Meet the team

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.

Nich comes from a farming background in Norfolk. After qualifying in 1992 he worked in a large mixed practice in Kent where he developed his interest in herd and flock health and production. In 1995 he moved to North Devon where he continued to develop his interests in mastitis, lameness, nutrition and in particular cattle reproduction. In 2004 he obtained the Diploma in Bovine Reproduction, and in 2015 he was awarded the Advanced Practioner status in Bovine Reproduction. He is optimistic that farming has a future. Nich is married with two daughters and is a keen squash player.

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. I now oversee the operational running of XLVets as Chief Operating Officer.  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 an MBA. I undertook some research for my MBA dissertation into the barriers and enablers to female vets becoming business owners. I feel very privileged to be continuing that important research to increase the representation of all veterinary women in leadership roles across the profession. Outside of work, I can be found walking my two chocolate labradors 'Rolo' and 'Buttons' in beautiful Northumberland, baking, doing yoga or taking on yet another DIY project!

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.

I joined the XLVets family in February 2018 as Business Intelligence Manager and I'm based in the XLVets Office in Newcastle. My role is to support the Operations team, the board and the membership by producing actionable intelligence about the operations of the business. I have a cocker spaniel called Buddy and I like to walk, cook and eat.

Based in Newcastle, I joined the team in 2019. A self confessed geek, I manage the XLVets IT department, provide IT support to our members and I look after our Audio/Video capability on both live and virtual events. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending BBQ's, Cooking, Flying, and going for walks with my partner Sarah and our two French Bulldogs Bella and Frankie. A true northerner, I love to grab a bargain and enjoy travelling and making the most of AirBNB deals or getaways.

I am based at the office in Newcastle having joined XLVets in May 2019 as Membership Support Executive. Please feel free to talk to me about a range of meetings (including the AGM, national meetings, team meetings and regional meetings), our VetSkills courses and about any support you may require to get the most out of your membership with XLVets. In my spare time I enjoy walking my King Charles Cavalier (who has a rather unusual name of Leuluai, he is named after one of my favourite Rugby players). I am a sport enthusiast who can usually be found watching Leeds Rhinos or Leeds United.

Originally from Nottingham, I moved to the North East to complete my BSc in Marketing with honours in Marketing Communications at Newcastle upon Tyne University. Having grown attached to the city, I have lived here ever since. I have spent the previous 11 years working at the PDSA, working with veterinary practices throughout the UK to provide a charitable service or to promote pet health campaigns.