Shropshire vet prepares to launch third practice - with new jobs to be created

An independent Shropshire veterinary practice is on course to open a third surgery.

The Market Town Vet currently has practices in Oswestry and Shrewsbury but is planning to launch another in Whitchurch later this summer.

Managing director Rob Tulloch founded The Market Town Vet in Oswestry during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, opening his second site soon after.

Payroll has increased from five to 35 staff and a further five roles are set to be created when the new practice opens, with Mr Tulloch saying even more launches were on the cards.

To support its growth ambitions, the business secured a new funding round from Birmingham-based ART Business Loans in 2022.

When cashflow became challenging, Mr Tulloch looked to borrow funds to support the growth phase but was unable to get the backing he needed from his approaches to mainstream lenders.

A broker recommended he spoke to ART Business Loans which was able to fund the next phase in his journey.

Mr Tulloch said: "The Market Town Vet was growing and I wanted to employ more people as we capitalised on the opportunity for an independent vets practice to deliver affordable, high-quality services in Shropshire.

"We needed a cash injection but, as a small new business, we could not get the interest of high street bank lenders, even though I could see we were going in the right direction.

"In many cases, I was not given the opportunity to explain our plans in person so I appreciated the support of ART Business Loans.

"They took a risk supporting us as a new business but it was a breath of fresh air to speak to somebody about the long term vision."

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ART Business Loans is a community development finance institution which seeks to ensure viable businesses in Shropshire and the West Midlands can access finance.

Manager Martin Edmonds added: "We are proud to have played a part in the success of The Market Town Vet which is not only creating jobs but providing an essential independent service to communities across Shropshire.

"Rob had a clear vision and a viable business model yet he could not get the help from mainstream lenders as the company was in its infancy.

"We were able to provide the support needed to unlock that potential. Seeing the practice grow to 35 employees, and soon opening its third site, is incredibly rewarding."