Member Article

Middlesbrough Veterinary Practices Win Top Industry Award

A veterinary group with practices in Coulby Newham and Redcar has won a top industry award in recognition of the initiatives it has introduced to ensure its team remain happy, healthy and fulfilled in their work.

White Cross Vets scooped the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons’ inaugural Wellbeing Award. The family run group, which operates 16 UK practices, won the large business category after the judges scored entrants on everything from development opportunities through to stress reduction initiatives and how they promote wellbeing.

Popular employment initiatives that White Cross Vets offers include a day off and cake for birthdays, a team member health care scheme and four donation days a year where they can volunteer with a charity of their choice. The group also recently started offering subsidised Fitbits and gym membership, which have immediately proved to be hugely popular, as well as mental health training.

The award was presented at the Veterinary Practice Management Association’s annual congress at The Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales.

Ed Newbould, head of team engagement and development at White Cross Vets, says: “This award is a major coup for us and further reinforces our ongoing commitment to creating a great working environment, where our team can thrive. This isn’t just about how employers should behave morally, it also makes business sense in such a people led profession, where there is a shortage of quality vets and nurses.

“Looking after our people is great for team morale and this translates into the standard of care and service that our clients enjoy. Even contributing to Fitbits and gym membership is a cost-effective way of encouraging people to come together and think about their health. It’s been hugely successful and more than 50 of our 170 strong team have already joined the Fitbit craze.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steven Wright .