The new Aquatics Zone at PATS 2024 – a dedicated hall for the key aquatics, reptile and watergardening exhibitors – will showcase the latest launches from leading manufacturers and suppliers.

With PATS taking place over three days from Sunday, 29^th September to Tuesday, 1^st October 2024, at the Telford International Centre, the Aquatics Zone is sure to be a popular destination for specialist retailers and buyers.

Visitors will find the Zone located in Hall 1A, a prime position immediately next to the show entrance, where almost 40 of the UK’s leading aquatics, reptile and watergardening companies will be exhibiting.

Excitement is already building as the companies plan their activity at the show.

Pettex sales coordinator Liam O’Brien said: “There is a real excitement within the industry about the upcoming Pet and Aquatics Trade Show. The event is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our existing range, network with existing and potential customers, and celebrate the vibrant trade in which we operate. We will be introducing our new ‘Japanese-style’ aquatic soil Akua to the market, which will be showcased on the Aquatics Zone New Product Showcase.”

Mark Winter, MD of Aqua Pacific (Aqua One), is also excited by the opportunity to launch a new brand of marine and freshwater products onto the UK market at PATS. “We have signed exclusive agreements to distribute Adec Aquarium Supplies Pte Ltd’s ‘Dymax’ brand of marine and freshwater products. We were desperate to get it for the UK as we felt it complements our own Aqua One brand, and PATS gives us the perfect platform to showcase the range alongside our other products.”

Many of the exhibitors are taking advantage of the fact that the Aquatics Zone will have its own New Product Showcase in Hall 1A. All entries into the Showcase will be judged by industry experts to determine the winners of the New Product Awards under three categories: Indoor, Outdoor and Reptile. Entries to the showcase can be viewed on the PATS website by clicking here.

The Aquatics Zone exhibitors include: ALF, Anglo Aquatic Plant, Aqua One, Aquadip, Aquatlantis, Bermuda, Betta Aquatics, BiOrb, Ceramic Nature, CIANO Aquarium, Clearseal Aquariums, Cloverleaf, Dennerle, Dymax, Eheim, eSHa Labs, Exo Terra, Fluval, J&K Aquatics, Neil Hardy Aquatica, NT Labs, OASE, okpet.co.uk – Fish Systems, Peregrine Livefoods, Pettex, PondXpert, sera, Superfish/Colombo/Aquafleur, Tropica Aquarium Plants, Tropical, and Zoo Med Laboratories.

To make the visitor experience even more exciting there will be unrivalled show offers and competitions, fantastic networking opportunities, a free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find more information about the exhibitors and details on how to reach the venue.

Vital Pet Trade Specialist is offering a 10% discount on all full-priced products available to businesses within the pet industry. This special promotion will be available until Sunday (8th September), providing a unique opportunity for firms to access top-quality products at reduced prices.

In addition to the discount, Vital Pet Trade Specialist has introduced significant improvements to its delivery services, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for its customers. Notably, Vital Pet Trade Specialist do not restrict customers to specified delivery days. All orders placed before 1pm are eligible for next-day dispatch. The ExpressPick service offers next-day delivery to most areas of the UK for smaller orders over £65, with a total weight of less than 25kg.

Peter Brame, Group Trading Director at Vital Pet Trade Specialist, emphasized the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and acknowledged the efforts made to improve the business over the past year.

"I'm the first to hold my hands up and admit that in years past, Vital has had certain business issues that needed to be ironed out," Brame stated.

"Over the past year, we've worked really hard to improve every area of the business to make sure we're a wholesaler that people want to work with. We're committed to deliver for our customers in every aspect, from excellent availability to a wide range of products from all the top suppliers and brands that are exclusive just to Vital."

Brame invites all business owners within the pet industry to take advantage of this limited-time discount and experience the new and improved services provided by Vital Pet Trade Specialist.

To place an order, or open a new account please call the Customer Service team on 01837 883 000, email customerservices@vitalpets.co.uk or visit www.vitalpetproducts.co.uk

A Southampton raw pet food retailer has expanded its delivery service to now include national deliveries.

Healthy Pet Store in Totton had previously only delivered to postcodes in its county and neighbouring counties through its own vans. By introducing national delivery, it will now be able to harness sales in untapped regions.

