Visitors to PATS Sandown next month will be greeted by over 30 new exhibitors as well as the industry’s big-name brands.

Manufacturers and suppliers have identified PATS as the best place to showcase their products to UK retailers and overseas buyers, and an increasing number of them are newcomers to the exhibition.

Companies like Lyvlee Ltd, who produce a non-toxic, 100% safe anti-bacterial, anti-fungal product called Leucillin, will be making their first appearance at PATS Sandown on March 17-18.

Company director Georgina Bashforth says: “We are looking forward to our first time exhibiting at PATS where we will have the opportunity to meet a wealth of trade individuals with a fellow passion for animal welfare and to have the chance to educate them about the benefits of Leucillin.

“Leucillin has a wide and varied range of uses and capabilities within all areas of animal healthcare and is suitable for all mammals, birds and reptiles, from cats to cayman, dogs to degus, and hamsters to horses.”

Other new exhibitors to PATS Sandown include Animaware, AT Industries, Bartholomews Agri Food, Bogar AG, Countryside Products, In Vogue Pets, Devoted Pet Foods, Diet'Dog, Gatleys, Glowcroft, Grove Pet Foods, K9 Dogwash, Paragon, Tatrapet.

Jonothan Goodman, of In Vogue Pets, says the company has just changed its name from Crate Ideas, so PATS Sandown is the ideal place to unveil a wealth of products not seen before.

“We are going to PATS for the first time to formally launch to the trade our range of products which up until now have not been marketed nationwide. As a premium end supplier of products we felt that the exhibition would be the ideal vehicle to achieve our goals.

“As we have only just launched In Vogue Pets we are quite unknown so PATS seemed the best forum to introduce ourselves and our great range of products.”

K9 Dog Wash last year unveiled a coin-operated, outdoor located dog washing machine (K9000) that offers a low cost and convenient alternative to grooming salons.

“The follow-up product to the K9000 – a version suitable for indoor use – makes its debut at PATS Sandown,” says the company’s Damien Boswell.

“The indoor version has a lower price tag than the deluxe outdoor model, as it plugs straight into the mains water supply, meaning it does not require an integrated water heater. We believe it will be a big hit with visitors to PATS.”

Meanwhile, Billy+Margot have changed the packaging on their biscuits to bring them in line with other products in the range, and PATS will be an opportunity to show off the new look.

Marie Sawle, the founder of Billy+Margot, adds: “We are also delighted to have joined forces with Vital Pet Products in 2015 which is testimony of our commitment to the independent pet trade. Our stands at PATS are close to one another so retailers can view all the products on our stand and then place an order with Vital if they have an account with them.”

The timing of PATS Sandown is perfect for Irish company Frozzys as the opening day of the show falls on St Patrick’s Day. “To celebrate this Irish occasion we are running a competition to win a weekend for two in Belfast...exclusive to the pet trade,” says Noel Conlon.

Frozzys are establishing themselves in the UK with their lactose free, lickable frozen yogurt for dogs and are keen to show visitors the latest flavours in the range – cranberry and strawberry.

“We hope that retailers and buyers will visit us on stand K2 to sign up for the fabulous competition and inquire as how to actually stock our wonderful range of products,” adds Noel.

As well as seeing new exhibitors at PATS Sandown, visitors can expect a warm welcome from a host of regular exhibitors.

PATS Sandown 2014 attracted 1,903 visitors, which was an 3% increase on the 2013 show, and with so many exciting plans for 2015 it could easily be another record-breaking year.

The Southern show will see the introduction of the Beco Buyers’ Lounge in the Surrey Hall where visitors can relax and enjoy free tea and coffee.

George Bramble, sales director of Beco Things, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the Beco Buyers’ Lounge. With the show bigger than ever, we hope the Lounge will give visitors the chance to take five minutes off, enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and maybe a choccy biscuit or two. Visitors will also be able to sign up for 16 packs of free Beco Poop Bags and see all our new products.”

One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which saw a record number of 208 entries in 2014. Early indications suggest this figure will increase in 2015, and to accommodate the growing number there will be a new home for the Showcase in the Esher Hall.

All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show. The results will be known and highlighted throughout the halls for the rest of the exhibition.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers. There will also be a full programme of free seminars.

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk