper engagement, longer dwell time and higher purchase intent.

The refreshed packaging has been engineered to cut through on shelf and simplify decision-making. A cleaner, more contemporary look is paired with single-minded product claims and a more intuitive pack architecture - helping shoppers find the right product, fast.

Added-value features, including a feeding and hygiene guide and a QR code linking to the Honeyfields Discover hub that shares seasonal feeding tips and insights for feeding responsibly, helping to build trust and encourage repeat purchase.

The full range has been streamlined to remove duplication while maintaining choice across species, feeding occasions and budgets.

Leading the relaunch is the new Honeyfields Simply Range: Bird Health First - a premium collection spanning key subcategories including seed mixes, straights, suets and treats.

“We have developed the Honeyfields Simply Range and designed feed and feeders to help consumers create thriving natural environments for garden birds all year round,” said Sarah Kitson, Head of Marketing at Honeyfields.

“But we actually go beyond just providing wild bird food; our foods and feeding strategies put bird health first to help them flourish, wherever they are and whatever the season.

“Our new branding and messaging support shopper navigation making it easier for bird lovers to invite the beauty and vitality of wild birds into their everyday life. Our aim is to make feeding wild birds accessible, from urban environments to the wilds of the countryside we want everyone to connect with nature and enjoy their beauty and song, whilst maintaining a strong focus on education to support responsible feeding.”

For retailers looking to strengthen their wild bird proposition, simplify range management and drive premium sales, Honeyfields’ new chapter offers a compelling proposition.

The rebrand is backed by a targeted channel strategy and comprehensive support, including:

• Strong margin structures and competitive pricing
• Introductory stocking incentives 
• National and bespoke promotional activity 
• Category management expertise 
• Staff training support 

To find out more contact your Regional Sales Manager or call 0845 257 0232.

Being acknowledged as an innovator by industry professionals has given adoption app Only Rescues a massive boost as it continues its quest to find forever homes for discarded pets.

Only Rescues was named the winner of the Pet Industry Federation Innovation Award 2026 at this year's Business of Pets Conference.

Founder Tara Hamdi said: “Winning the award means the world to me and to everyone who believes rescue should be the first choice, not the last resort.

“The standard of finalists this year was exceptional, the talent and creativity in that room was genuinely inspiring, and to come out on top makes this even more special.

“Only Rescues exists to make adoption as easy, modern and accessible as buying, and being recognised for that by the pet industry gives us real momentum. This is for every rescue dog and cat still waiting for their forever home.”

Tara and husband Igor launched Only Rescues in 2022 when their beloved rescue dog, Max, sadly passed away suddenly aged just eight.

Max was found on the streets of Serbia at just six months old and handed into a kill shelter. He was rescued by a fantastic charity and became part of their family in 2017.

Through Max, Tara got a real view of what rescue looks like behind the scenes: rescue organisations are constantly under pressure, relying on the goodwill of volunteers and donations, with animals needing urgent help every day. And for adopters, even the good people who genuinely want to do the right thing can struggle to know where to start or get stuck in a process that can feel confusing and inconsistent.

Tara felt the best way to honour Max was to help other dogs like him get the same opportunity. That’s when she created Only Rescues – an app that matches rescue dogs and cats with people looking to adopt, using a fun, dating-app-style swiping experience.

It was created to make rescue adoption simpler and to support rescue organisations by helping connect the right animals with the right homes, while also completing some of the pre-qualifying steps before the formal application process even begins.

Since its creation, Only Rescues has helped hundreds of rescue dogs and cats find their forever homes.

“At any one time there are tens of thousands of dogs and cats in the UK waiting in rescue centres for a home,” said Tara. “We built Only Rescues to make it easier for the right people to find them. Every pet deserves the chance to be seen, loved and adopted.”

For more information visit www.onlyrescues.com

The Pet Industry Federation is stepping up its international activity as it explores new opportunities to support UK pet businesses looking to grow overseas and strengthen Britain’s presence in global markets.

Following discussions with major international trade show organisers and industry partners across Europe, North America and Asia, PIF is developing a growing network of international relationships aimed at helping UK businesses access new markets, build commercial connections and identify export opportunities.

Recent discussions have included Global Pet Expo (USA), Spoga Dog (Germany), SuperZoo (USA), CIPS (China), Zoomark (Italy) and Interzoo (Germany), with PIF exploring a range of opportunities that could benefit UK manufacturers, distributors, retailers and brands.