In the past year, the store has launched its new and improved website - allowing customers to shop the same extensive range of products online that they can find in store.

Managing Director Deborah Burrows said the launch of the national delivery service is the next stage of Healthy Pet Store’s growth. 

She said: “We knew there was demand for our ranges further afield. Now, we are able to serve those customers.”

Local home delivery is a vital part of the store’s offering, with many customers relying on our guaranteed frozen deliveries to keep their pet food supplies topped up. 

Deborah added: “We already provide a reliable and regular service to customers in the southern region via our vans. The expansion to national deliveries has been driven by demand. Each week, we receive several enquiries and checkout attempts for our value-led raw meals for dogs and cats.’"

Healthy Pet Store is an independent pet store based in Totton selling a wide range of raw pet food and pet accessories.

The Pet Industry Federation, the trade association for pet businesses, has launched a new Job Board feature on its website for companies looking for top talent. 

The PIF Job Board connects individuals who are specifically interested in careers within the pet industry with employers, making it easier than ever for companies to find the perfect candidate for vacant positions.

PIF members can post jobs completely free of charge, as part of their membership benefits. Non-members can also use the job board, but there will be a charge for doing so. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “We’re really pleased to have developed this job board for pet businesses and added it to the portfolio of business benefits that members receive as part of their PIF membership. The PIF website attracts thousands of visitors each month, and we hope that the board provides a simple, cost-effective way for companies to target high calibre individuals who will be interested in the roles being advertised.”

To post a job, simply visit the Jobs section of the PIF website – www.petfederation.co.uk. Businesses will need to login to the members' area or contact the team at info@petfederation.co.uk if they are not members to make arrangements. 

Preparations are underway at the new Jollyes superstore at Monks Cross in York which will be opened on 20 September by retired border force protection dog Pablo.

Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes will open its first York store – the 106th in its portfolio at 10.00am on Friday 20 September.

The store, at Monks Cross Shopping Park, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GX will open in a unit vacated by Tui travel earlier this year.

The store is set to be officially opened by two special guests. Performing the red ribbon cutting will be Lord Mayor of York Cllr Margaret Wells who represents Clifton ward. Alongside The Lord Mayor will be retired border force detector dog Pablo who’ll also bite through a strong of sausages to declare the store open.

Pablo, 7, served in the border force on the Yorkshire coast for a number of years but ruptured a disc in his back requiring surgery while running, leading to his early retirement last Christmas.

Cheeky Pablo is now living with new owner Beverley Boynton and has become best friends with her four-year old cat Otis. 

Like many service animals his treatment is being supported in these later years by the National Federation of Retired Service Dogs (NFRSA) which Jollyes recently named as a key charity partner.

The NFRSA helps support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.

Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores will be raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help NFRSA support retired service animals and their owners.

The new Jollyes store in York, which will create 12 jobs will be led by experienced Jollyes store manager James Wye who’s been promoted to the new role after five years working for Jollyes in Selby.

What’s more the York store will be a great example of the career development opportunities for colleagues as the pet superstore continues to open new stores at pace.

Joining the York team are Aquilla Fisher who’s been promoted from Supervisor to Deputy Manager after working for Jollyes for four years and Tom Hurleywill transfer from Doncaster store after eight years with the business.

Yorkshire Mix Radio will also provide entertainment on opening day with activity continuing into Saturday with an entertainer and pet theme gameshows on Saturday 21 September giving every customer the chance to spin Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’ to win prizes.

Jollyes new store will provide pet parents in York access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ and a community pet clinic which will open later this year.

Store manager James Wye said: “Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be working hard to get the store ready to welcome our special guests and customers for the first time.

“My whole team is looking forward to delivering the service, expertise – and above all prices – that Jollyes is becoming famous for right across the country.”

Jollyes has grown its store estate by 50 per cent in three years and has had an remarkable start to 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for.

Jollyes in York will be its 106th store in the UK joining other stores around Yorkshire including Selby, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.

Third-party logistics provider Kammac is capitalising on Britain’s flourishing pet industry with new contracts that promise increased cross-promotional opportunities, efficiency savings, and enhanced service delivery for clients.

