The winners of the 2019 PetQuip UK Pet Retailer of the Year, Just for Pets, have had an astonishing change of fortunes since they went into administration just two years ago.

The future for the pet retail chain looked bleak in September 2017, until it was bought out of administration by Pedigree Wholesale. Almost immediately, the focus of the business changed to put the wellbeing of pets to the forefront – and some very brave decisions were taken about the future direction of the business.

Paul Lewis, General Manager, explained: “Our company strapline is ‘Passionate Pet People’ so we brought this to life in our stores.

“The other thing we did was to close our retail website in order to focus on the theatre and engagement within our stores to drive sales. As you will be aware this bucked the current trend of retail and was a risk - as we focused on bricks rather than clicks.”

This change of direction bought a new lease of life to the company’s 16 stores across the Midlands and Cambridgeshire. Staff were trained to provide support and advice around the premium products on sale, and shops were revamped to make them more engaging and inviting to customers, for example by placing large packaging-free natural treats ranges right at the entrance, creating a talking point and an inviting experience for pets and their owners.

Just for Pets is also looking to make some of its stores specialist shops, depending on the needs of the locality. The company is shying away from the one-size-fits-all approach practised by some other pet retail chains.

Paul said: “We see this desire to try new things as not only exciting for our customers and their pets, but our teams are constantly at the forefront of new initiatives. This makes their roles very interesting and engaging, making for a better overall customer experience.”

The experience of going into receivership was obviously a bleak one for the Just for Pets teams. But now they have pulled themselves up and are enjoying the new challenges and a brighter future.

The PetQuip Award judges said: “It was obvious to us that a significant investment of money, time and staff training had been made. To see a retail chain that is now back to sales growth, receiving positive customer feedback and offering market leading products and services to their loyal customer base couldn't be anything else but a winner.

“It was also obvious from a store visit to the site in Coventry that considerable expertise had been put to bear in the merchandising of the store, and there was a pride in the way that everything had been laid out.”

Paul said: “This award brings a huge sense of pride to the team, we are no longer the Just for Pets that went into administration…we are the Just for Pets that is 2019 PetQuip Pet Retailer of the Year. It is difficult to put into words how much that means.”

Made with real cuts of meat, only the finest natural ingredients and nutrient-rich superfoods, Natures Menu’s latest addition to its Country Hunter range, which is inspired by the great British countryside, will provide your customers’ four legged friends with a healthy and wholesome diet that they can thrive on.

Superfood Crunch, the new range brought to you by experts in raw and natural pet food, offers a complete and balanced meal for dogs in a gently-baked biscuit format.  

Using succulent meats and natural ingredients, these British baked products provide the very highest level of nourishment – just what your customers’ dogs deserve.

The innovative range, which is suitable for all dogs, boasts an array of delicious variants, including Turkey with Cranberry, Duck with Plum, Chicken with Butternut Squash, and Beef with Redcurrant. The range’s innovative combinations of meats and superfoods will be sure to whet any dog’s appetite as soon as the bag opens, and the delightful meaty aroma catches their attention.

Gently baked at Natures Menu’s state-of-the-art factory in Norfolk, the biscuits retain the natural goodness of the products’ ingredients and provide a mouth-watering crunchy biscuit with a light texture that delivers great palatability and is easy on digestion, making it the ultimate choice for customers when deciding on a natural pet food.

Another benefit for pet owners is the convenient packaging, involving a 1,2kg resealable bag for continued freshness and an easy-to-read feeding guide on the back of the pouch. The range enables pet owners to provide nourishing meals for their dogs, but in a simple to serve and dry format.

Having operated in the industry for over 37 years, Natures Menu has cemented itself as a pioneer of raw and natural pet food and is a trusted brand for millions of consumers, Developed and approved by a team of professional vets and pet food experts who have a real expertise and passion, all products are produced to the highest standard and are packed from its own production facilities in Norfolk. Natures Menu prides itself on only selecting quality ingredients and human grade cuts of meat from ethical British suppliers and liaises directly with the grower, farmer and meat providers.

