Editor Sandra Pearce is leaving pbwnews and petbusinessworld.co.uk next month after 10 years to join the Leprosy Mission. Justine Thompson will take over as editor.
Justine, a journalist of many years’ standing, has worked for a number of well-established regional and local newspapers where she has been a news editor, investigative reporter and production editor. She has also edited consumer magazines, including Your Horse and Garden Answers, and has been a regular contributor to Your Dog magazine.
Justine has been a journalist for many years
She has a thorough understanding of the issues facing the pet industry and is looking forward to making many new contacts and friends in her new role.
Sandra joined pbw in February 2010 from Pet Product Marketing, where she was editor. Coincidentally, Justine’s partner, Neil Pope, is also a past editor of PPM.
Sandra said: “The pet trade has been a second home to me for the past 13 years, and I have met many lovely people who are so passionate about what they do.
Sandra is heading off to the charity sector
“What I’ve especially enjoyed is writing the retailer profiles for the magazine – just over 100 at the last count! – for which I’ve visited the shops concerned and had the opportunity to talk in-depth with the men and women behind the counter. They’ve all welcomed me warmly and been so open, giving me this amazing insight into their lives. It’s been a real privilege and honour, and was often a humbling experience for too many reasons to list. I may be making a complete career change, but I hope I will always carry the ethos of the pet trade with me.”
Sales executive Philip Raby, 65, also leaves pbwnews next month for a new career in music on retirement from his ‘day job’. Among his many forthcoming gigs with the Tom Petty tribute band Petty Criminals is a booking at the iconic Cavern Club in Liverpool!
Philip is off to become a Petty Criminal – of the musical sort!
As well as working on pbwnews, keyboard player Philip, who joined pbw publisher Pickwick Swales in 2008, has been instrumental in the successful launch of two local consumer titles.
He said: “I have found the pet trade vibrant and buoyant and, above all, a friendly place to be. No matter what the state of economy over my past 11 or more years, there’s been a constant flow of new products and innovations – and cake to digest!
“While it’s going to be quite a wrench leaving the pet industry, I have a dream to follow as a musician. Last September I passed the Petty Criminals’ audition to become their full-time keyboards player and I’m really looking forward to playing live at various festivals and theatres up and down the UK, particularly at the Cavern!”
Philip leaves pbw after PATS Sandown.
Pet Business World publishers Karen Pickwick and Michele Swales said: “We welcome Justine to the pbw team and look forward to working with her. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Sandra and Philip over the years; they have done a great job and shall miss them both. All at Pet Business World wish them the very best for the future.”
