A survey of Pet Trade Xtra readers has resulted in a clear majority stating they will be voting for the UK to leave the EU in the Referendum on June 23rd. 62% of respondents voted to leave the EU with 38% wanting to remain.



Over 110 readers took part in the survey from all parts of the UK and covering suppliers, retailers and other members of the UK pet community. 55% of the respondents were pet retailers and 28% manufacturers or distributors.

The result is the reverse of a similar survey of the UK garden retailing and supplier community who were 54% on favour of remaining in the EU versus 46% wanting to leave.  (Read the GTN Xtra result here)

Here is a selection of the comments left as part of the Pet Trade Xtra survey:

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Carina Evans, Dog Rocks:  “Can’t wait, we should be a Global economy, not a Euro centric one.”

Paul Robinson, Epro Wholesale:  “I don't think there will be any change. The UK is too big a market for Europe to ignore.”

Darren Pakeman, Petslair Pet Products: “It would be better, stop these foreign cheap imports, get a decent tax put on them, bring British business back, made in Britain, stay in Britain, stop British companies doing their business overseas and out doing small businesses that can't.”

David Swan, Eclipse Farm:  “Being "in" has only had a negative effect on my business.”

Debbie Syme, SPR Centre:  “Would make it easier to trade without the ridiculous rules and regulations we have to abide by at the moment.”

John Stanbridge:  “Reduction in "red tape" and controls for small business. A trade deal will be agreed because the E.U. Countries in particular Germany export £60 bio more to the U.K.”

Lynda Ward, Pet Trade Solutions: “Our export products are so good that an exit won't materially affect us and as such a huge and successful marketplace I certainly don't expect EU member countries will want to stop selling their pet products to us!”

Remain comments

Richard Pigram:  “In my opinion we will find that there will be austerity for a number of years and our industry will be one of the first to suffer!”

Grant Rodgers, 3P Enterprise:  “We will still have to comply with European legislation as they form a large part of our customer base. Leaving will devalue the GBP so costs of imported product will increase. Freedom to trade with Europe is vital for our future growth.”

Lucas Coe, PR99:  “A Brexit could have a detrimental impact on the cost of importing raw materials due to the likely fall in sterling. Pet trade businesses that sell across the EU could be hit hard by the UK leaving the single market, having a knock on effect to their UK based supply chain.”

Mark Hirschel, Hownd:  “This is the problem - we all know what happens if we stay but no one knows what really happens if we leave!”

Damian Krogulewski, Rocky's World:  “Lots products that we have on the stock in UK are from Europe, after this time we have to pay extra for VAT and prices go so quick up.”

Whilst the initial survey closed on May 26th, we have now re-opened the survey and will keep it open until the actual Referendum so that we can monitior and report on any changes in the way our readers are planning to vote. Here is a link to the survey click here

Please note our survey system only accepts one response per subscribers e-mail address.

Pets at Home Group Plc, announced its preliminary results for the 53 week period to 31 March 2016 showing profits before tax at £97.3 million, up 9.6% on the previous year and more growth plans for 2017.

According to the statement operational highlights included the VIP club reaching 4.5m members, rollout targets were acheived through opening 20 Pets at Home superstores, 6 Barkers stores and 1 Whiskers ‘n Paws trial format. 50 veterinary practices and 60 grooming salons were added to the business.  The company also acquired two specialist veterinary referral centres and a further two post year end.

Ian Kellett, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: “I am pleased to report another year of good progress. Despite some seasonal challenges to our Health & Hygiene sales, we have seen excellent performance in our strategic growth drivers of Advanced Nutrition, VIP, vet and grooming services. Together with refinancing benefits, this contributed to pre-exceptional earnings per share growth of 11.2%. Our strong cashflow has enabled us to increase the ordinary dividend to shareholders by 39%, to a payout ratio of 50% of earnings, whilst investing for growth through acquisitions of veterinary specialist referral centres.

“We have enjoyed 25 very successful years as a business and enter our 26th year confident in the future. Our colleagues have been central to our success and I thank them for their significant contribution to our results.The pet market has proved over time to be more resilient than general retail, so whilst consumer confidence may be more fragile, we believe our drive to become more specialist and most loved by customers will deliver further progress.”

