Visitors to PATS 2024 will get the chance to meet pet companies who have starred in the current series of BBC One’s hit programme Dragons’ Den.
After winning investment on the show, Inventor Cat, Scoff Paper and Furr Boost have all booked stands at the three-day PATS exhibition, which takes place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire from Sunday, September 29, to Tuesday, October 1.
PATS organiser Gordon Thomas said: “PATS will be a wonderful opportunity for retailers and buyers to meet face-to-face with these innovative brands and learn more about their experiences on Dragons’ Den and also their award-winning product ranges.
“There’s still six months to go before PATS and more than 240 companies have already confirmed stand space. Undoubtedly some of these exhibitors will be future stars of Dragons’ Den, so I’d urge buyers to make sure they register online for free entry. There will be so much to see and do at this year’s show.”
Furr Boost was the latest company to appear in the Den, where husband and wife team Ian and Louise Toal clinched a £50,000 investment from Dragon Touker Suleyman.
Louise, the founder of the pet smoothie drink business, said: “It has been an interesting few days since the show aired. It is great to be recognised as one of the innovators and disruptors of the industry. From the enquiries we have received, there is a lot of love out there for owners and their pets.
“PATS has helped support and raise the profile of Furr Boost, especially on the back of the New Starter Zone last year. At this year’s show we would be happy to talk about our experience in the Den as well as our super charged, award-winning smoothies.”
Cat product inventor Victor Carpio clinched a £45,000 investment offer for his innovative Dental Wand from Deborah Meaden, when he appeared in an earlier edition of Dragons’ Den.
Victor said: “Our appearance generated a great buzz among cat owners. It made sense to keep that emotion and momentum going and PATS is a perfect place to do this. Having three days to show our invention to an ever growing and captive audience is a great opportunity.”
And Lancashire entrepreneur Gemma Connolly of Scoff Paper, who’s created a unique brand of edible greeting cards for dogs, admits she is excited to be able to share her experience with PATS visitors after securing £50,000 backing from Sara Davies.
Many more PATS exhibitors have appeared in TV programmes over the years and media expert Alec Lom thinks he knows the reasons why.
“TV producers crave ratings and they’re mindful of the huge numbers of pet owners in Britain. If just a fraction of those millions tune in, the show’s viewing figures soar. The makers of the show do the maths,” said Alec, whose events and communications firm has represented many pet businesses at PATS.
“That’s in no way to detract from the genius of the business innovators in the pet sector. The producers are constantly on the lookout for new guests and items, and PATS exhibitions will always be the prime hunting grounds for programme talent scouts because that’s where the ‘best of British’ showcase their product ranges.”
Visitors will receive free entry, a free show catalogue and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher. There is free parking for up to 1,300 cars.
You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.
