An urgent call has gone out to the UK pet industry from Natural Cornish Pet to donate pet food, blankets, leads, treats and other supplies, which will be sent via convoy to the Poland/Ukraine border next week.

The award-winning pet store has teamed up with The Dog Groomery in Somerset, which is travelling to the Ukraine border to help animals in need.

The plan is to deliver a van full of animal food and aid to the Ukraine/Poland border. The team have planned to travel in convoy and in conjunction with Dogbus Transporting Paws, Saving Lives – a charity that rescues dogs and cats internationally. 

Maddie Peck, in charge of marketing at Natural Cornish Pet, said: “As we know, the Ukrainian people and animals are desperate and in need of help. Families are fleeing to safety with their pets with very few belongings and supplies. 

“The team will leave on Wednesday and meet their convoy at the euro tunnel to drive across Europe. One of the team’s vehicles will cross into Ukraine taking in supplies from the van. Please donate to this fundraiser, we want to aid in filling the van and help with the raising of the funds to enable the team to get there. 

“They are mainly asking for large bags (12-15kg) of dog/cat feed, which will go directly over the border into shelters. The other vehicles are taking smaller food bags to help families on the move feed and keep safe their beloved pets. 

“We can’t even imagine how scary life is for these people and pets right now and what uncertainties they might be facing. Many of us locally have wondered how we can help, now you can. 

“The team will be packing the van this coming Monday 7th March at The Dog Groomery & Dog Shop, Paulton. Any help sorting and loading help will of course be appreciated. 

We'd like to thank Kate & Clint from the Dog Groomery in Paulton in inviting us to be part of aiding our friends in Ukraine. “

To donate online visit https://donorbox.org/dogbus/fundraiser/kate-geernaert

To donate to the shop: Visit the store and it will happily accept donations which it will deliver to Paulton. All donations to be in by Friday (March 4).

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/199YKP68AN4O5.

Any manufacturers wanting to send supplies can do so by emailing Maddie at madeleine.elizabethpeck@gmail.com or phoning Natural Cornish Pet on 01736 317123.

A digital dog-booking platform is the latest pet business to have featured on the hit BBC One series Dragons’ Den.

Wagit, which claims to make dog bookings easy at restaurants, pubs and bars, and groomers, pitched for investment in episode eight of the current series, which was aired last Thursday (February 24).

Wagit founder Nadia Leguel, with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lola, entered the Den and asked for £50,000 in return for 5.5% of the business.

An Italian living in London, Nadia explained she had worked in hospitality for years and had started Wagit because she found it difficult to find restaurants and other establishments that welcomed Lola.

Her chances of securing an investment in the Den seemed optimistic when Dragon Deborah Meaden tweeted before the show was aired: “Ooh…animal lover always makes my ears prick up @BBCDragonsDen.”

Unfortunately, Nadia failed to convince Deborah or any of her fellow Dragons to invest in the company.

The episode involving Nadia and Lola can be viewed on iplayer. Click her to view. The Wagit pitch starts 27 minutes into the programme.

Fish4Pets, the company behind the popular Fish4Dogs and Fish4Cats brands, has received a substantial business development fund, that will set the ‘champions of fish’ on a growth trajectory that will make waves in the petfood market. 

Principal shareholder FKRA has supported Fish4Pets since 2004, seeing the company through double-digit growth to an award-winning business, with its brands now selling in over 35 countries. 

The senior team in both Fish4Pets and FKRA identified opportunities to further accelerate the growth of the business around the world but recognised that the company needed to be re-financed to fully exploit these, therefore, sought a co-investor to provide additional financing to enable the company to step up to the next level. This new investment will facilitate accelerated growth and raise the profile of the company and its brands around the world.

The new investor is the Norwegian family-owned investment company DSD, based in Stavanger.  DSD is a company which invests in a wide range of sectors, with interests ranging from mobility and ocean-linked businesses, to medical and tourism.  The investment in Fish4Pets is its first in the pet food sector.

Ingvald Loyning, CEO at DSD, said: “As active owners, we have a strategic, dynamic company portfolio and Fish4Pets will be an exciting addition. DSD aims to join innovative companies with growth potential that work for more sustainable solutions. We believe in the ability of combining new and old wheels to work well together and move in the same direction.  In this way we develop sustainable values and generate good results together with the companies we are involved in.”

Graham Smith, CEO at Fish4Pets, said: “We are delighted to have secured investment from DSD, as well as increased financial support from FKRA, to drive our ambitious growth plans. DSD bring with them a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, and we hope to benefit from their experience in other industries, in particularly their commitment to Environmental and Social responsibility.

“This combined with the ongoing support and expertise of our parent company FKRA, means we have two strong shareholder partners, excellently positioned to help us move forward. We are extremely excited.

“Fish4Pets has an ambitious five-year plan, which includes product development, entering new markets and increasing operational efficiencies. At the forefront of these plans is environmental impact and responsibility, and our continued focus on putting the health of the companion animals we feed at the forefront of our business, all underpinned by our commitment to our customers and our people.”

Graham added: “Like many in the industry, it has been a very demanding couple of years for everyone, adapting to rapid change due to the pandemic, coupled with Brexit challenges. 

“Having successfully adapted to these challenges, we believe this investment is coming at an extremely good time for Fish4Pets, enabling us to drive forward with correctly funded growth plans, expert support, and enthusiastic colleagues. It’s a truly exciting prospect and we look forward to continued success and growth of our brands worldwide.”

The popular Be:Loved brand is launching two lifestyle products for pets at PATS Sandown later this month – Be:SunSafe and Be:Bugfree.

Be:Loved is an all-natural range of lifestyle and wellness grooming products for pets, lovingly made in the UK with sustainably sourced ingredients and  packaging. Kind and gentle, they are great for both pets and their owners – ‘proper pampering from palm to paw’.

The inspiration for the Be:Loved range was an old farmhouse animal husbandry care book handed down through generations. This old family heirloom belonging to founder Carina Evans contained a treasure chest of natural recipes which have now been used and reimagined for today’s nature-loving pet owner. 

Be:Sunsafe is a sun protection balm packed with intensively nourishing ingredients. Ideal for pets that spend time in the sun, it also helps repel insects. Much like the much loved Be:Safe and Be:Soft Balms, this balm is perfect for paw pads and noses on dogs and cats alike, with an added joy of protection from the sun.

Be:Bugfree is natural flea, tick and bug repellent spray.

The new Be:Loved products can be viewed on the Podium Pet Products stand E4 at PATS Sandown, which takes place on March 27-28.