Included in the results statement is a glimpse at the targets Pets at Home are working towards for this financial year which includes rollout of another 15-20 Pets at Home superstores, 45-55 vet practices, 50-60 grooming salons.  it also states: "We are confident in our ability to execute on our strategy through growing like-for-like revenue and rolling out new space. Whilst margins this year will see the impact of weaker sterling and the National Living Wage, over the medium to longer term we believe these challenges will be outweighed by the support from our growing services business, which is still maturing. Trading to date in the first quarter of FY17 is in line with our expectations."

Here are the numbers from the preliminary statement:

Financial summary and highlights

1. “52 weeks” represents LFL sales for the 52 week period to 24 March 2016 compared with the 52 week period to 26 March 2015. “53 weeks” represents LFL sales for the 53 week period to 31 March 2016, compared with the 53 week period to 2 April 2015

2. Excludes £0.8m of M&A related exceptional expenses     3. Excludes £0.8m of M&A related exceptional expenses and an exceptional finance expense of £4.3m associated with the amortisation of capitalised fees from the previous finance facility

·         Merchandise: Food revenue growth 6.4%, including Advanced Nutrition revenue up 12.3%. Accessories revenue growth 2.4% (52 week)

·         Services: Fee income from Joint Venture veterinary practices up 22.3% (52 week)

·         Strong free cashflow generation of £77.8m, deleveraging to 1.2x net debt/EBITDA² (52 week)

·         Total dividend payable 7.5 pence per share, up 39%, reflecting payout ratio increased to 50% of earnings

The Pet Industry Federation, in conjunction with GfK, has revealed the first annual trends from over a year’s worth of data collected from pet and non-pet speciality stores, which shows that dog food accounts for three quarters of the sales value in a market now worth £0.9 billion.

With the assistance of PIF, GfK brought together multi-regional, independent and online pet retailers to give clear insights into the market. Since January 2015, retailers have been contributing their monthly sales data which enables GfK to provide accurate and continuous sales tracking across cat and dog food, including wet and dry food and treats and detail down to among other features such as organic, grain-free and natural (defined as products which may have ‘nature’, ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’ as a part of their name).

It is the first time that data on the UK’s non grocery food sector has been analysed in such detail and in such a robust way.

Exciting trends in the UK’s pet food industry over the last 12 months that the GfK data has unveiled include:

• The overall interest in ‘natural’ pet food increased over the last 12 months but grain-free, which is easy for pets to digest, has remained stable.
• Dog food sales for the natural food segment rose slightly during the year to almost half of the market. However, grain-free bucked the trend, indicating that natural and grain-free do not necessarily go hand in hand.
• Natural pet food for cats was significantly lower than dogs at less than a quarter of the market, yet increased all the same. Grain-free remained steady at around a tenth of the market.
• The dry dog food market rose in volume and value share throughout the year, taking share directly from wet food. When treats are excluded, dry food rose throughout the year to represent three quarters of the volume share.
• Chicken has extended its position as the pet food flavour of choice, even more important than mixed varieties whose popularity declined during the year. Another popular flavour is turkey, which made up less than 10% of the market.

PIF is able to make top line information on the size and structure of the market by each of the core categories available exclusively to PIF supplier and retail members. If, however, you would like to speak to GfK about obtaining the full data, please contact Daniel.Fearnley@gfk.com.

Further information about PIF and the benefits it offers to pet businesses, please call 01234 273933 or visit the PIF website, www.petfederation.co.uk

Following their acquisition of PamPurredPets, ethical pet retailer and home of natural pet food Pets Corner have announced that the Burgess Hill store will undergo a full rebrand.

The store, which is located in the Market Place Shopping Centre next to The Martletts, will remain open to customers during the refit that will be undertaken during closing hours.   The store will receive the full Pets Corner treatment including the introduction of an extensive range of new, high quality products and a Puppy Hour area, which will allow puppies to socialise safely off-lead. 

It is estimated that the refit will take up to three weeks to complete and the store will be fully transformed by Saturday 25th June.

The company, which is renowned in the retail industry for its knowledgeable staff and high quality customer service, focuses on animal welfare and the provision of thoroughly researched natural pet foods as well as a range of high quality products to help improve pets’ lives.

The existing Burgess Hill team, who was previously employed by PamPurredPets, has been introduced to Pets Corner’s extensive classroom based training programme and will continue to serve their customers once the store has been updated.

In addition to offering high quality products, every Saturday morning between 9.30am and 10.30am, puppy owners will also benefit from the opportunity to socialise their pooches at the store’s regular Puppy Hour, which will include discounts and free doggy treats.

