A popular online retailer selling luxury pet supplies drew fans from across the North to the opening of its first in-person store.

Pet Hamper, based in Preston and launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, sells high-end goodies for cats and dogs.

Initially an online-only retailer, the company is building on its early success by opening its first physical store.

Following months of research, design and DIY, the new home of Pet Hamper offers a luxury experience that is unlike any traditional pet shop.

The warm, welcoming and contemporary space features a chill-out area, arcade games and treats for pets.

The pet products which feature in the company’s bespoke hampers have been hand-selected from suppliers around the world, and can be found on well-lit, recessed shelving.

The grand opening was so highly anticipated by the brand’s fans that customers travelled from across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester to be among the first to visit.

Emily Benson, who took the lead on researching, designing and installing the stores decor alongside company co-founder Mark Jackson, said: “We didn’t want to go down the traditional route of stacked shelves, bright lights and funky smells. We wanted to create somewhere welcoming that people would look forward to visiting.

“Instead we took our style cues from home interior design experts. We’ve created somewhere that’s inviting and fun. There’s no reason to rush - customers are invited to take their time, chat with us about recommendations for pet gifts or about pet ownership in general, have a drink, have their photo taken - it’s a full experience.”

And the new venture has proven to be a big hit among customers so far. Many of the customers who have already visited have left glowing reviews of the new store.

Pet Hamper is run by Emily Benson and Mark Jackson, who first launched the business during the pandemic as he was shopping for a gift for a friend’s pet and wasn’t able to find an appropriate present.

This sparked the idea of creating hampers which could be gifted to pets and their owners. An online store followed and the pair have now expanded with the first physical store.

Pet Hamper has also secured a number of corporate customers. The company’s products are available to guests staying at the luxurious Prince Akatoki Hotel in London, as incentives offered by insurance companies such as Animal Friends and Many Pets, and as rewards to customers of British Gas and Vodafone.

What is now the Pet Hamper store began as an office and storage space for the company, which was later converted by Mark and Emily over several months.

The store sits within a small but thriving business community between Preston and Lytham which also features a dog-friendly café, an independent brewer, a hairdresser and a gym. Located on a converted farm, the buildings feature eco-friendly aspects such as biomass heating and solar panels.

Mark said: “Our business has grown from strength to strength since we launched. Opening a physical store, where we could meet and chat with our customers seemed like the next logical step and within our first few weeks we have received so much positive feedback.

“We’re delighted that we have been able to connect with so many animal lovers and that they appreciate what we have to offer.”

Next up for Pet Hamper, Mark and Emily hope to spread their store’s physical presence further afield, initially beginning with pop-up shops in other areas of the UK, timed to coincide with busy sales periods, such as in the lead up to Christmas.

A popular pet store has introduced an indoor park so that dogs can play off lead, and already it is proving a huge success with customers.

The Deeside store, Pups, Pets & Ponies, has allocated 900 sq ft of floor space to the dedicated area called the Paws & Play.

Store owner Victoria Clay said: “We initially started doing breed meets in our dog friendly coffee shop last year. As popularity grew, we were often asked for more space to let the dogs off lead, so the idea of the indoor park came about.

“The indoor park has only been open for one month but the response has been fantastic, especially for customers who are nervous bringing dogs to open play or breed meets.

“Our puppy playdates are certainly the most popular and a favourite of the team for all the cuddles we get. 

“We are now introducing birthday parties and will probably introduce Christmas parties later in the year.”

Pets at Home saw revenues rising 10.2% to £568.2m, as the animal care brand was bolstered by new store openings. 

The pet store, which operates 453 sites across the UK, said that total group revenue reached £436.8m, up 7.9% when compared to last year.

Pets at Home opened two new shops during the first quarter and also refurbished nine stores in its portfolio.

The business also increased development of its digital platform, remaining on track to launch a new consumer app and website later this year. 

In June the business launched a £50m share buy back scheme, which it said at the time was to reduce its share capital. It is on track to be completed in September.

Chief executive Lyssa McGowan, said: “The quality of our growth has remained strong as we grew transaction volumes and continued to acquire new consumers at an impressive rate, as our compelling value, range and service continues to resonate with consumers.”