The reported benefits of Natures Menu’s products include fresher breath, cleaner teeth, more stable energy levels, a softer, shinier coat, firmer, less odorous stools, increased vitality and a healthier weight, making it the best choice of food for your customer’s beloved pets.

Those who want to feed their dogs a dry food that they will no doubt love, whilst further fuelling their adventures, can purchase the products at an RSP of £9.99.

For retailers wanting to place an order with Natures Menu or to find out more information on the company’s ranges or about feeding raw, simply email trade@naturesmenu.co.uk, phone 0800 0183770 or visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk for expert advice

Pawexpo is the new pet trade show designed to meet the growing demands of the pet-buying market and will run alongside Glee for 2020.

Launched at a special drinks reception at this year’s Glee, the Pet & Animal Wellbeing Expo (Pawexpo) will support suppliers and retailers across this rapidly expanding industry, helping to maximise sales and revenue opportunities while adopting a personal touch to the pet trade show experience with a fully curated showcase.

The UK Pet market at a glance:

• According to AMA Research, the total UK pet market was valued at £6.5billion in 2017, when the pet market accounted for 1.8% of the UK retail market.
• Analysts have predicted “modest but continued steady growth” in the pet market – with a value of £7billion forecast for 2020-21.

Pawexpo will offer a fresh look at pet products and accessories. Pet care, wellbeing, premier and luxury products will take centre stage, showcasing brands that cover everything from food and health, to accessories, technology and retail solutions.

Matthew Mein, Glee and Pawexpo’s Event Director, said: “The way our pets are integrated into our lives has changed exponentially in recent years. Animals are no longer regarded as pets, but as one of the family, and it is this that is driving category growth, and why we have seen unprecedented levels of premium and artisan products launched over the past five years, projecting luxury pet goods into the mainstream market.

"Pet owners are willing to offer animals their own products and unique items, which often carry a higher price tag. This is a great opportunity for retailers who want to optimise this long-term potential, and to offer a new generation of pet products.

"At Pawexpo everything retailers need to create a strong and future-facing retail experience – from core products to exciting gifting ranges – is presented under one roof, at a time of year when ranges for the following season are most commonly selected.

"Pawexpo is an exciting prospect, and one that we are looking forward to bringing to market.”

For more information click here

Henry Wag, the active dog products brand, has cleaned up at the PetQuip 2019 industry awards, winning gold in the Pet Product of the year category for its Henry Wag Noodle Glove Towel and the complete range of pet cleaning and drying products.

The range is designed by founder Grant Rogers to remove the barriers to a more active outdoor life by offering cleaning and drying solutions for active dogs and their owners and consists of a selection of highly absorbent microfibre towels, drying gloves and absorbent dog coats.

The awards ceremony dinner was held on Sunday 22nd September as part of PATS Telford, where Henry Wag was presenting its new and existing product range to UK and international pet trade buyers.

Entries competing for the prestigious PetQuip awards were judged by independent pet retail and marketing experts, with the Henry Wag product, in the accessories and technical category pitted against 16 other high-quality products.

After collecting the award Grant said, "It’s such an honour to have received this award and be recognised by a panel of industry experts. We are a really small team, so to win this award in a category with so many other amazing products makes it really very special."

The award from PetQuip adds to an amazing year for Henry Wag, having won the new products showcase at PATS Sandown 2019 for the Dog Drying coat, followed by an appearance on the BBC's show The Customer is Always Right where the Henry Wag Noodle Glove Towel won over a panel of consumer testers to receive first place and the coveted winner’s trophy. 

"I made it an objective at the start of this year to put our products and business forward for some awards with the aim of raising the profile of the business and achieving some recognition of what we are doing here at 3P Enterprise and in particular with the Henry Wag brand," continued Grant. "The plan seems to be coming together."

The British producer of naturally nutritious food for pets, Lily’s Kitchen, has unveiled an exciting new range of natural treats for dogs made with ‘proper meat’ aimed at pet parents looking for better quality treating options to give to their pets guilt-free.

The new range of five natural meaty treats are packed with proper meat and are full of valuable protein, as well as being gluten and grain-free making them easy to digest and ideal for dogs with dietary sensitivities. 

