AF Member Westover Large Animal Vets is an independent equine and large animal practice. It has been working in Norfolk & North Suffolk for over 120 years. Practice Manager Frances Lloyd and Clinical Director & Vet Ben Crowter are key members of Westover Large Animal Vets management team.
“What started as a traditional James Herriot-style practice has grown into a multi-branch operation. Originally based solely in North Walsham, eventually the large animal division needed its own facilities. That’s how Westover Large Animal became a separate entity in our own premises. We serve cattle, sheep, smallholders, and the equine sector across Norfolk.”
“We get all our mobile phones and fuel cards through AF:13 vehicles’ worth! We also use AF for business cards, materials for various building and development projects, and things like our solar PV project."
“In 2023, we were contacted by AF because they suspected we might be significantly overpaying on fixed energy charges at our North Walsham branch. We were only using about 10% of the reserved capacity we were paying for. Due to changes in the industry charging framework, this meant we were being charged an unnecessarily high standing charge.
“AF reviewed our actual usage and ensured we gave up excess capacity we truly didn’t need. In other words, maintaining operational flexibility while cutting unnecessary costs. As a result of their work, our annual fixed energy charges have reduced by approximately £14,000 a year - an 83% reduction compared to what we were paying!”
“We joined Investors in the Environment (an environmental accreditation scheme) around five years ago and set ourselves the ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2035. Generating some of our electricity on-site will help us achieve this. Solar panels were the obvious choice.
“We delayed our PV project due to finances but eventually moved ahead. AF’s John Wadeson came to site with contractors. We walked the site, discussed options, and AF sourced quotes and helped us choose the right setup. The system started generating in July 2024.
Source: Westover Large Animal Vets Ltd
“We’ve got a 35kW system on one section of our roof - limited to that section due to weight and structure concerns. It produces up to 25kWh on a good day and includes two batteries, which help us smooth out energy usage and reduce grid reliance during sunnier months.
“It was AF’s traditional, personal service - face-to-face, honest advice. The aftercare’s been great too. When we had a minor issue with the roof post-installation, they sorted it quickly.”
“They were brilliant. Everything was seamless, and I think we should use them more. AF’s connections and ability to source options and manage quotes saves us time and hassle. It’s like smart shopping—we get quality and peace of mind.”
“It’s very easy to manage. Statements come in, we match them with receipts, and it keeps the accounts tidy. From an admin point of view, it saves time and gives us confidence. And we get a great service every time.
“It’s also a stress reliever. Instead of worrying about sourcing from the wrong people or getting ripped off, we just go to AF. Whether it’s materials for building work or even something like installing a car charger at home—it’s handled well through AF.
“Our next focus is electrifying our fleet. Vehicle choice is tough - vans lack the range or practicality we need! We’ve started buying second-hand SUVs, which helps, but it’s a compromise. We’re hopeful AF can find us a more practical solution.”
“As our large animal practice is now a fully independent business, we are accountable for our own success.
“Because we’re independent vets, we can do things like join Broomhall for wholesale medicines procurement. That helps us reduce costs and offer more affordable services to our farming clients. We tailor what we do for each client - that flexibility and personal touch is the value of independence. And our relationships with clients reflect that. It works both ways - we support them, and they support us.”
Visit Westover's website.
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