In This Issue
It’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day tomorrow – June 21 – UK pet brands get on board
Bosses say employers should allow ‘Bring Your Dog to Work’ every day
Yorkshire pet treat manufacturer opens factory doors with 'virtual reality' video tour
Last call for entries - Pet Hero of the Year
Henry Bell launches recyclable packaging for its bird food range
Two North East schools first in UK to receive PDSA PetWise status
New pet zone in China offers opportunities for PIF members
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
UK pet owners urged to save nearly £100 a year on vet bills
Scruffs gives away luxury sofa bed in June promotion
Celebrating 20 years with Beaphar
‘Grass roots’ prizes from CSJ
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra
Pet shop owner left devastated after theft of more than 20 snakes
Pet product wholesaler Bestpets launches new app
Webbox undertakes major rebrand
International buyers lap up Cath Kidston pet range
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It’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day tomorrow – June 21 – UK pet brands get on board

 

There’s still time to join in the exciting doggie fun tomorrow for the pupular Bring Your Dog To Work Day.  Now in its sixth year, companies large and small will join in what promises to be a dogtastic day at work...

 

Photo credit: @JoSowry taken at Ridley Scott Creative Group


 

There’s still time to join in the exciting doggie fun tomorrow for the pupular Bring Your Dog To Work Day.  Now in its sixth year, companies large and small will join in what promises to be a dogtastic day at work.

 

It’s a great opportunity for pet brands to raise their profile by sponsoring the charity, which so far has had coverage in The Sun, The Mail on Sunday (Healthy Pet Guide), Lad Bible, Waitrose Weekend, The Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent and over 30 other media titles, with ITV, BBC and other broadcasters and media outlets planning coverage for the big day.

 

Some of the pet brands sponsoring this year include, HOWND, Billy & Margot, Purina’s Pets at Work Alliance, Fish4Dogs, Lily’s Kitchen, Poppy’s Picnic, Covetrus (formerly Henry Schein), Purely Pets, Barking Mad, Honeys, Beautiful Joes, Nylabone, Vita Animal Health, Omlet, Dogrobes, The Office Dog, Ruff and Tumble, Mikki, Webbox Natural, Scruffs, Arden Grange, Butternut Box, Hi life, Pure Pet Food, Tails.com, Smart Choice,  Hi Life, Vita Animal Health, Vets Now, Purely Pets and Gentle Dog Food. With more signing up each day it’s still not too late to join in and get your logo and info about your brand and a link to your websites on the Bring Your Dog To Work Day website and a shout out on social media – the event always trends at number 1 on Twitter.

 

 

Each year the nation embraces this pupular day out when our four-legged furry friends get to spend time with their human at work for the annual charity event that thousands of businesses and dog owners across the country take part in.

 

From one-man bands, to large corporates, companies, schools, local fire stations, gyms, household brands and other organisations are sponsoring the event, with many donating prizes now worth over £1000 to the annual “Dog With A Job” mega competition.

 

To be in with a chance to win the competition companies dog owners can upload a pooch selfie in the Dog With A Job Hall of Fame with one lucky dog and their owner scooping the big prize.

 

Every year the hashtag #bringyourdogtoworkday trends at number 1 on Twitter. Bring Your Dog To Work Day has been lucky enough to have celebrity support since the launch of the initiative in 2014 including dog lovers Ricky Gervais and Downton Abbey’s Peter Egan and support from some of the UK’s most dog friendly companies.  

 

Jo Amit, co-founder of Bring Your Dog To Work Day and HOWND, the ethical pet care brand says: “As a nation of dog lovers it’s so exciting to see how this has captured the imagination of dog owners and companies and is growing every year. It is well known that having a dog at work has great mental health benefits and more and more companies are becoming dog friendly. Each year more companies sign up and we’re proud to be involved in something that is doing good and also bringing a lot of joy to the workplace.”

 

Photo credits: @JoSowry taken at Ridley Scott Creative Group

Bosses say employers should allow ‘Bring Your Dog to Work’ every day

 

A company that has been welcoming dogs into its offices for almost two decades has drawn up a blueprint for other firms considering following suit.


 

A company that has been welcoming dogs into its offices for almost two decades has drawn up a blueprint for other firms considering following suit.

Bosses at pet emergency service Vets Now, based in Dunfermline, Fife, have been allowing staff to bring their pets (aka canine colleagues) to work since the business was established in 2001.

