Congratulations to all our 2023 finalists and winners!
National SQP of the Year
Emma Parkinson, Tenbury Veterinary Services
Emma Parkinson is a worthy winner of the top award. She is the first SQP to have continued their studies on to the Veterinary Medicine career path and she says she would love to be an example for other SQPs in the future. Her passion for animal health and welfare speaks for itself, and this passion now adds National SQP of the Year to her impressive CV.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Andrew Cairns, Murray Farmcare
Andrew Cairns is a stalwart of the sector. He has built Murray Farmcare to be the business it is today and it was recognised earlier today by winning the Independent Store of the Year. As well as building his own business, Andrew has given back for the benefit of others, with his work with AMTRA, AHDA and others.
Companion Animal SQP of the Year
Emma Parkinson, Tenbury Veterinary Services
Emma Parkinson is passionate about the animal health industry and is a shining example for newly qualified SQPs in what can be achieved with hard work and determination. She was Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year at last year’s ceremony and is targeting the National SQP of the Year Award in the future.
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Equine SQP of the Year
Claire Shand, Westgate Laboratories
Claire Shand’s work speaks for itself; she is known throughout the sector. Not only has she worked hard at Westgate Labs, but she has given back to the industry this year, especially with the amazing amount of work she has put into CANTER. She is an asset to Westgate Labs, and a true professional in her role as an SQP.
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Farm SQP of the Year
Jessica Frost, Fram Farmers
Jessica Frost has worked in the vet and agricultural industry for more than 20 years, providing technical advice to farmers, whilst also ensuring she provides best value for money, and improving welfare. She promotes the benefits of SQPs to all members of Fram Farmers and she encourages staff and new entrants into the farm buying group to qualify.
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Independent Store of the Year
Murray Farmcare
Central to its Murray Farmcare is its expertise and personal service, product selection and community engagement. To attract footfall to the store, Murray Farmcare allocated floor space to a dog friendly café, which has proven the be very popular, as has a self-service dog wash facility.
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Multiple Store of the Year
Stella Kendal, Pets at Home
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Central to the success of this store is the work manager, Stella Kendall, has done to develop her team. She says that each team member brings something unique to the store, and a result, the team is proud to work there.
Newly Qualified SQP of the Year
Megan Jones, Wynnstay Group
Dedicated to her role as an SQP, Megan Jones feels that she has a great opportunity to use her knowledge, youth and enthusiasm to help farmers make informed choices that will benefit their businesses and also the animal health industry as a whole.
Sponsored By
Nutritional Expertise Award
Matthew Dymond, Harpers Feeds
Matthew Dymond has a passion for livestock and working with customers to get the best performance out of their system/livestock. He advises customers on feed, animal health and forage quality he says that seeing animals, and customers, reach their potential is really rewarding.
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Online Store of the Year
Westgate Laboratories
Animal welfare is the forefront of the work at Westgate Labs. The company’s website looks great and the case studies from real owners and current stories and findings from its lab. The site is clear and navigable and makes it easy for clients to choose their test and investigate other options.
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Sandy Robertson, Equine Endo
Sandy Robertson promotes best practices on a daily basis; all clients have to fill in a form regarding the horse’s health and history and from this she can question further once she has received this information.
Store Manager of the Year
Josie Towers, Wynnstay Kendal
Josie Towers leads her team from the front, and she encourages in-depth conversations with customer to establish which wormer would be best. Josie says that she strives for the team to give customers the best possible advice.
Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year
Karen Robinson, Howells Veterinary Services
Karen Robinson’s previous roles in the livestock and equine sectors have helped her become the passionate SQP she is today. She loves talking to people and listening to their concerns, before suggesting solutions. Clients, old and new, ask for her by personally, which shows the impact she’s made in her role.