The range includes:

Chomp-away Chicken Bites – little bites made with freshly prepared chicken with a sprinkling of quinoa (an energy and protein-rich seed) and a dash of

gentle ginger (known to aid digestion).

The Best Ever Beef Mini Burgers – mini burgers packed with freshly prepared beef, with a helping of chia seeds (which contain omega 3, known to be good for skin and fur health) and kale (rich in healthy antioxidants).

Simply Glorious Chicken Jerky – tasty, tender golden jerky made with freshly prepared chicken and gently oven baked for a lovely, chewy texture.

Scrumptious Duck & Venison Sausages – succulent little sausages made with freshly prepared duck and venison and air-dried to chewy perfection.

The Mighty Duck Mini Jerky – mini jerky packed with freshly prepared duck, gently oven-baked for a lovely chewy satisfying texture. Packed with valuable protein.

Each resealable bag contains 70g of treats and has a high meat content, alongside other proper ingredients such as quinoa, chia seeds, spinach, kale and ginger. Rosemary extract is used in all of the treats as a natural antioxidant.

The top quality ingredients are combined and then gently baked and air dried to give the treats a chewy texture that dogs love. The new range comes in distinctive, colourful and bold packaging, with an emphasis on proper meat which is clearly signposted on front of pack. 

Comments Henrietta Morrison, Founder, Executive Chair and Global Brand Director of Lily’s Kitchen: “Shoppers are increasingly looking for more natural treats that are healthy enough to treat everyday, affordable and from a from brand like Lily’s Kitchen who they know they can trust. Natural treats are the fastest growing segment of the treats market and we’re seeing more and more space being allocated to healthy treats on retailers’ shelves.

“Our new range offers a wide variety of enticing snacking options, all high in proper meat, which is sourced from within the EU bringing even more consumer trust. Now pet parents can treat their dogs, who are beloved members of their families, completely guilt-free with natural, healthy options that taste absolutely delicious.”

The dog treat category is worth £488 million in the UK and is even bigger than wet and dry dog food, with 3.3 million dogs a day receiving a treat. It is the fastest growing segment (+3.5%) with shopper numbers growing +19% in natural dog treats in the last year alone.

Lily’s Kitchen’s new dog treats are suitable for adult dogs aged from 4 months+. They come in resealable bags which helps to keep them fresh for 14 days after opening. They can be given to dogs at any time of day – whether for training or just because they deserve a treat, and are designed to complement Lily’s Kitchen’s existing range of proper food for dogs.

Lily’s Kitchen has developed engaging POS for its new natural ‘proper meat’ treats for dogs to drive product visibility and impulse purchase in store. 

The range is available to order at sales@lilyskitchen.co.uk and +44 (0) 20 7433 6972.

The Innocent Pet, won the Best New Dog Food award at PATS Telford with its first complete food product - Air-dried British Lamb Casserole.  On the same night the luxury pet food and treat manufacturer also received a Highly Commended for the PetQuip Award’s “Pet Product of the Year” with its Birthday Cake Mix.

Founder Chloe Heaton said: “We are thrilled that our new products have been recognised by the industry for their unique and innovative qualities.  Our air-dried food offers many of the benefits of raw feeding but with the convenience of a kibble.  It is quite unique to other food types due to our production process. 

"We make it in very small batches, and rather than using high temperatures to cook the food, we gently air dry it over a period of 4 or 5 days to produce a semi-moist meal that is healthy and delicious.”

The judges’ decisions considered a number of guideline criteria, such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging and value for money.  They commented, “This looked and smelled attractive enough for humans to eat – in fact one of the judges tasted it and pronounced it delicious! Attractive to both owners and pets.”

The air-dried food is currently available in 2 flavours – British Lamb Casserole, and Wild Salmon Fishcakes.  It comes in 3kg packs with an RRP of £40 - the packaging is resealable and 100% recyclable. 

Chloe added: “Our doggie Birthday Cake Mix has been a real hit since the launch – it is one of a kind being both grain free and meaty, and to receive a highly commended was nothing less than the cherry on the top!”

A festive version of the cake is now available which is made with British turkey and cranberry. Both retail for £10. 