Their intention, similar to an estimated one third of UK businesses who have adopted a dog-friendly office, was to make their workplace a more relaxing and enjoyable place to be and they have a ‘dog policy’ (which they’re making available for other businesses to download, here) in place to help achieve this.

Mark Ross, chief executive of Vets Now, who are among the sponsors of Bring Your Dog to Work Day on June 21, said: “I’d encourage any company considering a dog-friendly office to give it a go.

“I don’t think there are many businesses that have been welcoming dogs into their offices for as long as Vets Now.

“But we’re proud to have pioneered this and it’s proven to be a real boon for our staff. The whole experience has been overwhelmingly positive for us.

“There are several benefits to having dogs in the workplace. For example, research shows they help lower stress among staff.

“But in addition to that, studies show they also help increase cooperation and people who have dogs at their feet are perceived as more friendly and approachable.

It also gets people on their feet, away from their desks, helping foster discussion and collaboration.”

Vets Now’s checklist for firms considering following their lead is:

  1. First of all, check any insurance implications and make sure you follow any requirements.

  2. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure you’ve taken sufficient precautions to prevent or

    minimise any risks.

  3. Make sure you create a dog policy, so everyone is clear on the parameters. Vets Now has

    created a template here which businesses are welcome to download for free. A dog policy should consider practical things like having dogs on leads whilst inside office areas, and ensuring dogs are only brought into the office if they are in good health and not showing any signs of sickness.

  4. Look after your canine colleaguesensure they have access to fresh water, make sure there’s a quiet and comfy place for your dog to relax, and even better, arrange treat and toy stations so your doggy feels included as part of the team!

5. It’s helpful to have a walking rota of sorts so any team members in meetings have their dog’s walk times covered by other colleagues. Its also helpful just to know when other team members are dog-walking so you can amble together.

Laura Weir, a marketing manager at Vets Now, whose Labrador, Hunter, aged three, has been a regular canine colleague in the office since he was a puppy, said:

Being able to bring your dog to work is a great benefit to offer staff. A bit like childcare, juggling day- care for your dog can be expensive and a worry and therefore you have peace of mind having our furry companions with us. It’s also a real bonus for the dogs, helping them socialise with other colleagues and dogs as well as learning patience and obedience in an office environment gives you a well-balanced, happy dog.

Of course, it’s great for us too. Having the dogs in mean we need to take regular breaks away from the desk to exercise them which we know helps with concentration and productivity.

In our team, the dogs are an extended part of the gang they all have their unique personality and place. Hunter is certainly a happy-go-lucky chap and his boundless energy and eagerness for anyone who walks past the desk to throw his ball certainly raises a few smiles and usually, time out to come and make a fuss of him.

Aimee Richardson, Vets Now’s learning and development administrator, said: “Having dogs in the office makes it a more enjoyable place to work and helps to relieve stress. It’s also a good reason to get away from your desk now and again and to get some fresh. I love the fact they’re always beside you for a cuddle and a play. They truly do become part of the team.

Vets Now has compiled the benefits of having pooches a regular feature of your workplace:

  1. You’ll have a healthier workforce: Employers are likely to be rewarded by healthier workforce

    with fewer sick days. Studies have shown that petting a dog lowers a person’s heart rate and dog owners have lower cholesterol and fewer trips to the doctors. Dog owners walk on average 79% further than non-dog owners. Some research has shown that dog owners are much more likely to survive a heart attack compared to non-dog owners.

  2. You’ll have a more positive workforce: Caring for a dog helps relieve symptoms of depression and encourages people to be more positive. They’re also likely to worry less. A number of studies have proven that petting a dog reduces stress and increases people’s happy hormones. Dogs give people cheerful attention which make people feel good at work.

  3. You’ll have a more productive workforce: Short regular breaks to walk dogs will help employees’ state of mind and productivity during their working days, which means higher performing teams. Pets are really good at inspiring people, some of the best ideas are born when dogs are there to help encourage discussion.

  4. You’d be fostering work-life balance: Colleagues are able to pass long work hours more happily, and less worried about the dog left at home. Dogs in the office also remind staff to take necessary breaks, which busy professionals may not have as much time for when out-of-the- office. Have a dog-friendly office is seen as a big employment perk as well, which encourages retention.

