As excitement starts to build towards this year’s October showpiece, two regular exhibitors reveal why PATS Telford has become a must-visit event for pet retailers and buyers.
Simon Lane, Director of Ancol Pet Products (stand H10)
Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?
After deciding to take a rest from exhibitions for a few years, we were lucky enough to secure an excellent location at PATS 2021. After a three-year exhibition break, we were astonished at the level of interest, the quality of the visitors and the overall positive reaction we had at PATS. It was repeated at PATS 2022, so we are very pleased with the return on our PATS investment and can’t wait for this year’s show.
What makes the exhibition so special?
The location is excellent. All our customers state how much they enjoy visiting Telford.
How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers to have a show like PATS?
People like to buy from people. It’s very important to meet our customers in person and we like to show and explain our product range in situ, not just from a catalogue or images on a computer.
What are you hoping to achieve at the show?
We are looking forward to engaging with old and new customers and chat to them, hopefully take orders and make plans for future business.
Will you be unveiling new products there?
We will be launching our new catalogue and price list along with 200+ new products.
Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show?
If they are passionate about growing their business, there’s no better opportunity to see what’s new and interesting for sale. Being able to differentiate their offering from their competition is the best way to develop sales.
Antoon Murphy, Managing Director, Nova Dog Chews (stand H32)
Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford?
We have exhibited many times over the years at PATS Telford and have always found it to be a great chance to speak to new and existing customers in one place and showcase our range of products. It is the best opportunity to speak to the whole pet market over two days.
What makes the exhibition so special?
There is always a good buzz about the exhibition. It comes at good time in the calendar year for us, in the early stages of the build up to Christmas. It is the most important event in the year for the UK pet trade.
How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers to have a show like PATS?
It is very important to be able to meet and speak with customers at least once per year at a venue like this. It is a great chance to introduce new products and let customers know about what we can offer as a company. Some customers sometimes don’t realise the extent of our range until they see us at PATS Telford. Many also like to see the quality of the products in real life rather than viewing from a brochure or website.
What are you hoping to achieve at the show?
We would like to introduce new products to our existing customers and showcase as much of our range as we can. Of course, we are also looking to speak to customers who don’t stock our products yet and hopefully we can encourage them to start. One of the main reasons for attending is to build long-term relationships with customers and build trust that we are the company to go to for natural premium dog snacks in the UK.
Will you be unveiling new products there?
Yes, we intend to unveil some new products within our Paddock Farm natural range, including some novel proteins. We will also be adding to our very popular Luxury Pâté range.
Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show?
It is a great chance to see what the UK pet market has to offer and to see products in the flesh. It’s also great to catch up with customers and have a chat. We would encourage everybody to drop past our stand even if it’s just to say hello.
Registration for free entry to the show is open for retailers and buyers at www.patshow.co.uk