For more information email woof@theinnocenthound.co.uk

Two aquatic plants have now been added to the European Union’s list of EU concern for invasive species.

Traders now have 12 months to sell any remaining stock of Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and Senegal tea plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides).

To continue to sell these two plants next year retailers will need to be able to demonstrate they ordered the plants before 14 August 2019. No plants can be sold after 14 August 2020.

Stripped eel catfish (Plotosus lineatus) and pumpkinseed fish (Lepomis gibbosus) have also joined the same list and are subject to the same rules. Traders have 12 months to sell existing stock.

“We were pleased that water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) which was due to join these plants for a ban, has been given a temporary reprieve because this is an important plant for the UK market. We continue to talk to the EU about how we might avoid a future ban of this particular plant,” said OATA’s Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“It is also a continuing disappointment that regulations to enforce these sales bans are still not in place within the UK although we understand it is supposed to come into effect in December this year. We would urge people to continue to report illegal sales to the relevant authorities which hopefully will be more willing to crackdown on offenders as soon as they have the right powers to act.”

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Ceva Animal Welfare Awards 2020.

Returning for the ninth consecutive year, the awards celebrate the achievements of remarkable people who dedicate their lives, and go above and beyond, to improve animal health and welfare both in the UK and abroad. 

A new award category has been added this year – the Outstanding International Contribution to Animal Welfare award – to recognise an international individual or team that stands out from the crowd by influencing and significantly contributing to making a visible difference in the world of animal welfare.

The awards are open to outstanding farmers, vets, vet nurses, animal welfare professionals and animal welfare teams who can be nominated to receive an award by fellow peers, friends and family or the general public.

There are nine nomination categories ranging from vet of the year to charity team of the year, as follows:

Chris Laurence Vet of the Year supported by Vet Record

This award is dedicated to our head judge, Christopher Laurence, in recognition of a veterinary surgeon (either companion, equine or farm animal) who demonstrates their commitment to the continuous improvement of animal health and welfare in the UK or abroad.  The vet should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

Vet Nurse of the Year supported by Agria Pet Insurance

This award is to give appreciation to a veterinary nurse (either companion, equine or farm animal) who excels in their role by demonstrating and/or educating to the highest level of animal health and welfare in the UK or abroad.  The vet nurse should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

Charity Team of the Year supported by PDSA

This award is for an inspiring team whose drive and passionate dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better in the UK or abroad.  The team should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

Charitable Contribution of the Year supported by Blue Cross

This award is for an individual, in either a voluntary or paid role, who is constantly committed to making a difference to animal welfare in the UK or abroad.  The individual should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

International Cat Care Welfare of the Year supported by International Cat Care

This esteemed award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of feline welfare. The winner of this award is selected by International Cat Care and therefore this category is not open to nominations.

Farmer of the Year supported by R.A.B.I. and Farmers Guardian

This award is for a farmer who strives to provide and encourage a high standard of animal welfare on their farm(s) in the UK or abroad.  The farmer should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

Farm Educator of the Year supported by NADIS and Farmers Guardian

This award is to acknowledge the work of a SQP, advisor, university or other educational institute, that works hard to research and educate on the importance and benefits of farm animal welfare in the UK or abroad.  The farm educator should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare supported by Your Dog and Your Cat magazines

This award is for an individual or team that stands out from the crowd by influencing and significantly contributing to making a visible difference in the world of animal welfare.  The individual or team should either be based in the UK or have a UK presence.

Outstanding International Contribution to Animal Welfare supported by Ceva International

This award is for an international individual or team that stands out from the crowd by influencing and significantly contributing to making a visible difference in the world of animal welfare.

Nominations for the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards can be made at https://www.cevawelfare.com/click-here-to-nominate with nominations closing on Tuesday 31 December 2019.  Finalists will be announced at the beginning of February and winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony in Birmingham in April on the eve of BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) Congress.

“As an animal health company, animal welfare is a huge focus for us,” comments Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health UK and Ireland.  “The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards are an opportunity to formally recognise and congratulate outstanding animal welfare teams and individuals who contribute to the protection and welfare of animals in their daily lives.”

