New PetQuip Chair Critical Of Grant Cuts

The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers, (Gardenex), which includes an international trade association for manufacturers and suppliers of petcare products - PetQuip has elected Richard Matthews of David Halsall International as its new chairman.

In his acceptance address he remarked on the strength of the federation but criticised cuts in government support to exporters and trade associations:

"This is particularly relevant in the light of the amount of Government export support that is now no longer available to trade associations and exporters - it has been reduced by many tens of thousands of pounds compared with even two years ago. This, despite the fact that Gardenex remains one of the most highly accredited trade associations by UKTI, and still manages to garner more of the reduced support still available than nearly any other of comparable size."

He said that it was also a source of delight and pleasure to see that PetQuip is increasing in membership:

"Feedback from PetQuip members is so enthusiastic that I am sure ever more new members will be joining the association over the months and years ahead."