“It has also been a quarter of steady delivery against our strategic plan we set out in May. We have expanded and enhanced our physical estate, made good progress in the development of our digital platform, and continued the transition to our new distribution facility, as we execute on our ambition to build the world’s best pet care platform.”

Pictured: Pets at Home unveiled its Bristol Emersons Green pet care centre last month after an extensive refurbishment, following the launch of the company’s new brand identity.

Swindon’s Melinda Messenger was on hand this weekend to help open Jollyes’ new store in the town – and her pet dog Peggy was the star.

Peggy chomped through a string of sausages to declare the store open – Jollyes’ seventh store opening in 2023.

After opening the new pet superstore, Peggy took advantage of the store’s new ‘Jolly Groomer’ parlour to get a wash, trim - and blueberry facial from Jollyes’ star spa supremo Alison Luff.

The opening of the new Swindon store – Jollyes’ 91st in the UK - is part of the chain’s ambitious expansion plans which has seen it exceed £100 million turnover in FY2023, employ over 1,000 colleagues and put it well on the way to having 100 stores within the next 12 months.

See gallery of pictures below...

Jollyes has planned an official opening of its first Merthyr Tydfil store on Saturday 12 August at 10.00am.

And the flagship store, at Triangle Business Park Rd, Pentrebach is set to become the first store in the UK opened by Dreygo - a dragon with a huge 15-feet wingspan and smoke-breathing nostrils.

Joining Dreygo will be civic guests from Merthyr County Borough Council – new Mayor Councillor Malcolm Colbran and regeneration cabinet member Michelle Symonds and her dog Milo who’ll declare the store open by biting through a string of sausages.

The store, Jollyes 93rd in the UK and fourth in Wales will be a flagship location for the pet retailer.

The store will be one of the first in the UK to get both a new-look Community Pet Clinic and ‘Jolly Groomer’ - part of a £1million investment over the next 18 months to supercharge Jollyes’ provision of vet clinics, grooming parlours and other pet services in its UK stores.

Jollyes’ service expansion at Merthyr will reflect its commitment to extraordinary value.  Vet-supervised dog and cat vaccinations in the clinic will start at just £14 and £13 for rabbits with primary course jabs for dogs and cats at £33. 

Microchipping, starts at just £13, offering significant savings against average prices charged by formal vet practices.

The Jolly Groomer at Merthyr will offer straightforward pricing for a quality groom that doesn’t cost a paw and a leg.

Its new store will provide pet parents in Merthyr access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ alongside high quality private label pet food such as its own Lifestage, K9 and Rileys brands which offer a premium experience without a big brand price tag.

Customers can choose precisely what grooming service they need, so they don’t pay for ones they don’t.  Prices for a bath and brush will start at just £15.00.

The appearance of Dreygo and Milo isn’t the only fun planned for the store’s opening weekend.

The store intends to soft-open on Friday 11 August and on Saturday, the first 100 customers on Saturday will receive a free goody-bag and every customer will have the chance to spin Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’ to win prizes. 

Also on hand to cool down hot dogs will be Jollyes’ ice-cream tricycle offering special treats from doggy ice cream provider Frozzys.

The store will also be raising money for Friends of Animals Wales, based in Rhondda.

And Nation Radio Wales will be on hand to broadcast live links back to the studio and interview the team.

Jollyes’ new Merthyr store and its team of 12 will be led by Sadie Rawlings who moves over to Pentrebach after overseeing the launch of Jollyes in Llanelli last December.

“We’re starting work next Monday to get the store ready to welcome Dreygo, Milo and the pet parents of Merthyr later this month.” said regional manager Sam Wells. 

“We’re thrilled that Pentrebach will be our fourth location in Wales, and we’re looking forward to bringing the kind of value and service that’s already available at Wrexham, Llanelli and Flint to Merthyr.”

Jollyes recently outlined an innovative package of benefits for all its colleagues – including those recently recruited to Merthyr. 