For more information contact sales@podiumpetproducts.com

Plymouth-based Redpaw Pet Supplies has earned another outstanding accolade after being voted Pet Shop of the Year in the South England Prestige Awards.

The Prestige Awards, organised by Corporate LiveWire, celebrate businesses and individuals that consistently offer excellent products and services to local residents.

Redpaw owner Sammie Hunt said: “This is huge recognition – we are very proud. We all work extremely hard to ensure all our customers receive an excellent service, to help their pets thrive through great nutrition.”

Established by Sammie in 2013, Redpaw is a pet food and accessories store with a great range of products. Based in Plymouth, with an online shop that delivers across the UK, Redpaw is focused on providing high-quality vet-approved pet foods, alongside a good selection of natural treats. 

Providing owners with guidance and products to ensure their pets’ health and wellbeing is what gives Redpaw its award-winning reputation. 

Since its establishment almost a decade ago, Sammie has begun producing her own range of pet foods and supplements under the name Redpaw.

The judges were impressed by the dedication Sammie has towards improving her comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the pet industry. Sammie has 30 years of experience in the pet trade and continuously strives to develop her knowledge. She has successfully completed an Animal Health Management degree, whilst running her business. This has helped keep Redpaw up to date with current trends, by using the latest research. 

Her membership of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies gives Sammie a great insight into evidence based, natural medicine. Whether you are looking for expert advice on animal nutrition or a super cosy bed for your furry friends, Redpaw has everything you need.

Redpaw’s other many accolades include being a winner at the Pet Industry Federation Awards in 2018.

The PFMA, alongside other food-related organisations, has revealed that the new Export Health Certificates (EHCs) requirements imposed on exports to the EU is estimated to have cost at least £60m in paperwork in just one year (to November 2021).

The organisations making up the SPS Certification Working Group are highlighting the continuing financial and human cost of post-Brexit red tape. 

The group, which includes food and feed trade associations, hauliers, farmers and veterinary and environmental health professional organisations, proposes an urgent new veterinary agreement and streamlined processes to resolve crippling restrictions to exports to the EU, Britain’s largest trading partner.

To cover these additional costs Great Britain’s food industry would have needed to generate around £3bn of total additional sales (assuming a 2% profit margin) in the first year of Brexit. However, as a result of these new costs many food businesses can no longer afford to export to the EU. This means that many companies have ceased to trade with their previous largest export market, which impacts on livelihoods and the GB economy.

The cross-industry, veterinary and environmental health group is chaired by Karin Goodburn MBE, director of the Chilled Food Association, who said: “These already disturbing figures are in fact an underestimate of the total cost to the industry as they exclude bulk orders of EHCs from the Animal and Plant Health Agency made in one request and the wider costs of Brexit SPS requirements.

“Without urgent action the situation is only set to deteriorate and there are no quick fixes. As an example it takes more than 5 years to train the vets required we need to certify the EHCs. However we are proposing solutions and call on Government to support us in ensuring the viability of our food businesses.”

The SPS Working Group is proposing:

• SPS/veterinary agreement with the EU to reduce administrative burden and therefore certification costs
• Digitisation of paper systems - and to be certain of their acceptance by receiving BCPs in Member States/Northern Ireland
• Certification workforce recruitment, planning, training and retention
• Certainty regarding implementation of EU-GB trade on introduction of veterinary checks by GB on 1 July and in a second wave on 1 November 2022 to ensure there is a level playing field between GB and the EU on both exports and imports.
• Clarity on cost implications/continued viability of imports from EU.  GB food security and availability of ingredients/finished products being threatened by lack of resources to check incoming food, coupled with EU exporters deciding not to attempt to supply GB owing to the additional admin burden and costs.

Market leading pet care brand Animology is building on the success of its canine body mist sprays with the addition of three new fragrances. 

The new 150ml products will be added to the hugely popular Animology grooming range, and will bring to six the number of fragrance body mists available. 

The newly launched products offer three distinct fragrances:

• Animology Flower Power is a fresh floral fragrance, with long lasting notes of Rose and Jasmine.
• Animology Hot Dog is a warm and spicy fragrance, with long lasting notes of Pomegranate and Pink Peppercorn.
• Animology Puppy Powder offers a long lasting ‘baby powder’ scent. 

In keeping with the existing products within the range, these new products boast the unmistakable Animology branding, and metallic foil label designs, which command consumer attention and deliver immediate shelf presence. 

The products carry a suggested retail price of £5.50. 

Speaking about the launch of the new lines, Group55’s director of pet care Martin Breen said: “We are really excited to be bringing new products to the fore under the Animology brand. 

“The three fragrance sprays that we introduced a couple of years ago have proven to be tremendously successful and customers have been asking us to introduce more for a while, so it’s great to be able to expand our offering with the addition of these three new products. 

They smell as good as they look, and I’m sure our loyal Animology customers will be keen to try these out and find their new favourite Animology fragrance.” 

For further information email mbreen@group55.co.uk 

Paleo Ridge is extending its portfolio with an exciting move into treat products. The new treats range features two products – Fish Skin Cubes and Sprats – and is being launched exclusively to trade partners.

Made using the highest-quality ethically sourced ingredients, the treat selection has been naturally air-dried to preserve nutritional value. The treats contain no grain or additives and with the pet food market seeing a growth in treats and premiumisation also increasing, the new launch from Paleo Ridge is perfectly positioned to drive interest and boost sales for retailers.

The new treats are an extension of Paleo Ridge’s popular Classic range, and are available in 100g fully recyclable pouches, in keeping with the brand’s sustainability commitments. The Fish Skin Cubes and Sprats are the first of a series of innovative treat products that Paleo Ridge is planning to release.

Both fish skin and sprats have a range of health benefits for dogs. Fish skin is packed with omega-3 to boost heart function as well as eye and brain development, while sprats are similarly good for dogs’ hearts, joint health and improving the glossiness of their coats. Delivering healthy, high-quality treats is more important than ever before as trends show dog owners have been buying more treats during the pandemic.

Will Green, head of sales and marketing at Paleo Ridge, said: “Branching into treats is a really exciting development for Paleo Ridge and a natural extension of our award winning, ethically sourced range.

“As treats play such a big role in our dogs' lives and training, it’s important that we can now offer natural treats that compliment a raw diet. We are proud that our new Fish Skin Cubes and Sprats offer this whilst maintaining our high ethical and quality standards.

