SQPs from across the UK have been recognised for their outstanding professionalism and commitment to their training at the seventh National SQP Awards, which were held on Friday afternoon in London.

Emma Parkinson, an R-SQP, working at Tenbury veterinary Services in Worcestershire, was named National SQP of the Year, and was also named Companion Animal SQP of the Year.

Jessica Frost, animal health buyer and livestock team manager at Fram Farmers in Framlingham, Suffolk, was named Farm SQP of the Year; the Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year was Karen Robinson, farm dispensary supervisor at Howells Veterinary Services in Easingwold, North Yorkshire; and Claire Shand, marketing director of Westgate Labs in Morpeth, Northumberland, was named Equine SQP of the Year.

Megan Jones, an agri trader at Wynnstay in Newtown, Powys, was named Newly Qualified SQP of the Year and Sandy Robertson, the owner of Equine Endo, won the Outstanding Customer Service Award. Matthew Dymond, ruminant feed specialist at Harpers Feeds in Holsworthy, Devon, won the Nutritional Expertise Award.

In the retail categories, Murray Farmcare in Dumfries was named Independent Store of the Year; and Josie Towers, manager of Wynnstay in Kendal, picked up the award for Store Manager of the Year.

Pets at Home’s store in Clifton Moor, York, was named Multiple Store of the Year; Westgate Labs won the new award for 2023 and was named Online Store of the Year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Andrew Cairns, managing director of Murray Farmcare, in Dumfries.

The National SQP Awards was hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan.

Simon King, OvertheCounter’s editor, said: “The National SQP Awards 2023 was a fantastic success and I am delighted that SQPs from across the UK have been recognised for their commitment to their customers.

“I’d like to thank the sponsors that supported the National SQP Awards and I’d also like to encourage even more SQPs to enter the 2024 awards programme. I know from speaking to some of the winners how proud they were to win an award and I firmly believe that winners should shout about their win in their community as winning a national award can drive a business forward.

“Well done to all the winners.”