The George Vet Group Expands Into Pewsey Vale

The George Vet Group, which already has surgeries in several Wiltshire market towns, has now expanded into the Pewsey Vale. They have merged with the popular Belmont House Veterinary Surgery in order to bring additional expertise and experience to this busy practice. The merger means that all of the vets involved will be able to specialise in their particular area of interest and has given additional job security for the nine staff based at the Pewsey branch. The George says the acquisition will, for the first time, ensure that the Pewsey district will have vets available at any time during the day whatever the pet or animal, whilst preserving a 24 hour emergency service in Pewsey itself. The company believes that its expansion will be a major boon to local farmers, small pet owners and horse riders, and serves as an important investment into a local business. As well as a Veterinary Hospital in Malmesbury, the George Vet Group has surgeries in Wootton Bassett and Tetbury, and a large team of farm and equine vets covering Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol. Following the Belmont House take-over the group now employs around 80 staff in Wiltshire, including 32 vets, and has more than 10,000 clients. However, partner Mike Hollywood, 40, insists that it will retain the “personal touch” that has been key to its success. He says: “We’re not a big, large, and impersonal corporate, but a local practice servicing the local people. Over the years our staff have enjoyed an excellent rapport with our clients. It’s a friendly, approachable practice. It’s all about the personal touch.” He adds: “We’re delighted to be in the Pewsey Vale. We’re now the only veterinary surgery in Pewsey that is open all day – from 9am to 7pm. And we are committed to offering a 24 hour emergency service in the area itself with the back up of the hospital facilities should they be required. Horse riders and owners will for first time have a dedicated equine veterinary team now working in and around the Vale of Pewsey with modern digital diagnostic equipment enabling them to provide the best possible care for they horses at their home or yard. Local farmers should also benefit from having experienced, specialist large animal vets available for everything from a sick calf to in-depth herd health investigations. Medicines are available for collection from Pewsey and two cattle vets are on call nights and weekends to ensure a prompt response for out of hour emergencies. The George Vet Group was established in the heart of Malmesbury over 65 years ago, taking its name from an 18h Century converted coaching inn The George, which it has occupied since 1978. The Belmont House Veterinary Surgery has been established in Pewsey for more than 30 years and has operated from a purpose-built surgery on the Salisbury Road business estate for the past 12 years, servicing over 2,500 clients. Belmont House Partner Andrew Norton, who has been at the surgery since 1986, was delighted that the George group had stepped in to continue the growth and development of the surgery and ensure its future. He says: “I am pleased that the future of Belmont House is now ensured and that all nine staff are being kept on.” Mr Norton, 55 will also continue to work there as a consultant vet and is excited about the future. “It means that I can get on with what I enjoy best – vetting. I don’t have to worry about the administration, finances or paperwork. I look forward to the continuing development of Belmont House and the addition of new services for its clients” He says he is fully behind the George group ethos of providing a top level personal service at a fair and reasonable cost. “The personal touch is so important. I’ve got to know owners and their animals really well over the years. “It’s a birth till death situation as far as the animals go. I inoculate young pups and years later deal with problems which arise from old age.” Manager of the George group, Miles Russell says it has acquired an excellent business with a committed and loyal workforce. However, he says the George group now intends to expand veterinary services available in the Pewsey Vale, offering a greater range and more flexibility for farmers, pet owners and the equine community.

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