For further information on the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards, visit www.cevawelfare.com

Performance dog gear brand, Ruffwear is set to launch its AW19 campaign, The Road Less Travelled, by partnering with some of Europe’s most influential dog owners.

To support the launch of its new gear Ruffwear will follow each influencer as they take The Road Less Travelled, putting Ruffwear’s new AW19 gear to the test as they take on the challenge of blazing a new trail.

Sharing every bump and turn they come across with their Instagram followers, the campaign will give customers a true view of the quality of durability of the new products.

One of those taking part is Ruffwear Ambassador Kerry Irving, human companion of popular Lake District canines Max, Paddy and Harry.

Kerry said: "Being outdoors with my dogs recharges the batteries, heals the mind and is great for the soul. Every day is an adventure waiting to happen, you just have to take the first step."

Ami Sawran, influencer and vet, said: “Remy, my little Shih Tzu, and I are excited to accept The Road Less Travelled challenge. We love exploring the outdoors and being active, so the fact that the campaign gives us a reason to go outside and take on a new task is a great incentive to get involved!

“We hope that the campaign encourages other dog owners and their dogs to take on new experiences together that they wouldn’t normally venture on. The campaign is all about conquering new challenges and it being rewarding, so I am excited to promote this message with Remy by my side.”

Since Ruffwear’s inception 25 years ago, it has sought The Road Less Travelled; discovering new adventures, facing new challenges and leaning into doing things differently, all in the pursuit of creating performance dog gear that enhances and inspires outdoor adventures with your dog by your side.

With a dogcentric design process that focuses on safety, quality and comfort, Ruffwear products can open the possibility for outdoor enthusiasts to include their dogs in their favourite pursuits, including skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Ruffwear’s new AW19 products includes new toys, apparel, and harness.

For more information, visit Ruffwear’s website: https://ruffwear.co.uk/

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A pet shop in Carlisle is closing down after 45 years of trading with a decline in high street shopping being blamed for the store’s dwindling fortunes.

Nu-Pets on Lowther Street had hoped to have a refurbishment but this has now been cancelled.

Owner Tony Pieri told the News & Star: "Having reviewed the latest trading accounts and the continued decline in sales, we have sadly concluded, after 45 years of trading that the business is no longer viable and must close."

Mr Pieri, who runs the business with his son Ricky, said: "We have had to standby and watch the slow decline of the high street - obvious by the dozens of empty shops."

He says changes to parking on Lowther Street - from a disc zone to pay and display parking - several years ago also added to his worries.

To read the full story click here

Leading pet food manufacturer, Pets Choice, is setting its sights on growth with the addition of two new recruits to its sales team.

Jenny Kennedy, head of category & insights and Kelly Hall, national account manager – Grocery Retail, join the business with more than 30 years’ combined experience within FMCG, working with a host of national brands from petcare and soft drinks, to cereal.     

Jenny began her career 20 years ago on the graduate scheme with Sainsbury’s before moving into sales, and has spent the last 15 years in category roles working with major brands including Mars and Kellogg’s. In her new role, Jenny will play a vital role incorporating the shopper rationale into business decisions, as well as working with retailers to drive total category growth.

With 17 years’ experience within national account management and customer marketing for FMCG blue chip organisations, Kelly joins the team as a newcomer to petcare. Her responsibilities will include managing some of the company’s biggest grocery retail customers, including Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op.

Jenny Kennedy says of her appointment: “Pets Choice is a major player in the pet food market, with a plethora of fantastic brands in its portfolio.

“It’s a really exciting time to be joining the business as it looks towards growth plans for 2020 and beyond. I look forward to working with our retail partners, delivering the insights they need to really maximise profits from petcare and showing them just what the Pets Choice brands have to offer.”

Tony Raeburn, Pets Choice CEO, says: “Our people are a real asset to our business and we’re delighted to welcome Jenny and Kelly to the team.

“Their in-depth knowledge of FMCG markets is going to prove immensely valuable for us as we take the next steps towards meeting our ambitious growth targets; I have no doubt that they’ll do a fantastic job for us as we move into a new era.”

