AXE Valley Large Animal Vets, from Cheddar in Somerset, has been named as the winner of the small-medium practice category in the 2024 British Veterinary Association Wellbeing Awards.

The accolade was announced at last night’s first BVA Awards Dinner at the five-star London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf.

The evening, which included a drinks reception sponsored by Lloyd and Whyte, celebrated the achievements of exceptional vets and veterinary teams across four awards.

BVA Wellbeing Awards 2024

This year’s BVA Wellbeing Award winner for small/medium practice is the Axe Valley Large Animal Vets, Cheddar in Somerset.

Axe Valley Large Animal Vets impressed the judges with its “genuine effort to alleviate stress and encourage a friendly and happy atmosphere.”

The Axe Velley team’s ethos centres ensuring good mental health is a top priority, with a nominated mental health ambassador and team mental health training.

Staff are encouraged to be actively involved with suggesting and implementing change and there are several office dogs too.

Becky Gay, director and veterinary surgeon at Axe Valley Large Animal Vets, said: "When I was told that Axe Valley Large Animal Vets had not only been nominated but had only gone and won the BVA Wellbeing Awards I was absolutely thrilled. For the practice to be nominated by the team was a huge acknowledgement to underline our day one ethos to be a supportive and happy working environment. It is a huge privilege to accept this award on behalf of all the team who have contributed to making our workplace the best it can be for all. Empowering people to be the best they can be in their role ultimately leads to better care of our patients and clients. It is achievements like this that make all our efforts truly worth it."

BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux said about this year’s Wellbeing Award winners: “Our careers form a large part of our lives, so it is essential that team members feel heard, valued and happy in their workplaces. Good wellbeing also benefits workplaces as teams are more likely to remain in posts where they are happy and supported. It’s fantastic to see that workplace culture and support has really moved on over the years and wellbeing prioritised in so many workplaces. The winning workplaces are truly exceptional: they stood out for going the extra mile to support their teams and should be proud of making good wellbeing a priority.”

John Helps, Senior Technical Manager at sponsor MSD Animal Health said: “MSD Animal Health is proud to have sponsored the BVA’s Wellbeing Awards for the second year running. We very much recognise the value of a great working environment for team morale and staff wellbeing in the veterinary sector – it is so important to ensure the people who are working tirelessly to support our nation’s pets and livestock are being supported too. The number and variety of entries was particularly impressive this year and personally, once again, it’s been a great pleasure to be one of the judges and read through the extraordinary and often inspiring efforts that modern veterinary workplaces are making to support their teams.”

About the awards British Veterinary Association president Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Whether working in small animal, equine or farm practices, or in a wide range of non-clinical roles, vets make a vital contribution to society. The BVA Awards is an opportunity to showcase the very best of their achievements, from our committed early career vets and teams going the extra mile to support wellbeing, through to practitioners with long and outstanding careers with lasting impact. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved not only for themselves but on behalf of the whole profession.”