SQPs from across the UK have been recognised for their outstanding professionalism and commitment to their training at the second National SQP Awards, which were held yesterday afternoon in London.
Hefin Rowlands, who works for Wynnstay Group in Oswestry, was named National SQP of the Year, and was also named Farm SQP of the Year.
Emily Knight, from Pets at Home in Blackwood, Gwent, scooped the award for Companion SQP of the Year, for the second year in a row; the Equine SQP of the Year was Catherine Johnson from Mole Country Stores in Hexham.
Dawn Prime, an independent SQP from Norwich was presented with the award for Veterinary SQP of the Year; Jessie Johnson from Mole Country Stores in Driffield scooped the Mastermind Award.
Matthew Blacklidge from Mole Country Stores in Piercebridge, Darlington, won the Newly Qualified SQP of the Year award.
In the retail categories, TFM Country Store in Whisby was named Independent Store of the Year, while Mole Country Stores in Fauld was named Multiple Store of the Year. Ruth Dolman, the manager of Mole Country Stores in Fauld scooped the Store Manager of the Year.
A new award this year, the Outstanding Customer Service Award, was won by Elizabeth Barrett, who works at Mole Country Stores in Fauld.
The Award for Contribution to the Industry was presented to former AHDA secretary general Ian Scott; and Elanco was awarded the Trade Supplier of the Year title.
The National SQP Awards was hosted by comedian Ian Moore.
Simon King, OvertheCounter’s editor, said: “The second National SQP Awards have been a fantastic success and I am delighted that SQPs from across the UK have been recognised for their commitment to their customers.
“I’d like to thank the sponsors that supported the National SQP Awards and I’d also like to encourage even more SQPs to enter the 2018 awards programme. I know from speaking to some of the winners how proud they were to win an award and I firmly believe that winners should shout about their win in their community as winning a national award can drive a business forward. Well done to all the winners and those who were also highly commended.”