Perky Tails, a UK-based manufacturer of dog toys and accessories, is one such business to have chosen to partner with Kammac. The contract, which began in May this year, see’s Kammac as Perky Tails’ chosen storage and fulfilment provider, helping the pet specialist scale its business and enhance customer service.

“Since partnering with Kammac just over two months ago, our operations have been nothing short of fantastic,” said David Primrose, Director at Perky Tails. “Kammac’s communication, responsiveness, and advanced technology solutions have been instrumental in supporting our integration with new marketplaces. They have truly added value to our operations, and I look forward to further strengthening our relationship.”

The Kammac Wavertree 170 site is central to our expansion efforts, serving as a key hub for storing, distributing, and fulfilling a wide array of pet products. Our headquarters at Kammac Skelmersdale M58 365 has also become a crucial location for new clients in the pet industry, providing a combined transportation hub and warehouse for all storage and distribution requirements.

This expansion coincides with significant growth in the pet industry, which is currently valued at £182.7 billion, and experiencing unprecedented demand. UK dog owners alone spend £10 billion annually, while cat owners contribute £8 billion. Currently, 57% of UK households own a pet, and major retailers like Amazon have reported a 67% increase in pet food sales over the past two years. These trends underscore the rising consumer spending in the pet sector and the demand for efficient logistics solutions provided by the likes of Kammac

“With years of experience in the pet industry, we really understand what pet brands need. From storing pet foods to getting them to store and handling e-commerce orders, we cover all of it for our clients” said Ged Carabini, Chief Executive Officer at Kammac.

“As the demand for logistics in the pet sector keeps growing, we’re committed to providing tailored supply chain solutions. Our team is dedicated to offering exceptional service and creative solutions to meet the changing needs of our clients in this exciting market.”

For more information on Kammac’s services for the pet industry: https://www.kammac.com/ecommerce-fulfilment/fulfilment-for-pet-products/

A pet company’s campaign to highlight the dangers of flushing cat litter down the toilet has now won the backing of three major water companies, with Welsh Water being the latest to warn against the practice.

Yorkshire Water and Anglian Water had both warned of a serious health risk and possible blockages within the infrastructure.

The problem was brought to their attention by Tailor-Grace, supplier of sustainable cat litter brand Huskaloo.

Welsh Water said: "By-product waste from pet animals such as cats must not be disposed into the sewerage network and we would discourage the disposal into septic tanks also. We would recommend that you consult the DEFRA guidance document called ‘Control on Animal by-Products - Guidance on Regulation (EC). It states that waste from pet-animal is classified as the highest risk (category 1 material) due to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that affect humans and animals. Veterinary wastes and toxoplasma parasites and derived oocysts may not be adequately broken down or inactivated through wastewater treatment process and thus causing a high risk of transmission of deceases to humans and animals. Welsh Water is unable to accept any type of animal derived by-product due to the risk to public and animal health."

Kate Layfield, of Yorkshire Water, had earlier stated: “We ask our customers to only flush the 3Ps down the toilet – that’s pee, poo and paper (toilet). Cat poo should not be flushed down the loo as it isn’t domestic waste and our treatment works are not designed to effectively treat toxocara which can be found in it.”

And Anglian Water’s Collette Parker explained: “This kind of animal waste should never be flushed down the loo. Although rare, dog and cat poo can carry toxocara, which is one of the very few bacteria that we are unable to eliminate in our water treatment processes. Flushing cat litter down the loo can also lead to blockages in our sewer network, putting the region’s much-loved environment at risk.”

Yorkshire Water has even produced a short video to help explain why it shouldn’t be flushed. Click on the following link to view https://ow.ly/hy5O50R3UTN

Huskaloo’s mission to ‘Save the planet one cat at a time’ encompasses all aspects of the environmental impact of cat litter, from carbon footprint to safe disposal.

Huskaloo is made from coconut fibres and can be put on a compost heap or in the garden where it will break down in a few weeks.

A number of cat litter products on the market claim to be flushable. Some state you should check with your local water company first. But according to Yorkshire Water Anglian Water, they would never condone the flushing of cat litter down the loo.

