Harper Adams sponsors industry award

Posted 26 October 2011

The winner of an animal health industry award sponsored by Harper Adams University College was announced yesterday at a special ceremony at the House of Lords.

David Mulligan of Parklands Veterinary Group in Northern Ireland won the Mastermind category of the 2011 Over the Counter Awards, organised by Grove House Publishing.

These awards, now in their 5th year, recognise and reward individuals and companies that stand head and shoulders above their competitors, and who can act as ambassadors for the industry. This year they were presented by farmer and television presenter, Adam Henson.

David said: “I am really pleased to win this award and it is nice that the judges recognise the training that we hold for both staff and a team of 10 SQPs (Suitably Qualified Persons).

“We also have nine LANTRA approved trainers and have written and delivered training courses to farmers from across Northern Ireland in practical farm skills.

“This award sponsored by Harper Adams is confirmation of our success and shows our commitment to training and skills development.”

The Mastermind award seeks individuals who are in another league both in their knowledge and how they convey it. Each shortlisted nominee was interviewed to explore just how current they keep themselves in subject areas including legislative issues and the UK animal health industry as a whole.

Judges were impressed with David’s desire to champion education and said that he is an inspiration to the industry in his determination to set high standards of training, education and service.

Emily Chapman-Waterhouse, Business Development Manager, said: “We had an opportunity to develop and sponsor this award, the first year being 2008, in order to emphasise to industry the importance of lifelong learning. 

“Winning the Mastermind Award and hence recognition by Harper Adams is something that any individual should be extremely proud of.”

Runners up were Andrew Pattinson of RM Jones and David Selway of Novartis Animal Health who both received highly commended certificates.