The package includes, birthday leave, a ‘pet-eternity’ day for colleagues getting a new pet in the family, a week off on full pay for all colleagues on when they get married, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and an enhanced 20 per cent discount off all Jollyes services.

The opening of the new Pentrebach store – its 93rd in the UK - is part of Jollyes’ ambitious expansion plans which has seen it exceed £100 million turnover in FY2023, employ over 1,000 colleagues and put it well on the way to having 100 stores within the next 12 months.

Beaphar UK has launched a new range of pet shampoos which are pH neutral, contain 0% parabens and are vegan friendly.  

Specially formulated for pets, the shampoos promote a soft and glossy coat, whilst leaving pets smelling fresh and clean. Containing Aloe vera, each shampoo is also enriched with an additional active ingredient to support the skin and coat.  

 “The skin is such an important part of the body, protecting us from bacteria and infections, so keeping it healthy and clean is essential for overall health,” explains Claire Edmunds, UK Marketing Manager, Beaphar UK.

“Our new shampoo range is pH neutral and contains 0% parabens to ensure they don’t irritate the skin. The formulas are also vegan approved and they are packed in recyclable bottles made from 50% recycled PET.’”

The range consists of four products for dogs, each catering to a specific need, white coat, long coat and puppy, and a universal product for all dog breeds. Additionally, there is a shampoo specifically for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals. 

For more information, contact your local Sales Executive, email  info@uk.beaphar.com or call Customer Services Team on 0333 0066236.  

The chief dog bed tester for Manchester-based luxury dog bedding brand Charley Chau has made dog showing history by becoming the first Italian Greyhound to win a US Champion title in one single day of competition.

Brutus, also known as Champion Jaros Ferazi Et Tu Brute at Sfizimio, recently made the round trip from Manchester to Detroit via Paris with his owner Christine Chau to compete at two weekends of shows in Michigan.

On his debut in the US show ring, Brutus won three back-to-back shows on his first day of competition to become a US Champion - the fastest any Italian Greyhound has ever finished the American Kennel Club's US Champion award! 

Brutus’ historic wins also qualify him to enter the prestigious Westminster Dog Show for life, which is the US equivalent to Crufts. Brutus is no stranger to success in the show ring - this Manchester-based dog is already a UK Champion and the UK's number 1 Italian Greyhound.

After spending a further week competing at six shows, Brutus ended his US holiday not just as a US Champion but also well on his way to becoming a US Grand Champion, he won a major award at every show he competed at on his holiday to leave him just one point short of his US Grand Champion title, paving the way for another Charley Chau adventure to the US soon.

Brutus’ owner and Co-Founder of Charley Chau, Christine Chau says: “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that Brutus would gain his US Champion title in a day and 24 Grand Champion points by winning majors at nine shows under nine different judges to come home just one point short of a Grand Champion title. That level of consistency is just mind blowing, especially with an unknown exhibitor on the lead.  And the single point required for his Grand means I’m looking forward to another US holiday with Brutus soon!”  

Pet specialist Kennelpak launched its new corporate website ahead of its 50^th anniversary.

The website has been redesigned with the end user in mind, providing a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate, and responsive experience for all users across a multitude of devices. New and existing customers can now effortlessly browse through the brands, services, and valuable resources that Kennelpak has to offer.

“The new site allows both our wholesale and retail customers and partners to better understand Kennelpak and the richness of our heritage in pet care,” said Claire Bayliss, CEO at Kennelpak. “Anyone who has an interest in listing any of our specialist brands or is looking for a full-service distribution partner, can visit the new website and discover how Kennelpak can help meet their pet care needs.”

Not only does the new site detail the history of Kennelpak and their retail arm, Pets & Friends, but showcases their range of pet brands. From own brands to global partnership brands, consumers and retailers alike can discover what each brand has to offer, including their award-winning yak milk chew range, YAKERS. 

The new site also includes an enhanced careers and contact platform, offering customers and jobseekers an opportunity to speak directly to the Kennelpak team. 

With a thorough understanding of the Kennelpak brands thanks to a 15-year working relationship, Nottingham-based agency m360 was selected to create the new Kennelpak website. Managing the project from the initial brief through to photography and in-house development. 