Press release: For immediate release June 2019

5. Increased colleague interaction: Having dogs in the office keeps spirits high and there’s nothing like a little puppy love to add some comic relief. Without a doubt, having dogs around the office fosters more discussion and collaboration between colleagues during dog walks.

To get involved in the fun of Bring Your Dog to Work Day on 21 June 2019, follow the hashtag #BringYourDogToWorkDay or visit www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk . For more information on Vets Now visit www.vets-now.com

Yorkshire pet treat manufacturer opens factory doors with 'virtual reality' video tour

 

Luxury pet treat company, The Innocent Pet, has launched a novel 360-degree immersive video tour of their Yorkshire factory. Click here to view


 

Luxury pet treat company, The Innocent Pet, has launched a novel 360-degree immersive video tour of their Yorkshire factory.

 

The video, presented by company founder Chloe Heaton, offers an in-depth tour of the purpose-built factory at Thorp Arch, Wetherby, to explain the production process behind its gourmet treats for pets.

 

Potential customers can view the immersive video at www.theinnocentpet.co.uk,  via YouTube, or through virtual reality headsets which will be available at a series of shows over the summer.

 

Chloe, who runs the business with her husband, Justin, said: “the purpose behind the video is to showcase the honesty within the business. When the viewer is immersed into the factory, they can see everything that The Innocent Pet has to offer; from state-of-the-art equipment, to quality ingredients, quality control processes and the hands-on approach that goes into making our luxury pet treats.”

 

The company manufactures a range of pet treats for dogs, cats, and small animals, made with quality British ingredients, human grade meat and sustainable farming. The treats are available direct or via national pet wholesalers.

 

 

Chloe added: “This new technology is a first within the pet food manufacturing industry; it’s a fantastic opportunity for customers and retailers wherever they are based to ‘visit’ the factory in the space of 5 minutes, and to see everything about us as a business.”

 

The video follows Chloe through the stages of treat production. From the raw materials entering the factory, going through to production, then into the bespoke air-drying systems and packing for dispatch. The viewer can choose to look in any direction throughout the factory, whilst following the tour.

 

The 360 video is already having an impact on the business. Chloe said: “the video has had a great response already; we have a number of new sales and contacts both in the UK and Europe who are interested in the company because of what we have been able to show them.”

 

The Innocent Pet has recently celebrated its 6th birthday, from its initial conception in a family kitchen. The team has grown from solo entrepreneur Chloe, to a full production team of 11, plus two rescue dogs, Bongo and Mash.

 

You can view the film at https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=bwxsYrkRiio

Last call for entries - Pet Hero of the Year

 

Pet owners have one week to enter their furry companion into The Pet Health Club’s Pet Hero of the Year competition which closes on Sunday 7th July...


 

Pet owners have one week to enter their furry companion into The Pet Health Club’s Pet Hero of the Year competition which closes on Sunday 7th July.

 

According to a study of Pet Health Club members, 8% tell all their worries to their pet, 5% depend on their pet for support and 30% say their pet brings their family together. Whatever it is that makes your pet heroic, The Pet Health Club wants to know. 

 

Enter the Pet Hero of the Year competition while there is still time. Animal lovers can email The Pet Health Club on hero@thepethealthclub.co.uk or share a photo of their dog, cat and rabbit on their social channels using #PHChero.

The winner will receive an annual membership to The Pet Health Club and one year’s supply of pet food.

 

TV Vet, Rory Cowlam is working with the Pet Health Club to find the UK’s Pet Hero of the Year. Rory Cowlam said: “I’m really excited to be involved in The Pet Health Club’s search for the Pet Hero of the Year.

 

"There are so many amazing animals that have done incredible things to help their owners. We are looking for courageous cats, daring dogs and reassuring rabbits to enter our competition. If you think your animal has done something heroic let us know.”

 
Henry Bell launches recyclable packaging for its bird food range

Henry Bell, the family-owned and leading quality pet and wild bird food producer, is unveiling a recyclable packaging for its new Henry Bell Wild Bird Food range which will hit stores nationwide next month...


Henry Bell, the family-owned and leading quality pet and wild bird food producer, is unveiling a recyclable packaging for its new Henry Bell Wild Bird Food range which will hit stores nationwide next month.

