New association for the pet supplies sector

PetQuip stands for International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers. The new body is being run as a separate trade association by the Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Ltd (Gardenex), which has been providing services to British companies and overseas buyers in the garden and leisure industry for over 40 years. Gardenex is one of ten trade associations officially recognised by the British government for their high standards. PetQuip now aims to extend this high standard of service to the international pet supplies business too. “The new association should act as a catalyst for contact between manufacturers, suppliers and international buyers,” explains general director Amanda Sizer Barrett. “To achieve this objective, manufacturers and suppliers of pet products from all over the world can join the association.” Business links with British importers should also be established, for example with independent retailers, chain store companies, mail-order firms, wholesalers and operators.PetQuip intends to offer its members an extensive range of services:
Promotion of the international pet supplies trade, with support for management, marketing, research and events planning;
 Access to the PetQuip database containing details of 6 000 international buyers;Tips on sales opportunities directly from the association;
One-to-one contact discussions with international buyers;
Export information and international market research in the pet product field;
Participation in exhibitor groups at international trade shows;
Group visits to overseas markets;
Representation at international events through the PetQuip information stand;
Discounted stand fee at Glee/Petindex in Birmingham;
Free use of the association’s research library;
Free international press reporting on members’ products when participating in events organised by PetQuip, as well as magazine articles and reports in association publications.
The new association has its headquarters in Kent. Day-to-day business and the further development of the association are the responsibility of Amanda Sizer Barrett, who is assisted by a team of seven staff. The general running of the association and its finances, mission and progress are overseen by the executive board. “PetQuip provides a new and exciting challenge for all of our team members in an industry that is expanding in a worldwide market,” says Amanda Sizer Barrett, who received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003 for services to…