Independent Retailer

What will Brexit mean for the pet industry?

Contradictory claims and political turmoil. There’s no doubt that the recent EU Referendum left much of the UK scratching their heads and asking ‘what’s going to happen next?’ The pet trade is no exception. Following a vote on June 23, 51.9 percent of voters within the UK chose to leave the European Union.…

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Skinner’s launches Puppy and Junior Products

Family-owned and run company, Skinner’s Petfoods, has added two new hypoallergenic products to its Field & Trial Range. Puppy Duck & Rice and Junior Duck & Rice have been developed to offer optimum nutrition for the most crucial stages life stages through a puppy’s development into young adulthood. Skinners Field &…

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Nominations open for Pet Industry Federation Awards

Nominations for the 2016 Pet Industry Federation Awards are now open.  Entry into the awards is free. Businesses need to outline, in no more than 500 words, why they think they should receive the award. Judging criteria is available online at www.petfederation.co.uk. The winners will be announced at the 2016…

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bira director leaves association

Michael Weedon, deputy CEO and communications director of the British Independent Retailers Association is leaving bira at the end of June 2016. He has delivered many benefits to the association over three decades with multiple skills in writing, management, publishing, IT, research, public relations, political lobbying and media coverage. The…

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Company Profile: Hollings

Family-run company Hollings talked to us about its booming business and plans for the future. Hollings is a business that has seen huge expansion over the last 35 years. Today, it keeps £1.25 million in ingredients in stock to meet industry demand for its natural pet treats. Sales and marketing manager Emma Hollings…

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Independent retailers still undecided on Brexit/Bremain

More than a quarter of retailers haven’t yet made up their minds whether to vote to Brexit or to Bremain, according to a new survey among the 6,000 members of the British Independent Retailers Association (bira). Asked the question that will be posed in the referendum, plus a third option (Don’t know)…

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Obesity Crisis: Are UK pets getting fatter?

Obesity has become a risk to the UK’s pets. Extra weight means our furry companions are more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Information from the PDSA, suggests a third of dogs and a quarter of cats can be classed as ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’. 80 percent of vet professionals surveyed…

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Forthglade reveals new rebrand

In March 2016, Forthglade unveiled a full product rebrand across its range of pet foods for cats and dogs. The Devon based company has revealed a new contemporary look set to roll out in June. To further support differentiation between Forthglade’s complete and complementary ranges there will be two packaging…

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BIRA welcomes key budget announcements

The British Independent Retailers Association (bira), which has been campaigning on the rates issue since 2011, welcomed key announcements in the Chancellor’s statement. The announcement will take 600,000 premises out of paying rates and benefit a further 250,000 above the threshold. This will help both the 64 percent of shops…

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Sunday trading law proposals defeated

Following the failure of the government’s proposals for Sunday trading hours to be relaxed, experts feel it is now time to reform the High Street in order to help it every day of the week. The Chancellor announced a “full review of the structure of business rates”  fifteen months ago…

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