“Bringing new life to our product range, the launch of the Fish Skin Cubes and Sprats treats are just the first of a planned treats range as the business continues to expand. We are devoted to maintaining the health and happiness of dogs and these treats tick both boxes. We are always focused on the sustainability of our products, alongside their quality, and we are proud to say that the treat pouches are fully recyclable.”

For more information visit www.paleoridge.co.uk

A walking challenge organised by the Street Paws charity has enlisted the support of a German Shepherd dog who plays Brandy in the Ricky Gervais Netflix hit ‘After Life’.

Street Paws is inviting supporters to walk, jog or dance 274,000 steps in the month of April to help fund its vital work.

Recent figures estimate that more than 274,000 people in England are homeless, and Street Paws supports rough sleepers across the north of England, helping them to take care of their beloved pets.

The charity is delighted to have celebrity support for the challenge from Brandy (real name Antilly) and owner Ashley Foster.

Michelle Southern, who founded the Street Paws charity in Newcastle in 2016, said: "It only takes a couple of steps to walk past one of the UK's 274,000 homeless people, and we hope that people will sign up for this challenge to help us support them, and their pets in need.

"It is six years since Street Paws began, and the pandemic has been a challenging time with little time for celebration. So we hope that April will be a month to reflect and raise funds, and also have some fun in the process.

"We are so happy that Antilly and Ashley are supporting Street Paws.

"Antilly's character Brandy in After Life really shows in a moving way how strong the bond between humans and dogs is, and that is just the same for the homeless people that we work with, and their treasured pets."

It costs just £25 to register for the challenge, and all participants receive a t-shirt to wear while they are out taking part. They also get access to an exclusive challenge Facebook group, and throughout the month there will be a range of prizes on offer for creative posts and activities.

Picture credits:

Antilly images – Ashley Foster/Animal News Agency 

Charity image – Street Paws/Animal News Agency

Premium natural petfood company Lily’s Kitchen has grown its sales after successfully implementing a subscription experience with Ordergroove, a specialist in relationship commerce.

Seeking to provide a seamless shopping experience for consumers, Lily’s Kitchen partnered with Ordergroove to deliver an innovative subscription offering that prioritises convenience.

Since launching the Ordergroove subscription experience in April 2020, Lily’s Kitchen has achieved rapid success. By June of the same year, the brand attributed more than 10% of its total sales to its subscription experience. At the end of 2021, this figure had doubled and now accounts for 20% of monthly sales.

The bespoke subscription offering, implemented by certified B Corp Lily’s Kitchen, ensures customers receive a regular supply of their pets’ favorite recipes while also offering incentives such as cost savings and delivery. What’s more, subscribers have full control over their recurring orders, including the ability to edit, pause or cancel at any time. Subscribers can also change order frequency or switch between similar products with ease – ensuring customers receive enough wet and dry recipes and treats each month to keep their four-legged friends happy and healthy.

“We celebrate the pet-parent relationship in all its forms,” said Michelle Corp, eCommerce Director, Lily’s Kitchen. “By adding a subscription experience, we were able to make it much more convenient for pet parents to stock up on their pets’ favorite recipes – and free them up to spend more quality time with their cats and dogs. We knew subscriptions were going to be popular, but their rapid growth was greater than we anticipated. It’s a mutual success story for our valued pet parents, Lily’s Kitchen, and Ordergroove.”

When selecting a subscription solution, Lily’s Kitchen prioritised ease of use and flexibility for its customers. The brand also desired a subscription technology that would seamlessly integrate with its existing eCommerce platform and that had a high level of automation.

“The decision by Lily’s Kitchen to launch a subscription offering aligns perfectly with the brand’s mission to deliver wholesome pet recipes and be a force for good,” said Greg Alvo, CEO, Ordergroove.

“The results Lily’s Kitchen has achieved with subscriptions are phenomenal and are a testament to the importance of fostering relationships, rewarding loyalty and listening to consumers’ call for convenient shopping experiences.”

The Future for International Trade Conference on March 17th 2022 – organised jointly by Gardenex, PetQuip and BHETA – is signing up growing numbers of delegates as export opportunities return in tune with the easing of Covid travel restrictions.  

“The post-Brexit challenges remain for UK suppliers, but the appetite for international business has really been renewed and it’s a case of finding out how best to negotiate new regulations as demand from export markets returns,” says Will Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA).

The return of overseas buyers evidenced at Spring Fair has been a boost to export interest and the conference agenda is all about enabling DIY, garden, pet, housewares and gift suppliers to take full advantage of these export opportunities.

The conference, which is being held at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon, is open to all UK suppliers and has as its keynote speaker Shelley Boyle, Head of Business Development at online retailer, ManoMano. Other presentations will be given by a UK government lobbyist as well as experts on international commercial law, world economics, post-Brexit procedures and international trade compliance.  

The conference delegates will also hear incisive case studies from some of the UK’s most successful exporters within the home and garden improvement and pet sectors. There will be many opportunities for Q&As with the speakers and delegates can obtain individually tailored advice from a selection of export experts including freight logistics and international trade show organisers among others.

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, confirmed: “We are delighted to be partnering with BHETA again to deliver another top-level export conference, thanks to the quality of the content and the insights, inspiration and practical advice that the speakers will give to the delegates. Recent events have demonstrated an appetite in the industry for face-to-face networking and interaction again, and the conference will deliver this throughout the packed agenda.”

Will Jones agreed: “This will be a key occasion for all companies in our sectors who are interested in maximising their export opportunities. The Future for International Trade conference is always a lively and informative occasion focussing on retail trends in international markets, the practicalities of export logistics, compliance and the inspiring case studies by some of the UK’s leading exporters. It’s all about helping UK companies navigate their best routes to secure international sales, especially in a changed world post-Brexit and with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.” 

Places at the conference can be secured by contacting any of the organisers.  Contact Gardenex or PetQuip by emailing katie-mai@petquip.com; or visit www.gardenex.com.  Contact BHETA by emailing zm@bheta.co.uk or visit www.bheta.co.uk. Members of Gardenex, PetQuip, CHA and BHETA benefit from a preferential delegate rate of £69 per person at the conference. The event is also open to non-members at £149 per person (both plus VAT).

Bark & Birch Global Dog Services, which is on a journey to become the leader in dog services worldwide, has started a huge recruitment drive in several territories across the globe as the company rapidly expands.

The business, which already operates across the UK, Ireland and the United States, has recently launched in Canada and Brazil and is set to open in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand later this year, ahead of launching in the Nordic markets and several European territories next year.

