News that PATS Sandown will be bringing the UK pet industry together again in May 2021 after a year-long absence of ‘live’ shows has been widely welcomed.
More than 80 companies have already booked their space for the UK’s spring pet product showcase, which will be taking place on Tuesday, May 11th, and Wednesday, May 12th, 2021.
The line-up of exhibitors includes major companies such as Anco Distributors, Beaphar UK, Beco, Burns Pet Nutrition, Canagan Group, Danish Design, Earth Animal, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, flexi, Inspired Pet Nutrition, James & Steel, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, Mr Johnson’s, Natures Menu, Pedigree Wholesale, Pet Remedy, Su-Bridge Pet Supplies and Trixie.
And the reaction from leading brands has been overwhelmingly positive.
Martyn Barklett-Judge, managing director of Pet Remedy, summed up the mood of the pet industry when he said: “Nothing beats the buzz and excitement of preparing for a real show. We can’t wait for PATS Sandown 2021, where we will finally be able to meet up with customers and catch up with fellow exhibitors. The show will also give us the opportunity to unveil our new plans and products for 2021.”
These comments were echoed by many other exhibitors like Danish Design, whose director of sales and operations, Rob Newsome, said: “We want to get back to showcasing our products in an environment where everyone can see our new designs in the flesh and touch and feel the quality of our manufacture. We are currently busy working on our Spring-Summer range, which will be presented at the show.”
And Antoon Murphy, managing director of Antos, said: “We are excited to get to PATS Sandown again to see new and familiar faces. We have new product ranges to show customers and a new website to launch.”
According to Will Baggaley, international sales and marketing director for Earth Animal, PATS exhibitions are the best place for bringing pet product suppliers and retailers together. “We have been itching to get back in front of specialist pet retailers,” he said. “Supporting pet shops, bringing together buyers from all over the country and building relationships with them, showcasing new products and innovation, is all so important to the health and longevity of the channel and there is no better forum for this in the UK than PATS.”
The importance of meeting up with buyers in one place was re-iterated by Jane Cooper, of WildWash, who said: “We cannot wait to see our customers, old and new, and share all our new product innovations. The pet industry has stood strong throughout this tough period and we are pleased PATS have plans in place to bring us together again.”
Nick Franks, director of Johnson’s Veterinary Products, added: “Through these difficult times we have continued our support for the independent retail pet shops, with our sales team maintaining their regular calls, but we look forward to all meeting together in one place at PATS Sandown next year.”
And Steve Driver, owner of Pet Trade Innovations, commented: “During lockdown we have been launching lots of new and exciting products but we haven’t had many opportunities for customers to touch and feel them plus hear all about the great features and benefits. We are excited about seeing our customers again face to face and helping them with ideas and ways they can stimulate business and help sales.”
Meanwhile, Beco founder George Bramble paid tribute to the PATS team for all the behind-the-scenes work promoting the show and said he looked forward to unveiling ‘a new-look Beco’.
“The organisers have been so flexible during these challenging times and everyone appreciates it because PATS is such a great forum for connecting us with independent retailers. It will be great to share some of our new products and ideas with our important partner retailers and I’m sure, as always, that PATS Sandown will be a great success once again next year.”
The successful PATS formula for pet industry exhibitions will continue at the Sandown show with popular features including the New Product Showcase and Awards, a comprehensive programme of seminars from leading names, and grooming workshops and demonstrations.
Registration for free entry to PATS Sandown is now open at www.patshow.co.uk.
