Bicester Vets pledge to remain an independent business

Bicester Vets on Victoria Road made the transition in November and is now the only remaining independent veterinary surgery in the town after transitioning to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

The veterinary hospital employs 55 staff, including vets, nurses, animal care assistants, and administrative personnel.

Its facilities include five consulting rooms, three operating theatres, dedicated dog and cat wards, an exotic ward, and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Cliff Maw, vet and director, said: “We wanted to secure the long-term independence of the practice and protect what we’ve built for future generations.

“Employee ownership also allows us to recognise the contribution of the whole team, ensuring the people delivering care every day have a genuine stake in its success.”

Mr Maw said the employee ownership model is intended to foster greater accountability and long-term commitment.

He said: “The employee ownership model will hopefully foster accountability and pride in the standard of care we provide.

“We’re keen to expand our educational outreach, including school and community group visits to help promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership alongside hopefully inspiring a future generation of vets and nurses.”

Bicester Vets invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in a new CT scanner and other facility upgrades.

This has reduced the need to refer complex cases outside the area.

Mr Maw explained how the scanner made a difference to one particular case.

He said: “A working police dog had inhaled an ear of corn which was lodged in an airway.

“Our CT scan showed this, and we were able to endoscopically remove the corn, and the patient made a full recovery.”

The scanner has also led to the identification of brain tumours and spinal lesions which would previously have gone undiagnosed.

Mr Maw emphasised the importance of keeping emergency care in-house.

He said: “If your pet becomes unwell in the night, having to travel a long distance to an unfamiliar practice to meet a new vet can be stressful.

“If one of our patients needs emergency care overnight, they will be seen at our practice by our own vets and nurses.”

The practice is accredited at the highest ‘Hospital’ level under the voluntary Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme, reflecting high standards of care, equipment, and protocols.

As an employee-owned, independent practice, Mr Maw said the team is ‘humble and proud’ to be rooted in the community.

He added: “We want to remain a strong, independent practice that continues to serve our community for the long term.”