Dean Richmond, Managing Director at Pets Corner, said:

“I am really pleased to be bringing a fresh new look to the Burgess Hill store and that the existing team will continue to work with us.  I know they are very excited about the new service and products that will be on offer and are looking forward to continuing to serve their customers.”

As this year’s extended Volunteers’ Week (1 – 12 June) kicks off, the British Veterinary Association is shining a spotlight on the majority of veterinary surgeons in the UK - more than 4 in 5 (84%) -  who give their time and veterinary expertise at a reduced rate, while more than 2 in 5 work unpaid with animal charities and rehoming centres to treat thousands of abandoned, mistreated or injured animals each year.

The charitable contributions that vets make to assist animals are highlighted today with results drawn from the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which asked vets about the arrangements they have with charities. The results show that across the UK: 

• 72% have formal arrangements with charities to provide veterinary services at a reduced fee with the figure rising to 84% when including less formal set-ups
• 43% of vets do unpaid work for animal charities or other animal welfare organisations

Charitable activities vary from practice to practice and vets and vet nurses often work with local animal rehoming centres and national animal charities to provide a range of pro bono or reduced fee services, such as health checking, medicating and treating, neutering and vaccinating. 

• Many vets and vet nurses give up their time providing veterinary care at animal rescue and rehoming centres to improve the health and welfare of animals in need, ranging from treating injured wildlife to caring for abandoned and mistreated dogs and cats. 

• Many veterinary practices provide veterinary advice to homeless people and those in housing crisis, and care for their dogs as part of the Dogs Trust Hope Project. Vets also support other projects, such as the Freedom Project, which temporarily fosters animals belonging to families fleeing domestic violence. 

• Overbreeding of cats and dogs contributes to thousands of unwanted and neglected pets each year. Vets help reduce the numbers and help improve animal welfare by teaming up with charities, some of which provide neutering vouchers to owners on limited incomes.  

• Over 300 veterinary practices undertake work for the veterinary charity PDSA, providing treatment to animals of owners on means-tested benefits. The scheme ensures some of the most disadvantaged people in society can access veterinary treatment to keep their pets healthy. 

Vets never turn away an un-owned or wild animal needing emergency treatment. The RSPCA and BVA recognise the essential role vets play with the Initial Emergency Treatment (IET) scheme. When a member of the public finds a sick or injured stray or wild animal, vets will always provide necessary treatment, and may receive a charitable contribution towards the cost of that treatment, for instance through the RSPCA IET scheme. 

• Many vets volunteer overseas, from rabies control programmes in India and Africa, and animal sanctuaries in Goa, to horse and donkey welfare in The Gambia and treating stray animals in Greece. 

Commenting, BVA President Sean Wensley, said: “Behind these statistics are countless stories of veterinary teams – who already often work long, demanding hours – giving their time for free to support animal rescue staff and charities to care for abandoned, injured and neglected animals, as well as help owners to keep and care for much loved animals in times of hardship and crisis. The UK’s network of animal charities and rehoming centres do a fantastic job protecting wild and domestic animals each year. 

“Animal welfare legislation is clear that animal keepers and owners are responsible for meeting their animals’ needs, and prospective animal owners must be aware of the cost and time commitment involved in animal ownership. But we appreciate people’s circumstances can change and that vets volunteering their time and expertise contributes not only to animal health and welfare but also to human wellbeing and our communities.”

Glee takes a look at emerging trends in the pet care sector for 2016, and how the UK’s leading annual garden and outdoor living trade exhibition will be helping to drive growth in the industry this year.

With sales continuing to grow steadily, the pet industry in the UK is booming more than ever before, hitting a record high in overall consumer expenditure in 2015. Britons’ love affair with domesticated animals is on the up and up, with many pets treated as members of the family. As a result, there is an increasing focus on indulgence and nutrition that is fuelling rapid growth in this market segment.

There are approximately 70 million pet-owning households across Europe who own at least one pet and of that figure, 12 million are in Britain. Britons’ spend on pets surpassed £4.6bn for the first time in 2015 with quality diets and non-edible gifts including beauty treatments, exercise regimes and designer outfits. The pet dental industry has also seen a speedy growth in profit, with up to 80% of UK pets known to be suffering from some kind of dental disease at any one time. A total spending on pet care in the UK also reached a record high of around £5.08bn last year, a 3% increase on 2014’s £4.91bn and a growth of 25% since 2010¹.

