Home
Meet the team

Meet the team

Laura Whyte

XLVets Chair

Laura Whyte - XLVets Chair

After thirty years spent in the John Lewis Partnership, where she worked in both trading divisions (Waitrose and John Lewis) and Group spending over ten years on the John Lewis Management Board, Laura moved in 2014 to a portfolio career where she uses her commercial and people insights to work with a number of very different organisations. As HR Director Laura was directly responsible for driving and maintaining John Lewis’ iconic employment proposition. And as a member of the John Lewis Management Board she was part of the team that delivered a fully integrated omni channel operating model through a series of major change programmes. The John Lewis retail proposition was transformed to take account of the growth in online business whilst preserving the core values of a heritage business and she remains passionate about the co owned business model and helping similar organisations flourish. Laura now works with the Capital and Regional plc as a Non Executive Director, with the Ministry of Defence on the Defence People and Training Board and the People Committee and with the British Horseracing Authority. She is also a member of Women in Retail and a Trustee of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

Andrew Curwen

Chief Executive

Andrew Curwen - Chief Executive

I qualified from Bristol Vet School in 1990 and worked in practice before moving into the pharmaceutical industry. During my time in industry, I was closely involved with the launch of the first BVD vaccine and gained from the experiences of the management training programmes of an international organisation. Prior to joining XLVets in 2006, I was Marketing Manager for Bayer Animal Health in the UK. As Chief Executive I am responsible for supporting the Board of Directors to ensure that we set the best strategy for the organisation and deliver on our goal. Through cooperative-competition we strive to achieve clinical excellence in what we do, grow our practice businesses through meeting our clients needs, increase our business efficiency and effective practice communications, and most importantly, delivering high quality training for all our practice teams. And whenever I can I enjoy mountain climbing and getting out on my bike.

Andy Adler

Business Management Director

Andy Adler - Business Management Director

I qualified from Edinburgh University in 1997 and have worked in mixed and farm practice ever since. After spending 3 years abroad, principally working as a dairy vet in New Zealand, I returned home to settle in Dorset working in farm only practice. I am interested in low cost grass based systems as well as supporting farmers to change. In 2007 I did a part time MBA. In 2011 I became a director of Synergy Farm Health and then in 2013 became a director of XLVet UK Ltd and was then asked to be Chairman in 2015. I am a keen sailor and gardener.

Nick Eames

Farm Director

Nick Eames - Farm Director

I am a founding director of Tyndale Vets in Gloucestershire. The practice started with three vets in 1998 and now comprises a team of 8 farm vets, 2 TB testers, 2 SQPs and 1 para-professional. The practice workload is predominantly dairy, but with an increasing sheep and beef client base as the practice expands. I particularly enjoy working with my dairy clients in all aspects of herd health and management to improve the cow health, welfare and productivity. When not at work, I can often be seen on my mountain bike. Luckily, I can combine this with spending time with the family as we all have a love of the outdoors and travelling.

Bridget Taylor

Farm Director

Bridget Taylor - Farm Director

I am one of five partners at Wright and Morten Veterinary Surgeons based in East Cheshire. We are a 20 vet practice with separate farm, equine and small animal departments. My clinical work is in the farm animal department with an emphasis on preventive medicine and farmer training. We work with dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep. I have management responsibilities across the whole practice and enjoy working with our enthusiastic, capable teams of vets, nurses and support staff. When not working I act as chauffeur for my two children to their respective social and sporting activities. I have recently taken up road cycling and am a keen skier, mountain walker and ex-runner.

Andy Cant

Farm Director

Andy Cant - Farm Director

Tim Hutchinson

Small Animal Director

Tim Hutchinson - Small Animal Director

I am a born and bred Yorkshire man – though hail from the down-to-earth outskirts of Barnsley rather than the more picturesque parts of the county! I have always had an interest in surgery (especially orthopaedics), so spent four years in a busy city-centre small animal practice in West Yorkshire before moving down to help develop the small animal side of Larkmead, in 1998, where I continue to pursue small animal clinical work

Colin Mitchell

Vice Equine Executive Chair & Equine Director

Colin Mitchell - Vice Equine Executive Chair & Equine Director

I qualified from Edinburgh Vet School in 1995, and worked in large animal practice in North Yorkshire for 8 years. In 2003 I joined Roger Scott in practice in Hexham and became a partner a year later. I gained my post graduate certificate in Equine Practice in 2004 and a Certificate in Veterinary Business Management in 2016. After serving as Vice Chair of the XLVets Equine Executive, I joined the Board of XLVet UK in 2018. Away from work I am a fell-runner, mountain biker and skier.

