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

Keri Whitwell, who works at Isle Veterinary Group in Ely, Cambridgeshire, was named National SQP of the Year, and was also named Equine SQP of the Year

Paul Cartledge, deputy manager of the Jollyes store in Cannock, Staffordshire, was named Companion Animal SQP of the Year; Elizabeth Barrett, store manager of Mole Country Stores in Fauld, Staffordshire, was named Farm SQP of the Year; the Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year was Emma Parkinson, an R-SQP working at Tenbury Veterinary Services in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.

Chloe Lewis, the owner of Nutrifec, was named Newly Qualified SQP of the Year and Ms Lewis was also the winner of the Outstanding Customer Service Award. Mark Pass, from Beeston Animal Health, won the Nutritional Expertise Award.

In the retail categories, J S Hubbuck in Hexham, Northumberland, was named Independent Store of the Year; and Elizabeth Barrett of Mole Country Stores in Fauld, Staffordshire, picked up the award for Store Manager of the Year. 

Mole Country Stores in Piercebridge was named Multiple Store of the Year.

This year’s Special Achievement Award was presented to Sandy Robertson, the owner of Equine Endo in Lincoln; the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Philip Sketchley, the former chair of AMTRA.

The National SQP Awards was hosted by comedian Lucy Porter.

Simon King, OvertheCounter’s editor, said: “The National SQP Awards 2022 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 202r 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.”

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