July 2026 saw REPTA board members Jim Collins, Charles Thompson, Katie Hodgkins and Pete Milligan present at the Companion Animal Sector Council Annual forum held in central London. They were also joined by fantastic member business owners in the form of Sarah Cook of Dearne Valley Pet Centre, Toni Pearce of C & T Exotics, Dan Davies of World of Exotics, Mike Green of Buzzard Reptile and Joe Farnell and Kennedie Redpath of Scaped Nature.
The day was a great success and offered many networking opportunities and the ability to meaningfully offer insight into issues faced by member businesses. The breakout groups were well run and members contributed greatly to discussions. There were some excellent presentations including a standout talk from Baroness Hayman of Ullock – Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Baroness Hayman gave a balanced and considered speech that was very much in support of both business and proportionality when it comes to legislation within the pet sector.
REPTA collectively would like to thank the sterling efforts of CASC chairman Dr Tariq Abou-Zahr and CASC Secretariat Dave Perry in creating such a successful forum.