Philip Alcock

Training Director

Philip Alcock - Training Director

Colm McGinn

Marketing & Communications Manager

Colm McGinn - Marketing & Communications Manager

A graduate of Harper Adams, I've over 25 years experience working in a variety of commercial roles in the veterinary industry, in the UK and Ireland. I spent 10 years with Fort Dodge Animal Health, where I was responsible for the livestock business unit. Thereafter I spent 12 years with Centaur Services, the veterinary wholesaler, finishing up as the Director of Customer Service, Sales & Marketing. I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and completed my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2012.

Kerrie Hedley

Business Process Manager

Kerrie Hedley - Business Process Manager

Following graduation from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011, I worked in 100% equine practice in the north east and was always interested in the 'business side' of practice. I joined the XLVets team in January 2015 as XLVets Equine Business Manager in a maternity cover role, which was a great opportunity to try non-clinical work. Having thoroughly enjoyed non-clinical work I moved into a new role within the XLVets operations team to lead the delivery of business process efficiency within XLVets, its affiliated businesses and member practices. During the last few years of transitioning from clinical practice to a business role I've undertaken the University of Liverpool Certificate in Veterinary Business Management and I'm currently working towards an MBA part time with Northumbria University, due to complete in September 2019. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my two chocolate labradors 'Rolo' and 'Buttons' in beautiful Northumberland.

Jane Simpson

People Development Manager

Jane Simpson - People Development Manager

Based in the XLVets office at Dalston as People Development Manager, I will be delivering a variety of people projects which will benefit members. My background is all things learning, providing advice to business leaders/owners and providing learning and consultancy in leadership and management training. I love being outdoors so in my spare time you will find me mountain biking, walking or running.

Laura Marriner

Financial Controller

Laura Marriner - Financial Controller

Ann Mottram

Small Animal Brand Manager

Ann Mottram - Small Animal Brand Manager

Based at Pride Park Veterinary Centre in Derby, I work on the Small Animal species section of the business, coordinating a number of marketing projects for our XLVets members. My background is in marketing and includes six years as a Marketing Project Manager, working with various teams on a number of new product launches. I enjoy playing badminton and going to the gym. I also have a black cat called Mo.

Laura Harmer

Data Project Manager

Laura Harmer - Data Project Manager

Based at Pride Veterinary Centre in Derby my role involves supporting John Turkington and Emma Batson to communicate purchasing information within the small animal and equine group. My background is in the textile manufacturing industry where I was a merchandiser for three years. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog Molly, cooking and retail therapy.

Kelly Parker

Medicines Communications Manager

Kelly Parker - Medicines Communications Manager

Based at Pride Veterinary Centre in Derby my role involves supporting the small animal and equine groups with medicine purchasing and reporting. I also further support the small animal group by organising the national CPD meetings and quarterly executive meetings. Outside of work I enjoy decorating and walking my two dogs, Bailey and Bobby.

Alyson Staines

Meeting & Events Manager

Alyson Staines - Meeting & Events Manager

I joined the XLVets team in January 2011 as Farm Executive manager to help facilitate the needs and activities of the farm executive. late in 2014 my role changed to Meeting & Events Manager; functioning as part of the business process team, I work closely with colleagues and members across all species groups to co-ordinate the smooth and efficient delivery of all XLVet meetings. I have also developed an interest in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and following various courses during 2014/15 I achieved my NLP Business Practitioners qualification at the end of 2015. I enjoy going to the gym, walking and spending time in France which of course means enjoying their delicious food and wine too!

Claire Harpham

Finance Coordinator

Claire Harpham - Finance Coordinator

Based at Pride Park Veterinary Centre in Derby, I will be administering bureau payments for Lifetime Care Club together with assisting Laura & Ann. My background is in banking, procurement and customer service. In my spare time I enjoy making jewellery and spending time with my family and friends.

Tammy Brown

Training Administrator & Accounts Assistant

Tammy Brown - Training Administrator & Accounts Assistant

Based in the XLVets office in Ripon, I work part time, four days a week, 9am-3pm. In my role as Accounts and Administration Assistant, my main duties include the day to day accounting and administration of the VetSkills, FarmSkills and EquineSkills courses. When I am not at work, I am kept very busy by my three little boys.

