Economy
Economic conditions have a direct impact on consumer spending, supply chain costs, and trading performance across the UK pet industry. Pet Gazette tracks how inflation, interest rates, labour shortages, and broader macroeconomic pressures affect pet retailers, wholesalers, and brand distributors. Coverage includes commentary on pet sector resilience during downturns, price sensitivity among shoppers, and shifts in demand for premium vs value ranges. We also report on government economic policy, retail footfall data, and financial forecasts relevant to pet businesses navigating changing market conditions.
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Nov- 2025 -6 NovemberEconomy
UK retail footfall dips 1.3% in October
Retail footfall across the UK fell 1.3% in October compared with the same month last year, according to data from MRI Software. The decline was led by a 2.3% drop in high street visits, while shopping centres and retail parks recorded smaller decreases of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively. The report…
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6 NovemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4% ahead of Budget
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to keep interest rates steady at 4% ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement on 26 November. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of five to four to maintain the rate, with four members voting to reduce it by 0.25…
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Oct- 2025 -22 OctoberFeatures
Is Pets at Home really a victim of a ‘subdued’ pet market?
“It’s not just one issue behind Pets at Home’s challenges. A squeeze on household budgets, rising costs in real estate and shifts in consumer behaviour have combined with the challenges of delivering a broad ‘pet care platform’ strategy,” says Anna King, a retail consultant, of the troubles facing the UK’s…
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Jul- 2025 -28 JulyRetailers
Petpals and BFA join forces to promote franchising
Pet care franchise Petpals has partnered with the British Franchise Association (BFA) to raise awareness of franchising as a viable path to business ownership. The initiative is part of the BFA’s educational outreach programme, which aims to make franchising more visible and better understood among students and aspiring entrepreneurs. As…
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21 JulyFeatures
Why provenance is the pet industry’s quiet superpower
These days, “natural” claims are on everything from supermarket chicken to shampoo. So how can pet food brands face the growing challenge of standing out to and building trust with discerning pet parents? One answer is provenance. Specifically, being proudly and transparently ‘Made in the UK’. While other industries like…
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Jun- 2025 -25 JuneVeterinary
UCLan opens new £40m veterinary school
The University of Central Lancashire has opened the UK’s eleventh school of veterinary medicine, aiming to diversify the profession and strengthen the regional workforce. The new facility, a £40m investment, is the first veterinary school in Lancashire and the second in the North West. It has been designed to offer…
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13 JuneAwards
Pet Trust UK named Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist
Pet Trust UK has been shortlisted in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, recognised in the Technology Entrepreneur of the Year category. The awards celebrate outstanding business stories across the UK. This year, more than 800 entrepreneurs from across the country have been shortlisted for their innovation, resilience…
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May- 2025 -15 MayTrade Organisations
OATA relaunches biosecurity assessment tool
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has announced that it is relaunching its Business Biosecurity Self-Assessment Tool, now redesigned as a streamlined, easy-to-use online survey. The updated tool guides businesses through a series of simple, tick-box statements covering key areas such as supply chains, quarantining procedures, hygiene measures, wastewater management,…
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7 MayVeterinary
Vivienne Mackinnon elected president of BVA Scottish Branch
Perthshire-based vet Vivienne Mackinnon has been named British Veterinary Association (BVA) Scottish Branch president following its annual general meeting. Mackinnon takes over from Gareth Hateley, who steps into the role of BVA Scottish Branch senior vice president. She brings to the role more than 30 years of experience, spanning roles…
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Dec- 2024 -23 DecemberEconomy
BRC warns of ‘spending squeeze’ in January
The British Retail Consortium has warned of a January spending squeeze, as BRC-Opinium data between 10 and 13 December showed that people’s spending intentions dropped 6pts. It comes as public confidence in the state of the economy “took a nosedive”, falling 8pts to -27, creating a widening gap between expectations…
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