Delighted with the news - Richard GowshallTHREE veterinary businesses in Swindon are celebrating after being given the Investors in People (IIP) Award.

Eastcott Veterinary Hospital in Old Town, Archway Veterinary Surgery in Highworth and Improve International in Cricklade which provides training and courses for vets have all been awarded the accolade.

It recognises commitment to providing the highest possible service to clients through providing staff training and development.

Eastcott Hospital partners Peter Southerden and Richard Gowshall said they were delighted with the news.

Mr Southerden said: "We certainly won't be resting on our laurels and intend to work hard towards maintaining our IIP recognition by working with the new recently issued standards and also by working closely with both our staff and clients."

Principal of Archway Veterinary Surgery, Simon Wolfensohn, said: "Continuing investment in staff training and skill development is vital to a modern veterinary practice and we will continue to work to maintain our IIP status."

Improve's managing director David Babington, said: "Doing IIP made us put in place all the communication practices that we really knew deep down we should have been doing anyway.

"Achieving the standard has made a tremendous difference improving communications and dialogue across all levels of the business.

"This will undoubtedly have a positive knock on effect for all our delegates."