Vet referral centre set to double in size

A South Tyneside-based veterinary centre is expanding its services and facilities following a significant investment and property deal.

Bridge Referrals, based in Boldon Colliery, has secured a lease on an adjacent unit with support from law firm Ward Hadaway, enabling the family-run business to nearly double in size.

The expansion will see the practice grow into an additional 11,500sq ft space, building on its existing 12,500sq ft facility at Boldon Business Park. 

Ward Hadaway also advised on a corporate restructure and a £3.5 million funding package from Lloyds to support the development.

The centre provides advanced treatments for small animals, covering areas such as orthopaedics, neurosurgery, cardiology and oncology.

As part of the expansion, Bridge Referrals will introduce new services including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and a dedicated out-of-hours emergency offering.

Bosses say the investment will also fund a new MRI scanner, strengthening its position as a leading specialist provider in the region.

They add the move is expected to create jobs, with headcount set to rise from 78 to around 130 as the company looks to attract talent from across the UK.

Alison Kennair, director at Bridge Referrals, said: “Following a restructure of the company, we are pleased that the expansion into the adjacent unit will enable us to expand our services and provide a dedicated out-of-hours small animal service via our new emergency vet team.

“Ward Hadaway represented us when we first moved into Unit 3 and we had no hesitation in continuing to engage their services for our expansion phase. 

“Once again, they have provided us with expert advice and knowledge around securing the additional unit and funding. 

“Simon and Ruby have been a pleasure to work with.”

Simon Errington, partner within the real estate team at Ward Hadaway, based in their Newcastle office, added: “This is the second transaction we have completed for Bridge Referrals and it is great to see a local and highly specialised business expand and succeed. 

“Not only will this new unit enable them to expand their footprint and services, but they will also be able to create new jobs and I look forward to watching them grow.”

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