Terry Barber, head of specialist pet sales, wrote to the water companies to clarify their position after customers asked if cat litter could be flush down the toilet.

“Their response was a definite NO,” said Terry. “The first reason is that it will block the system. And the second is the fact that cat poo may contain the bacteria toxocara that causes toxoplasmosis, which is one of the few bacteria that cannot be treated at water treatment plants.

“So our answer to the question is, there isn’t a cat litter than can be flushed down the toilet and that you should not flush cat poo either.”

Scoff Paper, the makers of unique edible gifts for dogs, has released an exclusive Christmas card collection with playful messages including ‘Merry Christmas, From Our Pooch to Yours’, ‘All I Want for Christmas is Chew’, and ‘Happy Pigs in Blankets Day’. 

The fun and tantalising range of 11 cards, available in bacon, chicken, and festive turkey flavours, is made in the UK from potatoes and natural flavourings.

All products are vegan, gluten-free, grain and wheat-free, and contain absolutely no rawhide, making them a healthy addition to any dog’s diet.

To ensure the gift is fully edible, Scoff Paper also offers a range of safe ink pens to write festive messages in the cards. So, whether dog lovers are looking to give their pup the most tail-waggingly delightful merry surprise, or Christmas shoppers are seeking a way to send heart-warming holiday gifts to their dog-obsessed friends, Scoff Paper’s edible dog Christmas cards have our nation of pet lovers covered.

The team at Scoff Paper is open to discussions with retailers about exclusives for Christmas, such as the designs for John Lewis, and Christmas advent calendar gift for Pets at Home. Products are not confined to greeting cards, and can include any type of edible paper-based item for dogs, such as certificates, puzzles, notes and games.

All products are manufactured in the UK at the firm’s Lancashire-based HQ, ‘The Scoffice’, where it can produce up-to 2m products each year to keep the UK’s 12m pet dogs happy and included in the celebrations.

According to Allied Market Research, The global pet treats market size was valued at $20.1 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $29.7 billion by 2031.

Discover more at scoffpaper.com 

See gallery of pictures below...

Dorwest has sponsored Bridport-based Team GB swimmer Harry Stewart at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Born close to Dorwest HQ, Harry has already had a fantastic year, winning Gold at the European Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, Gold in Berlin at the European Championships, multi-classification Bronze at the world series event in Aberdeen and securing the Para Swimming National title in London at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships.

Qualifying for Paris, Harry only turned 20 in May this year, and will race in the S14 category for intellectually impaired athletes as he has Asperger’s syndrome. Harry’s condition is characterised by difficulties with perceptive skills and social interaction. Harry is formerly a member of Bridport Barracudas, South Dorset Tornadoes and West Dorset Swimming Club, and more recently Plymouth Leander Swimming Club. 

As a dog lover, Harry was already using Dorwest supplements for his dog Mila, and Dorwest is delighted to support Harry with a donation and further natural products!

Follow us on social @dorwest to see Harry Stewart at his first Paralympic Games, with his first race set for Monday 2nd September at 9.24am GMT.

Managing Director Jo Boughton-White says: “We’re over the moon to support Harry! It’s wonderful to support a local Paralympian, and we are very excited to cheer Harry on from the UK. We’ll be following his journey on our social channels.”

To celebrate the Paralympics, there’s 15% off red, white and blue products with promo code TEAMGB. For more information, visit Dorwest.com or visit the blog to find out more about Harry!

For advice on supplements, call one of Dorwest’s product experts today on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com.

Fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, created a larger than life, edible house for dogs to shine a light on the importance of feeding fresh and inspire dog owners to make healthier food choices for their pets.

Dog lovers and their four-legged friends flocked to Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire to see the edible house, which was constructed using fresh fruit and vegetables.

Mechanical windows delighted passing dogs, dishing out samples of Butternut Box’s nutritious meals, while owners saw the benefits of feeding fresh up close.

The edible house was built after a survey of 2,000 dog owners revealed that 7 in 10 pet parents prioritise their dogs’ health and happiness over their own. Yet despite best intentions, 29 per cent of pet parents have no idea what nutrients their dog needs to stay healthy.

David Nolan, co-founder of Butternut Box, said: “It’s no surprise to us that dog owners care more about their pup’s health and happiness than their own, and it’s a lack of knowledge that stops dog parents from knowing what’s best to feed their furry friends.

