PATS has broken all records with the two-day show at Telford in Shropshire recording its highest ever attendance figures since the event was launch in 2009.

A total of 2,185 retailers and buyers came through the doors of The Telford International Centre, which was 6% higher than PATS Telford last year. It beats the previous record attendance of 2,148 recorded in 2017.

The largest-ever PATS show, staged in three halls for the first time, closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a huge success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations. 

Organiser Gordon Thomas said many of the companies exhibiting at PATS Telford were eager to point out the quality of people visiting their stands had been of the highest standard.

“Exhibitors told us they met with the key decision makers and buyers, and that was good to hear because we put in place measures that ensured the right people attended. 

“Overall, the response to PATS Telford 2017 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show.”

Rob Newsome, director of sales and operations at Danish Design, said: “We’ve attended every exhibition and this year’s event was the busiest ever. It was also the biggest with lots more exhibitors spreading through to three halls, which was great to see in these challenging times. We had a super busy two days and saw so many people looking to place orders and seeking out new products. We look forward to many more shows like this one.”

Assisi Pet Care was exhibiting at PATS Telford for the first time and was delighted with the outcome. Product manager Suzy Broughton said: “It was a great opportunity to showcase the natural brands that make up our UK portfolio. To talk directly to and listen to the wide variety of businesses that make up our industry under one roof made for a great two days of interaction.”

Benebone exhibited in the New Starter Zone, and the company’s international and marketing manager Victoria Lowe said: “We had a great time at PATS Telford – it was our first time exhibiting and it didn’t disappoint. We were really pleased with the level of interest in our brand.”

Visitors were attracted in their droves to the WHM Pet Group stand, which took on a Wild West theme to signify the launch of new wild bird products. Brand manager Emily Scruton commented: “We like to have a bit of fun at the show and people keep returning to our stand every year just to see what the theme is. We love being part of this event and it was great to see the addition of an extra hall and the New Starter Zone.”

Mealberry travelled from Germany to exhibit, and sales and marketing manager Doreen Werner agreed it had been a worthwhile trip. “This year’s Telford event was great! The show had a lovely atmosphere and visitors were super excited about new products. We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback and reactions to our new RIO-for-birds launch.”

And Charlie Williams, commercial director of Canagan Group, agreed it was “a fantastic show, meeting many existing and new customers.”

PATS Telford also got the thumbs up from visitors.

Emma Smith, director of The Ark Pet Centres in Devon, crowned UK Pet Retailer of the Year at the PetQuip Awards, said: “We thought PATS Telford was great this year. Lots of exhibitors, lots of new products and everyone was genuinely happy to see you on their stands and really wanted to do business with you.”

Rosemary Roberts, of Petals & Pets in the West Midlands, commented: “Two of us attended the show and it took us the full two days to get around all three halls. We found a lot of good contacts and a fantastic range of products.”

The final word was left to pet retail consultant Claire Gavin, a former director of Pets at Home. “It was great to see the thriving UK pet industry come together at PATS Telford and fantastic that so many innovative ideas focused on the health, wellbeing, bonding and enrichment benefits for the pets themselves. I’m already looking forward to PATS Sandown in March next year.”

Dates for the diary

PATS Sandown 2023: 26-27 March

PATS Telford 2023: 1-2 October