Kennelpak's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in the launch of this user-centric website. With its modern design and improved functionality, Kennelpak.co.uk ensures a seamless and engaging browsing experience across all devices.

To learn more about Kennelpak brands and services visit the new website at kennelpak.co.uk.

Birmingham Dogs Home is welcoming registrations from local pet owners to its new state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic.

The new practice is based at the charity’s rescue centre in Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull.

All income generated from the clinic will be put straight back into the charity, helping to fund its rescue and rehoming work across the Midlands.

Welcoming dogs, cats, as well as small furries, the charity’s friendly, dedicated clinic team offer a full small animal practice provision. 

Among the services offered are preventive health care options including vaccination, neutering, weight management and senior clinics. Care of ill and injured pets is also provided including diagnostic investigations, operations, dental procedures, acupuncture, and, ultimately, compassionate euthanasia if needed.

The brand-new clinic boasts lovely modern facilities including consulting rooms, separate dog and cat wards, an operating theatre, laboratory area, diagnostic imaging suite and dental suite.

Much of the equipment was funded through the generosity of the local community, businesses and grants, fundraised by the charity as part of its ‘Healing Hearts Appeal’.

Helping dogs like Hope

A recent patient who found herself homeless through no fault of her own was a little spaniel called Hope, who is currently being cared for by Birmingham Dogs Home.

Poor Hope had been abandoned and tied up so tightly that her back leg had deep lacerations. She was no longer able to feel her paw or bare any weight when she was first seen by the charity’s clinical team and amputation seemed likely.

However, after six weeks of treatment, she gradually began to show signs of improvement, with repairing nerves and feeling returning to her injured leg.

With lots of TLC from the Birmingham Dogs Home team, she is now gaining her confidence and become the playful, happy little soul she was meant to be and has found her forever home with a loving new family.

BDH’s Head Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Becky Westwood, commented: “We were delighted to provide this life-changing treatment for little Hope, and our team look forward to welcoming new clients and providing the best quality care to local pet owners from our lovely new facilities in Solihull.”

By registering your pet with the Birmingham Dog’s Home Veterinary Clinic, you are helping to support this charity and help little girls like Hope have the chance of a better future.

For more information about Birmingham Dogs Home’s Vet Clinic, please visit www.bdhvetclinic.org.uk, call 0121 643 4324 or email info@bdhvetclinic.org.uk

Dorwest Herbs has launched new cognitive support supplement BrainCopa with 90% of trial participants seeing overall improvements.

BrainCopa's unique, powerful formulation helps to keep pet's minds agile by promoting normal brain and mental function, which can be especially useful in older pets experiencing cognitive decline. 

With a range of scientifically proven natural ingredients, including Bacopa and DHA powder, BrainCopa provides targeted multi-action support. 

The unique and powerful formulation naturally supports senior dogs enabling them to better cope with the changes associated with ageing such as: disorientation, restlessness, altered behaviour and sleep, and house-soiling.

Ingredients include:

• Bacopa monnieri - Long used in Ayurvedic medicine as a 'brain tonic', Bacopa is a powerful antioxidant which supports the central nervous system, memory and cognitivefunction.2 It can also help maintain a normal inflammatory state in the brain.
• DHA powder - Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid which is vital for brain development and ongoing brain function. It has been shown to support cognitive function in older dogs and is well-tolerated and readily absorbed.1 Dorwest’s DHA powder is sourced from algae, so is super sustainable.
• Calming herb lemon balm, traditionally used to aid those with sleep disturbances, Ginkgo biloba, rich in anti-oxidants and has been found to help minimise the impact of disorientation, support sleep and behavioural changes, and Vitamin E, recognised as a powerful antioxidant, helping to support optimal memory and aid DHA uptake in the brain.

The trial for BrainCopa Tablets took place in February 2023 with a total of 21 participants, all with dogs needing different levels of cognitive support. This included a variety of breeds between ages 7 to 15 years and participants were surveyed on their dog’s symptoms before, and given a second survey on completion of the trial 28 days later. Improvements were seen by 43% of participants within 3 weeks of starting the tablets at the recommended daily dose.

