A Devon veterinary group that has recently doubled in size and opened a new state-of-the-art practice, has marked the end of a transformative period by reinforcing its independent status and becoming the latest member of XLVets.
South Moor Vets is now XLVets’ 65th member, which also makes them an owner and shareholder within the community of independently owned veterinary practices which works collaboratively for the greater good of the veterinary profession by sharing best practice, experience, knowledge and skills to define the highest standards of veterinary care.
South Moor Vets, which provides pet, farm and equine veterinary services, now has four practices across South Devon in Kingsbridge, Modbury and Ivybridge, in addition to its Dartington practice which opened just over 12 months ago as part of a major seven-figure investment. Services at the modern, purpose-built veterinary practice include full surgical, laboratory and hospitalisation facilities.
The business can trace its history back 90 years, when the original founders visited South Devon’s farms on horseback. It rebranded to South Moor Vets in 2005 and now employs a 105-strong team who are nearly all outdoor enthusiasts, with approximately 40 horse riders and more than 20 surfers, which includes five out of seven directors and co-owners.
Will McMullan, a director at South Moor Vets, explained: “In recent years South Moor Vets has grown significantly. In 2017 we had a team of 45 people before we relocated in Ivybridge to a modern new practice with full hospital facilities and a CT scanner.
“Opening in Dartington has been another major expansion project, which has created one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the area. We’ve also recruited a team of 15 veterinary surgeons, nurses and support staff for the surgery as part of an investment worth more than £1million.
“Dartington has been open for just over 12 months and means that we can now offer nearly all veterinary services in-house across our four sites, with only a small number of cases needing to be referred for specialist treatments. We also cover our own out of hours emergency cases, as well as investing heavily in training for our team, so our people can maximise their potential, which also ensures we offer the widest range of services possible.
“In addition, our success is due in part to us being the only independent practice in Dartington and the neighbouring town of Totnes, and one of the only independents in South Devon. New and existing clients regularly tell us that they choose us because of our reputation for providing high service levels and clinical excellence, and independence is a key factor that clients are increasingly aware of. They truly appreciate having a practice that is owned and run by local people.
“We also have a low staff turnover which means our team genuinely know our clients, as well as their pets and animals. Ultimately, everyone who works at South Moor Vets loves living and working in South Devon. The area is fantastic for horse riding, surfing, sailing, hiking, climbing, cycling and running, so it’s no surprise that our team are all into these types of activities.”
Will continued: “Crucially, becoming a member of XLVets is an extension of how we can grow and maintain our independence. As well as being veterinary surgeons, we must be adept at running and managing a complex business with 105 people.
“Recruitment, marketing, HR, finance and everything else that’s required in a successful business are not skills that you learn at vet school, and joining XLVets enables us to share best practice and knowledge with many of the UK’s leading and most forward-thinking independent practices. It also means we can take advantage of economies of scale when it comes to buying products and medicines, and we can pass these savings onto clients, who are already enjoying the benefits of our membership.”
Andrew Curwen, CEO at XLVets, said: “South Moor Vets is a well-known practice in Devon with a long heritage and a superb reputation for continually innovating. There’s no doubt that we can support them as they continue to grow and I’m confident that our existing members, which are all owners and shareholders of XLVets, will also benefit from having them on board.
“Crucially, we are all embracing the future together, sharing knowledge and experiences as well as creating stronger alliances and developing a collaborative culture, as we remain respectful of our traditions to ensure a proud legacy, whilst striving to ensure that the decades ahead are successful.”
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