Industry News

Jan- 2017 -

11 January

Small business confidence bounces back

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed today that UK small business confidence in the last quarter bounced back to the level reported before the EU referendum campaign began. Small business are feeling more confident that previously, according to the FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) which has now moved into…

11 January

Family warns others after bedding kills their dog

A family has warned others after their young dog died and it’s mother was trapped when stuffing came out of a dog bed. Owner Trish Kenyon, found one-year-old Staffordshire terrier Bonnie trapped and strangled in long pieces of fabric whilst her mother, Pip, was trapped. Pip was unable to release…

10 January

Viral video doubles treat sales

Pooch & Mutt’s video, parodying the John Lewis Christmas advert, has had over one million views and 8.9K shares on Facebook. Pooch & Mutt has had success combining special edition Christmas products with viral marketing. The pet company launched two limited edition Christmas dog treats; The ‘Christmas Dinner with No Sprouts’ the…

10 January

Start-up creates award winning cat collars

Pet start-up Kittyrama has created a collection of award-winning cat collars. The patent-pending collars (RRP £9.99) feature bright colours and are also hypoallergenic, waterproof, lightweight and designed with safety in mind. In fact, Kittyrama collars are the first ever cat collars to receive a ‘Cat Friendly’ award by International Cat…

10 January

Mars spends $7.7bn on US pet company

Mars has added another pet brand to its portfolio. A statement, released on January 9, confirmed its acquisition of US pet company VCA. Mars has announced its plans to acquire all of the outstanding shares of VCA for $93 per share, or a total value of approximately $9.1 billion. This…

10 January

Animology hits 250,000 Facebook likes

Group55’s flagship brand, Animology, is celebrating 250,000 likes on Facebook. The company has announced that it is a top ten global pet brand for social interaction and has the largest page of any pet grooming brand in the world. Animology is a best-selling branded grooming product range. It’s stocked by leading pet speciality…

10 January

Public invited to snap up a stake in Cotswold RAW

Pet food producer Cotswold RAW is launching an exciting new initiative. From 12am on 10 January 2017, the company aims to crowdfund £250,000. Members of the public can contribute sums from £10 upwards. A ten percent stake in the firm will be shared between investors. The rural business will use the funding boost to expand its…

9 January

Vets voice fears for small pets

As temperatures drop, vets are warning owners not to forget about small pets. Animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs that usually live outdoors yet are vulnerable to the cold and damp despite their furry coats. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) are asking owners…

9 January

Pound falls following Brexit comments

The value of the pound has fallen to its lowest point in two months following Prime Minister Theresa May announcing that the UK would seek a “hard Brexit”. Sterling fell by about one percent on average, with the pound being 1.06 percent again the dollar at $1.21 this morning. In…

9 January

Retailer welcomes inventors to pitch

Pets at Home has announced that it is to hold two ‘Innovation Speed Dating’ days in 2017. The Speed Dating Day on Wednesday 1 March will focus on food and treat innovations and the second day, on Wednesday 15 March, will focus on non-food and accessory innovations. The retailer is welcoming inventors,…