Business based talks served up at BETA Feed Conference

As the second British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Feed Industry Conference came to a close, there was no doubting that it had been a definitive success. Sixty delegates gathered at Stanford Hall, in Leicestershire, to hear key speakers serve up an informative – and entertaining – programme of feed business - related presentations.

Tim Franck, of the Food Standards Agency’s Animal Feed Unit, provided a timely legislation update, Todd McCully, from Government Grant & Tax Consultants (GGTC), reminded delegates that they might qualify for R&D tax credits, and Ruth Bishop, of Mars Horsecare, gave two talks – on regulatory guidance and compliance in the equine industry, and an update on mycotoxins, focusing on managing the risk of their occurrence in the equine diet.

Kate Jones, nutritional developments manager at Natural Animal Feeds (NAF), presented a handy guide to claims substantiation and clinical trials, and Chris Allen, of Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors, looked at social media – and encouraged delegates to use Twitter to promote their businesses, which resulted in a flurry of Tweets from them that evening.

BETA executive director Claire Williams, who provided an update on the trade association’s work, said that feedback had been extremely positive.
“Delegates have applauded both the subjects covered and the venue itself,” she added. “There is no doubt that the conference fulfils a need in the equine feed industry, providing a much-needed forum and a prime networking opportunity.”

Conference delegates included movers and shakers from many of the UK’s leading feed companies, such as Allen & Page, Baileys Horse Feeds, Blue Chip, Dengie, Dodson & Horrell, Target Feeds and TopSpec.
“The feed conference was the most interesting and worthwhile six hours of my week,” said Michael Bacon, commercial director of TopSpec. “The event really is a must for anyone in the horse feed and supplement industries who takes quality, standards and legislation to protect the consumer and the welfare of the horse seriously.”

The BETA Feed Industry Conference took place on 13 June and was aimed at those working in the feed and supplements industry.

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES...
Contact: Deborah Hayward, BETA Press Officer
Email: deborahh@beta-int.com
Telephone: 01937 582111