Members of the XLVets community gather together in Liverpool to celebrate 20 years and plan for the future.
The XLVets Community Is Thriving After 20 Years And Lays The Foundations For The Next 20
5 months ago 
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A community of independently owned veterinary practices marked a major milestone in its history with a vibrant two-day celebration and annual general meeting, commemorating 20 years of collaboration, progress, and shared purpose.
More than 180 members, suppliers, and partners of XLVets gathered in Liverpool to reflect on the community’s achievements and to set their sights firmly on the future.
Founded on the values of shared learning, mutual support, and driving excellence across the veterinary profession, XLVets used its 20th anniversary to celebrate the past two decades and explore what the next 20 years could hold for independent practices.
“This event was more than a celebration - it was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,” said Andrew Curwen, CEO of XLVets. “Our members are united by shared values and a commitment to excellence. We’ve built a strong foundation, and now we’re looking ahead to a future where independent practices continue to innovate, lead, and thrive together.”
Themed around what it means to belong in a community of like-minded professionals, the event showcased a dynamic programme of keynote sessions and collaborative discussions, focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the veterinary landscape. Topics included navigating technology transformation in practice with shared insights and shared success; courageous leadership in practice, unlocking innovation, creativity and connection; how vets can lead the way to a sustainable future; and the next chapter, defining the standards and supportive structures that will shape the future.
A highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, which honoured practices that are demonstrating visionary initiatives that will deliver a lasting impact on the community’s future. The five award categories recognised excellence in sustainability, technology adoption, leadership development, collaboration, and future-focused innovation. Each award represented a pillar of the community’s strength, demonstrating how member practices are adapting to, and leading change.
Paragon Vets won the ‘Small steps, Big impact’ award, which celebrated meaningful changes towards a sustainable future, and was sponsored by Ceva Animal Health and presented by Craig Wright. The winner of the ‘Vet 3.0’ award, which recognised practices embracing emerging technologies was Bishopton Veterinary Group, and the award was sponsored by Zoetis and presented by Becky Disney. ProStock Vets won the ‘Paying it Forward’ award, which honoured today’s leaders that are developing and inspiring the next generation, and the award was sponsored by Forte Healthcare and presented by Emma John. The winner of the ‘Ripple Effect’ award, which shone a spotlight on the power of collaboration across the XLVets community, was Thrums Vets and the award was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and presented by Gemma Webster. Torch Farm and Equine Vets won the ‘Tomorrow starts Today’ award, which celebrated ideas that ensure a bright future for independent practice, and the award was sponsored by MSD Animal Health and presented by Claire Van Kooten.
Andrew added: “The quality and volume of the award entries speaks volumes about the commitment of our members to the overall purpose of this community, which is to unite in a spirit of collaboration. The Ripple Effect award, where nominations for practices were made by other practices was a prime example of how our community helps each other to thrive, and Thrums Vets epitomises this culture of collaboration and sharing of new ideas and were worthy winners.
“The event programme also offered plenty of opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and sparking new ideas, reinforcing the collaborative spirit at the heart of XLVets. With an eye on the evolving demands of animal health, practice innovation, and sustainability, we reinforced our collective commitment to raising standards and supporting the success of our members well into the future.”
Dan Read, from Heath Equine Vets, said: “I feel energised about the future of independent veterinary practice. XLVets isn’t just a network, it’s a community of like-minded practices who believe in collaboration, clinical excellence, and veterinary-led decision making. Being part of this community means we can remain independent without being isolated. I’ve always been drawn to purpose-led, people-centred businesses; the kind that are rooted in values, not shareholders. We’re ambitious about growth - but never at the cost of care - and being part of the XLVets community helps us do just that. We share knowledge, innovate responsibly, and protect what makes independents special.”
Andrew added: “As XLVets looks ahead to its next chapter, its members remain united by the same core principle that inspired its founding - by working together we can achieve so much more. Our ideas and shared purpose are what makes XLVets valuable; we understand that the future of veterinary care isn’t just about medicine, it’s about leadership, collaboration and using our collective expertise to shape a healthier, more sustainable world.”
For more information visit www.xlvets.co.uk
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