Dog Rocks UK Distribution Ltd trading as Podium Pet Products
Podium Pet Products was founded by Nick Evans, Andrew Hine and Carina Evans in 2008 – all GB sportspeople with a strong connection to rural life, the countryside and animals. Their joint passion to create a world-leading
“Running one’s own business is never easy and every day there are multiple curve balls every day, but we are absolutely over the moon to have received such an accolade,” says Carina Evans, Founder and CEO. “We have always prided our self on our ability to expand our relationships with customers and partners whilst providing an excellent level of service. We just now need to find time to sit down and properly reflect and celebrate with the team.” The beginnings Podium Pet Product’s journey started with one distributor and one big box retailer in the UK market. “It was down to buyers looking for innovation and trusting us to deliver that got us on our way. The same buyers are still in the industry and the same companies
Products dabbled in the EU market, but found language barrier an initial problem so instead concentrated their efforts in North America where they have been trading since 2012 and have established a strong network of distributors, big box retailers and mom and pop stores, as well as an online presence. FX challenges in a global market. The only challenge in the North American market to date has been FX. “We deal in the Can$, the US$, the Euro, the £ and the Aus$ so its been give with one hand and take with the other, resulting in neither a significant net loss or gain,” says Carina. “Some years have been better than others but overall its levelled. We have never had to hedge or borrow or seek investment, it’s a neat ship.” The next phase of growth will be to get the right ‘bums on seats’ so that there are no super profits, in order to partner with another like-minded company with a slightly more diverse product range and probably more of an online presence, and ultimately to sell. PODIUM PET PRODUCTS The Old Estate Office, Hurley, Berkshire SL6 5NH Tel: +44 (0)1628 822247 • hello@podiumpetproducts.com www.podiumpetproducts.com
pet product distribution and manufacturing business started with a ‘hero’ product from Australia called Dog Rocks, and has grown significantly over the course of the past decade to include the award-winning range of Be:Loved products for pets and their parents. The company was thrilled to have won a Queen’s Award in 2016 and are bowled over by their King’s Award for Enterprise In International Trade in 2023. Having weathered many a storm, including recession, FX challenges, Covid, the rapid emergence of the online market place, competition and not least being almost permanently under resourced, the directors recognise this award as a particular pat on the back for their existing team.
are still some of our largest customers,” says Carina. Once their UK
business model was established and lessons learned from the UK market, Podium Pet
Coombe Castle International
Floss & Rock was formed in 2016 by husband and wife team Tim Hislop and Gill Stratton. Designed in the land of candy ‘floss’ and sticks of ‘rock’ on the Blackpool coast, Floss & Rock is an international and distributes unique children’s gifts and toys. Prioritising traditional play values and avoiding children’s toy brand that manufactures Floss & Rock
Established in 1980, this family-owned specialist producer and exporter of high quality British and Irish dairy brands brings a flavour of British and Irish food heritage to markets across the globe. From its offices in Wiltshire, connections are made with customers in over 45 countries,
Floss & Rock co-founders, husband and wife team Tim Hislop and Gill Stratton
building long-lasting relationships with import agents, retail buyers and manufacturers. Its portfolio comprises of tasty Cheddar, scrumptious Stilton, silky smooth clotted cream and much more. Coombe Castle provides a flexible approach to food exporting, tailored to its customers’ businesses. Darren Larvin, Managing Director, says: “I am thrilled to have been honoured again with this prestigious award. It has been a successful period for our business, against very challenging international trade conditions over the past three years. Our entire team, from those in production and warehouse to the international sales team, have worked hard to ensure we have continued to grow worldwide. It is great to have recognition for their effort, their dedication and the loyalty of our suppliers and customers around the world.”
tech and plastics, the brand keeps creativity at the core of the business with both owners passionate about outstanding design, quality and eco-friendly attributes. Products are exclusively designed by the in-house team and exported around the world. Co-founder Tim says: “This award reflects the huge efforts our team has made over the past six years to grow our sales network in spite of a global pandemic and international war. The brand is now a prominent force in over 35 markets. We have an exciting vision of the future as we identify new markets and create more innovative products in new categories.” FLOSS & ROCK 3 Cropper Close, Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 5PU Tel: +44 (0)1253 831500 • enquiries@flossandrock.co.uk • www.flossandrock.co.uk flossandrock flossandrock @flossandrock floss-and-rock
COOMBE CASTLE INTERNATIONAL The Creamery, Western Way, Melksham SN12 8FH Tel: 01225 794900 • info@coombecastle.com
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