Orchard House Vets Hexham marks 25 years of business

Orchard House Veterinary Centre on Priestpopple, founded and owned by veterinarian Tim Pearson, is celebrating 25 years of business this month.

Tim, 58, set up the business in June 1998 after working across the country and deciding he wanted to establish his own practice.

Vet Tim Pearson with his own dog, Drum (Image: Newsquest)

Staff at the practice made Tim a cake and bought him some wine to celebrate the anniversary.

He explained the day the business opened he had two clients and had three members of staff.

"Now we've got about 10,000 clients because we have three branches," Tim said.

Staff member Kate looking at an ultrasound (Image: Newsquest)

The Hexham practice now has 25 staff members and it later opened branches in Stocksfield and Bellingham.

"We still try and keep the standards of having a hospital-type of practice with ultrasound and endoscopy. But we still hope to keep that small vet feel."

It was one of the first vets in the Tyne Valley to perform keyhole surgeries and referral ultrasounds.

He added he became a vet because he enjoys working with animals and likes people.

Staff member Jill on the phone (Image: Orchard House Veterinary Centre)

"As a vet, I think the most important thing is if you're good at communicating and enjoy chatting to people, the animals are almost a bonus."

He said he has seen vast improvements in the veterinary industry over the years, meaning they can now help animals they would not have been able to previously.

"It does mean some of the costs for doing those things have gone up which is unfortunate, but it is basically that you can do more and help more. That has been a joy to keep our patients happy and well and around for longer.

"I am very lucky with the staff I work with. A lot of them have worked with us for a very long time, so it feels more like a family than a business. 

"People's lives have changed immeasurably. People I employed 20 years ago have had families and children and grandchildren. 

"It's not just a job, it's a way of life. If you like people and puzzles and like fixing things, it could be the job for you."

Tim added he was grateful to his 'fantastic' clients who have been supportive of the business, and his 'brilliant' staff who made it possible.