Bark & Birch trains over 2,000 dogs per month, runs doggy daycares, mobile grooming vans and manufactures its own products, while currently developing its own proprietary technology.

The company is actively recruiting in:

• America
• Australia
• Canada
• HongKong
• Singapore
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Brazil

Bark & Birch is looking for dog trainers and handlers, whose background could include army, police, K9 handling or more general dog training,  and is searching for like-minded trainers who share the same values and want to form part of the team during this exciting time.

Dog trainers will board and train dogs in their own homes and the talented and passionate individuals recruited will join an existing elite network of ex-police, military and K9 dog trainers and handlers.

Demi Rowley, executive assistant to CEO Nick Rijniers, said: "This is a huge step in the growth of Bark & Birch and we are already recruiting some fantastic talent globally.

"We are extremely excited for the growth of the company and bringing some new team members on board."

For more information on joining the Bark & Birch team message hr@barkandbirch.com or info@barkandbirch.com

A study by the Royal Veterinary College has revealed that puppies purchased during the pandemic in 2020, in comparison to pre-pandemic in 2019, were more likely to have been ‘designer crossbreeds’ instead of Kennel Club registered purebred dogs.

The 2020 cohort of pandemic puppies were also more likely to already hold a pet passport at purchase, indicating they may have been imported from Europe – perhaps in some cases illegally – to meet the greatly increased demand and prices for puppies during the pandemic.

These findings are important to improve advice to the public on responsible purchasing that prioritises puppy welfare, as well as how best to manage puppy behavioural issues that may have arisen because of lockdown restrictions.

The Pandemic Puppies study, funded by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation, is the largest of its kind – compiling data from more than 5,500 UK owners using an online survey. It explored the early socialisation, health and behaviour of ‘pandemic puppies’ purchased in 2020 compared to 2019 puppies.

Amongst the positive findings was the fact that many of the health and socialisation experiences examined didn’t vary significantly between puppies purchased in 2019 and 2020. This is testament to the commitment of the 2020 owners to raise their dog well despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, because of lockdown restrictions, there were still some concerns such as 2020 ‘pandemic puppies’ being less likely than 2019 puppies to attend puppy training classes or to have experienced visitors to their homes (under the age of 16 weeks in both circumstances).

The RVC’s researchers believe these differences between 2019 and 2020 puppies could potentially lead to the development of future behavioural problems in some pandemic puppies. For example, pandemic puppies may experience stranger-related fear and anxiety (due to the limited prior exposure to visitors to their home) and other behavioural problems related to insufficient socialisation, from being unable to attend puppy classes under 16 weeks of age; a critical period for the development of puppies. As a result, enhanced support is likely needed from the veterinary profession, particularly those specialising in animal behaviour, to help owners of ‘pandemic puppies’.

Dr Claire Brand, Researcher in Canine Welfare at the RVC said: “For many of us, life over the past two years changed in countless ways due to the pandemic. During periods of the tightest restrictions, our social experiences with others outside of the home environment were greatly impacted, including those with puppies bought during this period. Despite many owners’ concerted efforts to raise their puppies as well as possible, some puppies missed out on key experiences of puppyhood, such as going to puppy classes, or experiencing visitors in their homes. This has potential consequences for the future behaviour of ‘pandemic puppies’ and so we encourage owners to seek out training and behaviour advice from accredited professionals so that these now adult dogs can learn to live happily in our post-lockdown world.”

The increase in ‘pandemic puppies’ having a pet passport prior to purchase also suggests that many of these puppies were imported for sale into the UK and were possibly sourced from lower welfare sources such as illegal puppy smugglers. It is important for prospective owners to be aware of this surreptitious, but growing supply, of puppies to the UK. As well as checking for a passport, prospective owner should be alert to other ‘red flags’ for irresponsible and illegal breeding. These may include being offered to collect your puppy from anywhere other than inside the breeders’ property, or puppies being sold without their mother present. 

Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC said: “The demand for puppies during the pandemic outstripped supply from legitimate, welfare-conscious sources. Our finding that Pandemic Puppies were more likely to be sold with a passport leads us to fear that some owners may have unknowingly supported the growing puppy import trade; lining the pockets of importers who care little for the welfare of puppies and their mothers.

“Attracted by this booming demand, unscrupulous breeders and puppy importers have cashed in by intensively breeding large numbers of puppies in poor conditions. These puppies are often then transported over long distances at a young age and without their mothers, to meet the UK’s demand. This has particularly been the case for popular breeds including designer crossbreeds like the Cockapoo and Cavapoo, Dachshunds and flat-faced breeds like the French Bulldog.

“These stressful early life experiences could have long-term impacts on the future wellbeing of these dogs, and we urge owners to seek help from veterinary professionals if they have any concerns over their dog’s behaviour or health.”

As lifestyles transition away from the acute pandemic-induced changes and restrictions, it is advised that owners should aim to attend training classes with their puppies and dogs.

Owners should make sure that these classes use positive reinforcement methods, to avoid compromising their dog’s welfare. Owners concerned about any aspect of their dog’s behaviour should see their veterinary surgeon in the first instance, who may then refer them onto an appropriately qualified behaviourist. Use of services such as dog walkers and day-care facilities may also help owners who need to return to their place of work, thus limiting the amount of time their dogs are left alone.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC said: “Pandemic Puppies are such a special cohort of dogs in so many ways. Like human cohorts such as the Baby Boomers or the Millennials, these puppies of the pandemic will carry the ghosts of their unique puppyhoods during the COVID lockdowns with them into their adulthoods. This is likely to shape the dogs that they become. The Pandemic Puppies study tells a gripping story about the lives of these puppies that helped humanity get through our darkest days of the pandemic.”

The Midlands’ oldest welfare charity, Birmingham Dogs Home, will be kickstarting its 130^th birthday celebrations in style at Crufts 2022 with a special guest and lots of canine-themed fun.

Re-designing its stand to look like a home with a living room, playroom, dining room and kitchen, the charity has invited veterinary surgeon and TV presenter Dr Joe Inglis to exhibit in the kitchen.

Passionate about pet nutrition, and founder of VetChef, Dr Joe has appeared on Daybreak and The One Show to help dog owners improve the health and wellbeing of their dogs through their diet.

Every day from 10am to 3pm, Dr Joe will be hosting a live demonstration on how to make his famous VetChef natural dog treat kits, taking pictures with fans and selling dog kits to raise money for the charity. 