“There doesn’t seem to be a good grasp on what makes a healthy diet for dogs among dog owners, as less than a third said they had no idea what nutrients their dog needs to stay healthy.

“We are on a mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs everywhere by changing dog food for good.

“By feeding fresh ingredients it can help provide the right balance of vitamins and minerals for dogs of every age and provides our pets with the energy to enjoy their best walks whilst being packed with lean protein for healthy muscles and tissues.”

For those who couldn’t make it to Sherwood Pines, the spirit of the event lives on through Butternut Box’s mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs everywhere. The company continues to offer convenient home delivery of freshly prepared, human-quality meals, ensuring that every dog can enjoy the benefits of a nutritious diet.

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Pets at Home as appointed former Burger King COO, Richard Dening-Smitherman, to head up its veterinary business Vets for Pets.

Richard will join the pets’ executive team as Managing Director of Vets for Pets, and will lead the vet group supported by the Vet Leadership Team and the Practice Owner Joint Venture Council. 

Richard brings with him a wealth of leadership experience across large national and international organisations, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Burger King UK – one of the world’s largest food franchise businesses. 

Prior to this, Richard was Chief Executive Officer at Nando's in the Middle East – leading the expansion of franchise opportunities across the region. He has also held leadership roles at Waitrose and at Intraject, a healthcare technology company, where he led the production development of a new automated needle-free technology.

Commenting on Richard’s appointment, Chief Executive Officer, Lyssa McGowan, said: “Richard has fantastic experience delivering success with some of the biggest brands in franchise based organisations, which will be invaluable in this new role to protect and nurture our unique joint venture model and to continue the development of our vet business.”

Richard said: "I am truly delighted to be joining the Pets family as Managing Director of the Vet Group. Pets is an amazing business with a passionate and caring team that is truly creating a better world for pets and the people who love them. As someone who also loves their pets, I have personally experienced this. Our Vet Group is a world class clinical team, and I am excited to meet everyone and support our business success as we continue building the world’s best pet care platform together.”

It is estimated that approximately 100,000 dogs and 150,000 cats are currently sitting in shelters, waiting for their perfect owner to come along and give them a permanent home where they can feel safe and loved*. 

That’s why Agria is using its latest campaign, Rescue a Rescue to encourage the public to adopt an animal in need. Initially inspired by the spike in animals looking for homes following the peak of new pets in 2020, the Rescue a Rescue campaign has been running annually since 2021.

By raising awareness of the UK’s huge need for rehoming, the pet insurer hopes to find homes for all 13 of its ‘Rescue a Rescue’ mascots.

Karen Green, Rehoming Partner Manager at Agria Pet Insurance said: “The Agria team is passionately invested in the welfare of animals everywhere, and the issue of pet adoption is a cause close to our hearts. ‘Rescue a Rescue’ is our way of giving back to the vital organisations who keep the animal rescue industry going, and ensuring that no pet misses out on a chance to find their forever home.”

Agria launched Rescue a Rescue with Tenille, a one-year-old domestic cat who was living at Tails Animal Rescue in Cheshire after being abandoned as a kitten. Thanks to Agria’s promotion, Tenille has already been snapped up by new owners, and since being fostered, she has made an almost complete recovery. Agria is delighted to see Tenille enjoying her new forever home, with lots of catnip and cuddles!

Despite Tenille’s speedy success story, there are still five dogs, six cats and even a rabbit in Agria’s Rescue a Rescue cohort who are searching for their dream homes.

They say that dogs are a ‘man’s best friend’, with many owners gifting them presents and even letting them join in with dinnertime, so it is no surprise that thousands of Brits are searching for a wide variety of food they can safely feed their furry best friends. 

TopDog, which sells unique dog accessories, has researched search data and AlsoAsked questions to determine exactly what UK owners want to feed their furry friends and whether they can. 

Some of the questions that yielded the most searches include “Can dogs eat bananas?” which reached 17k searches in June 2024, 5.4k searches for “Can dogs eat pasta?”, and a huge 30k searches for “raw dog food” for broader results.