To find out more about Dorwest call 01308 897272or email info@dorwest.com

Over half a million pounds is being invested in the Animal Welfare facilities at Solihull College & University Centre ahead of the launch of a new T-Level in Animal Care and Management.

T-Levels are new two-year courses for school leavers that have been developed in collaboration with leading employers so that the content meets the needs of industry. T-Levels combine classroom learning and a 45-day industry placement. The T-Level in Animal Care and Management is due to start in September 2024. 

The funding, secured as a Building and Facilities Improvement Grant from the T-Levels Capital Fund, will be match funded by the College to reach the £600k total.

With UK dog ownership increasing, this investment will focus on building state-of-the-art dog grooming and handling areas featuring new equipment such as hydro baths, plus a new training and exercise area.

There are over ten million pet pooches in the UK and with 27% of UK adults currently owning a dog, the associated market is booming. Professional dog grooming is increasingly becoming a skill which is in incredibly high demand, as are many industries based around animal ownership.

Head of School for Animal Welfare & Veterinary Nursing, Claire Powell, comments: “The new facilities will continue to ensure the College is ahead of the game when it comes to animal welfare teaching and learning. This new T-Level will ensure our students are extremely well prepared when it comes to going out into the workplace.”

The College already boasts an enviable Animal Welfare Centre at Blossomfield Campus, featuring aquatics, reptiles, sheep, donkeys, meerkats, birds and more. The College offers animal welfare and veterinary nursing courses at a range of levels right up to degree, with students enrolling from all over the West Midlands and further afield.

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There are just two weeks to go until entries close for the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2023.  

With a range of 22 categories, including four new categories, the PIF Awards are a great showcase for excellence in the pet industry and highlight this year’s inspirational success stories.

One of the new categories is the Pet Store Manager of the Year. Sponsored by the Awards’ Platinum Sponsor, Jollyes, this award is aimed at a pet retail manager who has shown exceptional leadership, innovation and team spirit in managing a pet store. It doesn’t matter whether nominees are managing an independent pet shop or steering the ship at a major chain, it is designed to celebrate leaders who have made a great difference to the pet shop they look after. 

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “The PIF Awards are designed to celebrate achievement across a broad range of areas of the pet industry and we know that winning a PIF Award gives companies and their staff a huge boost. We would encourage all businesses thinking of entering to submit their entry by Friday 18 August to make sure they are in with a chance of taking home a trophy.”

The 2023 PIF Awards are free to enter; category criteria and details on how to submit an entry can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk 

PIF Award winners will be revealed at Chesford Grange Hotel, near Kenilworth, Warwickshire on Thursday 9 November. More details, including the final few sponsorship categories available can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk

A cat from Nottingham, who transformed his owner’s life after she was diagnosed with cancer, has been saved by vet charity PDSA who removed a 10cm blade of grass from his nose.   

Ginge, (6), was taken to Nottingham PDSA Pet Hospital after his owner Laura Mellors, (52), said he was struggling to breathe and sneezing blood. 

“It was very scary,” she explained. “Ginge was having sneezing fits and coughing, and then all of a sudden he started bringing up blood. I didn’t know what to do.”  

Laura, who was eligible for the charity’s services after having to give up work when she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, took him to her local PDSA Pet Hospital straightaway.  

“PDSA were amazing,” she added. “The team sedated Ginge and pulled out a huge 10cm blade of grass, I couldn’t believe it. 

“You couldn’t see anything stuck in his nose or in his mouth so it must have been pretty far back. After the vets got it out Ginge was back to his normal self almost instantly. I can’t thank them enough!”  

Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the pandemic and had to give up her job in Tesco. Because of her Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it meant she was eligible for the charity’s veterinary services.  

“From my diagnosis, to the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, it’s been a hard few years and I’m so thankful to PDSA for being there for Ginge and for me,” she shared.  

 
Laura lives in Bestwood with her partner Sam, (62). She said Ginge is a big part of the family after ‘choosing her’ when he appeared in her garden as a stray cat. 

“Ginge came into our lives around the same time I was diagnosed with cancer,” she explained.  