 

Sustainability and reduction of single-use plastic is at the forefront of businesses and consumers’ mind. Henry Bell estimates that over 10 million packs of bird food, largely from unrecyclable materials, are sold in the UK every year. As a result, the company wanted to develop a design that was both eye-catching but also mindful of the environment. It approached Tyler Packaging, a specialist supplier of paper and plastic packaging who were able to provide an innovative recycling solution.

 

Thomas Lee, Managing Director of Henry Bell comments: “At Henry Bell we’ve been committed to sourcing and producing quality products that respect the environment. Developing a recyclable packaging for our new wild bird food brand ensures we lead the conversation in the category. We hope to inspire our customers and the growing number of ethical consumers to follow us on our recyclable journey.”

 

The material used across the food range - from bags of 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 12.55kg bags and 500 gr, 1 kg and 2 kg pouches - is polyethylene single source polymer laminate, a structure developed exclusively by Tyler Packaging which is easy to recycle as it can be re-granulated back into its original form. Furthermore, it also protects the integrity of the elements inside each bag.

 

“After years of research we’ve engineered a packaging with a mono structure that is easy to recycle and also satisfies requirements around functionality. We’re delighted to see Henry Bell Wild Bird Food range launching our eco-packaging solution to the UK market.” says Adam Kay, Sales & Technical Director from Tyler Packaging.

 

Henry Bell Wild Bird Food launches in July 2019 across the UK in garden centres, pet shops and mainstream retailers.

 

Two North East schools first in UK to receive PDSA PetWise status

 

Two North East schools have been busy battling to become the UK’s first PDSA ‘PetWise’ School. The vet charity launched the award last year, designed to teach the next generation of pet owners about caring for pets...


 

Two North East schools have been busy battling to become the UK’s first PDSA ‘PetWise’ School. The vet charity launched the award last year, designed to teach the next generation of pet owners about caring for pets.

 

Morpeth All Saints CofE Aided First School in Northumberland and Benton Dene Special School in Newcastle were among the first schools to sign up to PDSA’s 'PetWise in Schools' programme, which launched in late 2018. They dedicated time each week to complete the modules, working their way up through the four easy-to-follow levels. Both schools have now gained their full ‘PetWise’ status in record time.

 

Ailsa Jones, PDSA’s Group Head of Veterinary Services, presented both schools with their special glass plaques. Ailsa said: “Our PetWise for Schools award is designed to be a curriculum-linked programme. It teaches primary-aged children about pets’ welfare needs in a fun and engaging way. And thanks to support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery to develop the award, it’s free for any primary schools, home schools or uniform groups to sign up to.”

 

 

One hundred and seventy four schools and groups have now signed up for the awards, reaching more than 35,000 children. The two schools in the North East are the first in the UK to complete the full programme.

 

Rachel Rush, a teacher at Benton Dene Special School said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our children. The award was engaging and interesting at every point and everything you needed to deliver the sessions was all there, from curriculum-linked planning sheets to PowerPoint slides. Our pupils are looking forward to sharing their newly-gained knowledge with others. Thank you PDSA for an amazing award!”

New pet zone in China offers opportunities for PIF members

 

An agreement between the Pet Industry Federation’s Chinese export partner, Best for Pets Supply Chain Co. Ltd, and the Chinese provincial government of Jilin, will open exclusive export opportunities for PIF members who are looking to introduce their brand to the Chinese pet market...


 

An agreement between the Pet Industry Federation’s Chinese export partner, Best for Pets Supply Chain Co. Ltd, and the Chinese provincial government of Jilin, will open exclusive export opportunities for PIF members who are looking to introduce their brand to the Chinese pet market.

 

The agreement, signed on 23 May at the Institute of Directors in London, establishes the first Integrated Pet Trade Industrial Park project in China and aims to simplify the import process for overseas pet products.

 

The pet industrial park, based in the province of Jilin, will cover a full range of pet product and service-related industries, including pet product import and export; a product display and trading centre, a specialist pet cross-border supervision warehouse and professional logistics distribution. The centre will also accommodate and a showcase for pet services such as pet boarding, grooming and veterinary consultation, and pet education in order to support the exponential growth of pet ownership in China.

 

The zone will facilitate customs clearance, simplify the import process, shorten the time for examination and approval, and simplify the complexity of regulatory import procedures.

