FARM vet Mel Julian has been praised for her outstanding dedication, leadership and commitment after being named VetPartners Vet of the Year.
Mel stepped into the role of Clinical Director at Cross Counties Farm Vets while a colleague was on maternity leave and maintained the practice’s high standard of service and care.
As well as being there for patients, clients and team members, Mel also made significant contribution to the VetPartners Farm Clinical Board and, in a memorable 2025, even found time to complete her Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice and organise her own wedding.
VetPartners Farm Director Ian Cure, who presented the award, said: “Mel has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership and commitment this year. She took on many additional responsibilities, such as guiding the practice’s farm support team through team changes, supporting a pregnant colleague by taking on extra on-call duties and handling a challenging caseload. She also found time to work on important projects such as the VetPartners Caesar audit of cattle.”
Special award
There was also a special award for much-loved VetPartners vet, Margot Hunter, who revealed earlier this year she had cancer. Margot, who is Clinical Director and co-founder of Dunedin Vets in East Lothian, has continued to support both her practice team and VetPartners as a group during 2025.
The VetPartners annual awards honour shining stars, unsung heroes and those who make a real difference in their workplace across the group’s veterinary practices and associated animal healthcare businesses.
The awards are the highlight of VetPartners’ annual Congress, held this year in Manchester, where the success of colleagues and practices are highlighted.
Nearly 400 practice managers, clinical directors, senior vets and head nurses attended the Congress over the two days.
Moloney Vets, which has been part of the communities of Dunmow and Takeley in Essex for more than 30 years, was named Practice of the Year. The practice is led by Jerry Moloney, who this year celebrated his 50th anniversary as a vet. The practice was recognised in the awards for achieving the highest standards of care and customer service for clients and their pets.
Senior RVN Jenny Johnson was named Veterinary Nurse of the Year. Jenny, who works at Westway Vets which has practices across the North East, was honoured for her “exceptional dedication and leadership.”
Judges said: “This compassionate senior nurse continually goes above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional dedicated and leadership. She has transformed patient care and the working environment and was instrumental in bringing about significant improvements to her practice’s facilities and equipment. She leads by example, inspiring and encouraging colleagues, acting as a supportive manager and showcasing outstanding clinical knowledge and experience.”
Positive impact
Business Support Manager Charlotte Hartley, who works in VetPartners central team, was named Support Team Member of the Year. She was honoured for her “outstanding commitment to the business and positive impact across multiple teams.”
Rachel Ivey, from Willows Veterinary Group in Cheshire, was named Practice Manager of the Year.
Judges said: “Rachel is dependable, approachable and respectful and a constant source of support.”
The vital role played by veterinary receptionists in our practices was also recognised with an award.
Much-loved by colleagues and clients, Suzanne Gardener, who works for Pet Cremation Services, was named Receptionist of the Year. Suzanne was recognised not only for her excellence administrative skills, but also for the care and compassion she shows clients who are saying goodbye to their much-loved pet.
Judges said: “Suzanne always ensures that everyone receives the standard of services they expect and deserve. This is evident in the cards and gifts she often receives from clients thanking her for the support and compassion she shows them.”
Coastway Vets veterinary nurse Jay Lisher was named ESG Community Champion of the Year.
In 2025, Jay organised a sponsored dog walk, a park pond clean, charity dog shows and a raft race to support local rescue charities, as well as supporting the team’s involvement in Brighton Pride. His hard work helped the Brighton practice to raise £6,500 for charities and worthy causes.
Aireworth Vets Clinical Director Caroline Foalks received the Leadership Award, 18 months after stepping into the role at the Keighley practice.
Judges commented how Caroline embodies VetPartners’ values of being supportive and approachable, and their hard work to constantly raise clinical and professional standards.
As always, Jo presented two Special Awards on the night of the awards.
The first went to Margot, who has been an inspiration to everyone at both her practice and VetPartners. Vet Eugene McGrath, who is Clinical Director at the eponymous McGrath Vets which was founded by hi
s father, was the other recipient.
McGrath Vets achieved 3 stars in the Colleague Engagement Survey and have fully embraced the all-Ireland approach of VetPartners Ireland Managing Director Gavin McCoubrey and Business Development Director Austin Donnelly.
Eugene is a key contributor across the country, demonstrates our values and supports not only his team but also Gavin and Austin and the wider VetPartners Ireland team.
- For VetPartners media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, PR and Communications Director, at [email protected] or 07970 198492
