Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Pennard Vets appoints new managing director
Pictured: Jeff Gascoyne, managing director at Pennard Vets.
Jeff Gascoyne joins the practice with over 17 years' experience.

Pennard Vets, the world's largest employee-owned veterinary practice, has appointed a new managing director.

Jeff Gascoyne, who comes with over 17 years of industry experience, said of his new role: “My role will be to help and support the entire team to achieve greatness through collaborative and inclusive leadership, as we continue to grow and exceed our client’s expectations. 

“Compassion, client focus and continually improving everything we do is what makes Pennard Vets extraordinary.” 

Prior to joining Pennard Vets, Jeff Gascoyne has worked at Vets for Pets as its operations director and later business acquisitions director, holds an Honorary Associate Professorship in Veterinary Business Management from The University of Nottingham, and most recently, has spent five years as a partner at Scarsdale Vets, where he has been executive director and executive chairman. 

“The fact that all Pennard Vets’ 99-strong team across six sites in Kent are practice owners and shareholders in the business, following the move to becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) this year, was really appealing to me. Like any new member of the team, I now also own a stake in the business,” Jeff said.

“Pennard Vets is fiercely independent and has stayed true to its 125-year-old core values and that is very inspiring. 

“Knowing how passionate Pennard Vets’ directors, Matthew, Caroline and Andy, are about ensuring a bright and independent future for everyone, I was keen to become a part of the team.”

Commenting on Jeff's appointment, Andy Green, a director from Pennard Vets, said: “Jeff is highly experienced and a strategic thinker, who has the ability to help us achieve our goals. 

“He will play an important part in integrating new people and practices into our EOT model, as we expand our reach throughout Kent and beyond. 

“With a keen focus on operations and processes within the business, Jeff will help us to give more veterinary professionals the opportunity to join Pennard Vets, whilst also ensuring our clients and patients remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.