Pet owners are also increasingly looking to feed their animals only the best when it comes to pet food, irrespective of price. A 2015 report found that a fifth of UK cat or dog owners would cut back on spending on their own food before reducing any spending on food for their pet¹– indicating that the diets of pets are equally as, if not more, important than their owners.

It is estimated that demand for gourmet pet food will scale in 2016. One major UK pet food retailer has recently identified the growing craze for ‘posh pet food’, with strong sales in the third quarter of 2015 which it said was thanks, in part, to growing demand for ‘advanced nutrition’ pet food. As a result, it shortly aims to bring its service to the high street with local convenience stores for cat and dog owners¹.

There continues to be a marked shift from non-prepared to prepared dog and cat food, while the pet cat, small dog, small mammal and reptile population continues to grow. Dog food is also projected to continue to hold the greatest share of the pet food market through to 2017¹.

There are rising concerns from consumers about pet food ingredients, particularly regarding the quality and volume of meat used by some leading brands. Also forecast to grow this year is the focus on the sugar and carbohydrate content of pet food, partly reflecting consumers' growing issues about their own diets, as many seek to eat more natural diets or to cut out elements such as sugar. This is supported by recent statistics highlighting that 95% of vets and 60% of consumers agree that pets are living healthier lives and advanced nutrition is playing a key role, with 85% of vets who think it’s important that there is more education on feeding correctly²

It’s not just sales of food that are continuing to expand in the pet care sector; the global pet accessories market is expected to increase at an average growth rate of 5.65% over the current period until 2019¹.

Aaron Jackson from indoor and outdoor product retailer Think Outside commented: “Britons love their pets and our recently expanded range of pet associated items is in response to the rapidly growing demand, not just in the UK but on a global scale. We only foresee the market getting stronger and it’s important we stay on top of the latest industry trends.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening, outdoor living and landscaping product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2016 call 020 3033 2160.

PetQuip Business Village returns in 2016

With 70% of UK garden centres featuring a dedicated pet section, and this number growing year-on-year, pet products offer not only a substantial profit opportunity, but they can also help any garden centre to achieve a wider ‘one stop shop’ reputation.  Recognising this, the organisers of Glee have confirmed that the PetQuip Business Village – launched at Glee 2015 – will be making a return at the 2016 show.

This thriving area sees PetQuip - the UK’s leading trade association for suppliers of pet products, accessories and services -bring together member and non-member pet suppliers to create a leading showcase of those pet brands wanting to build a presence within garden retailers.  Under the leadership and support of PetQuip, the Village will provide pet suppliers of all sizes with a platform to launch and showcase their 2017 ranges to garden retail buyers and key decision makers. 

The dedicated ‘Business Village’ will be located close to the centre of Glee within NEC Halls 17-20, delivering a strong footfall of garden retailers looking to boost their in-store pet offering. As a division of The Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers Ltd (Gardenex), PetQuip has access to over 55 years of experience of bringing suppliers and buyers together and building world-wide supply networks. It is these values which will underpin the activity within the village.

Think Outside expands pet offering

Designers and Wholesaler Think Outside offers a range of pet associated items made from up cycled materials, and has recently expanded its range in response to the current industry boom.  Bestselling products include ‘In the Dog House’, a fully insulated kennel for use in the heat or cold, alongside its popular bird feeders ‘Bird Palace’ and ‘Hot Air Balloons’. 

Aaron Jackson said: "The UK’s pet industry continues to boom, hitting a record high in overall consumer expenditure in 2015. Britons love their pets with many treated as members of the family and we’re very pleased to expand our range of sculptural elements with function into pet associated items. We’re proud to stay on top of the trends and we see this important market segment only getting stronger.” 

¹ Source: Euromonitor International

² Source: PFMA

Pet product companies in membership of the PetQuip association that plan to visit Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai in 2016 can obtain worthwhile benefits under an arrangement made by the association with the show’s organisers. Among the benefits available are a VIP welcome package, preferential rates in partners’ hotels and a 25 per cent discount to attend the networking ‘International Pet Industry Summit’ conference.

The package will also include a complimentary pet retail tour in Shanghai.

Charlie Parker of PetQuip commented: “The mission of the show organisers is to draw the attention of suppliers to the importance of the pet care markets in China and other Asian countries, hence the package we are able to offer our member companies. Pet Fair Asia has been staged in Shanghai since 1998, and is an international trade show that offers a high standard of pet products for Far Eastern markets. Companies that plan to visit Interzoo in Nuremberg in May can obtain more information on the Asian show by visiting the Pet Fair Asia stand number H3.322.”

