SQPs from across the UK have been recognised for their outstanding professionalism and commitment to their training at the National SQP Awards 2020, which were streamed live yesterday afternoon.

Laura Smith, who works at Vale Veterinary Group in Cullompton, Devon, was named National SQP of the Year, and was also named Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year.

Stefanie Willey, store manager of Mole Country Stores in Hexham, Northumberland, was named Farm SQP of the Year; Cerrie Hedges, from TFM Countrystore in Whisby, Lincolnshire, scooped the award for Companion SQP of the Year.

The Equine SQP of the Year was Charlotte Forkes-Rees from Mole Country Stores in Berkeley, Gloucestershire and Charlotte also scooped the Mastermind Award. Jane Moorhouse, from Hird & Partners in Halifax, West Yorkshire, won the Newly Qualified SQP of the Year award.

In the retail categories, Green’s Farm Supplies of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was named Independent Store of the Year, while Mole Country Stores in Hexham, Northumberland, was named Multiple Store of the Year. Catherine Johnson, the manager of Carrs Billington in Hexham, Northumberland, scooped the Store Manager of the Year.

The Outstanding Customer Service Award was won by Kristy Hodgson, director of operations at Westgate Labs in Morpeth, Northumberland. The Nutritional Expertise Award was won by Sarah Sparke, from J S Hubbuck in Hexham, Northumberland.

The Award for Contribution to the Industry was presented to Carwyn Ellis, who recently retired as head of the animal production, welfare and veterinary sciences department at Harper Adams University.

The National SQP Awards was hosted by TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.

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

“In these challenging times, SQPs have done a fantastic job and it was great to reward their contributions to the sector.

“I’d also like to thank the sponsors that supported the National SQP Awards and I’d also like to encourage even more SQPs to enter the 2021 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 and those who were also highly commended.”