Two new openings create 18 jobs at expanding veterinary practice

Receptionist Donna Robson, left, and Becky Crossfield

A £1m investment has seen the opening of two new veterinary practices in Cheshire.

North Star Vets launched in the North West last year and its business model gives head vets at each practice a stake in the business.

The two new locations are Westbrook Vets in Warrington and Sandymoor Vets in Runcorn.

Clinic directors, Dr Rhys Peters, and Dr Becky Crossfield, have joined the business to head up and become directors in Westbrook Vets and Sandymoor Vets, respectively. The pair are supported by a team of 18 vets, nurses and receptionists following local recruitment drives.

North Star Vets was launched by Dr Sean Cleary, Dr Richard Thomas and chartered accountant, Jane Platt.

These latest openings follow North Star opening its first practice, known as Burford Lane Vets, at Lymm in Cheshire less than 12 months ago.

All three practices benefit from separate cat and dog wards, digital x-ray facilities, ultrasound machines, operating theatres and on-site laboratories. North Star is aiming to grow to 10 practices in the North West over the next 10 years.

Dr Sean Cleary said: “The ethos of North Star Vets is about giving the next generation of ambitious vets an opportunity to own a share of their own practice and to run it the way they want, without the risk and substantial capital investment that would usually be required to open their own site.

“The fact that our practices are locally owned and managed, gives our teams even more impetus to make these practices the best in the area and an integral part of their local community. Ultimately, this translates into the high standards of care, service levels and continuity that our clients and their pets enjoy.”

He added: “Burford Lane Vets has been a welcome addition to the local community providing free care for all school pets and teaching children about responsible pet ownership and we’re very pleased to follow this with the opening of Westbrook Vets and Sandymoor Vets.

“Both practices are in great locations and have undergone high quality fit outs that incorporate all the latest equipment and facilities. When this is combined with the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of Becky and Rhys, it’s easy to see why both practices are proving popular, with almost 700 clients already registered at Westbrook Vets and more than 400 at Sandymoor Vets.”

North Star is planning to open two more sites next year, and is looking for high-calibre vets to join the business.

Becky said: “For the past few years I’ve been thinking about opening my own practice, but the expense, complexities, risk and lack of experience were all holding me back. All this made North Star’s proposition very attractive.”

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