Pet Fair Asia 2016 will take place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre between the 18th and 21st August. It will cover 71,000 square metres in four halls, bringing together 800 exhibitors. These will comprise international brands, regional distributors and local factories.

More information on the show and international markets generally is available from Charlie Parker on email: Charlie@petquip.com

Introducing WOX, West Paw Design’s NEW interactive Zogoflex Air™ toy for dogs, now available directly from Collarways.

With three wobbly legs, Wox is perfect for Tugging, Tossing and Shaking. Dogs will love the squishy feel of the air-injected Zogoflex centre, the erratic bounce and the surprising shake.

Wox’s gentle grip is easy on human hands and canine jaws alike - making for epic three-way tug-o-war games while also possessing a fascinating and unpredictable wiggly bounce.

Wox measures 10cm so goes anywhere for interactive or solo play sessions while some dogs will love tossing it up in the air themselves! Available in three bright colours - Currant, Peacock and Dandelion.

AIR TECHNOLOGY:
By injecting air into our innovative Zogoflex® material, West Paw Design have created the
next big thing out of thin air. Zogoflex Air floats high for easy visibility making this range unsinkable and unstoppable fun for power players on land or in water!

ZOGOFLEX AIR COLLECTION:
Like all Zogoflex® and Zogoflex Air™ dog toys, Wox is made in the USA, guaranteed against dog damage, non-toxic, BPA and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe.

Like dogs, these toys are ready for their next adventure! Wox is the third toy to be
introduced into the Zogoflex Air collection, including Boz™ and Dash™, distributed in the UK by Collarways.

www.collarways.com 01747 832050

Two pet degus named after TV presenters Ant and Dec were treated by PDSA vets after some over-enthusiastic grooming turned them bald.

The inquisitive pet rodents, who live together and share the same bed, were taken to the vet charity’s Stoke Pet Hospital after their owner worried they had become so close it was harming their health.

Carol Shanahan (60) said: “Ant and Dec are inseparable and love playing together. They groom each other to keep themselves clean but one day I noticed that their backs were going bald. So I took them to PDSA to make sure they were ok.

“The vets explained that the hair loss was caused by excessive grooming. The vets said it can sometimes be stress related.”

PDSA Vet Duncan Senior said Ant and Dec were prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs to help the skin recover.

He said: “Over grooming, or fur-pulling as it is sometimes known, can be stress related but it can also become a habit – a bit like how we might bite our fingernails.

“It’s great that Carol brought Ant and Dec straight in for treatment. It meant we could manage the situation and their fur has now grown back.”

Carol, from Stoke-on-Trent, said the lovable duo still enjoy each other’s company:

“They’re big friends and actually brothers,” she said. “They have the occasional squabble but most of the time they’re very comical, running about a lot in their big cage and playing on their wheel or having a sand bath.

“Ant is definitely the boss. It’s just like Ant and Dec on the telly and he is the one who controls everything.”

Carol said the two-year-old pair were a gift from her daughter Sarah when they were just tiny pups.

She said: “I named them Ant and Dec as I’m big fans of theirs. I’m really grateful to PDSA for the treatment they’ve given them.”

For more information about PDSA visit www.pdsa.org.uk

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Veterinary practices in East Anglia and the South East are welcoming a familiar face as Andy Wellsteed returns to the area in the role of Territory Manager for Agria Pet Insurance.

Andy began his working life with a well-respected agricultural supplies company in both technical and sales  roles, he then  embarked on his sixteen year career calling on veterinary practices, mainly representing veterinary wholesalers.

Caroline Johnson, National Veterinary Sales Manager, says, “Andy is very highly regarded by practices in the area and everyone at Agria is delighted to have him on the team.”

Andy notes that even in the first week or two in the job he has already been impressed by how positively Agria is perceived, “For this next stage in my career I was really looking for a growing veterinary company that also had great credentials and excellent management structures. I can already see that I’ve made the right choice. I’m learning so much about the high quality support available to practices and am excited about how Agria can help practices to grow too.”

Practices in Andy’s territory can contact him on 07940 108712 or by email  Andy.Wellsteed@agriapet.co.uk.

With the recent launch of the ACANA Heritage range that replaces most of the ACANA Classics there are three new puppy products with enhanced ingredients: ACANA Puppy Small Breed, Puppy & Junior and Puppy Large Breed.

