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Paw to the floor
Westover Vets accelerates expansion with multi-million pound investment ensuring beloved pets receive the care they deserve.
Read time: 2 mins Added: 10/03/2023
One of Norfolk’s leading veterinary practices is expanding its offering by investing in a brand new branch and expanding its animal hospital with the support of a seven-figure funding package.
Westover Vets, which was founded in 1896, is one of the region’s largest independent vets, with four practices – including a 24-hour hospital – caring for more than 21,000 animals across Norfolk. The business is currently developing its fifth practice, transforming a former motorhome sales garage into a state-of-the-art hub for small animal care.
The 8,300 sq ft practice in Rollesby will create 10 new jobs and will diagnose and treat small animals, from cats and dogs, to small reptiles and other exotic animals. As part of the build and the firm’s commitment to sustainability, solar panels will be used to provide energy for the entire practice, while three electric vehicle chargers are also being installed.
The business is also extending its existing animal hospital in North Walsham – one of only two hospitals in the region – with a new wing. The addition will include two new consultation rooms and greater kennel space, and will also feature a new CT scanner – a significant clinical advancement in state-of-the-art diagnosis.
Westover Vets has also used the funding to drive its investment in the environment. As a business often working in nature and also a member of Investors in the Environment (iiE), it is committed to boosting local biodiversity and has planted more than 1,800 trees and shrubs last month, and created two new ponds with surrounding wildland. These efforts helped the business achieve the iiE award for Natural Environment Champion in 2022.
Following this latest investment drive over the last 18 months, Westover Vets will have created 15 new jobs overall across its small animal team, an increase of more than 25%. It is now also supporting its team to secure further skills, with surgeons and veterinarians currently undergoing qualifications in exotic animals, cardiology, ophthalmology, and CT diagnosis.
Toby Morrell, Director at Westover Vets, said: “Not only have we seen an increase in the number of people owning animals in recent years, we’ve also seen an increase in demand for the best available care for pets, who are often considered members of the family. Investment in the expansion of our services has all been with the intention of ensuring that Norfolk’s beloved pets receive the care they deserve.
“The support from Lloyds Bank has been essential because it’s allowed us to remain independent – a vet practice that’s owned and run by vet surgeons – making sure that the welfare of the animal always comes first. We also understand the importance of operating in a way that’s as environmentally-friendly as possible, and we’re ensuring that everything we do has this in mind.”
Mike Philpot, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank, said: “It’s an uncertain economic landscape at the moment, but Westover Vets are proving how investing now can help mitigate against future challenges and accelerate growth. Its expansion over the last year and a half has been tremendous, but the most encouraging thing is the quality of care that has been front and centre every step of the way.
“Being awarded for its commitment to the natural environment is also testament to a business that is thinking of the wider world around it, which is the mindset that all firms need to take if the UK is to meet the government’s target of hitting Net Zero by 2050. We’re proud to be by Westover Vets’ side in driving this growth and becoming an exemplar business in Norfolk.”