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Oakhill Veterinary Centre
Read time: 2 mins Added date: 22/01/2025
A Lancashire-based veterinary practice is supporting the local economy with the creation of six new jobs as it invests in a new, sustainable building.
Oakhill Veterinary Centre, which has been in operation in Preston since 1974, has constructed a new two-storey hub at its HQ in Goosnargh, designed to house its ever-expanding team and support the practice’s growing client base.
The new 3,250 sq. ft property is kitted out with 6.9kW of solar panels and air source heat pumps to generate low carbon electricity, as well as motion sensor lighting which will use less energy than traditional fittings. Meanwhile, five electric vehicle chargers have been fitted in the car park, with the capability to install more as demand increases.
Oakhill Veterinary Centre is committed to sustainability and accredited by ‘Investors in the Environment’; a scheme designed to help businesses reduce their impact on the environment. It’s working on achieving an even higher accreditation as it grows its green credentials with the new addition to its estate.
The firm's focus on sustainability is driven by its dedicated 'green team' – a working group of employees from all levels of the 130-strong workforce who help guide the practice’s eco-friendly mission and push for a more sustainable community.
Going digital
Veterinary practices are also digitising at a rapid rate, to meet the needs of digital-savvy clients looking for effortless interactions with their vets. Oakhill is aiming to be ahead of this curve, by investing in new technology and providing more space to its various divisions, with £950,000 in funding support from Lloyds.
New facilities, including a brand-new meeting area on the first floor which will host training sessions for up to 60 people, client education events and workshops, an extended pharmacy, and reception area, are supporting the firm’s growth.
Celebrating 50 years
Oakhill Veterinary Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and this new building underlines their commitment to remaining an independent practice, whilst reinvesting for the future.
As part of the celebrations, they are hosting fun-filled events and activities throughout the year, for both staff and clients, as well as raising money for chosen charity Street Vet – which provides essential veterinary care and services to people experiencing homelessness in the UK.
“We’re committed to delivering the very best veterinary care and supporting our local community. Creating new jobs is a tangible way to do this, but we’re also working hard to become more sustainable to ensure this support carries through to the future.
“We’re proud of our status as an independent practice, and it means we’re driven by our customers’ and clinicians’ needs – not by the need to satisfy investors. This is reflected in our new building, which supports our own sustainability journey as well as that of our clients’.
“Lloyds has been by our side for the last nine years, which has enabled us to achieve our growth ambitions, whilst remaining as an independent practice, owned by our partners. We’re constantly looking to reinvent and better our offering in line with our customer’s needs, and the bank has supported us in our growth and sustainability journey every step of the way.”
Tony Barry, CEO at Oakhill Veterinary Centre
“We’ve been working with Oakhill Vets for the better part of a decade, providing support to help it innovate, and more recently make waves on its sustainability journey.
“Modern day clients are fully embracing sustainability, moving towards more eco-conscious decisions about how and what they purchase. They're demanding businesses become environmental leaders and will be looking for a practice that falls in line with their own values. Oakhill has taken the opportunity to lead sustainability efforts in their local community with this new building, demonstrating their commitment to the environment.”
Stuart Harper, Relationship Director, Lloyds