Sellors Ltd, a country store based in Calverton, Nottingham had great reason to celebrate on the night of Sunday 19th February, as proprietor, Claire Sellors was announced the winner of the prestigious 2012 Virbac Equine SQP of the year award during a presentation held on the impressive BETA International Fashion Show Stage.

SQP’s have the huge responsibility to provide members of the equine community with sound, knowledgeable and responsible advice on horse worming and this award aims to recognise the work undertaken by those SQP’s who go the extra mile to achieve a high level of competence and support to their equine customers.

Having been mystery shopped earlier in the year, the day before the event all 6 finalists underwent an intense interview with an expert panel that included Dr. Claire McArther, parasitologist from the world renowned Moredun Institute, Mr Callum Blair, Virbac Senior Veterinary Advisor and Virbac Equine Product Manager, Mr Tom Blacklock. After this process the panel selected their SQP who would be announced as the 2012 winner.

During the exciting presentation the six finalist assembled nervously behind the renowned broadcaster and horse owner, Mr Alistair Stewart, to await that all important result. Mr Stewart wowed the crowds through his skilled stage presence and highlighted the sense of achievement of all 6 finalist should be feeling for having reached this stage of the competition.

Mr Stuart called Claire forward as the winner and presented her with a crystal trophy and bottle of champagne. Claire has been an SQP for 13 years and has just sent her first member of staff on her way to achieving SQP status. Claire said: “Winning this award means a great deal to me. I have been prescribing wormers for many years now; it’s something that I am very interested in. The standard of competition is exceptionally high and I am extremely pleased to have been chosen as the winner.” Claire went on to say “a big thank you to all of my customers for taking the time to nominate me, I think that I will enjoy celebrating with them when I get back! And thank you too to our wonderful staff for all their support throughout this process. I will continue to keep up the good work for them all”

Mr Stuart added “I was particularly delighted to be presenting this award, because as an owner of horses and a proud father of riders, quality advice and service, particularly in veterinary care, is crucial. This award acknowledges the best and brightest SQP’s and all are worthy of our praise. Claire is the best of a great bunch”

The panel were delighted with the result, Dr McArther said “We were all very impressed with Claire, she not only has excellent background knowledge but also is committed to her customers and dedicated to improve knowledge”. Added Mr Tom Blacklock “this award is unique in that each SQP had to be nominated by a customer to be eligible to reach the final 6, meaning no one could nominate themselves.” Mr Blair went on to add “I would just like to congratulate all of the 6 finalists; they are a credit to SQP’s and were worthy finalists”

Virbac Animal Health are suppliers of leading wormer brands Equimax and Eraquell. The company are headline sponsors of BETA International 2011, 2012 and 2013. Nominations for the 2013 SQP of the Year will open 1st March. Please visit www.3dworming.com for details.