Meet the team

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.

Outside work Gavin helps run a successful and busy mum and dad’s taxi service for their four children. He has been told that this is a voluntary position and he should enjoy it! He also enjoys running and currently he is training for an ultra marathon. (that is anything longer than a marathon, generally up to 100 miles) Being a slow runner he just runs for longer. At work Gavin has an interest in internal medicine, especially cardiology.

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!

A graduate of Harper Adams, I've worked 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 MWI Animal Health, 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.

Based in the Newcastle office, I joined the team in January 2020 as Marketing Communications Executive. I have a degree in Fashion Communication from Northumbria University which has allowed me to develop my passion for design and branding. In my role at XLVets, I focus on our relationship with veterinary students, marketing our members vacancies, communications to our members and lots of design work.

Based in the XLVets Newcastle office, I joined the team in 2019 working as Farm Animal Marketing Executive. Graduating from The Royal Agricultural University (Cirencester) in 2018, I have a love for agriculture and the farming sector. Much of my free time is spent on our family farm in Northumberland whatever the weather, if I am not there you will find me at the beach or in the pub.

Having joined XLVets in 2019, I have enjoyed growing my knowledge within the XLVets Community and our suppliers. My role involves overseeing our VetSkills training services, our meetings and events plus onboarding and supporting XLVets Members. In my spare time I enjoy family days out walking our 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 (when my little girl hasn't taken over the TV to watch something on Disney+!)

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.