Biologically Appropriate ACANA Heritage puppy food boasts more meat, more fresh meat, and are carbohydrate-limited and grain-free.

ACANA Heritage puppy foods are all prepared with 70% nourishing meat inclusions, all from animals passed fit for human consumption. Fresh free-run chicken and eggs are sourced from prairie farms and wild flounder are caught from Vancouver Island, all local to the kitchens of Champion Petfoods where ACANA is prepared. The ingredients are in whole prey ratios of meat, organs and cartilage to deliver nutrients naturally without the need for supplements.

Free of grains, potato, tapioca and starch ingredients, ACANA limits carbohydrates to 30% and glycaemic load to just 9. While carbohydrates are recognised as a leading cause of obesity and diabetes, conventional dog foods often exceed 50% carbohydrates.

To support a short and intense growth period ACANA Heritage Puppy Small Breed is rich in animal protein and fat whilst ACANA Puppy & Junior features extra inclusions of free-run chicken, nest-laid eggs and wild-caught fish. ACANA Heritage Puppy Large breed supports the slow growth period of large breed puppies with a diet rich in meat and protein, yet limited in carbohydrates and calories to manage body weight and reduce stress on developing bones and joints.

ACANA Heritage Puppy Small Breed is available in bag sizes 340g, 2kg & 6kg. Prices range from £3.29/340g to £29.99/6kg.

ACANA Heritage Puppy & Junior is available in bag sizes 340g, 2kg, 6kg & 11.4kg. Prices range from £3.29/340g to £48.99/11.4kg.

ACANA Heritage Puppy Large Breed is only available in 11.4kg bags with an SRP of £53.99.

For more information please contact sales@BernPetFoods.co.uk or call Bern Pet Foods on 01737 767679

One of the UK’s leading dog coat manufacturers has announced a new partnership with one of the country’s most popular dog rescue charities.

Dogrobes - the original drying coat for dogs - has chosen All Dogs Matter as its official charity partner. The organisation helps rescue and rehome dogs in Greater London, in addition to rehoming dogs nationwide.

“It’s exciting to partner with Dogrobes, a company that clearly recognises the importance of rescuing and rehoming vulnerable dogs,” explains Ira Moss, general manager of All Dogs Matter.

“Every year we take in hundreds of unwanted dogs from kennels, homes and death row pounds. So any funds we receive from this partnership will help us treat, rehabilitate, feed, neuter, vaccinate and chip these dogs.”

The announcement comes after Dogrobes played a key part in The Great Hampstead Bark Off on Sunday 15^th May, an annual event which raises money for All Dogs Matter.

Margaret Reynolds, the director of Dogrobes, was the appointed judge for the ‘Golden Oldies’ category at the event’s dog show.    

“All Dogs Matter is a fabulous charity that does amazing work for vulnerable dogs. The Great Hampstead Bark Off demonstrated this wonderfully to all that attended. It’s no wonder they have the support of the dog-loving general public and celebrities,” explains Margaret Reynolds, director of Dogrobes.

“That’s why we’ll donate a percentage of our profit from all online and event sales to All Dogs Matter. This has proven to be an exceptionally effective model for raising regular funds for our partner charities in the past, so we’re excited about its potential.”

For further information about Dogrobes, please visit www.dogrobes.co.uk or email info@dogrobes.co.uk - a member of the team will be happy to help.

A recent survey of SDEA (Shop and Display Equipment Association) members revealed that over three quarters of respondents felt that remaining in the EU would be the best result for their businesses.

When members were asked what result would be in the best interests of their organisation with regard to the upcoming EU referendum, the answer was very decisive - 80 per cent voted in favour of remaining in the EU, whilst only 12 per cent voiced a desire to leave and 8 per cent were undecided.

When asked what result would be in the best interests of the UK economy with regard to the forthcoming EU referendum very little shift in opinion was registered. 76 per cent of SDEA members voted to remain in, just 12 per cent of companies indicated that leaving the EU would be better for the UK economy and a further 12 per cent remained undecided.

“This was an overwhelming result in favour of remaining in the EU. The comments received from our members clearly indicate the significant amount of business they conduct with companies in the EU, both importing and exporting”, reports Director, Lawrence Cutler. He continues, “Our members clearly value these partnerships and the business they bring and that voting to stay in will secure those good trading relationships for the future.”