VETPARTNERS is looking to the future by taking a proactive approach on sustainability.
The UK veterinary group has appointed Hannah James as Sustainability Manager, based at its headquarters in York.
Dr James will oversee the management of environmental and social issues on behalf of VetPartners and its 130 veterinary practices across the UK to ensure the group is sustainable.
From looking at more efficient and environmentally friendly ways of working to ensuring the business partners with ethical companies, the appointment underlines VetPartners’ dedication to developing its business in an efficient, ethical, sustainable and profitable way.
Dr James, who joins VetPartners from Yorkshire Water’s sustainability team, has a BSc in environmental sciences from the University of East Anglia and a PhD in low carbon technologies from the University of Leeds, and has worked in sustainability roles in engineering and retail.
She will be responsible for developing and implementing VetPartners’ sustainability strategy with the aim of reducing the company’s environmental impacts, ensuring the continuation of responsible business practices and support for charitable activities.
Dr James said: “There is an increasing interest and need for environmental and social sustainability. It is about ensuring everyone has their needs met without compromising the needs of future generations.
“There has been a huge turn globally towards sustainability so this is a really positive move by VetPartners. We are in a strong position because we have so many practices so we can all pull together as a large group. Part of my role will be supporting practices with practical advice and resources wherever they are placed on their sustainability journey.”
Among her first tasks are establishing a car-sharing scheme and a bike buddy scheme, encouraging experienced cycle commuters to help colleagues start cycling to work at VetPartners headquarters at Spitfire House in York.
Dr James added: “A recent survey showed that 89% of vets in the UK want to do more for sustainability. We know that many of our clients want this too and the National Farmers’ Union has set a zero carbon target for 2040.
“Being sustainable also means being resilient and preparing for the future. There’s an economic angle too as a lot of sustainability is about using resources efficiently, which goes hand in hand with financial savings.”
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone said: “Hannah joining the VetPartners family is an exciting development and will help all of our teams to prepare for, and meet, the challenges of the future.
“She brings a wealth of practical experience from prior commercial settings alongside the academic background that further enhances the knowledge base within our group.”
Mrs Malone added: “We are aware of how vital it is to prepare for these challenges, and I am pleased we are among the front-runners in the veterinary profession putting sustainability high on the agenda.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Senior PR and Communications Manager, on 07970 198 492 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk