Hertfordshire based veterinary practice, Ballinger Equine, has beaten fierce competition from all business sectors across the whole of the United Kingdom to be judged the UK’s Best Rural Start Up Business by the Amazon and Openreach supported National Rural Business Awards.

Ballinger Equine is a first opinion ambulatory equine veterinary practice based in the village of Hall’s Green, Hertfordshire. Launched in September 2017 by joint owners Andrew Hillier and Dr Susanna Ballinger, the practice today provides veterinary care for over 2,200 registered horses, ponies and donkeys, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The practice ethos centres on commitment to clinical excellence, dynamic and progressive business management and the highest levels of friendly, personal customer service.

An independent panel of 26 judges from UK industry, business, finance, professional services and public sector agencies assessed the firm’s commercial success, sound financial planning, marketing, business management and excellence of offering, but also its wider contribution to, and integral role in, the UK’s rural economy.

Commenting on the prestigious award, Ballinger Equine’s Managing Director, Andrew Hillier said: “National recognition from industry giants like Amazon, Openreach and the Rural Business Awards’ formidable judging panel is a big boost for everybody in our team.”

“Too often rural businesses and communities feel overlooked and this award highlights all that’s great about the UK rural economy. After a lengthy and rigorous judging process I’m delighted to bring this prestigious UK award back to Hertfordshire and to fly the flag for the veterinary profession.”

Dr Susanna Ballinger, Veterinary Director said: “Andrew and I am immensely proud of our team. We’d also like to thank all our wonderful clients and their super horses, ponies and donkeys. Together we’ve all come a long way in a short time.”

Susanna added: “From the start we aimed to set a new standard of excellence in ambulatory equine veterinary care, providing personal customer service, using top quality diagnostic imaging, applying best practice business management and supporting our regional grassroots equestrian clubs and charities. I am incredibly proud we have succeeded.”  The Rural Business Awards recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses operating in the UK’s rural economy; a sector which in England alone contributes £261bn to the nation’s GVA (Gross Value Added) – nearly a fifth of the country’s total economic activity.

Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon said: “The Rural Business Awards shines a much-deserved spotlight on the innovators, creators and inventors in rural communities across the UK and it’s great to celebrate their successes at this year’s national final. The calibre of businesses entering this year’s awards has been higher than ever. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and wish them continued success for the future.”

Ballinger Equine also won Best Rural Professional Services Business for the East of England, covering Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and
Oxfordshire. The award again encompassing all business sectors across the region.

Read Ballinger Equine’s monthly Veterinary articles in Equestrian Life Magazine