Pets Choice’s portfolio comprises 13 brands offering a variety of products for pets and wild animals, including leading petcare brand Webbox, whose product range extends to dog and cat food, treats and accessories.

For further information about Pets Choice and its brand offering please visit www.petschoice.co.uk

Around the world 100 children die every day from rabies, and Nurse Clinic Co-ordinator, Philippa Barclay from Wheelhouse Vets, is joining the fight against this horrible disease.

Philippa has been accepted as a volunteer on a Mission Rabies expedition to Goa to help vaccinate dogs, collect data and educate local children.

She said: “Mission Rabies is a charity whose expeditions I have always wanted to volunteer for, so this is a fantastic opportunity for me to be contributing towards Mission Rabies objective, which is to eliminate Rabies from the entire state of Goa.”

Mission Rabies is attacking the problem of Rabies from both ends with dog vaccination and education – making sure children in the high risk areas know what to do if they are bitten by an infected dog. To date, they have vaccinated over a million dogs and educated over 2 million children in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Malawi.

Clinical Director of Wheelhouse Vets, Charles Winslade is very proud of what Philippa and Wheelhouse Vets have achieved.

“The team at The Wheelhouse are so pleased to be helping and supporting Philippa on her Mission Rabies expedition to Goa on 11^th October for two weeks. Teams out there are working tirelessly to make Goa the first rabies-free state in India. The practice is very keen to support events and charities outside of the veterinary box that we work in everyday to remind us of those less fortunate than ourselves and provide support where we can."

He went on to say: “Across the world 100 children die every day from rabies. How would we cope with that if it happened in the UK?! Nearer to home we are very active in supporting StreetVet helping a community without a roof over their heads where their pets really are their best friend. It makes you stop and think.

"Philippa has arranged events ranging from bake sales and competitions to a summer party and quiz night to help raise money and to cover the cost of the trip. She goes with our very best wishes to make a real difference. We hope to provide some updates on her trip on social media but expect contact to be limited given the remoteness of where she is travelling to.”

Philippa is keen to get going and some of her colleagues will be sending her off in style from Heathrow Airport later this month (October).

“I am extremely thankful to have been gifted a week’s holiday and generous £500 bursary from my employers – The Wheelhouse Vets. The Wheelhouse family have provided me with awesome fundraising participation, endless encouragement and ongoing support on my journey towards this incredible adventure that awaits me.”

If you would like to support her and help raise vital funds for Mission Rabies visit her fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/missionrabies

World-renowned riding hat manufacturer Charles Owen is continuing its sponsorship of The Spotlight – BETA International’s high-octane entertainment and education centre where celebrity interviews, Talking Business with Alastair Stewart and the Fashion Show take centre stage.

Known as The Charles Owen Spotlight, it will feature the company’s distinctive branding and provide a versatile platform for the show’s wide range of activities. The area, now in its second year, is the successful amalgamation of the Fashion Show and The Hub, which had previously been supported by Charles Owen, combined to create one highly effective, contemporary area.

“We are proud to remain an integral part of the educational aspect of BETA International,” said Danielle Santos, Charles Owen director of sales and marketing “The Spotlight is an opportunity to showcase the latest in the equestrian industry and we are looking forward to sponsoring this innovative part of the trade show.”

BETA International organiser Claire Thomas added: “We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Charles Owen over many years and consider the company an extremely loyal supporter of the show. The Spotlight has proved hugely popular with our visitors and exhibitors, and I am delighted that the company is very much part of this feature area’s success story.”

Charles Owen joins the trade show’s fellow supporters, official media partner and Innovation Awards sponsor Equestrian Trade News, exhibitor bag sponsor Henson Franklyn, New Product Gallery sponsor Shires Equestrian, Champagne Bar sponsor NAF, Coffee Shop sponsor VetSpec, model horse supplier Stubbs England, official clothing supplier Toggi and main sponsor Neue Schule.

BETA International 2020 runs from 19 to 21 January at the NEC, Birmingham, and caters for the equestrian, pet, country and giftware markets.

Entry is strictly trade only and admission is free on registration at beta-int.com. For further information, contact Fiona Berry, email info@beta-int.com or telephone +44 (0)1937 582111.

