Pet Stop of Market Deeping, Lincolnshire, was named Independent Retailer of the Year 2023 at the Pet Industry Federation’s (PIF) annual awards.
The store is owned by Paula Machin, who was delighted with the win. She told PBW News: “It means the world to win this award. We’ve entered before and not won, so to win it this time means everything!”
Supported by Jollyes, with headline sponsors Cliverton, Collar, LoPay and Su-Bridge and drinks sponsor Betty Miller, the 2023 Awards were revealed at a gala black tie ceremony held at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, with over 20 categories of winners announced.
The award for Pet Retail Chain of the year went to Jollyes, while Pickles Pet Pantry, a recently-opened store in Olney, Buckinghamshire, was named New Business of the Year.
Su-Bridge Pet Supplies picked up the award for Wholesaler of the Year, while Adele Cook of Pets Corner, Horsham, West Sussex, was named Pet Store Manager of the Year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jim Weston of Little Big Paw, while pet businesses who had generously donated items to the U-Hearts Foundation charity which supports abandoned pets in Ukraine were recognised and presented with a certificate from U-Hearts CEO, Yuriy Tokarski, who had flown in to attend the event.
PIF ceo Nigel Baker commented: “In PIF’s 75th anniversary year, the Awards were the biggest yet, with a move to the bigger location of Chesford Grange to accommodate the increased numbers of guests wanting to attend.
“Winning a PIF Award means so much to the businesses that enter and our judging panels certainly commented on the standard of finalists this year. It is truly inspirational to see the diversity and sheer hard work within our industry and at PIF we are honoured to be able to reward this with the PIF Awards.”
A full list of award winners follows below.
PIF Award Winners 2023
Cattery of the Year 2023 – presented by Jollyes
Boma Cattery
Dog Daycare Business of the Year 2023 – presented by Collar
Tom & Toto
Dog Walking Business of the Year 2023 – presented by James & Steel & BAM!
Everypawdy
Export Business of the Year 2023 – Associated Veterinary Services
Pet’s Up Products
Grooming Business of the Year 2023 – sponsored by Tuft App
Palmer’s Dog Grooming
Home Boarding Business of the Year 2023 – sponsored by Cliverton
Poocheecare
Independent Retailer of the Year 2023 – sponsored by Natures Menu
Pet Stop, Market Deeping
Kennel of the Year 2023 -sponsored by Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding
Royvon
Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 – sponsored by Impact Exhibitions & Events/PATS
Jim Weston
Marketing Campaign of the Year 2023 -presented by PBW News
Eden Holistic Pet Foods
Manufacturer of the Year 2023 – sponsored by Anthesis
Bella & Duke
New Business of the Year 2023 – presented by Lopay
Pickles Pet Pantry
New Product Award 2023 – Accessories – presented by Su-Bridge
Twiggy Tags – Trailfinder Lead
New Product Award 2023 – Food – sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale
Walker & Drake – Puppy & Small Breed Food
New Product Award 2023 – Health & Hygiene – presented by Su-Bridge
Poorly Paws – Dog First Aid Kit
New Product Award 2023 – Treats – sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale
Mr Bug – Bug Bites
Online Business of the Year 2023
Tippaws
Pet Behaviourist of the Year 2023
Puppy Tales
Pet Retail Chain of the Year 2023 – sponsored by Naturo Pet Foods
Jollyes – The Pet People
Pet Services Business of the Year 2023 – presented by Cliverton
Shropshire Canine
Pet Store Manager of the Year 2023 – Jollyes
Adele Cook – Pets Corner, Horsham
Supplier of the Year 2023
Johnson’s Veterinary Products
Sustainability Award 2023
Doglyness
Wholesaler of the Year 2023 – sponsored by Teddy’s Treats
Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