What’s more, the charity will be hosting several exciting activities over the course of the weekend including a daily photo competition and raffle, with pawsome prizes up for grabs from Ancol Pet Products and luxury Birmingham hotel, Genting Hotel, a selfie frame backdrop for dog owners to capture memorable content and a doggy chill out zone for visitors needing a break from the excitement.

Plus, every day the charity will be bringing several of its dogs from both their Catherine-de-Barnes and Wolverhampton centres in the hopes of finding them furever homes.

Fi Harrison, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham Dogs Home, said: “We were at the first Crufts in 1991 when it moved from London to the NEC, so we’re looking forward to kickstarting our 130-year birthday celebrations at a show so close to our hearts.

“Being Birmingham-based ourselves, it’s lovely to see dog brands and owners from across the UK come together under one roof to share and celebrate all things dog.

“Both myself and the rest of the Birmingham Dogs Home team are incredibly excited to welcome visitors to our house stand this March and we hope they love the different activities we’ve planned just as much as us.”

Visitors attending Crufts at the NEC Birmingham on March 10-13 can find Fi and the Birmingham Dogs Home team in Hall 5, Stand 160.

To find out more about Birmingham Dogs Home and its 130-year celebrations, visit: birminghamdogshome.org.uk/

Ceva Animal Health has extended its leading behaviour range, ADAPTIL, with the launch of ADAPTIL Chew, the new fast-calming chew for dogs.

The premium, fast-acting and tasty chew calms dogs when facing stressful situations such as fireworks, thunderstorms, visits to the vet and grooming sessions.  It quickly helps to relax dogs if given at least 30 minutes before an expected event and the handy, soft chew is non-addictive and can be given like a treat directly from an owner’s hand.

The enhanced formula comprises of key calming ingredients to keep dogs relaxed without drowsiness and there are only 11 calories per chew.  Consisting of colostrum, green tea extract (L-theanine), L-tryptophan and thiamine (Vitamin B1), the colostrum’s bioactive molecules work together to provide a calming effect on any age dog, while the green tea extract is an amino acid that increases the release of GABA which plays a role in relaxation.  

The L-tryptophan in the chew is an essential amino acid which the body uses to make serotonin which effects mood regulation, impulse control and the sleep/wake cycle and is involved in general feelings of happiness and wellbeing and the thiamine is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system.

“Approximately 50 per cent of dogs demonstrate at least one sign of fear when exposed to loud noises, with 80 per cent of owners reporting that their dog finds various situations challenging,” comments Abigail King, senior behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health.  

“The calming pet supplements’ sector is the most important growth sector in the pet supplement market and with an increase in concern about pet wellness, together with a surge in dog adoption due to COVID-19, easy to give and effective calming products such as ADAPTIL Chew will be welcome additions to the market.”

An ADAPTIL Chew should be used daily or as needed at times of increased stress; half a chew should be given to dogs weighing less than 15kg, one chew should be given to dogs weighing between 16 and 30kg and two chews to dogs over 30kg.  This is in addition to a dog’s daily food.  There are 30 chews in each pack and each pack has a shelf life of 24 months from production.

For further information on ADAPTIL Chew or ADAPTIL’s popular range of behaviour products which also includes ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser, ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar, ADAPTIL Transport and ADAPTIL Junior visit www.adaptil.com/uk.

Leading UK direct-to-consumer fresh dog food brand Butternut Box has announced the expansion of its subscription service with launches in new markets – The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.

The expansion into new territories is part of the founders’ commitment and company mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs and their humans worldwide.

Since launching, Butternut Box has served over 34 million meals, delivering high-quality meals for dogs, directly to customers’ doors.

Butternut Box’s success comes as a result of the technology platform it has developed, which uses algorithms to work out the individual needs of each dog, as well as the innovative preparation processes used for prepping the meals. Dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients and portioned according to your dog’s age, breed, weight, and exercise routine. Continuing to innovate in technology and deliver new services to its customers, the Butternut Box team is also launching its own app, currently in beta testing scheduled for release in 2022.

The innovative start-up increased its range by 33% with the launch of new meals ‘You’ve Got Game’ and ‘Duo of Duck and Chicken.’ This was also the first year Butternut Box launched its own advent calendar packed full of festive treats, which sold out in a matter of weeks. New for 2022 will be a vegetarian meal, ‘Ready Steady Veggie’, the first fresh vegetarian food for dogs by Butternut Box.

Co-founder Kevin Glynn said: “Last year we raised £40m of funding with the objective to enhance our operations as well as grow the business by expanding into new markets. We are thrilled to see these launches come to fruition in both my home country (Ireland) and the Netherlands and look forward to developing long lasting relationships with our new dog and human customers.”

David Nolan, co-founder, added: “Butternut Box has always been about changing dog food for good and we’re delighted to bring about this change in new markets.

“We’re proud of our team’s achievements in 2021 and we’re looking forward to a new year of exciting new innovations and announcements for the business, as we continue our mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs and their humans all over the world.”

Butternut Box is a dog food subscription service started because dogs deserve better.     Made with human quality ingredients, all Butternut Box meals are created with the right balance of vitamins and minerals for dogs of every age. No nasties, no grains, no harsh temperatures. Butternut Box meals are not only fresh, delicious and packed full of freshly prepared ingredients, but are also delivered straight to customers' doors.

      For more information on Butternut Box visit: https://butternutbox.com/

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

Thieves stole a quantity of dog food and beds after breaking into Grange Pet Centre, located at Botley, near Southampton.

The pet store told customers of the burglary on its Facebook page, revealing:

“We were broken into in the early hours of this morning (February 26) and had 12kg, 6kg and 2kg Burns dog food stolen along with a large quantity of Animate company dog beds stolen. The dog beds were discontinued by The Animate Company in 2013 and we bought all their remaining stock. If you are offered any of these please get in contact.”

The company can be contacted via email info@grangepetcentre.co.uk

The Pet Industry Federation has announced a new insurance partnership with animal business insurance specialist Cliverton.

The partnership will offer benefits to all its members, large and small, for both their business and personal needs by providing a one stop shop and at the same time helping those in our industry who fall on hard times. 

Cliverton will offer grooming, boarding, daycare and pet services members bespoke business insurance, as well as home insurance, which is especially important for those running a business from home where standard home insurance policies often exclude business activities on the premises.

For all other PIF members, Cliverton’s sister company, Lycetts Insurance Brokers & Financial Services, a leading top 50 UK insurance broker, will look after larger members and those with more complex insurance needs. 

A unique feature of the PIF/Cliverton insurance partnership is that for each member who takes out an insurance policy, Cliverton and Lycetts will contribute an amount into PIF’s Benevolent Fund, which is currently being established to help support the pet industry during hard times.

