Member Article

Historic Wirral vet practice begins new chapter

A leading Wirral veterinary practice is set for the next chapter in its history.

Long-time partner Bruce Marsden has sold his shareholding in Birch Veterinary Centre to Archie Kendall, who has been a vet at the practice since 2003.

Archie will now be responsible for taking the practice forward with fellow partner Phil Shepherd.

The original practice dates back more than 100 years to 1904 and for many years it was a mixed practice combining farm work with companion animals. These days the centre focusses entirely on companion animals and during the course of a typical year will see more than 12,000 animals including cats, dogs, rabbits and exotics.

The practice’s accountant Phil Bates, Principal of Neston-based accountants Phillip Bates & Co, advised on the sale of Bruce’s shares to Archie.

Archie said: “With Bruce approaching retirement, it made sense for me to purchase his shareholding.

“There were lots of issues to consider including the sale and purchase of Bruce’s shareholding and various property interests across the practice’s three surgeries in Oxton, Thingwall and Moreton.

“Phil helped to ensure that the sale went through smoothly, quickly and cost effectively.”

Phil had recently worked closely with Bruce and Phil on the £160,000 redevelopment and refurbishment of the practice in Oxton.

The investment in the redevelopment of the centre enabled the practice to create more consulting rooms in a part of the building that was not previously being used as well as separated dog and cat hospitalisation and modern surgical facilities.

Alan Mellor, MD of Phillip Bates & Co Financial Services, has also advised the practice on a range of financial matters for many years.

Archie said: “I am looking forward to working with Phil Shepherd in partnership. He and Bruce have built a very successful and well run practice and it is my job to help ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.

“Being locally owned and run means we can invest significantly in providing the best care and equipment for the animals we treat.”

Bruce said: “I am delighted that Archie has taken over from me as a partner in Birch Veterinary Centre. The practice has come a long way in the last 20 years and I look forward to watching it continue to flourish as it begins the next chapter in its history.

“Phil Bates and his team have played an invaluable part in the growth of the practice over many years, always giving sound advice on what is best for the business.”

Phil Bates said: “I am delighted to have been able to advise the practice on the transfer of Bruce’s shareholding to Archie.

“Our work included sale and purchase of Bruce’s shareholding, various property matters, financial and tax affairs and general business advice.”

Other advisers included Ian MacGregor, of Lees Solicitors, who acted for Bruce, and Jonathan Cobbold, of Rudlings Wakelam Solicitors, who acted for Archie.

NOTES TO EDITORS

· For more information or an interview, please call Nick Mason at Mason Media on 0151 239 5052 or 07903 237008 or email: nick@masonmedia.co.uk

· www.birchvets.co.uk

· www.pbates.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mason Media .