“I feel like he chose us to be honest. He was a stray cat who used to come and sit in our garden. One day he came in through the back door, and then he never left. We tried to see if he was owned by anyone – we asked our neighbours, and took him to be scanned for a microchip but nothing came of it. 

 
“We wouldn’t be without him for the world though – he’s an amazing cat! He’s slow and chilled out, he plods around the garden and sits in the sun. 

 
“He’s always eating bits of grass and even though I tell him to stop, I didn’t think it would cause much harm. But I’ll definitely be a lot more mindful of this from now on.”  

PDSA Vet Catherine Burke explained that this is common amongst cats and can be tricky to diagnose and treat. 

“When a cat gets a blade of grass lodged in the back of their nose or throat, it can be very uncomfortable and irritating for them, and could cause an infection,” she explains. 

“It can cause severe bouts of sneezing or coughing, and in some cases such as Ginge’s, the cat can start sneezing or coughing up blood which can be very distressing for both cat and owner. 

“It can be really difficult to prevent this from happening, as cats will often wander where we can’t keep an eye on them. If your cat eats grass in your own garden, keep it cut short to reduce the risk of the longer grass blades getting stuck. 

“Sneezing from time to time is nothing to worry about, but you should contact your vet if your cat can’t stop sneezing, sneezes blood or seems to be in pain.”  

In times of hardship, pets like Ginge will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to support owners who have nowhere else to turn by providing life-saving care to vulnerable pets. To donate, visit pdsa.org.uk.  

A rescue dog is back to her old self after vets replaced parts of her skull with a titanium mesh plate following an operation to remove a brain tumour.

The complex surgery took place at Hamilton Specialist Referrals in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Sammy’s owner, Judy Horsford, from London, initially became concerned when the 10-year-old terrier began experiencing balance issues and tilting her head to one side.

“We took her to our daytime vet who tried anti-inflammatory drugs, but she then had a big seizure which was very scary,” said Mrs Horsford. 

“While we were waiting for the results of tests, we spotted a large lump on her head which we hadn’t noticed before. It was a real shock, and when she had scans that showed how massive the tumour was, it was really worrying.

“She was put on steroids, but we felt she must be really suffering, and if something wasn’t done, she wouldn’t last very long. We had to give her a chance.”

Sammy was referred to the state-of-the-art IVC Evidensia clinic at Hamilton’s for surgery on the uncommon, slow-growing bone tumour.

“In many such cases, we would have done an MRI scan, but we had the flexibility here to use a CT scan instead, which showed what was needed more quickly and easily,” said Dr Pete Smith, European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology. 

“It identified a large growth protruding deep into the skull and compressing large areas of Sammy’s brain.

“The surgery was complex, and we had to remove much of the side and back of her skull. Once removed, the brain was no longer compressed, but she would have been left with a very abnormal shape to her head and at risk of being injured by relatively minor incidents.

“We don’t use titanium mesh very often, but we’d had to remove so much of the skull there was nowhere for us to reattach the neck muscles.

“So, the mesh acted as a metal framework to protect the brain and allow the tissues to be reconstructed.

“We were able to mould the titanium and then screw it in place to the intact areas of the skull.”

Remarkably, Sammy was eating by the following morning and recovered so well that she was allowed home three days later.

“We were really careful at first, but her recovery really was beyond belief,” said Mrs Horsford. “We will be forever grateful to the team at Hamilton’s for giving Sammy her life back. Every day with her is a bonus, and she is certainly making the most of it.”  

Titanium mesh is often used to repair cranial defects in humans because of its low infection rate, high strength, and affordability. 

Studies show it also offers better brain protection and can lower the likelihood of a patient needing additional surgery. 

To find out more about IVC Evidensia Referrals, head over to the website here.

The British Independent Retailers Association has reviewed recent figures from the BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index and has said the Bank of England needs to 'carefully consider' any future interest rate increase which will ensure the stability of economic recovery.

