(Updated 7/5/01)
Pet Index
2001
Words
and pictures by Vince Hogan
PET INDEX 2001 took place once more at the NEC. However, this year was the first
occasion that the organisation was completely under the control of The Pet Care
Trust itself.
This meant a new role for organisers Stephanie Freakley and Trevor Gill, who
rose to the challenge to produce an excellent event.
Although the event was limited to just one hall, nonetheless there was an excellent
atmosphere with the usual big crowds on Sunday.
Ironically, the absence of some of the larger stands may have worked to the
advantage of those standholders who backed Pet Index, as many people reported
good trade.
Visitor numbers were obviously up on last year, and Chief Executive, Nick Grierson,
and the Board of the Pet Care Trust will no doubt look back on this event as
a platform on which to build for 2002.
One of the new stands on show at PET INDEX was GREENFIELDS,
a brand new company with a range of shampoos and lotions for dogs and cats.
The company were also involved in raising awareness and money for Save the Rhino
Fund in Africa. Our photograph shows l-r: Tony Timmer, Managing Director; Amanda
Timmer; Monica de Boer, and Aga de Boer, Directors.
HILLS picked up on the election theme, and in addition to having their own candidate meeting visitors to the show in the Piaza, they also presented look-alike dog chews featuring Britain’s leading politicians. Seen here with Mr Hague and Mr Brown are Sarah Meridith and Phil Roberts (Field Sales Manager, North).
One
of the winners in the HILLS competition over the two days was Ruth Bisley, Manager
of WFS Country Shop in Oxford. Ruth won £1,000-worth of Hills products,
and is seen here making the draw with Hills National Sales Manager (Pet Channel)
Mike Kelly, (left); and Joergen Erichsen, Managing Director of Hills, UK &
Ireland.
Another show-stopper was the new ball/dog tug, launched by Seddons, as part of their pet range. Pictured are Colin Maidment, and Robin Grant,from Sharples.
New organisers of the Pet Index show were Stephanie Freakley and Trevor Gill, pictured in ‘mission control’ during the show.
Winner of the PROPLAN cheque for £1,000 for the Pet Shop of the Year, was Gavin Gatlisse from the Retford Centre, seen here receiving his cheque from Mr Angus Shield, Marketing Manager for RALSTON PURINA
.
One of the feature attractions of the show was a raffle for a new car, which was won by Mr Doug Currie of Heston, Middlesex, from Fins, Feather N Fur Limited. Doug is seen here receiving the keys from organiser, Stephanie Freakley.
Chris Mitchell of Croft Engineering helps promote the new dates of Crufts to Sue Vyse, a visitor to the show. Croft were showing their new crates, which carry the Crufts seal of approval.
The ARDEN GRANGE stand was its usual focal point for customers who enjoyed the hospitality of Graham and Wendy Stephens.
Representing the Pet Care Trust at the show was Pat Crossland
One of the brand new products at the show which caught the imagination was the new dog gravy, Delishus, launched by Wagg Foods. Pictured here with a Little & Large version of the product are Barrie Wilson and Tom Page.
Pets at Home Managing Director and superstore supremo, Anthony Preston, outbid all-comers at the charity auction during the Gala Dinner. He is pictured here with the chocolate hedgehog, which was destined to be raffled at one of Anthony’s shops.
The Three Muskateers, representing DOGS MONTHLY, OUR CATS and OUR DOGS, l-r: Brian Scott, David Cavill and John Holden. D’Artagnan must have been taking the photograph!
