For the first time, a contingency of British pet product manufacturers will exhibit at H.H. Backer's Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference, Oct. 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

Organized by PetQuip, a United Kingdom-based association, the contingency will include makers of collars and leads, toys, grooming products, bedding, exercise accessories and more.

"We were attracted to the [Backer show] as its visitors are dedicated buyers of pet-related products, and this provides a valuable opportunity for British companies to reach the U.S. pet market," said Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip. "We are sure that the design flair and product innovation demonstrated by many British companies is bound to appeal to U.S. buyers and consumers. Any U.K. company wishing to exhibit in Chicago will be given the full support of the experienced PetQuip team—both during the buildup to the show and while on-site. In addition, PetQuip will have a British industry information booth at the show, which will provide free-of-charge product sourcing to overseas buyers."