The opening day of PATS Telford was buzzing with excitement as visitors flocked to see the record number of trade stands and pet industry innovations on show.
Exhibitors were delighted by the number of enquiries and orders generated on Sunday, with many rushed off their feet for the entire day.
The two-day event is the biggest in PATS history, with all three halls of Telford International Centre being used for the first time.
A record number of 260 companies and brands are showcasing their products, with many start-up businesses taking advantage of the New Starter Zone in Hall 3.
Bryan Sharples of Sharples Pet summed up the mood of exhibitors, saying: “As soon as the doors opened there was a real buzz in the exhibition halls – it has been a brilliant start to the show. We had eight staff on our stand and we were swamped with visitors. I love this show, it’s absolutely fabulous.”
One of the highlights of the show is the New Product Showcase where a record number of over 400 items are being displayed in Halls 2 and 3.
James & Steel were one of eight companies celebrating success in the New Product Awards, judged on the first morning of the show. After picking up the Cat Products Award with the BAM! Catnip Display Stand, John James commented: “So much hard work and effort has gone into this product and its packaging, so to receive such a prestigious award is brilliant. Day one has been really busy on our stand.”
First-time exhibitor Kayleigh Bowles, MD of Fetched, admitted to being ‘overwhelmed’ to have won a New Product Award at the first time of entering the Showcase. She said: “We are a new business that only launched in June. Bringing my ideas to life and now having them recognised and appreciated within the industry is the icing on the cake really. We’re having such a great show and it’s only day one.”
Another first-time exhibitor was also a winner, this time in the Dog Treat Products category. Family business Pet Treats Wholesale took top spot with Director Louis Jolivet saying: “It’s our first time here so we didn’t know quite what to expect, but we’re just over the moon to have won in such a highly contested category. PATS is a really relevant place for us to be right now as everyone seems to be looking for new suppliers and we’ve already made some great connections.”
The New Starter Zone, an area in Hall 3 dedicated to start-up companies, was also a hive of activity on day one.
Marleybones was making its first appearance at a trade show and co-founders Mikala Skov and Josephine Bager were amazed at the response to the brand’s range of natural dog food, gourmet treats and toppers. “Having a stand at PATS has enabled us to meet so many independent pet retailers and groomers. We’re so please we took a stand,” said Josephine.
And Xavier Warburton, of Tangle, a company that recycles discarded fishing nets into pet products, was also pleased with the opening day of the show. “We have had so much interest in the story behind our products and made an impressive number of contacts.”
The first day of the show also got the thumbs-up from visitors.
Amanda Tallis and Emily Lister run an online retail company, Harrys Pets, alongside a dog-walking business, and were particularly interested in natural treats. “The amount of new products on display is amazing,” said Amanda. “A visit to PATS Telford is more than worthwhile – it’s essential if you’re a serious retailer.”
Lissa Wood, owner of the Windmill Boarding Kennels in Newtown, Wales, said: “It’s been great. We’ve found just what we were looking for. We’ve also got lots of ideas for extras – there’s so much variety and choice here. With the free entry and refreshment vouchers it’s really great value for visitors.”
The second day of the show – Monday, October 2 – will open at 9.30am.