To support this growing area of activity, PIF has launched a new International Trade section on its website, bringing together information on international opportunities, market access, trade events and industry developments.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “The UK pet industry has a strong reputation for quality, innovation and expertise; we want to ensure businesses have access to the opportunities, connections and support they need to succeed internationally.

“We are having some exciting conversations with organisations around the world and are keen to understand where UK businesses see the greatest opportunities for growth. Our aim is to help members navigate international markets and ensure the UK pet industry has a strong voice on the global stage."

PIF is currently gathering expressions of interest from businesses interested in future opportunities linked to Global Pet Expo 2027 in Orlando, USA; and a new show, Spoga Dog in Cologne, Germany, helping shape discussions around potential UK participation and support activities.

Businesses interested registering their interest in attending these shows as exhibitors can do so by visiting PIF’s International Trade pages.

For more information, visit: https://petfederation.co.uk/overseas-events-opportunities/

A pet lifestyle brand offering a wide range of services including professional grooming, a pet bakery, and an immersive cat cafe experience, is set to open at a community-focused complex in Manchester city centre.

LollipawsClub, a one-stop pet lifestyle shop and café, is the final business to secure premises at Square Gardens, a co-living development on First Street in Manchester.

Square Gardens has created a neighbourhood hub blending independent food and drink with everyday essentials and specialist services.

LollipawsClub will occupy Unit 6 and is currently fitting out ahead of its autumn 2026 opening.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Square Gardens community this autumn. We regularly host engaging, pet-focused events and would be delighted for you to join us. Through everything we do, we aim to create an enjoyable and distinctive experience, making life with pets more comfortable, easy, and joyful,” said Ruby Zhou, founder of LollipawsClub.

The pet cafe joins a diverse retail mix anchored by Asda Express, alongside Thai-Chinese restaurant Yaowarat and Ty Blawd, a new coffee shop, both of which are due to open this summer. Seol & Tokyo, an East Asian supermarket and restaurant,has been operating since October 2025.

“LollipawsClub completes the commercial line-up at Square Gardens. From the outset, our ambition was to create a neighbourhood with its own identity, somewhere residents and the wider community actively choose to spend time,” said John Clegg, Head of Property Management at developers Downing.

“Each business brings something different to the development, supporting local jobs, increasing footfall and helping strengthen Square Gardens as a vibrant destination. It’s exciting to see the retail offer now fully established alongside a thriving residential community.”

The milestone follows last year’s news that Square Gardens’ residential element achieved full occupancy on completion, highlighting demand for flexible, community-focused living in Manchester City Centre.

For more information about Square Gardens, please visit: https://squaregardens.com/

The Animal Focused Alliance – the UK trade association for pet professionals – has been recognised at the highest level, with founder Vicky Skinner invited to 11 Downing Street for a reception hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, celebrating the contribution of the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses to the economy, society and communities.

Vicky attended the special event which brought together recent winners and finalists of The Small Awards. This annual awards showcase is organised by Small Business Britain and celebrates the UK’s ‘smallest and greatest’ businesses.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Small businesses are the backbone of Britain’s economy and it’s a privilege to celebrate them at Downing Street today. I know how important it is to help make conditions better for small businesses to thrive, and with our Small Business Plan we’re helping cut red tape, give access to finance, cut bills and ensure employees have the skills they need.

“We have the right economic plan, through stability, investment and reform we are building a stronger Britain.”

The event featured an array of over 80 small businesses, from micro-businesses and family businesses, to start-ups and high-street heroes.

The Alliance, which was founded in May 2025, was a finalist for the New Kid on the Block Award for best business start-up title, an award which commends businesses that started in the last eighteen months and have demonstrated considerable progress to grow and develop.

Launched to support pet businesses of every kind,  from dog walkers, groomers and home boarders to catteries and animal encounter providers,  the Alliance gives members sector updates on legislation and licensing, Primary Authority-assured advice, a free legal helpline, expert webinars, and exclusive discounts on insurance, training and products.

It also represents members in national policy discussions as part of the Companion Animal Sector Council, the Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare and the Pet Advertising Advisory Group. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of animal welfare while being the voice of the pet industry – keeping pet professionals current, competent and compliant.

Vicky said: “To be recognised in a national award in our first year is incredible in itself, but to then be invited to Downing Street was huge.

"We set up the Alliance because pet professionals so often run their businesses alone, without anyone to turn to on welfare, licensing or the law – and meeting people facing the same challenges was a real reminder that we’re all in this together.

