Thumbs-up for PATS Telford

A total of 2 036 visitors came through the doors at the impressive Telford International Centre, which was 6 per cent higher than the attendance at PATS Harrogate last year. The pet trade has given the event a massive thumbs-up with exhibitors and visitors agreeing it has been one of the best ever staged, according to the organisers. 
The show took on a real international presence with buyers travelling not only from the UK, but from all around the globe. Mainland Europe was well represented and there were also visitors from Australia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Many overseas visitors
The mood amongst visitors was summed up by Sandra Sharpe of Pets Korner in Stamford, who said: "We love the venue and the layout of the show. PATS is very important to us because it's the place to find new products that help us to stay ahead of the competition."
Steve Charman, co-owner of Pets Corner, flew straight in from China to make sure he could get to see the show. He commented: "I always find a visit to PATS uplifting and the move to Telford seems to have taken the show on to the next level. The layout is fantastic, making it easy for visitors to get around. There is a fantastic buzz about the exhibition hall, and it makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products."
And Gina Wilden of HG Gladwell & Sons Ltd commented: "I have been here for two days and there has been so much to see. The venue makes getting around easy. There has been a great atmosphere in the halls."The number of overseas visitors has elevated the show to an international scale. One of the busiest areas at the show was the International Buyers' Lounge hosted by PetQuip. Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, director general of PetQuip, said: "There's been a tremendous amount of interest from our overseas buyers. We know from their feedback that they are finding products that are very different from elsewhere. PATS is a very exciting place for them to be."

One of the biggest attractions at the show was the New Product Showcase, which was located in a new home near the Esher Hall entrance. Of the awards presented for new products, the winner in the cat product category was Categg by Canadian Cat Company, entered by Wagner's Premium Pet Products. "Highly commended" went to Lara Little Monsters, entered by Versele Laga. The award in the category dog food and treats was received by the freeze-dried Norwegian white fish dog treats entered by…