Family-run vets invests £250k in move to former sausage factory site in Sheffield

A family-run veterinary practice is investing £250k to open a brand new site on a former in Handsworth, Sheffield.

The opening of the new White Cross Vets practise will initially create five jobs and a further 20 over the next five years.

Based on Retford Road, White Cross Vets is opening alongside a One Stop Convenience Store on the recently transformed former sausage factory site, which has benefited from a £1.1m investment.

Vet, Dave Hough will head up the new practice, moving from White Cross Vets in Birmingham. He has more than 15 years’ experience and lives locally.

Dave said: “The practice has been specifically designed around the pets we will be treating. It includes a cat only consulting room which is very unique, as well as a specialist cat ward featuring kennels that are positioned so cats can’t see each other, to further minimise stress-levels.

“For dogs we have a separate, sound proofed wards and we also use pheromone diffusers and specifically composed music to further relax all the pets visiting us.

“We provide ultra-soft bedding and warm, cosy LED lighting in all pet wards and are fully equipped to carry out all types of operational procedures on-site.”

Tim Harrison, managing director at White Cross Vets, commented: “Dave is superb vet and an experienced clinic director and our new practice will no doubt prove to be very popular with the local community.

“We have an unrivalled reputation in the veterinary industry and have been providing first rate care since 1937. We are delighted to be expanding into South Yorkshire and creating jobs as well as providing a first-rate service.

“This practice has all the latest equipment including digital dental x-ray and ultrasound machines, an on-site laboratory, as well as all the latest pet calming technology, which sets it apart from anything else in the area and will undoubtedly translate into the quality of care that our clients receive.

“We’re already receiving high numbers of enquiries from local pet owners and we’re really looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming pets into our practice on the 16th April.”

The redeveloped site was purchased by Ackroyd & Abbott in 2013.

Tom Rusling, director of Ackroyd & Abbott, added: “The redevelopment of this part of the site has been some years coming, following a deal with Morrisons Supermarket that fell through, but we are delighted with the end result and we wish White Cross Vets, along with One Stop Stores all the very best, and we sincerely believe the surrounding neighbours will reap the benefits of this small retail development.”