AWARD-winning Melksham-based raw dog food manufacturer Poppy’s Picnic has appointed Anthony Smallman as Sales Account Manager.

Brought up in Kent but having moved to London 17 years ago, Anthony brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

For over 10 years he has been promoting the raw food diet to retailers having spent his formative years in the industry building the wholesale side of Natural Instinct.

He helped Natural Instinct achieve rapid growth winning 700 accounts for them over an eight-year period without the help of a sales force.

He then went on to work on another leading brand before joining the team at Poppy’s Picnic. Using his superior knowledge of the industry, Mr Smallman’s mission will be to introduce Poppy’s Picnic to his retail contacts and to take the business to the next level.

Anthony should already be at home at Poppy’s Picnic as he is the proud owner of three Miniature Schnauzers, Katie, 5, Olly 2, and their daughter Amber 8 months.

The Miniature Schnauzer is the breed most associated with the brand as Dylan Watkins, founder of Poppy’s Picnic is the owner of four Miniature Schnauzers, including the brand’s mascot Poppy.

Mr Smallman said: “I will be responsible for driving the continued growth of the Poppy’s Picnic portfolio which is very exciting.

"I am also on the show team, so look out for us at future events around the UK. They are a fantastic company to work for and I feel I can grow my experience even further with this young dynamic team.”

Mr Watkins said:“We are absolutely delighted to have Anthony on board with us. He is already actively introducing Poppy’s Picnic to new stockists around the UK.

"He will become a familiar face on our stands as we exhibit at shows across the country. His knowledge of the raw food diet is second to none.”