Broad Lane Vets in Coventry has been welcomed by the XLVet community as its latest new member. The first opinion, small animal practice employs 60 people and operates across three sites. An RCVS-accredited general practice that has achieved Gold Standard Cat Friendly status, Broad Lane Vets was awarded the Timewise Award for Most Flexible Small Business UK, as well as winning FSB regional Awards for Enterprise and Best Small Business. Sole owner, Elly Pittaway was judged to be Natwest Businesswoman of the Year in 2011 and has a well-deserved reputation for pursuing both clinical and business excellence.

With so much evidence for success in her own right, Elly is clear that while she joins XLVets from a position of strength, the community has a lot to offer. Recent events played a key role in her decision-making, as Elly explains, “Over the years, we have stuck to what we do best, and tried not to worry too much about what the competition was getting up to and this has generally worked well for us. However, recent supply issues with certain key products highlighted a vulnerability to which we thought we were immune in our previous buying group but found out we were not. This was something of a wake-up call for us and served as the trigger for us to seek active collaboration with other like-minded independent practices.”

Speaking of what Broad Lane Vets will bring to the community, Elly says, “As with our day-to-day work, we believe you get out what you put in, so we intend to be proactive. We add strength in both numbers and expertise to XLVets and together with our colleagues in independent practice look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Andrew Curwen is the CEO of XLVet UK Ltd, the company that is owned by the XLVet membership and that serves and supports the community. He sees a bright future. “There is currently tremendous positivity at every level in the independent practices that make up the XLVet community and we’re delighted to welcome yet another prestigious practice. It’s becoming clear that many business owners feel they have so much more to give to the profession and so many exciting plans for the future that they can only bring to life by remaining independent. They also recognise that there is strength to be gained in sharing ideas and expertise and reducing vulnerability from being alone. The XLVets community provides strength and support without giving up control, sacrificing or compromising values in any way, or forsaking any of the other rewards associated with owning your own practice.”

“Broad Lane is an excellent fit with the culture within the XLVet community. Elly already places great focus on developing the people in her teams, with flexible working available to all and freedom to tailor their personal approach to their clients. She recognises how being part of a bigger national community will provide opportunity and encouragement to her entire team to support their development and ability to enjoy truly fulfilling careers.”

Broad Lane Vets becomes the third practice within the last few months to join XLvets, alongside Connaught House Vets and Daleside Veterinary Group.