Government
Government policy plays a critical role in shaping the regulatory and commercial environment for the UK pet industry. Under this tag, Pet Gazette covers legislation, consultations, and regulatory updates affecting pet retailers, wholesalers, and distributors — from pet food labelling and animal welfare standards to licensing rules, trade regulations, and business rates. We also report on government-backed initiatives, support schemes, and local authority actions that influence retail operations or supply chain logistics. This tag keeps industry professionals informed about political and regulatory developments with direct implications for commercial petcare businesses.
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Apr- 2020 -23 AprilBusiness Bites
Scarves for face-masks will be part of the government’s post-pandemic advice
The government will advise the use of homemade facemasks once the pandemic measures are sufficiently relaxed for people to go back to work. As it tries to make sure that surgical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) does not face supply issues for NHS workers, the government said scarves or ‘homemade cloth…
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21 AprilCoronavirus
OATA urges government to clarify guidelines for aquatic retailers amid Covid-19 crisis
The CEO of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has written to the government to clarify whether furloughed staff can volunteer to care for aquatic livestock whilst “off work” amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In a letter to the of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, OATA has asked for clarification due…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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17 AprilRetailers
Bira welcomes additional support for Scottish retailers
Bira has welcomed a move by the Scottish Government to give additional financial support to small retail businesses. Scottish Ministers have announced a second phase of funding – worth £120m – in response to the outbreak of coronavirus, which results in businesses with one property will get a 100% grant.…
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16 AprilEconomy
Government extends lockdown for ‘at least’ three more weeks
The government has announced an extension to the coronavirus lockdown for “at least” a further three weeks. The decision was announced at today’s (16 April) press briefing which was led by foreign secretary Dominic Raab. It also comes after Raab led an emergency Cobra committee and cabinet meetings about the…
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16 AprilVeterinary
BVA responds to stray dogs study regarding Covid-19 crisis
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released a statement regarding a paper published in Molecular Biology and Evolution that puts forward a hypothesis that stray dogs may have been the origin of SARS-CoV-2. In a statement released on the BVA website, Daniella Dos Santos, BVA president said: “This research is…
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9 AprilRetailers
BIRA fight ‘anomaly’ in government grant funding
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is highlighting an ‘anomaly’ in government grant funding meaning small independent retailers could be missing out on £15,000 Covid-19 cash. According to real estate advisory firm Altus Group almost 3,700 small shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants could miss out on the money. An early…
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9 AprilEconomy
AAB calls on government to enhance support for businesses
Accountancy firm Anderson Anderson and Brown (AAB) has called on the UK Government to implement a series of “wide-reaching” measures aimed at helping businesses to survive the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lyn Calder, managing partner and also the firm’s head of deals for the Central Belt in Scotland,…
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8 AprilCoronavirus
Average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in 2021, says UHY
The average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in the next year, according to new research from accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young. The firm’s analysis of the balance sheets of more than 13,500 SMEs in the UK showed that the average SME now has only…
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8 AprilRetailers
CFSG issues new guidelines for pet businesses operating during Covid-19 pandemic
The Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) has issued new guidance for pet businesses operating during the coronavirus pandemic to offer “clear advice” as to how they can comply with requirements. The document, which is subject to change amid government advice, entitled ‘Covid-19 – Advice for Animal Related Businesses and…
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