Meet the Team

Outside work Gavin helps run a successful and busy mum and dad’s taxi service for his four children. He has been told that this is a voluntary position and he should enjoy it!

He also enjoys running and is currently training for an ultra marathon (that is anything longer than a marathon, generally up to 100 miles), Being a slow runner he just runs for longer.

At work Gavin has an interest in internal medicine, especially cardiology at Scotland's biggest Independent Mixed Veterinary Practice.

Jonathan joined the XLVet UK Ltd Board in June 2024.

My first experience of XLVets was upon graduation from the RVC in 2011, when I started working as an Equine vet in an XLVets practice. I loved everything about being an XLVets member and the opportunities it presented me as an assistant in practice.

I joined the XLVets operations team in 2015 as Equine Business Manager. In my current role as Chief Operating Officer, I oversee the operational running of XLVets and joined the Board in June 2024. 

In 2019, I completed my MBA. For my dissertation, I undertook a qualitative research project exploring the barriers and enablers to women being business owners in independent veterinary practices in the UK. Since then we have created the Veterinary Women in Leadership (VWIL) initiative which aims to action many of the findings. I'm passionate about supporting leadership development in the next generation to support a bright future for independent practice. 

Outside of work my time is spent keeping up with the busy demands of a toddler, two chocolate labradors, and three aging cats! 

Philip joined the XLVets Board in June 2024.

I joined XLVets in 2019, supporting the XLVets Farm community in marketing and initiatives across veterinary and agriculture. I have a passion for agriculture and currently really enjoy finding out more about the sustainability opportunities that are constantly evolving. 

Outside of work, I love exploring the beautiful landscapes of Northumberland with my dog Ziggy when I am not helping out on my family farm (tempted into supporting the family, by the promise of a Sunday Roast). 

Having joined XLVets in 2019, I have enjoyed growing my knowledge within the XLVets Community and with our suppliers. My role involves overseeing our VetSkills training services, our meetings and events plus onboarding and supporting XLVets Members.

In my spare time I enjoy family days out walking our King Charles Cavalier (who has a rather unusual name of Leuluai, he is named after one of my favourite Rugby players). I am a sport enthusiast who can usually be found watching Leeds Rhinos or Leeds United (when my little girl hasn't taken over the TV to watch something on Disney+!)

A graduate of Harper Adams. I've worked in a variety of commercial roles in the veterinary industry during the last 30 years. Along the way, I've notched up my Membership of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, an MBA and, more recently, I completed a study programme at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

I started working with XLVets in 2016 and I'm proud to support and be associated with our vibrant community of independent practices.

Gareth recently joined the XLVets team as a Project Manager and brings experience from running Software Development and IT Infrastructure projects both internally and for external clients as a consultant.

Gareth will work on improving our project delivery across the Operations Team as well as implementing new tools to increase efficiency. With an interest in technology he will give us a fresh perspective in how the XLVets team and members can best utilise their existing technology and advise on how changes and advancements can be implemented. He is also keen to work with members who are interested in building project skills within their teams.

Outside of work Gareth enjoys watching sports, having had a season ticket at Sunderland AFC for over a decade now and travels when possible, his favourite destination being Amsterdam!

Ian joined the XLVets Operations team in 2024, as Member Marketing and Communications Executive.

I’ve been with XLVets since 2019 based at the Broomhall warehouse in Cheshire.

I’ve been in Ops Management for most of my career running teams, territories and warehouses across the Charity, Food, Environmental Services, Trade, Construction, and Retail sectors.

Outside of work I’m a keen DIYer, love my garden, read the odd book, and spend most of my time enjoying being at the beck and call of my two young daughters.

Having spent the bulk of my career so far working in Logistics roles, primarily for the Royal Navy Submarine Service, it's a delight to be able to transfer my skills over to the Veterinary industry and support the procurement function of the business, while studying for a Supply Chain Management degree.

In my spare time, I can usually be found on the terraces supporting Newcastle United, exploring the Northumbrian countryside, or if I am allowed, adopting the prone position on the couch.

Born and bred in Nantwich, I started working at Broomhall mid-2024.

A married man with a strong sense of family, I like spending time supporting Liverpool FC and love looking after my grandkids.

I joined Broomhall in January 2016. Over the years I have seen how the business has grown. The warehouse is a tad bigger now!

I have been in Customer Service most of my career in Retail and the Service Industry.

In my spare time, you will find me mostly driving up and down the M6 to visit family & friends.

Rachel qualified as a vet from the University of Bristol in 2000. She joined XLVets UK Ltd in August 2024 as the Clinical Quality Improvement Lead. She has extensive experience in small animal general practice having worked as a veterinary surgeon, and in leadership roles, in the charity, corporate, and independent practice sectors. 

Alongside seeing patients, Rachel enjoys spending her time coaching and mentoring members of the practice team and working with the owners to deliver sustainable business development. She gained a Diploma in Leadership and Management in 2021. 

Rachel has a passion for quality improvement and a strong interest in human factors, and brings this to her role in XLVets where she inspires and engages member practices in the positive benefits of quality improvement.

I joined the Broomhall office team in early 2022 leaving the chaos of retail management behind me.

Outside of work, I spend my time creating weird and wonderful props for my local pantomime and running around after a houseful of animals.

Based in the North East, I joined the XLVets team in May 2019. I look after the marketing function of XLVets and have the pleasure of considering the XLVets brand, our place in the market, and supporting the business to deliver services for our members. XLVets aims to be a champion of independent veterinary practice and its goals align very strongly with my own.

With a background in Agriculture, Food and Business Enterprise, I am passionate about Marketing and Communications, independent and localised business, and supporting strong business growth. 

If you have the opportunity to attend an XLVets event, I'd highly recommend it. This is an inspiring community that delivers energy to a topic and a room!

Personally, my husband and I farm free-range laying hens and sheep in Northumberland and we have two children.