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.
-
May- 2016 -25 MayCurrent Affairs
OATA announces new chief executive
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has revealed that Dominic Whitmee will be its new chief executive. Current head, Keith Davenport, announced his retirement in March after 25 years at the helm. Dominic joins OATA from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) where he was senior international biodiversity policy…
Read More » -
19 MayCurrent Affairs
Small firms tied up by red tape four days per month
New research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed that small firms spend four days per month sorting through red tape. The survey of 1,685 smaller business owners learnt that they spent over 33 hours every month on internal business administration. In addition, the average small business sees around 70 hours of…
Read More » -
17 MayCurrent Affairs
Fireworks spark parliamentary debate
A petition for fireworks to be banned for all but four days of the year, to reduce stress and fear in animals and pets, will be debated by MPs. The petition, backed by 100,000 people calls for restrictions to be in place for all nights other than Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve,…
Read More » -
Apr- 2016 -22 AprilCurrent Affairs
London Stock Exchange success for pet food company
Town and Country Petfoods has been named one of the country’s most inspiring businesses by the London Stock Exchange. The firm has been recognised in the latest edition of the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report, which celebrates the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium…
Read More » -
1 AprilFunny
MedicAnimal to microchip all UK staff ahead of April 6 deadline
Online pet supply retailer, MedicAnimal, has today announced that in line with the April 6 deadline, it will be microchipping all UK staff alongside their pets. The move, which will affect MedicAnimal’s staff across the UK, is being taken in a show of solidarity with dogs owned by customers across…
Read More » -
Mar- 2016 -16 MarchCurrent Affairs
PIF introduces new pension support package
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has launched a new discounted membership benefit to help its members comply with their forthcoming Pension Auto Enrolment duties that require all employers to have a pension scheme in place for their staff. This is being offered in partnership with Jelf Employee Benefits. Jelf offers…
Read More » -
15 MarchEvents
PetQuip secures government grants for Interzoo exhibitors
The PetQuip association has secured government cash grants for eligible UK exhibitors at international pet trade show, Interzoo. The event takes place in Nuremberg in May 2016. PetQuip is organising the British group at Interzoo in its role as a UK Trade & Investment Trade Challenge Partner. More than 37,000 visitors travel to…
Read More » -
14 MarchCurrent Affairs
Joint response to Defra’s landmark consultation from veterinary organisations
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) have submitted a joint response to Defra’s landmark consultation on animal establishment licensing in the UK to voice the veterinary opinion. The 12 week consultation, which closed Saturday 11 March, is…
Read More » -
9 MarchCurrent Affairs
Government faces problems with Sunday trading hours vote
The government could struggle to extend Sunday trading hours in England and Wales following upset from the Scottish National Party and Conservative backbenchers. MPs will cast their vote on handing over the controls of Sunday trading hours to local councils which could see an increase in opening hours of up…
Read More » -
1 MarchCurrent Affairs
Tax increase could be a blow for businesses and pet owners
Companies within the industry are warning the Government to keep an increase in the rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) low in this month’s Budget. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned a rise will not only be a blow for UK business but will increase the cost to pet owners…
Read More »