 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO said: "This high-profile agreement is a fantastic culmination of the work of Best for Pets Supply Chain Co. Ltd to develop this inaugural pet industry park and follows on from my visit to Jilin in February to promote the enthusiasm of UK pet companies to trade with China. The park establishes the opportunities available to UK pet companies and highlights the commitment of Chinese provincial governments to deliver on the Belt & Road Initiative to strengthen the country’s trade connections. PIF, together with Best for Pets Supply Chain Co., Ltd, are finalising details of packages for PIF member manufacturers who want to export their products to China through this new industrial zone in Jilin and members will be contacted directly in the coming weeks with further details."

 

Further information about the Chinese export market and PIF membership can be obtained from PIF by emailing info@petfederation.co.uk or by telephoning 01234 273933.

 
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UK pet owners urged to save nearly £100 a year on vet bills

The rise of online veterinary consultation services is making life easier for nearly half of the UK population which own a pet (49%)...


The rise of online veterinary consultation services is making life easier for nearly half of the UK population which own a pet (49%). A stressful trip to the vet is now not always the first step to finding out what’s wrong with our furry friends, as pet owners can book online vet checks. However in some incidences after the online consultation pet owners are then referred to a vet practice meaning they are paying a double consultation fee. 

 

With a typical consultation fee costing £16 per time, this could mean pet owners could lose up nearly £100(2) per year pet per due to ‘double consultation” fees.

 

That’s why a new service called Online Vets has launched with a unique approach to vet bills.  Online Vets, which is part of the Independent Vet Care network, is unlike other online providers. If following the online consultation a pet needs to be taken to a veterinary surgery, the cost of the initial online consultation is deducted from the final vet bill keeping pets and their owners’ wallets happy and healthy.

 

Douglas Veitch MRCVS and Head of Online Vets said: “In human healthcare, an online doctor can prescribe medication to their patients. However under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) legislation, vets cannot do that. This impacts the wallets of our clients, as it will often mean they pay twice; once for the online consult and then for the subsequent consultation in practice. That’s why we have launched our Online Vets service as the digital vet team can refer into one of our 800+ practices and ensure the initial online consult fee is deducted from the bill.”

 

Paul Cowling, UK CEO of Independent Vet Care said: “This is a genuinely exciting innovation and part of our digital strategy to deliver exceptional veterinary care in a changing world. This moves the service offering forward and makes veterinary care more accessible to more people.”

 

With online consultations costing only £16 why not visit an online vet? To find out more and to book your first appointment visit:https://www.myfamilypet.co.uk/online-vets

 
Scruffs gives away luxury sofa bed in June promotion

Luxury pet bed manufacturer Scruffs has announced a giveaway featuring its one-of-a-kind, homemade Regent Sofa Bed...


 

Luxury pet bed manufacturer Scruffs has announced a giveaway featuring its one-of-a-kind, homemade Regent Sofa Bed.

 

A company spokesperson said: “A Scruffs Regent faux leather sofa makes the perfect accompaniment to your living room. This classic style of sofa is upholstered in black or brown faux leather with button detailing and contrasting stitching around the sides of the sofa.”

 

The competition is running until Wednesday 26th June 2019.

 

To join in with the extremely popular competitions and giveaways, which are open worldwide, visit the Pets Love Scruffs® Facebook page for updates throughout the year.

 

For more information, please contact a member of the Scruffs® marketing team using pr@petslovescruffs.com or via phone on +44 (0) 161 702 5060.

 
Celebrating 20 years with Beaphar

Sales Support Officer, Rachel Lamb, has celebrated 20 years of service with Beaphar UK, having begun her career with the company in 1999.


 

Sales Support Officer, Rachel Lamb, has celebrated 20 years of service with Beaphar UK, having begun her career with the company in 1999.

 

Today, Rachel mainly works with Sales Manager, Roland Huggett, and Field Sales Manager, Jane Austin, co-ordinating the UK sales effort. But, throughout her time at Beaphar, she has been heavily involved in other areas of the business, including being part of the team that won a Customer Service award in 2011, and raising awareness of the dangers of parasitic worms in cats and dogs. This involved dressing up as a worm and running across Tower Bridge, London, and being chased by a giant worming tablet!

 

To honour her 20 years, Rachel was given a ‘This is Your Life’ style presentation, including a photo journal of her time at Beaphar, as well as a cake and a beautiful bunch of flowers.

