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.

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.

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!

After many years working in Hospitality, I rescued my first dog Marley who was the deciding factor to pursue a career working in the Animal Welfare sector. I joined the Animal Rescue field for 15 years and experienced working in many areas from Animal Care to Site management and Finance. I am keen to learn as much about the Veterinary field so I can help members and their practices fulfill a strong and happy working environment. I now have four rescue dogs Jackson, Rosco, Ernie and Rosie and have an interest in dog behaviour especially after the pandemic. We love to spend our spare time up the Northumberland Coast exploring and enjoying the scenery.

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.