The number of visitors attending the two-day PATS Telford show has broken the 2,000 mark for a fifth successive year.

A total of 2,103 visitors went through the doors at the impressive Telford International Centre, an increase of 2.7% on last year and one of the highest PATS attendance figures on record.

The successful show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a great success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations. 

Organiser Gordon Thomas said many of the companies exhibiting at PATS Telford were eager to point out the quality of people visiting their stands had been of the highest standard.

“Exhibitors told us they met with the key decision makers and buyers, and that was good to hear because we put in place measures that ensured the right people attended.

“Overall the response to PATS Telford 2019 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show.”

Anne Wood, of Broadreach Nature+ summed up the mood of the exhibitors, saying: “PATS Telford has a special place in our hearts because we launched there in 2015, and it’s great to report that the show keeps getting better. The main highlights for me this year were being able to meet some of my lovely customers face to face, and being able to make new connections in business. The show is firmly on my calendar to attend every year.”

Trespaws was one of 66 new exhibitors at this year’s show and the company’s Morag Muir said it had been a great success. “We were absolutely delighted with the amount of interest shown in Trespaws and as a result we opened some fantastic new accounts and met some lovely people within the industry.”

The number of visitors attending the show is clear evidence that PATS is the only pet trade exhibition where retailers and buyers can view all the latest launches under one roof.

Paul Lewis is General Manager of Just for Pets, which was voted UK Pet Retailer of the Year at the PetQuip Awards and has 16 stores in the Midlands. He said: PATS is a great showcase for everything that is available under one roof. It gives you the opportunity to build relationships not only with suppliers but also other retailers so you can continue to build your business, ask for advice and help each other out. The Just for Pets team see this show

as a key date in the calendar.”

And Nikki Harris, owner of TFM Countrystore, Lincoln, commented: “PATS, as always, impressed me. I wouldn’t miss it and I send as many staff as possible so we get the full benefit of this fantastic show and all it offers.”

Meanwhile, Bev Nicholson, owner of Mutts Nutts Pet Shop, Peterborough, said: “Visiting PATS is essential for a pet shop owner. The New Product Showcase is so useful – to have all the items in one place makes keeping up with new trends and innovative ideas so much easier.”

Nikki Eggington, of Tara’s K9 Hydro & Dog Grooming, Shrewsbury, said: “I absolutely loved PATS. It’s a fantastic event where great relationships can be forged with independent suppliers. PATS is my ‘go to’ event of the year.”

The focus now turns to PATS Sandown in Surrey, on Sunday 9th and Monday 10th February 2020, and PATS Telford on 27^th-28^th September 2020. For all the latest information about the show visit www.patshow.co.uk.

There was so much to see and do over the two days of PATS Telford. If you weren't lucky enough to make it, here's a picture round-up from Telford...

Marriages injected a bit of fun to the show with their Christmas-themed stand. Sam Marriage said: “Christmas is coming – and it’s massive for retailers. I think the pet industry underestimates how big it is, which is why we’ve focussed on it for our PATS stand.”

Holland Animal Care won a New Product Award at PATS Telford this week with their Spotted! Smart Pet Tag and already there's talk of this innovative item becoming the next bestseller in pet stores.

The judges said: “Easy to use, not bulky on the collar with a good-sized counter display. This could be an impulse purchase as it is a good price with no monthly charge.”

The was then judged by Sean Kelly, Het of Pet at Dobbies Garden Centres as Best in Show and he said: “This product has a great price point. It’s very simple but does the job perfectly. I see this being an easy sell for the retailer. It’s a well deserved winner of this new award.”

To find out more about this amazing product click here and watch the video

The winners of the PATS Telford 2019 New Product Awards, including two new categories, were presented at the PetQuip Awards after the first day of a hugely successful show.

The awards were chosen from a record entry of 259 by a team of expert pet retailers on the first morning of the show. All the entries were displayed on the eye-catching New Produce Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews.

The judges’ decisions took into account a number of guideline criteria, such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging and value for money.

The experts agreed that the New Product Showcase had produced a high calibre of entries, providing both variety and choice across the categories. They were pleased to see such a wide range of products and innovations, including many based on sustainable principles.