Other searches show that dog owners really do see their pets as part of the family, with questions such as “Is BBQ food good for dogs?”, “How to make a dog Christmas dinner?” and “Can I give my dog birthday cake?” leading to the belief that a lot of pup-parents want to ensure they join in as much as possible.

But can owners feed their dogs birthday cake, or food from a BBQ? Not all human food is okay to give dogs, with some so toxic they could be fatal, including avocado, chocolate, nutmeg, onions and garlic.  For those planning to include their dog in their next meal-time or social event, TopDog recommend following these pup-approved recipes:

Dog-friendly birthday cake*

Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• ⅓ cup honey (Optional)

• ¼ cup peanut butter

• ¼ cup cooking oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup whole wheat or white flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Method:

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees and then grease a fluted tube pan. Next combine the egg, honey, peanut butter, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl and blend well. Stir in the carrots until well combined and then sift together flour and baking soda and fold into the carrot mixture. Spoon the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Dog-friendly BBQ food

Foods safe from a BBQ:

• Meat (removing the fat and bones and not cooked in oil)

• Salads (minus avocado and onion)

• Potatoes (not cooked in oil)

• Burger/hot dog buns (just the one) 

• Pasta (no garlic)

Foods not safe from a BBQ:

• Avocado 

• Onions and garlic (in any seasoning or salads)

• Meat bones

• Anything too spicy

Dog-friendly curry night**

Ingredients:

• 1 small carrot

• 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt

• 80g red pepper

• 1.5 tsp turmeric

• 200g pork

Method:

Place the red pepper and carrot in a blender or food processor and blend. Add the Greek yoghurt and turmeric powder to the blended mixture and blend once more. Place the small pieces of pork in a very hot, non-stick pot for a good sear (be sure not to use oil) and stir for 2 minutes. Add the curry sauce to the pot, bring to a boil, then cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce is well cooked through. 

It is important to note that while some human food is perfectly fine for dogs, and the above recipes will serve as a tasty treat, it is also essential that you give your dog all the nutrients they need. Ronan Fitzgerald, Veterinary Technical Advisor for Protexin Pet notes:

“For many of us, our dog is a much-loved member of the family. Their unwavering loyalty and companionship is such that we often feel tempted to spoil them and that frequently means sharing our own food with them, whether as a treat or even as a major part of their nutritional intake, however, this can do more harm than good. 

“Treats, such as our biscuits and cookies are often high in calories and fat and could contribute to obesity. More broadly, we also need to pay attention to the ingredients in the food or treats we might be tempted to buy for our pet: are they high in salt, sugar or fat?

“It is easy to purchase treats which are formulated specifically for dogs and may be used with confidence, especially if made by an established and reputable manufacturer. If you do want to go the extra mile and make treats for your dog, then there are recipes available online. Again, it’s important to ensure that these are tried and tested and all of the ingredients will be safe for your own dog.”

You can read the full report on what dog owners are searching for when it comes to their dog’s dinners and find more expert guidance on what dogs can and cannot eat on TopDog’s blog.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for August 2024.

The report, which can be downloaded here, has highlighted:

• UK Total retail sales increased by 1.0% year on year in August, against a growth of 4.1% in August 2023. This was above the 3-month average growth of 0.4% and below the 12-month average growth of 1.2%.
   
• Food sales increased 2.9% year on year over the three months to August, against a growth of 8.2% in August 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 5.0%. For the month of Aug, Food was in growth year-on-year.
   
• Non-Food sales decreased 1.7% year on year over the three-months to August, against a decline of 0.2% in August 2023. This is above the 12-month average decline of 2.0%. For the month of August, Non-Food was in decline year-on-year.
   
• In-store Non-Food sales over the three months to August decreased 2.8% year on year, against a growth of 1.3% in August 2023. This is below the 12-month average decline of 2.1%.
   
• Online Non-Food sales increased by 1.5% year on year in August, against an average decline of 1.7% in August 2023. This was above the 3-month average increase of 0.3% and above the 12-month average decline of 1.8%.
   
• The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) increased to 34.7% in August from 34.1% in August 2023. This was below the 12-month average of 36.3%.