Nigel Baker, chiefeExecutive of the Pet Industry Federation, said: “We were impressed by Cliverton and Lycetts approach from the outset.  They are not your typical insurance people, they talk plain English, really care and are genuinely looking to create a strong and mutually collaborative partnership with PIF. We were really excited by the opportunity to set up the Benevolent Fund and be able to support those of our members who fall on hard times.”

Peter Knowles, head of Cliverton, said: “We are delighted to be the new insurance partner of the Pet Industry Federation and from our discussions so far are confident we are aligned on a wide range of issues and share a common purpose to raise standards across the sector, making sure it is recognised for the significance and value it creates.” 

For more information about becoming a PIF member, visit www.petfederation.co.uk for more details; telephone 01234 273933 or email info@petfederation.co.uk

Pedigree Wholesale has announced the appointment of Wayne Kinton as its new head of operations. 

Wayne brings a wealth of experience across multiple companies, including DHL and Rank Hovis McDougall. Beginning his career as an Army Driver, Wayne has moved through several avenues of operations since he was 15 years old. From driving mixers all the way through to roles such as Warehouse Picker, Project Manager, to Lead Logistics Provider and Operations Director. Wayne is experienced in bettering productivity and operational success by developing and encouraging different processes. 

Wayne views staff engagement as one of the primary keys to success, passionate people who love what they do are vital for any company, and Wayne is no different from this himself. Wayne’s key to motivation is to challenge ‘the norm’ and positively look for change and welcome it as a means to progress.

Wayne said: “I thrive on the opportunity to influence change; all I want to do is be better than I was yesterday.

"Joining  Pedigree Wholesale after an expansive career across several roles in operations was like coming home, the growth and journey ahead of the company is very exciting, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey.”

Gerard O’Mahony, managing director of Pedigree Wholesale, said: “Operations is the backbone of our business and improving our offering, to better serve our customers is a key focus for us in 2022 and beyond. Wayne brings with him a vast amount of experience that will prove instrumental in strengthening our operations, building for our future and ensuring we fulfil our Wholesaler of Choice commitment to our customers. We wish him all the success in his new role."

An independent veterinary group based in South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire is expected to grow in size after securing a £3.1m deal.

The Pet Vet has surgeries in Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Lincoln, and the funding will help the group increase its portfolio.

Dr Mel Fuller, managing director at the Pet Vet, said: ‘’The funding secured from ThinCats will enable us to deliver our ambitious plans to improve and expand the services we offer. Every surgery will benefit from the funding, further enhancing our workplace environment, customer experience and patient care, and aligning with one of our core values: We strive to be better every day.’’

The cash injection will help fund the next phase of growth as the management team look to double the size of the business.

Dr Rob Jones, owner and chairman of The Pet Vet, added: “We are delighted to secure this funding as we aim to continue on our strong growth trajectory over the next few years. Our success can be attributed to the hard work of our knowledgeable team and our passion for delivering excellent patient care. Thanks to ThinCats we can look to provide our services to even more families in the future.”

ThinCats describes itself as an alternative finance provider and its director of business development, Ben Kimball, said: “It is fantastic to support ambitious businesses like The Pet Vet, but it is even more rewarding given I have known the business for over eight years, and understand their importance to the local communities they operate in. We look forward to seeing The Pet Vet go from strength to strength.”

The Horticultural Trades Association, working with plant toxicologists and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, has launched a new Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants. 

This follows a review of the toxicity of plants sold through nurseries, garden centres and online retailers in the UK. For the first time, the updated guide covers the risk to pets.

Through the UK's horticultural trade, the British public is fortunate to have access to a wealth of plant species. Most of these are harmless. However, there is a risk associated with a small number of plants used in the house and garden, and even some that are grown for food, and this guide has been produced to address that concern. It sets out voluntary guidelines for the labelling of plants (including bulbs and seeds) which will ensure that the public is informed of potentially harmful plants at the point of purchase.

The guide recommends labelling those plants which fulfil the following three conditions:

• They have been identified as being a significant hazard to humans or pets (not livestock)
• The toxic parts of the plant are available or produced in the UK
• The symptoms following ingestion and/or contact can be serious (skin allergies are included, but respiratory and food allergies are not).

Plants are labelled in three categories - A, B and C - according to the severity of the hazard. With the exception of those in category A, the plants in this guide are perfectly safe to purchase as long as the warnings are heeded. However, it is recommended that they are placed or planted where pets and small children are unlikely to have access to brush against or eat them. There are in addition standard labels for loose and pre-packaged ornamental bulbs, and plants with ornamental fruit; while these are considered to have low toxicity, a large ingestion may result in mild symptoms, and bulbs can pose a choking or gastrointestinal obstruction hazard to pets.

While a majority of retailers endeavour to label the plants that they sell, labelling is voluntary. It will also take time for the recommended labels to be adopted while old stock is being used up; a sell-through period reduces plastic waste.

The full list of plants is freely available to view or download on the HTA website https://hta.org.uk/poisonousplants 

Pets covered: dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, tortoises, caged birds, poultry. Where a particular pet is mentioned in the HTA Guide this indicates that type of pet has been adversely affected by a plant; it does not mean that other types of pet will not be affected if they eat or rub against the plant.

Luxury dog bedding company Charley Chau is extending the ‘gift of great sleep’ to pet owners with a special promotion throughout March.

To mark World Sleep Day on March 18, customers spending over £200 on Charley Chau’s extensive collection of luxury beds, blankets and lifestyle accessories for their dog will receive a Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist by Neom Organics worth £20 for their own great night’s sleep (while stocks last).

In addition, all customers ordering on Charleychau.com in March, regardless of order value, will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury hamper of Neom Organics Scent To Sleep essentials worth over £140.

Charley Chau co-founder Christine Chau said: “We all know the importance of getting a great sleep and by choosing our luxe dog bed and blankets, customers have been giving their dogs the gift of sleeping in the comfort that they deserve for more than a decade, making them as comfortable as caninenly possible. 

‘With the dogs’ sleep needs truly taken care of, we felt it was time to extend blissful sleep to our human customers with a dreamy promotion and prize draw with luxury health and beauty brand Neom Organics, so all members of the family can enjoy their best-ever World Sleep Day.”

Charley Chau has been at the forefront of luxury dog bedding design worldwide for more than a decade, with happy customers in over 60 countries around the world. Proud supporters of British manufacturing, the company offers a collection of more than 20 uniquely styled dog beds and blankets in a beautiful selection of fabrics and styles to suit even the most discerning of hounds and their human owners. 

