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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Jan- 2021 -15 JanuaryEconomy
UK GDP shrinks by 2.6%
GDP declined by 2.6% in November 2020 as government restrictions reduced economic activity, the latestย ONSย figures reveal. Figures released by the statistics office show thatย November GDP was 8.5% below its pre-pandemic levels.ย The decline follows a period of economic growth for the UK, with last Octoberโs reportย revealing that the country hadย grown a…
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Dec- 2020 -17 DecemberCoronavirus
Furlough scheme extended until April 2021
The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages to employeeโs pay, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed today (17 December).ย The government will also extend current government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes until the end of March.ย This includes…
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Nov- 2020 -24 NovemberManufacturers
Arjowiggins launches sustainable packaging for pet industry
Paper manufacturer Arjowiggins has announced the launch of a sustainable alternative to plastics that can be used in pet food packaging. The packaging uses Sylvicta, a translucent, functional barrier paper that reportedly preserves the quality of food and cosmetics โjust as wellโ as conventional plastics, while โensuring limited impact on…
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17 NovemberFeatures
The rise of D2C in pet care – How are brands adjusting to a new marketplace?
As lockdown restrictions have influenced major consumer behaviour changes, especially when it comes to shopping habits, it’s no surprise that brands across a variety of sectors have been tapping into D2C offerings as they present an easier, safer and more reliable option of purchasing. The pet care industry is no…
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5 NovemberCoronavirus
Chancellor extends furlough scheme to March
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of March, amid increased measures for business support as the UK enters a four-week lockdown. Payments are set to remain at 80% of employeeโs wages. It comes as the chancellor said that it was โright…
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Oct- 2020 -19 OctoberCoronavirus
Burns launches loyalty scheme to support high streets
Burns Pet Nutrition has issued a plea to members of the public to support local high streets in a bid to help small businesses survive the pandemic. The pet food company is now calling on pet owners to buy their pet food from local stores, and has now launched a…
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14 OctoberIndustry News
Pets at Home submits proposal for new national distribution centre
Stoford Developments has submitted a planning application for a new 770,000 sq ft national storage and distribution centre in Staffordshire on behalf of UK pet care business, Pets at Home. Pets at Home has signed a 20-year conditional agreement for lease on the development, with construction set to start on…
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Sep- 2020 -28 SeptemberCoronavirus
ยฃ3bn tariff ahead for UK retailers and consumers, warns BRC
Supermarkets and their customers could face ยฃ3bn a year of tariffs on food and drink if a free trade deal is not agreed between the UK and the EU before 1st January 2020, The BRC has warned In its report the association said an average increase in tariffs of 20%…
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24 SeptemberCoronavirus
Chancellor set to unveil furlough replacement after Budget cancellation
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has cancelled this yearโs Budget but is set to unveil new measures aimed at protecting employment and the UK economy in parliament later today (24 September). It is thought the new measures will replace the current furlough scheme, which is set to expire at the end of…
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18 SeptemberRetailing
Mayor of London urges government to extend business rates holiday
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and London Councils have joined together to urge the Government to extend the business rates holiday and help protect thousands of jobs in London and across the country. Businesses in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors are currently benefiting from 100% relief from…
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