The prestigious Rural & Agricultural Business of the Year award has been secured by Cotts Equine at the recent Swansea Bay Business Awards ceremony. The event, held at the historic Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, brought together top enterprises from across the region to honour outstanding commercial achievements.
Celebrating Regional Business Excellence
These annual awards are designed to spotlight businesses that are making significant waves throughout the Swansea Bay area. This encompasses the counties of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire. A distinguished, independent panel of industry experts meticulously judges the entries, ensuring the recognition is based on genuine merit and impact.
A Journey of Remarkable Growth
Holly Thomas, Director of Cotts Equine and a proud local resident, expressed immense pride while accepting the accolade. "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition," she stated. "Our practice has undergone a transformative journey over recent years, evolving from a single-site operation in Narberth to a formidable team of 45 professionals."
The practice now delivers comprehensive equine veterinary services across a broad swathe of South Wales, including Pembrokeshire, Swansea, and Cardiff. Operating around the clock, every day of the year, the team is committed to reaching clients in some of the most remote and challenging locations, regardless of weather conditions.
"Our clients entrust us with the care of their most precious family members—their horses—during critical times," Holly explained. "This deep trust has allowed us to cultivate an incredibly loyal client base, where professional relationships often blossom into genuine friendships. This aspect of our work is something we hold in the highest regard."
Pioneering Innovation in Equine Care
A cornerstone of the practice's recent success is a major investment in cutting-edge technology. Over the past year, Cotts Equine has introduced the UK's first standing Equine CT Scanner. This revolutionary equipment represents a significant advancement in veterinary diagnostics.
"The scanner allows us to perform routine scans on horses with only light sedation, completing the procedure in mere minutes while the animal remains standing," Holly detailed. "This dramatically reduces the risk compared to traditional methods, which typically require full general anaesthesia—a process carrying far greater inherent dangers for the horse."
This technological leap underscores the practice's commitment to innovation, safety, and enhancing the standard of care available to the equine community.
A Testament to Team Dedication
For Holly Thomas, whose roots are firmly planted in the local area, the award carries profound personal significance. "Having grown up here and feeling a deep pride in our region makes this honour even more special," she reflected.
"Ultimately, this award is a powerful testament to our amazing team. It recognises their unwavering commitment, dedication, and relentless pursuit of providing the absolute best possible service to every client and every horse we have the privilege to treat."
The victory at the Swansea Bay Business Awards not only celebrates Cotts Equine's past achievements but also signals a bright future for this expanding, client-focused veterinary practice at the forefront of equine healthcare innovation.