 

Roland Huggett, who has worked closely with Rachel for many years, said: “Beaphar has only grown in the UK through the effort and dedication of the people involved. Rachel has been a key member of the team for almost the entirety of Beaphar UK’s existence.

 

“Her reliability has been one of the key values that have benefited the company throughout its growth, and we look forward to her continuing her hard work with us for many years to come.”

 

Pictured: Rachel Lamb was presented with flowers by Roland Huggett, Sales Manager.

 
‘Grass roots’ prizes from CSJ

CSJ have decided to change their policy on sponsorship and prizes for the many ‘grass roots’ fundraising and canine sporting events that they sponsor...


 

Sun…rain…sun…rain… dogs and their owners are having a frustrating summer.  But tics and other crawlies are having a bonanza time and as soon as the temperature rises a little so too are pesky flies.

 

So CSJ have decided to change their policy on sponsorship and prizes for the many ‘grass roots’ fundraising and canine sporting events that they sponsor.

 

This summer they will be donating products from their all natural and highly effective ‘Skinny’ range instead of dog food or treats.

 

The Skinny range includes a cream, a shampoo and a spray and since its launch in 2011 has gained a dedicated following from owners who want products that work plus leave their dogs (and horses) smelling good too!

 

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

 
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra

The top-read stories from last week's Pet Trade Xtra can be seen below, if you missed them...


 
Pet shop owner left devastated after theft of more than 20 snakes

More than 40 animals, including 25 snakes, have been stolen from an exotic pet shop, leaving the owner feeling 'devastated'...


 

More than 40 animals, including 25 snakes, have been stolen from an exotic pet shop, leaving the owner feeling 'devastated'. 

 

Lancashire Police are investigating the incident, and believe the thieves gained entry through the roof of Ipets Pet Superstore, Rossendale.

 

The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, listed the stolen animals on Facebook:

  • 15 royal pythons
  • Two corn snakes
  • An Argus monitor lizard
  • Five bearded dragons
  • A blood python
  • A calotes lizard
  • Two leopard geckos
  • A Nile monitor lizard
  • Two black rat snakes
  • Two albino black rat snakes
  • A Tai beauty snake
  • Five Guineas pigs
  • Three rats
  • A bald rat

An Amazon tree boa was dumped outside and died.

 

A 9ft reticulated python, a species that can grow to well over 20ft and is the world’s longest, was left outside. It is recovering at the vets.

 

 

The owner has pleaded for the safe return of the missing animals and is offering a £500 reward for information that leads to police making an arrest.

 

Michaela Holt, from animal group Rossendale Responsible Rescue, said: “People should be aware they could be buying stolen animals and should contact the police or pet shop straight away.”

 

Read the full story by clicking here

 
Pet product wholesaler Bestpets launches new app

Bestpets, the specialist pet products division of Bestway Wholesale, has launched its first full-service ordering app to make ordering quicker and easier for its delivered customers...


Bestpets, the specialist pet products division of Bestway Wholesale, has launched its first full-service ordering app to make ordering quicker and easier for its delivered customers.

 

The new app will allow customers including pet shops, grooming parlours and online retailers to:

  • Browse and order the full Bestpets range of over 10,000 pet products, at their fingertips on a mobile phone
  • Use the barcode scanner on the app to scan products and make ordering quicker
  • Make lists of their favourite products and store the lists for easy re-ordering each time.

The app has also been optimised with a third-party search company to improve search functionality, making it easier for customers to find products.

 

Mike Bailey, Head of Bestpets, said: “We’re excited to unveil the new Bestpets app, which is the culmination of 18 months of research and development.

 

"Pet is an area of our business in which we are expanding and introducing new products, and we know that pet businesses want to spend less time ordering and more time focused on selling products and spending time with their customers rather than placing orders.

 

"That’s why this new app has been designed to enable pet businesses to place their order at the touch of a button on their mobile phones, to save lists based on favourite products for easy re-ordering and to browse our full product range of over 10,000 lines.

 

“We worked with customers to understand what they do (and don’t) want when it comes to ordering on an app and we wanted to provide a solution which works fast and makes ordering quick and easy.

 

“All a customer has to do now is download the app and sign in with their existing customer number and they will be ready to order – the Bestpets app is ready to use now. It’s just what the industry ordered.”

