I started with Scarsdale in 1987, and I was there as a student for three years. I really enjoyed being part of the transition into a small animal hospital which was happening there as I qualified in 1990. I got a job here once I qualified, and I’ve been here ever since! I became a partner in 2000, and I've been through a lot of changes, as we’ve built up the branches, and joined the IVC Evidensia network.  

My role is mostly clinical, with some management responsibility at my own branch. I have done a lot of surgery in the past, but I now mostly do consults because I really like the client facing side of things. I'm really interested in preventative healthcare and behaviour. I’ve come to know many of the clients here well which is great, but I do still work at Pride Veterinary Referrals occasionally, which is our referral hospital in the area and part of our network.

You’ve been with Scarsdale and Pride since 1987 which is a good length of time, what’s made you stay?

I was very involved in the development and growth of the practice, going from a small team to where we are now. I also feel close to the clients, and I love my team here, we all get on well and support each other.
The knowledge base that we have here is incredible. You're never short of anybody to ask a question to! We keep in close contact across the branches, so I've got access to everybody at Pride when I’m at this practice, including the specialists, so there’s a wealth of knowledge available.

The support here is amazing too, and I feel that the clients we have here are just so great and they really want the best for their pets.

Can you tell me more about the bond you have with your clients in the local area?

A lot of the clients here have been with us for 30 or 40 years. Many of them have had lots of pets with us and they pop in to say hi, and they’re never shy about asking a question about their animal. They’ll know we’ll have an answer for them, and they also know that if they ever need to access the services at Pride referrals, it’s part of our network.  I always say to people, if you have a problem with your pet out-of-hours, they’ll be cared for by someone who’s part of our team and has access to all the animal’s records and things. It helps them trust us and feel confident in their animal’s care during out-of-hours or if they’re being referred to Pride for any reason. We have a great connection with our clients, and in return, they really do trust us.

How would you describe the culture at the practice and the relationship between your team members?

I would say that we’re a close-knit, friendly team. We share how we’re feeling and support each other, but we’re also very open and welcoming.  

There’s also the great opportunity with the network to work across our branches, if you want to, so that feeling of collaboration runs across the network.

It’s such a great place to expand your knowledge, and share information with each other - you’re never not learning.  

What would you say to someone considering joining the team at Scarsdale and Pride?

I think we are a great place to come and develop your skills and discover an area that you’re passionate about and want to focus on, maybe that’s consulting, surgery, ultrasound, or whatever it might be.

If someone is interested in joining the team, I’d encourage them to get in touch and let us know what they’re interested in, because we have so much to offer. Come and get to know us a bit! The team supports each other, and we share the same goals for the animals and our clients.

Can you tell us about the local area?

Derby has really flourished recently; we've got a lot of nice restaurants and shops. We’re also a short train ride away from Nottingham or Birmingham, so that's great. There’s a great gym right near Pride which is handy as well, and it’s a lovely area for cycling, outdoor swimming, dog walking etc. It’s a relatively affordable place to live as well, and there are some lovely villages.

Tell us about your pets!

At the moment I have Lily and Bonnie who are a Springer Spaniel Beagle cross who is only ten months old, and a Jack Russell Pug cross. I’ve also got a cat called Tillie.