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

Amelia Newby, a paraprofessional (Vet Tech) working for Howells Veterinary Services in Easingwold, was named National SQP of the Year, and was also named Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year and Newly Qualified SQP of the Year.

Gemma Parke, supervisor at Fane Valley Stores in Claudy, Co. Londonderry, was named Farm SQP of the Year; and Michelle Billington, lab-coordinator at TFM Country Store in Whisby, Lincolnshire, was named Equine SQP of the Year.

Chloe Lewis, the owner of Nutrifec, won the Outstanding Customer Service Award; Andy Currall, deputy manager of the Jollyes store in Kettering,Northamptonshire, won the Nutritional Expertise Award.

In the retail categories, TFM Country Store in Whisby, Lincolnshire, was named Independent Store of the Year; Harbro won the Multiple Store of the Year award for its store in Tuffiff, Aberdeenshire; and Stella Kendall, manager of the Pets at Home’s store in Clifton Moor, York, was named Store Manager of the Year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to industry stalwart John Millward, who has tirelessly worked, over the last 30 years, to support the PML and later the POM-VPS/NAF-VPS retailers through both legislation and inspection.

The National SQP Awards was hosted by comedian Tiff Stevenson.

Simon King, OvertheCounter’s editor, said: “The National SQP Awards 2024 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 2025 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.”