Two new awards – the Best In Show Award and the Green New Product Award – were judged and presented by Sean Kelly, Head of Pet at the UK’s largest garden centre retailer, Dobbies.

Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:

CAT FOOD AND PRODUCTS

Winner: James and Steel

Catnip Space Ball Blaster

Judges’ comments:
“It can be hard to find entertaining and enriching toys for cats, but this fits the bill perfectly. It was innovative and will catch the cat’s attention.”

DOG ACCESSORY AND TOYS

Winner: Holland Animal Care
Spotted! Smart Pet Tag

Judges’ comments:

“Easy to use, not bulky on the collar with a good-sized counter display. This could be an impulse purchase as it is a good price with no monthly charge.”

DOG FOOD AND PRODUCTS

Winner: The Innocent Pet
British Lamb Casserole Air Dried Complete Food for Dogs

Judges’ comments:
“This looked and smelled attractive enough for humans to eat – in fact one of the judges tasted it and pronounced it delicious! Attractive to both owners and pets.”

DOG TREATS AND PRODUCTS

Winner: Woolf UK
Natural Bone with vegetables, glucosamine and chondroitin

Judges’ comments:
“A great price point, striking and eye-catching display. This was a unanimous winner with the judges.”

DOG HARNESSES, LEADS AND DOG WEAR

Winner: James and Steele
Sotnos Sport Active Wear

Judges’ comments:
“Great, wipe-clean collars that are easy to clean and don’t need to dry out. They are a bit different to others on the market and come in attractive bright colours.”

GROOMING PRODUCTS

Winner: Kong Company

Kitty Comber

Judges’ comments:
“All the judges wanted one of these! This was an outright winner. It was such a good quality product, durable and cats will use it.”

PET CARE PRODUCTS

Winner: TropiClean Pet Products

Fresh Breath 2-week Trial Kit

Judges’ comments:

“A good little kit at a good price. Two-week trial means customers will be encouraged to give it a go.”

SMALL ANIMAL AND BIRD PRODUCTS

Winner: Mealberry GNBH

Little One Tasty Bowl from assorted meadow grasses

Judges’ comments:

“This was a great product at pocket-money prices – kids would come in and buy them for their pets. Comes in a good selection box and looks good quality.”

BEST IN SHOW AWARD

Winner: Holland Animal Care
Spotted! Smart Pet Tag

Judge’s comments:

“This product has a great price point. It’s very simple but does the job perfectly. I see this being an easy sell for the retailer. It’s a well deserved winner of this new award.”

GREEN NEW PRODUCT AWARD

Winner: Project Blu

Judge’s comments:

“Here’s a brand that is really making a difference, taking waste out of the system and re-cycling it into quality products.”

PetQuip Awards 2019

WINNERS

Merchandising Expertise

Gold – Natures Menu

Silver – Fold Hill Foods

Exporter of the Year

Gold - Fish4Dogs

Silver – ChickenGuard

Highly Commended – Little Big Paw

Marketing Project of the Year

Gold – Burgess for RAW (Rabbit Awareness Week)

Silver – Forthglade for The Great Dog Walk Challenge

Pet Product of the Year

Food/Treats/Health  - Dogs

Gold – Pawfect Foods – YAK Cheese Straws

Silver – Pedigree Wholesale – Natures Deli

HC – Innocent Pet Care – Birthday Cake Mix

Food/Treats/Health – Cats

Gold – Burgess – Neutered Cat

Silver – PetCo –Cat Love

Accessories /Technical

Gold – Henry Wag Noodle Glove Towel and the complete range of drying products

Silver – Henry & Co – organic ear cleaner for dogs

HC – Tropiclean – dental health

Small Animals

Gold – ChickenGuard

Silver – Haypigs

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/Wholesaler of the Year

Gold – Valgaia doo/Pasji.net, Slovenia

Silver – Saint Vincent Group, Dubai

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

Gold – Just for Pets, pet store chain

Silver – Henry & Co Dog Boutique, Arbroath

Lifetime Achievement

Dean Richmond, Pets Corner