At the heart of Charley Chau’s collection is supreme canine comfort, gorgeous styling and exceptional quality. 

Charley Chau bedding is designed to be as practical as it is gorgeous with machine washable everything, removable covers, waterproof liners, and replacement spares.

Find out more at Charleychau.com.

Tics, fleas, ticks and lice have been hating CSJ’s herbal supplement Billy No Mates! since its introduction in 2006, but customers and their dogs and cats love it!

This year’s mild winter weather has enabled tics and other pesky critters to thrive and already cause problems for dogs and cats…so Billy No Mates! has again been the ‘go to’ product for relief.

Now available in tincture or dry form it’s an easy to use, effective and natural product composed of an aromatic combination of mint, seaweed, fenugreek, neem leaves and lemon balm and is simply added to the dog or cat's food or treats.  

For customers who’ve yet to discover it, CSJ recommend that: “As Billy No Mates! is a natural product it can take up to 6 weeks to become totally effective so it’s a good idea to start using it straight away - and if owners suspect their dog or cat already has fleas they should consider using our Skinny Dip Shampoo and Skinny Spray first.”

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

Award-winning Natural Cornish Pet Shop has seen sales of its own label Peanut Butter for Dogs soar.

The store, winner of PetQuip Pet Retailer of the Year 2021, saw a gap in the market for this treat and quickly created its own product.

Filled with all-natural and wholesome ingredients, Natural Cornish Pet’s Peanut Butter is 100% safe for dogs and packed with protein to keep their tails wagging each and every day.

This thick and sticky peanut butter combined with its amazing peanutty aroma is also great at disguising medication when needed.

For further information visit www.naturalcornishpet.co.uk  or visit the company’s trade site at www.naturalpetwholesale.co.uk

Doggy Doggy Yum Yum which was launched in 2020 by Dorset-based artisanal ice cream maker, Baboo Gelato and was awarded Best New Product of the Year 2021 by Pedigree Wholesale, is to exhibit at Crufts for the first time.

Sam and Annie Hanbury, the husband and wife team behind multi-award winning Baboo ice cream found that lots of their customers were buying ice cream for their dogs. Realising that lactose is bad for dogs’ tummies, they saw a gap in the market for the first fully organic, dairy free premium frozen treat for dogs, and so Doggy Doggy Yum Yum was born.

Annie who trained as a professional gelatiere in Bologna, has brought the same care to the formulation of Doggy Doggy Yum Yum as she brings to her ice cream, so it uses the very best organic ingredients. Made with peanut butter and bananas which dogs find hard to resist, this frozen treat uses coconut milk instead of dairy so it is kinder to dogs’ tummies.

The ice cream is 100% organic, natural and contains probiotics which come from the live yoghurt, vitamins C and B, iron, magnesium, copper and potassium from the coconut and bananas. If given as an occasional treat after a long walk in the countryside, the park or on the beach this tasty treat is perfect way to reward your dog. The peanut butter is pure and so does not contain sugar, xylitol or palm oil.  Doggy Doggy contains no artificial flavourings, colours or refined sugars.

Baboo Gelato believes that Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is the first frozen treat to meet all the dietary and environmental criteria as it is organic, dairy free, gluten free, suitable for vegans and is environmentally friendly as the container tub is fully recyclable. 

Although the name Doggy Doggy Yum Yum tells you who the product is for, it is completely human friendly, and is very popular with human customers as well.

The product is now in 120 stockists nationwide including some prestigious pet stores such as Pet Pavilion in London and the chain of Just For Pets stores in the Midlands. Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is also available to buy in selected, cafes, restaurants and pubs around the country. 

Pop along for a taste testing session in Hall 1 Stand 48.

For further information visit www.doggydoggyyumyum.com

Following its recent appearance on Dragons’ Den, leading pet accessory company Barking Bags will be exhibiting at Crufts where it will launch a new range of Diddy Bags.

The Milton Keynes-based pet accessory business, which won the Best New Business 2021 at the Pet Industry Federation Awards, was offered investment from Dragon Sara Davies on the popular TV show.

Debbie Greaves, a partner at Barking Bags, explains how they developed their bags.

“When we got our little dog, Maisie, we realised that we needed some way to carry all the doggie paraphernalia when training her and out and about on our walks. We set about designing a bag that would make walking the dog easier for all responsible dog owners, while not compromising on style.”

Debbie and business partner Rob Angell enlisted the help of fashion design students who came up with creative ideas and the bag was born. The bags were first sold at a Parks Trust event and when they sold out they knew they were onto something. They took them to CRUFTS and were met with genuine enthusiasm. They now produce high quality dog walking bags, in a range of water resistant, unisex fabrics and also high-end luxury leather bags but in response to customer demand, they also produce a vegan friendly range as well. 

Barking Bags’ ingenious designs have mesh pockets for water bottles and soggy toys, a poo bag dispenser, a safe place for keys and mobile and much more. Some models have reflective strips for added safety when walking in the dark and Barking Bags sell police approved panic alarms that can be clipped onto the bags. Barking Bags come with breathable side pockets with the option of a draw string side pocket – large enough to carry the dog waste once it is bagged up which means no more walking around carrying the unmentionable stuff.

The bags are great for professional dog walkers, breeders, show dog owners, groomers and ordinary dog owners. They are now available as Original, Luxury Leather and Diddy Bags, a smaller version which can be used as bum bags.

For more information visit www.barkingbags.co.uk

Award-winning retail group Just for Pets opened its 20th store at Leamington Shopping Park on Saturday (February 19)...

Local pet owners have expressed their delight at the news. One Facebook user stated how excited they were at not having to travel to Coventry, while others were thrilled at the range of premium dog foods and natural treats available from the pet retailer.

Other comments on the Just for Pets’ Facebook pages included:

“I have to say I’m very impressed at the choice of cat toys/accessories and dog toys. I will definitely be shopping with you again soon.”

“Brilliant selection of natural dog treats.”

“The Leamington store is fab – lots of new and exciting bands and stuff for my dog to try.”

The new store stocks a range of brands, including Orijen, Acana, Carnilove, Canagan and Cooper & Co.

Store manager Adam Sullivan said: “We’re really excited to open and see the reaction from Leamington’s pet owners.

“The new store has a huge range of natural treats and raw foods, as well as a range of new and exciting products and brands, including Le Chameau, George Barclay, and Barbour.

“The training and support the team has been offered is amazing, and we’re confident that we can offer customers the very best advice and products for their pets in store.”