The report for July 2023, shows:

• Shop Price annual inflation decelerated to 7.6% in July, down from 8.4% in June. This is below the 3-month average rate of 8.4%. Shop price growth is at its lowest this year.
• Non-Food inflation decelerated to 4.7% in July, down from 5.4% in June. This is below the 3-month average rate of 5.3%. Inflation is its lowest since December 2022.
• Food inflation decelerated to 13.4% in July, down from 14.6% in June. This is below the 3-month average rate of 14.5% and is the third consecutive deceleration in the food category. Inflation is its lowest since December 2022.
• Fresh Food inflation slowed further in July, to 14.3%, down from 15.7% in June. This is below the 3-month average rate of 15.7% and inflation in this category remains elevated. Inflation is its lowest since November 2022.
• Ambient Food inflation decelerated to 12.3% in July, down from 13.% in June. This is below the 3-month average rate of 12.8% and is the lowest since February 2023.

Andrew Goodacre, BIRA CEO said: "We are pleased to see the inflation levels falling, as it is a positive sign for both businesses and consumers. The deceleration in inflation gives us hope that it will lead to greater consumer confidence, which is essential for boosting spending in the retail sector. As inflation eases, we anticipate an opportunity for more discretionary expenditure on non-food items, benefiting various industries. However, with inflation on the decline, we urge the Bank of England to carefully consider any future interest rate increases to ensure a stable and sustainable economic recovery." 

Up to £70m is being invested in a Teeside factory to produce high protein products for the UK and European aquafeed and pet food markets.

The company behind the project is Ensus, owned by the German biofuels manufacturer CropEnergies AG. The investment will see the construction of a new £60m to £70m unit to produce high protein animal feed at the Wilton International plant.

For more than a decade, as well as producing renewable ethanol as a road fuel and being the UK’s main supplier of biogenic CO₂, Ensus has been the UK’s largest producer of protein animal feed to the farming industry. The plant currently produces 350,000 tonnes a year of protein enriched dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) primarily for UK cattle and pig farmers. 

In a separate investment aimed at improving plant reliability, Ensus is planning to replace one of its feed driers at the plant and upgrade a second. A further investment in a project to install a mechanical vapour recompression unit will also bring about significant reductions of CO₂ emissions. 

The total sum invested will be around £90 million by 2025. 

Grant Pearson, Chairman of Ensus UK, said: “These major investments are a significant sign of CropEnergies’ commitment to Ensus and the bioethanol business within the UK and Europe.”

“The further development of our protein product range is particularly important. By taking feed grains primarily used to feed cattle and turning them into higher protein feeds with wider feedstuff applications, we are not only diversifying our product range and overall sustainability but also helping to address the UK’s protein shortage.”

“The investments are also a recognition by our parent company of the hard work, loyalty and dedication of the team at Wilton over the last 15 years.”

Dr Stephan Meeder, CEO and CFO of CropEnergies AG, said: “EnPro is a product which fits perfectly into CropEnergies’ dedication to a circular economy. We utilize all of our raw materials and refine them into products which benefit the markets in which we operate.”

“We look forward to Ensus adding another high-quality protein feed to our portfolio. The investments will also enhance Ensus’ overall competitiveness, profitability and strengthen its position on the European ethanol and protein markets.” 

Ensus will partner with U.S. based technology provider Fluid Quip Technologies (FQT), Cedar Rapids, USA, for the design and process engineering of the patented and proven MSC™ protein separation technology, which will be used to produce EnPro. Northallerton-based engineering and professional services company WSP will carry out the balance of engineering design as well as manage the construction of the new facility.

Neal Jakel, President of Fluid Quip Technologies, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for FQT and Ensus to work together in producing high-value protein products, that have shown significant value in growth markets. The MSC protein technology is currently operating at nine facilities in the U.S. and we are excited to partner with Ensus on FQT’s first UK installation.”

A South coast pet shop firm has been forced to close one of its three stores following the impact of a blaze a year ago.

The Pet Shop Guys, based in Bournemouth, announced on its Facebook page that it had taken the ‘heartbreaking’ decision to close its shop in Westbourne.

In a spocial media statement, the company said: “It is with deep sadness that after just 10 months of opening our doors, we have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to permanently close our Westbourne store.