"Whether you’re a groomer, a baker or a builder, the day-to-day reality of running a small business is remarkably similar, and that shared experience is what makes events like this so valuable.”

“Small businesses are vital to our communities across the UK and a major driving force behind the economy, said Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO & Founder of Small Business Britain.

“It’s wonderful to see the success of the Animal Focused Alliance recognised by the Chancellor and the Treasury at No11 Downing Street. Backing small businesses has never been more important, and we must continue to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”

Now in its 10th year, The Small Awards is run annually by Small Business Britain and judged by a panel of leading business experts.

For more information about the winners visit https://thesmallawards.uk/index.aspx\#theAwards

The Buffalo Co. has announced a new partnership with Copdock Mill Wholesale, further strengthening its distribution network across the East of England.

The partnership, supported through The Buffalo Co.’s exclusive UK wholesale relationship with DECCO, will give retailers across the region improved access to the company’s growing range of natural dog treats, feeding bowls and accessories.

Copdock Mill has built a strong reputation within the pet, country store and garden centre sectors, making it a natural fit for The Buffalo Co.’s continued UK expansion.

Over the past 12 months, The Buffalo Co. has experienced significant global growth, secured new retail listings and expanding its wholesale footprint across the UK and further afield. The partnership with Copdock Mill is designed to improve product availability, service levels and support for independent retailers throughout the East of England.

To support the launch, The Buffalo Co. is investing additional sales resource into the region, providing retailers with training, merchandising support and regular customer visits to help maximise sales opportunities across the range.

Jonathon Moyce, Managing Director of The Buffalo Co., said: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Copdock Mill. They have an excellent reputation for supporting independent retailers and are a great fit for The Buffalo Co. as we continue to grow across the UK.

“This partnership, alongside our relationship with DECCO, gives us a fantastic platform to accelerate growth throughout the UK. We’re committed to supporting that growth with dedicated sales resource, training and merchandising support.”

The Buffalo Co.’s range includes natural buffalo treats, low-calorie training treats, dental chews, ThermaCool cooling bowls and premium feeding accessories.

For more information, retailers can contact their Copdock Mill Wholesale representative or visit www.thebuffaloco.com.

Natural pet treat wholesaler K9 Instinct UK has announced the relaunch of its supplement range, combining trusted natural ingredients with professional veterinary endorsement to offer retailers an even stronger proposition in the growing pet wellness category.

Having built a reputation for supplying high-quality natural treats and chews, K9 Instinct UK has enhanced its supplement offering to meet increasing consumer demand for natural health solutions that are backed by expert guidance.

The refreshed range is designed to give both retailers and pet owners greater confidence in the products they choose, while supporting a more holistic approach to pet wellbeing.

A key feature of the relaunch is the involvement of herbalist vet Clara Greenwood, whose expertise brings additional credibility and professional value to the range.

Each supplement pack now features commentary from Clara on the reverse, explaining the benefits of using herbs to support pet health and wellbeing.

After working as a conventional veterinary surgeon for a decade, Clara was inspired to explore herbal medicine after seeing first-hand the positive effects that herbs could have alongside traditional veterinary care.

Recognising their ability to gently support the body's natural healing processes, provide valuable nutrition and help minimise the side effects associated with some conventional treatments, she went on to train as a Herbalist Vet.

Today, Clara combines her veterinary knowledge with herbal medicine to offer a more holistic approach to animal healthcare. Her philosophy centres on supporting the body's ability to heal itself while providing pet owners with additional options to promote long-term health and wellbeing.

The updated packaging not only strengthens consumer trust but also provides valuable point-of-sale education, helping retailers communicate the benefits of natural supplementation more effectively. By featuring insights from a qualified veterinary professional on every pack, K9 Instinct UK is helping retailers answer growing consumer interest in natural and preventative pet healthcare.

As demand for pet wellness products continues to rise, retailers are increasingly looking for ranges that combine quality ingredients, transparency and professional backing. K9 Instinct UK's enhanced supplement collection has been developed to meet that demand, offering a natural wellness solution that aligns with current market trends while delivering strong shelf appeal.

By bringing together carefully selected ingredients, trusted product quality and recognised veterinary endorsement, the relaunched supplement range is positioned to become a valuable addition to retail stores seeking to expand their natural pet health offering.

For stockists, the range provides a compelling opportunity to tap into the fast-growing supplements sector, supported by the reassurance of veterinary expertise and the trusted reputation of K9 Instinct UK.