“We sold to Independent Vetcare (IVC Evidensia) in 2012 to secure the future of the practice for our clients and staff.

It was early on in the group’s genesis but, we felt we could trust the people we met within IVC Evidensia, even though we didn’t have a lot to go on with their track record.

Part of the reason for selling was that my mental health was suffering. That improved after the sale, partly because of the support from other Clinical Directors (CDs) within the group who were having similar problems in practice.

Suddenly, I was in a room full of CDs, all having the same issues I’d been dealing with alone. We could share our experiences and ideas on how to solve them - a real knowledge share. I think I learned a good deal about business just by being a part of that team.”

Graeme Pack BVSc MRCVS, Purton Vets

Barton Lodge Vets has experienced two generations of the Wickenden family at the helm. Now in its 60th year the practice’s outstanding reputation is being entrusted to Independent Vetcare & Pedro-Martín Bartolomé DVM MRCVS as Roger Wickenden BVet Med MRCVS finally steps down having run things since the mid 1980s.

“We became part of the IVC Evidensia family in February 2016 and what a couple of years it’s been! Having been the Practice’s Clinical Directors for the last three decades, both my wife Cath and I, have enjoyed the camaraderie of like-minded people across the group. Our opinions have been given the opportunity to be voiced and heard, and we have helped to develop the company our practice is proud to be a part of.

We found the right home for what is not just our practice, but also my father’s before me. Together with their recruitment team, we have found the new captain of the ship in Pedro and are delighted to be able to retire in the knowledge that Barton Lodge Vets will continue to flourish for generations to come.”

Roger Wickenden BVet Med MRCVS, Barton Lodge Vets