“As you may or may not know, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, there was a fire at our Winton store just one day after signing the Westbourne lease. At the time we were very naive to how massively this would affect us, but the impact has sadly been catastrophic to all 3 stores and we had to make a choice.

“We hope that you will continue to shop with us at our Winton & Southbourne stores. Thank you for your custom. We hope to see you all soon.” 

Photograph courtesy of The Pet Shop Guys' Facebook page.

An Isle of Wight pet shop has closed its doors because of financial problems.

The closure of Fin and Fur, based in East Cowes, has been reported by the Isle of Wight County Press.

It stated that a note taped to the front door of the shop read: “Due to financial difficulties, we will no longer be trading and have to close doors.

“We thank you all for your support and we are very sorry to be unable to serve the community any longer.”

Dobbies Garden Centres has announced the appointment of David Robinson as Chief Executive Officer. David joins the business from Pets at Home where he was Chief Operating Officer, playing a key role in the business’ success story over the last four years.

David has previously worked at Home Retail Group as Chief Operating Officer, at Argos leading its digital transformation, and as part of the Homebase Executive team, responsible for its commercial operations.

David replaces Graeme Jenkins who has decided to pursue other opportunities having been with the business for seven years, both as CFO and CEO. David officially starts today and will be in hand-over with Graeme over the course of this week.

The former Chief Executive of Dobbies, Graeme Jenkins said: “After seven transformative years, I am delighted that David has taken over the reins as CEO.  I am confident he will take the business through its next stage of growth and I wish him and the team the very best for the future."

The Board of Dobbies said: “We are pleased to welcome David to Dobbies. With his retail experience and focus on customers and colleagues, he will be a fantastic asset to the business as we continue our growth.

We would like to thank Graeme for his invaluable work, leading the business through its transformation into the UK’s number 1 garden centre operator more than doubling its size, its replatforming and navigating the challenges of the Covid period.

Chief Executive Officer of Dobbies, David Robinson said: “I am thrilled to be joining Dobbies. The UK is passionate about its green spaces and there has been a boom in how we appreciate and enjoy our gardens in the past few years. I have certainly become a keen gardener myself so I am looking forward to being closely involved with the sector.

Dobbies is a special business that enjoys the fact that customers choose to visit garden centres, generating footfall that many retailers can only dream of in these challenging economic times. I am really excited to work with the team through the next stage of growth for the business.”

A dog daycare business in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, is looking for a new owner to take over from its founder, who plans to retire and relocate.

Mark McMullan has engaged Blacks Business Brokers to find a new owner for K9-Club, with a guide price of £139,995 to take over the business and leasehold premises in which it is based.

Mr McMullan, who was previously a director at a legal expenses insurance provider, established K9-Club in 2014. It now has a strong base of regular customers, caters for all breeds of dog, and has a five-star rating in animal welfare from DEFRA, the government department which regulates businesses of this kind.

K9 Club operates from a fully soundproofed single-storey unit on the Old Mill Industrial Estate in Bamber Bridge. The premises include an outdoor garden and on-site parking.

Indoor facilities include a large agility room, open plan playroom and two chill-out rooms with dog beds and televisions. The property incurs annual rent of £16,796 + VAT.

The business, which will continue to operate as normal until a new owner is in place, is currently run by Mr McMullan himself plus one part-time and two full-time members of staff, who would stay on following any change of ownership. K9 Club is projected to turn over £162,000 in 2023.

The business is open from 7.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year, and has a strong base of regular customers, with additional trade generated through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media advertising. It has a comprehensive, modern website: www.k9-club.co.uk.

Megan Sutherst, deal executive at Blacks Business Brokers, said, “This is a great opportunity for an entrepreneurial dog-lover to take their first step into business ownership. Equally, it could be a great additional project for a local businessperson or investor who wants to diversify.

“Mark has established a superb business over the last nine years but there is still plenty of scope to increase revenues by, for example, introducing a collection and drop-off service, extending the opening hours to provide overnight care or branching out into dog-walking services. I am expecting strong interest now the word is out that K9 Club is on the market.”

All enquiries should be directed to Blacks Business Brokers on 0333 370 0000, quoting reference 8186.