Alex Turnbull

Training Administrator & Marketing Assistant

Alex Turnbull - Training Administrator & Marketing Assistant

My role within XLVets is Marketing Assistant and I joined in September 2016. Based in the Ripon office in North Yorkshire, I support the training arm of XLVets in marketing our CPD courses to our members, as well as support the wider marketing team in helping implement marketing activities in the small animal, equine and farm executives. I also offer marketing support to our members in the delivery of FarmSkills training courses, which they offer to their clients. I am currently finishing my CIM Foundation Certificate in Marketing, with the scope to continue developing my skills and complete the CIM Professional Certificate later in the year. I also have a big interest in digital marketing, and hope to develop my skills further.

Charlotte Johnson

VetSkills Operations Assistant

Charlotte Johnson - VetSkills Operations Assistant

Based in Ripon, I work as Operations Assistant for VetSkills. When delegates book onto a course I will be there to guide them through the VetSkills process, making sure everyone gets the most from their experience. Originally from Shropshire, I studied at Harper Adams where I graduated in 2007, I moved to North Yorkshire in 2010. In my spare time I enjoy walking, shooting and beating with our two Cocker Spaniels. I also enjoy running, biking, swimming and baking.

Arron King

IT Executive

Arron King - IT Executive

My role involves developing the XLVets IT infrastructure to enable effective and efficient communication between member practices. I provide IT support and development services to XLVets and try to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible! I spend most of my time working from home but attend weekly meetings with the team at the XLVets office in Dalston. In my spare time I enjoy playing football, cycling and walking in the Lake District.

Mike Welsh

Web Developer

Mike Welsh - Web Developer

Based at the XLVets Office in Newcastle, I am a retro geek (any Amiga lovers out there?) who enjoys a spot of gaming and making the odd tune here and there.

Daniel Allen

IT Assistant

Daniel Allen - IT Assistant

Based at the XLVets Office in Newcastle, I joined XLVets in September 2017 on the IT Assistant apprenticeship scheme. My role is to assist with any IT related problems or queries and development of XLVets. In my spare time I am usually with friends. Passions I have include gaming and cars. Another one of my passions is rugby as I have played since a young age.

Jim Easton

Rebates Manager

Jim Easton - Rebates Manager

Originally from Glasgow but now based in the North East, working in the Newcastle office, I joined XLVets in March 2018. Previous roles include working within the Retail, Manufacturing, Contact Centre and Pharmaceutical industry, ensuring exceptional customer service is received at all times in all of my roles. Outside of work, I volunteer as a Radio Presenter for the 2017 Gold Award Winning Hospital Radio Station of the Year and recently became involved with Radio Lollipop, serving the RVI Childrens Hospital in Newcastle, which involves organising essential fundraising events. I also supply emergency foster care for dogs, when required for local rehoming charities.

Lauren Jobling

Membership Support Assistant

Lauren Jobling - Membership Support Assistant

Based at the XLVets office in Newcastle , I joined XLVets in August 2017 on the Business Administration Apprenticeship scheme after completing my Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management. I successfully completed my apprenticeship in September 2018 . My role is to provide general administrative support across the business amongst many other things. In my spare time I am most commonly found at the stables riding and pampering my horse Tommy Pigs. I often compete in dressage and showjumping if i'm not training or adventuring out on a hack!

Charlotte Moody

XLVets Mentor

Charlotte Moody - XLVets Mentor

I graduated as a Vet in 2012 first working at a Small Animal XLVets practice, followed by an 'out of hours' only role, before going on to locum for the past three years. This enabled me to develop my interest in teaching and mentoring with a focus on EMS students and New Graduate Vets. I joined the XLVets team in March 2018 to help design and implement mentoring services, creating a variety of ways for XLVet practices to offer this to their New Graduates and other team members. In my spare time I like to travel and be outdoors or just stay in with a cup of tea and dote on my two cats!

Toby Lightfoot

Business Intelligence Manager

Toby Lightfoot - Business Intelligence Manager

Based in the XL Vets Office in Newcastle I joined in February 2018 as Business Intelligence Manager. I'm here to help you turn data into actionable intelligence. When not working I like to spend time with my two children, walk in the Lakes, skateboard and go running.

Julia Dobson

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Julia Dobson - Accounts Payable Coordinator

Based at the XLVets office in Newcastle, I work as Accounts Payable Coordinator supporting the financial efficiency of the business and ensuring suppliers are paid promptly. Outside of XLVets life I am usually walking my two year old Cocker Spaniel, reading books or shopping!