 

As well as easy access to newly launched products and seasonal offers, additional features include the latest barcode scanning technology for ease of search and the ability for customers to manage payments and calculate margins, all in one place.

 

The app was trialled with select customers throughout May, and almost 100 orders were placed. Users expressed their delight with the speed of the app, the functionality of the barcode scanner and the ability to calculate gross profit on the app itself.

 

The new app has been built by RNF using the same technology as the two apps Bestway launched earlier this year for its food divisions. It will allow Bestpets to communicate with app users via rich push notifications (e.g. images and videos) and place relevant supplier messages within the app to alert customers to special deals and new products.

 

Rob Mannion, founder and managing director of RNF, said: "It’s great to see Bestway Wholesale taking advantage of the digital channel for Bestpets. The ordering app coupled with our Beam platform means they now have an incredibly strong offering for their customers, ensuring they stay ahead of the game."

 

The app can be downloaded on Apple devices at: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bestpets/id1449149239?mt=8

And Android devices at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rnfdigital.bestpets

 

New customers should call the Bestway Wholesale contact centre on 01738 646666 to find out more about Bestpets and the new ordering app.

 
Webbox undertakes major rebrand

Leading pet food brand Webbox has announced its biggest ever rebrand to date, unveiling a brand-new look which is due to roll out across its product packaging in the coming months...


Leading pet food brand Webbox has announced its biggest ever rebrand to date, unveiling a brand-new look which is due to roll out across its product packaging in the coming months.  

 

Exploring the company’s ‘Joy in Every Moment’ ethos, ‘Life’s a Game’ was born as a creative concept and inspired the new colourful visuals consumers will see on supermarket shelves from summer 2019. 

 

The new look, which has been developed behind the scenes over the last year, re-affirms Webbox’s position as a market leader and brings a fresh approach to packaging in the pet food category.

 

Julie Butcher, head of marketing at Pets Choice, comments: “We pride ourselves on manufacturing innovative food and treats for cats, dogs and most recently hedgehogs, to enjoy and it was so important to us that our new packaging reflected exactly what we stand for as a brand.

 

“Fun, inventive and cheeky is the best way to describe our new branding. It’s a completely different look and feel for us but one that we’re confident encapsulates everything we believe in.”

 

Initially focussing on the leading cat and dog treat ranges, the brand will continue to roll out the new design across its core Webbox portfolio.


Julie concludes: “Webbox has a proven track-record of bringing unique products and formats to the market and the new look will not only command the attention of the consumer on a crowded supermarket shelf, but will also support and complement our existing product range and all product development moving forward.”

 

For more information about Webbox please visit www.webbox.co.uk

 
International buyers lap up Cath Kidston pet range

Pet Brands is celebrating the successful launch of the Cath Kidston range at Zoomark last month. Using the stand space to fully embrace the vintage ethos of the brand, Pet Brands used a ‘Best in Show' theme to ensure the new products really stood out...


 

Pet Brands is celebrating the successful launch of the Cath Kidston range at Zoomark last month. Using the stand space to fully embrace the vintage ethos of the brand, Pet Brands used a ‘Best in Show' theme to ensure the new products really stood out.

 

The brands benefits from international recognition and there was a great deal of excitement around its expansion into pet care.

 

Pet Brands Commercial Director, Nigel Moult, says he was delighted by the response and the stand design.

 

"The team did a great job of showing how striking the new Cath Kidston range can look in store. Cath Kidston loaned us some iconic Stanley dog models, inspired by Cath's own beloved Lakeland Terrier. We also used one of Cath Kidston's instantly recognisable wallpaper prints and vintage furniture, as well as trophies and rosettes to really set the scene. The products really took centre-stage though judging by the excited reactions of show visitors."

 

Positioning the stand in the British Pavilion was a natural choice given the British heritage of the Cath Kidston brand and interest from UK and International retailers alike was strong, with a real demand for export.

 

Nigel notes that the launch to end consumers in September is already projected to be so successful that a range extension is being discussed for 2020.

 

"For pet owners who love their pets and want their homes to look beautiful too, the range has so much to offer. We were thrilled to see that others shared our vision of the potential for the Cath Kidston brand in pet care and look forward to seeing it in pet shops, garden centres and Cath Kidston stores."

 

The full Cath Kidston pet care range is available to view at the Pet Brands showrooms. For further information, contact 01924 459573.