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "Encouraging sales trends in August across all categories give us hope that this is a sign of things to come. No doubt a spell of good weather helped, but it could also be that consumer confidence is slowly returning.

"However, we must remember that higher sales do not always mean higher profits, as we know that many retailers are discounting heavily to move stock. Retailers are sacrificing margins, and that cannot continue in the long term. The high street remains a challenging place to do business, and we urge the Chancellor to retain the retail discount at 75% to give hard-pressed retailers more confidence to invest in growing their part of the economy."

CSJ says: “Fireworks and festive celebrations needn’t be bad news for dogs and their owners.”

With Bonfire night plus Xmas and New Year looming, now’s the time to start sprinkling Calm Down! herbs on sensitive dogs’ food.

Symptoms of anguish caused to dogs by noise can be extreme panting, constant pacing, howling or barking, scraping the carpet or door, refusal to eat or drink, refusing to go outside, involuntary toileting and even running away ……. all causing owners to suffer along with their pets.

CSJ repeatedly hear about Calm Down’s benefits in helping previously inconsolable dogs cope with fireworks and other stressful situations such as car travel, being amongst other dogs, competition or shows.  They say, “Some of the feedback we receive is almost too good to be true, here’s just one example …”

“I have a rescue dog who is very nervous around new people and dogs. She has been taking this for a few weeks and has really mellowed out, she is calmer when meeting new people which is helping with her overall training. She has also stopped waking me up by howling and crying at 5am every morning since taking this! Overall very worth it!!”

Recommended by Behavioural Trainers and Vets - the gentle blend of Camomile, Lemon Balm, Vervain, Lime Flowers and Skullcap - Calm Down! comes in a 200g re-sealable foil pouch – it’s a simple and easy way to make life more bearable.

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

Pets Corner has opened its new Basingstoke superstore, describing it as the ultimate one-stop shop for all pets.

The store is located at Unit E5 on Chineham Shopping Centre, Reading Road, just around the corner from its previous site.

With plenty of free parking, the store offers an impressive Dogwood Grooming Spa and will open a Pet Practice Vets in October.

Customers will also find an expanded freezer section for raw feeders, an extensive new range of deli treats, and a new bed collection featuring the retail group’s first Cosy Corner.

Pets Corner CEO Dean Richmond sent Pet Trade Xtra a gallery of pictures from the new store (see below)...

Wilsons Pet Food has appointed Stuart Nicholson, a former board director at Symington’s, as the new Chairman.

In his new role, Nicholson will focus on strategic growth and corporate governance to support the ambitious growth plans of the Scottish-based natural pet food company. With 40 years working with some of the UK’s largest food manufacturers and extensive board-level experience, Nicholson brings a wealth of expertise to the role. 

“Wilsons is a trusted, heritage brand recognised for its quality ingredients and first-class manufacturing processes. With an inspired and motivated leadership team and significant investment underway across the business, the future for Wilsons is very exciting. I’m thrilled to be able to help contribute to that,” said Stuart Nicholson. 

Commenting on the hire, Wilsons MD, Craig Wallace said: “Stuart's extensive background in food manufacturing and his contribution to shaping highly successful and dynamic businesses make him a great fit for Wilsons. His experience will provide us with fresh and invaluable insights as we continue to drive growth in the natural pet food category with our meals and treats.” 

In addition to Nicholson's appointment, Wilsons has strengthened its trade sales team with two new senior hires. Sam George joins as Head of Pet Trade Sales, with over 10 years of trade experience in the pet food sector, and Katie Neal, previously with Woof & Brew and Bugalugs Pet Care, joins as Head of Grocery.

Speaking about the upcoming PATS event, where they will unveil new recipes across the full range of meals and treats, Sam George, Head of Pet Trade Sales at Wilsons Pet Food, stated, “With PATS just around the corner, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet both current and new customers. I’m really looking forward to what will no doubt be a fantastic trade event.”

To find out more about stocking the Wilsons range contact the team at trade@wilsonspetfood.co.uk

Pawsome Paws Boutique (PPB), the brainchild of founder Sophie Chesman, is returning to the Pet and Aquatic Trade Show (PATS) this year with its highly anticipated official Disney collection. Originally sold out, it is now fully restocked and available to trade. 

