A SUCCESSFUL first 12 months for a veterinary group have seen it open two new clinics in the area as part of major £1million investment.

North Star Vets, which launched Burford Lane Vets in Lymm a year ago, has now opened Westbrook Vets and Sandymoor Vets.

Founded by Dr Sean Cleary, Dr Richard Thomas and chartered accountant Jane Platt, the network is supported by a team of 18 vets, nurses and receptionists that have been recruited locally at each practice.

All three practices benefit from separate cat and dog wards, digital x-ray facilities, ultrasound machines, operating theatres and on-site laboratories.

North Star is aiming to grow to 10 practices in the north west over the next 10 years.

Dr Cleary said: “The fact that our practices are locally owned and managed gives our teams even more impetus to make these practices the best in the area and an integral part of their local community.

“Ultimately this translates into the high standards of care, service levels and continuity that our clients and their pets enjoy.

“Burford Lane Vets has been a welcome addition to the local community, providing free care for all school pets and teaching children about responsible pet ownership, and we are very pleased to follow this with the opening of Westbrook Vets and Sandymoor Vets.

“Both practices are in great locations and have undergone high quality fit outs that incorporate all the latest equipment and facilities.

“When this is combined with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm, it is easy to see why both practices are proving popular, with almost 700 clients already registered at Westbrook Vets and more than 400 at Sandymoor Vets.

“We are already planning to open two more sites next year and are currently looking for high-calibre vets. Anyone interested should contact us now.”

Clinic director Dr Becky Crossfield added: “For the past few years I have been thinking about opening my own practice, but the expense, complexities, risk and lack of experience were all holding me back. All this made North Star’s proposition very attractive.

“Having the support and knowledge of Sean, Richard and Jane has been invaluable and has created a superb, team centric practice that is proving an immediate hit with local pet owners.

“Even before we opened we had more than 200 clients pre-registered, and this has snowballed since with members of the local community keen to come in, tour the practice and meet the team.

“This level of support from the local community has been overwhelming, and we could not be happier with how the first few weeks have gone.”