Duncan Phillip with Local Hero Award winner Beth Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon, Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice
Veterinary Stars Shine At IVC Evidensia’s Brilliant People Awards 2025
8 months ago 
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IVC Evidensia has once again celebrated the outstanding contributions of its people with the 2025 Brilliant People Awards, honouring eleven exceptional individuals and teams from across its UK practice network.
Held during the organisation’s annual Leaders’ Forum gala dinner earlier this month, the awards ceremony brought together over 800 attendees to recognise those who exemplify IVC Evidensia’s core values: We Care, We Dare, We Share.
Hosted by IVC Evidensia’s Director of Professional Culture, Daniella dos Santos, and Group Veterinary Nursing Advisor, Liz Cox, the evening spotlighted stories of innovation, compassion, and leadership that continue to elevate standards in veterinary care.
“This year’s winners represent the very best of our profession,” said Duncan Phillips, UK & Ireland CEO at IVC Evidensia. “Their dedication, creativity, and teamwork are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we live our values every day.”
Among the most celebrated honours of the evening was the Support Hero Award, which recognises non-clinical colleagues who play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly and ensure colleagues, clients and patients receive the best experience. This year’s recipient, Debbie Poston, a practice support manager at Manor Vets, which has practices in the Birmingham area, was described by her team as “the backbone of our practice”. Debbie is the person colleagues across all six Manor Vets practices turn to for help, support, and guidance.
Debbie was recognised for her calm, approachable nature, which helps keep her team grounded, all while seamlessly balancing the many demands of a busy practice. Debbie commented on how it feels to be recognised by her colleagues: “It was a huge surprise and totally humbling to be nominated. It is nice to know that you are appreciated by your team. I’m motivated by supporting colleagues through day-to-day challenges that vary so much and seeing positive outcomes.”
The 2025 Brilliant People Award winners are:
Support Hero – Debbie Poston, Practice Support Manager, Manor Vets West Midlands
Client Hero – Hannah Dunham, Receptionist, Grove Lodge
Local Hero – Beth Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon, Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice
Rising Star – Michelle Demkova, Graduate Veterinary Surgeon, Downland Vet Group
Care Fund – Scarsdale Pride Clinical Team, Scarsdale Vets
Positive Pawprint Champion – Eleni Koushiappi, Veterinary Surgeon, Kirks Vets
Veterinary Innovation – Nicola Garnham, Veterinary Surgeon, Burch Tree Vets
Clinical Excellence – Anne-Marie Carr, Clinical Director, Milburn Vets
Leadership Excellence – Hannah West, Clinical Director, Maltman Cosham Veterinary Clinic
Area of the Year – Manchester and Cheshire (A12)
Team of the Year – Delaware & Farm Team
With over 1,400 nominations submitted – an increase of over 55% on last year’s entries – the awards continue to be a powerful platform for recognising the everyday brilliance of the people within IVC Evidensia’s practices.
Duncan added: “These awards are about more than just recognition - they’re about celebrating the people who make a real difference to pets, their owners, and their colleagues. It’s a privilege to share their stories.”
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