TFM Country Store in Whisby, Lincoln, was named Independent Store of the Year at last month’s National SQP Awards 2024.
The awards, organised by PBW News’s sister title OvertheCounter, recognises the achievements of the UK’s hard-working Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), who work in pet shops, country stores, agricultural merchants and vet practices.
TFM Country Store employs 25 staff, 17 of which are shop staff or cover customer facing roles at times – including 10 SQPs.
Managing director Nikki Annibal explained that responsible use of medicines is paramount to protect the future of anthelmintics, especially with the resistance issues being experienced currently.
She said: “We are delighted to be named Independent Store of the Year at the National SQP Awards 2024, which recognises the steps the business has taken in the last 12 months.”
Louise Norman, Nikki’s daughter and assistant manager of TFM Country Store, collected the award at the event.
Also successful was Stella Kendall, manager of Pets at Home at York Clifton Moor, who won the Store Manager of the Year category.
Stella, who this year celebrates her 30th anniversary of working for Pets at Home, said she was delighted to finally win this award, after being a finalist in the category on several previous occasions.
She said: “I like to keep my team challenged and interested in the job that they’re doing, this then keeps them loyal to each other and myself, and gives them a reason for wanted to get out of bed in the morning and come and do a great job at work.”