The Just for Pets group was voted UK Pet Retailer of the Year at the PetQuip Awards in 2021.

Pictured: Dr Dave Pool (left) stands with Chris Jones following the acquisition.

Peregrine Livefoods, the UK’s largest reptile wholesaler, has moved into the world of aquatics following the acquisition of specialist fish food brand, FishScience. 

Having stocked the products for several years, the wholesaler welcomed the opportunity to acquire the FishScience business when founder Dr David Pool announced his retirement. The deal was completed on Friday (February 18).

Chris Jones, managing director of Peregrine Livefoods, said: “When David approached us, we jumped at the opportunity for two key reasons. Firstly, we have ambitions to expand our portfolio and market reach beyond reptiles and into the aquatic sector. Secondly, both FishScience and Peregrine Livefoods’ foundations are built on the use of insects as part of our foods. This synergy allows for a myriad of opportunities in the future.”

Peregrine Livefoods is an Employee-Owned Trust, meaning all 192 employees at the Harlow-based company have a stake in the future success of the business. As one of the largest local employers, the company is keen to drive growth into the local economy in a sustainable way.

“Although many reptiles don’t have sensible alternatives of food other than live insects, the aquatic market does have a range of possibilities,” added Chris. “Many foods in the market use fishmeal, often derived through ocean trawled fish, which is incredibly damaging to the environment. 

“We’re excited at the possibility to utilise insects as an alternative protein source and reduce our impact on both the oceans and the planet. The nature of this business means we do not need to transport that protein source around the world, since we breed all our own insects on our farm here in Essex.”

Dr David Pool created FishScience in October 2013 when he saw a necessity to create a more sustainable fish food brand. The choice to use black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) instead of fish meal was one that ultimately created an eco-friendlier product whilst also being more palatable for the fish. Fuelled by his degree in Zoology and post-graduate studies of Freshwater Fisheries Biology and armed with over 25 years of industry knowledge from working at Tetra, he formulated his first product. 

Now, with over 70 products across the range, David is looking forward to retirement and enjoying his passion for fish through his hobbies and working on a consultancy basis with Peregrine Livefoods. 

He said: “The use of insect meal in the formulation of FishScience foods, along with its focus on natural and sustainable ingredients, has been central to the brand’s success.  When Peregrine Livefoods expressed an interest in purchasing FishScience, it felt like a natural fit. Their business focuses on insects, and they recognise the many opportunities that this ingredient offers. Added to this; Peregrine Livefoods is a young and dynamic company that has the resources and expertise to take the FishScience brand to the next level.

“I had always planned to retire at the age of 60 and that landmark has just passed. I’m not someone who can sit around doing very little and I am looking forward to spending more time on my hobbies of fishing, walking, running and travelling. I have also undertaken some voluntary fisheries management work with a local angling club and look forward to spending more time doing this.”

With the new acquisition paving the way for Peregrine Livefoods to enter the aquatics sector, the future of the exotic pet industry looks bright. With many herpetoculturists (those who keep reptiles and amphibians) now also keeping fish in semi-aquatic enclosures called ‘paludariums’ the increased knowledge in-house should benefit a wide reach of businesses across the country.

Chris Jones added: “At Peregrine we have a large team of experts who have a collective wealth of experience when it comes to insects and reptiles, but we’re very limited in specialist aquatic knowledge. David’s experience will be invaluable to assist Peregrine in pushing the brand and developing new products that allow FishScience to become a market-leading fish food brand.”

David concluded: “Everything has gone very smoothly. Peregrine Livefoods has been an easy and open company to work with. It is a young, innovative and dynamic company which I am sure will bring a lot of benefits to the aquatics market.”

A shop assistant has been awarded £20,000 after winning her unfair dismissal case against an Essex pet store.

Leigh Best was sacked from her job at Embark on Raw in Whitesbridge Farm Industrial Estate near Billericay, in May of 2020.

An employment tribunal was told that Leah Best had raised fears about covid-19 safety protocols.

She was employed from 29 January 2019 until her dismissal on 11 May 2020 on a ‘zero hours’ contract although she regularly worked ’full time’ hours every week. She claimed she was dismissed for reasons relating to her conduct briefly summarised as rude and confrontational communication with co-workers and managers. 

The tribunal ruled she had been sacked for raising her covid concerns and victimised for complaining about the owner's behaviour towards her.

A full account of the case can be found by clicking here.

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes, has announced plans to open a store at Wrexham, North Wales. Recruitment has started for the new outlet, which will open at Border Retail Park in April and employ 10 staff. 

Jollyes, which has more than 70 stores across the UK, is taking over the lease previously held by Bensons for Beds, which is due to close at the end of February. 

As part of its opening plans, Jollyes has offered to interview any of the Bensons colleagues interested in moving into a new sector of retailing. 

As well as selling a wide range of pet food and accessories, Jollyes’ Wrexham store will feature ‘The Spa, the retailer’s high-quality dedicated dog grooming salon.  

It will be its second store in North Wales, complementing its popular outlet at the Flintshire Retail Park, Flint. 

Sarah Farrar, Jollyes regional manager, said: “We’ve been looking to find another great location in North Wales for some time and can’t wait to welcome customers and their pets to our new Wrexham store. 

“This will be a full-service store with a grooming spa and pet clinic, designed it to make it as easy as possible for customers to find what they are looking for.” 

Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes announced in January it had a pipeline of 20 new store openings over the next 19 months.

Pet stores are being urged to register now for free entry to PATS Sandown, the UK’s Spring pet industry exhibition taking place on March 27-28 at Sandown Park, Surrey.

The event will see leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their new products and services for 2022, all under one roof.

As an added bonus, visitors are being invited to a special drinks reception to celebrate the 25th PATS show. 

The drinks reception, sponsored by pbwnews, will also mark the 50th anniversary of Pedigree Wholesale, a regular exhibitor at PATS shows. It will take place from 5pm-7pm on Sunday, March 27, after the first day of the exhibition.

With so many exciting plans for 2022, PATS Sandown is shaping up to be another memorable event.

More than 130 companies and brands have booked their stand space, so retailers and buyers can be certain the exhibition halls at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre will be packed with hundreds of new products.

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces.

So why should retailers register now for free entry to the two-day exhibition? Here’s just a quick summary of popular visitor attractions:

• The biggest and best showcase of new pet products
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Free entry, free parking and free catalogue.
• Invitation to the 25th PATS drinks reception on Sunday, March 27.

You can register on line at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.