This achievement is just one of many highlights in the company’s journey from a modest home-based project to a recognised brand name in the pet accessory industry.

Sophie’s passion for pets, particularly her own dogs Reuben and Betsy, has been the driving force behind PPB’s success. From the moment Reuben was a puppy, Sophie was obsessed. She spent every spare penny at Pets at Home, indulging him with various accessories and treats. Her keen interest in trends and patterns soon led her start making handmade accessories for Reuben, sparking the beginning of a remarkable journey.

In December 2016, with just £100 in her bank account, Sophie founded Pawsome Paws Boutique. It all started with handmade, personalized dog lead hangers that she crafted as Christmas gifts for friends and family. After sharing her creations in a dog group, the response was overwhelming – they went viral. Sophie spent the entire Christmas season hand painting and staining wood to fulfil the influx of orders, marking the humble beginnings of her business.

By 2017, orders were pouring in, and Sophie reinvested every penny into introducing new products. Pawsome Paws Boutique had officially launched, and in just one year, Sophie was overwhelmed with orders, working 17-hour days to meet the demand. Etsy and Facebook became her primary sales channels, while she tirelessly sewed for hours on end, all while growing a vibrant social media presence.

In September 2019, after two years of running PPB from her home, Sophie took the leap and signed for her first commercial unit. Just a few months later, in December 2019, she hired her first employee, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth. By June 2020, PPB had reached an impressive 100,000 followers on Instagram, a testament to the brand’s growing popularity.

The year 2022 was a pivotal one for PPB. They traded at Crufts for the first time in March, launched their inaugural collection in August, and returned to Crufts in March 2023 for a second time. That same year, PPB introduced the "Walkies Ready Club," a group designed to bring the online community together for dog walks while raising money for charity. Sophie also expanded the product range with a new homeware collection and made a significant breakthrough by launching PPB products in-store and online at Pets at Home.

Today, the PPB team has grown to 10 employees, all working from a 3,000 square foot headquarters. The official Disney licensed products, launched in January 2024, have been a resounding success. The Winnie The Pooh collection sold out quickly, followed by equally popular Lion King and Bambi collections. August 2024 marked another exciting milestone with the launch of PPB’s Paramount licensed products, starting with the Emily in Paris collection.

Sophie’s dedication and vision have not gone unnoticed. She has been shortlisted for the Rising Star award and the Marketing Campaign of the Year award, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the industry.

With over 276,000 followers on Instagram, 38,000 on Facebook, and 28,000 on TikTok, PPB’s online community continues to thrive. Their PPB Addicts Facebook group boasts 8,000 members, all eager to share in the company’s journey and celebrate its successes.

As Pawsome Paws Boutique looks to the future, the sky's the limit. With more exciting Disney collections and other creative endeavours on the horizon, Sophie’s journey from a bedroom sewing machine to an official Disney collection serves as an inspiring testament to what passion, dedication, and a love for dogs can achieve.

As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of cold-pressed natural dry dog food and raw frozen meals for dogs, Wilsons Pet Food is set to launch a substantial line-up of new products during PATS, and unveil a striking new look for the much-loved brand.    

“We’re counting down for what will undoubtedly be our busiest PATS show yet,” explained Craig Wallace, MD, Wilsons Pet Food.  “We have an extensive selection of new products to launch; over forty SKUs span our range of natural meals, treats and supplements. We have also invested in an impactful new look for the brand; PATS is the ideal place to share all our exciting news with the trade.”

At Wilsons, the focus remains on natural recipes for dogs, using high-quality ingredients sourced from the UK. All products are packed with wholesome goodness and free from artificial colours, preservatives and flavourings.

“The new products launching, continue to offer pet owners the high-quality recipes they’ve come to expect from Wilsons," explains Craig. “We’re looking forward to promoting our current ranges to the trade and unveiling all the exciting NPD that will soon be available to stock."

At PATS stand B10, Wilsons will offer the trade a special discount during PATS: a 10% saving when spending over £200, 15% saving when spending over £350 and 20% with £500 spent. Wilsons will also be running a competition at PATS to win over £300 worth of stock.

To learn more about Wilsons meals and treats, contact the team at trade@wilsonspetfood.co.uk