Organisational background

Little Rock is an independent ambulatory equine practice set up by Shelley Cook.

Shelley was very close to quitting the profession when she realised she could set up her own organisation and do it her way.

This video says it all! Grab a cuppa and watch 5 minutes of super reflections from a veterinary startup!

Organisation aims & mission

“We are the little rock upon which you lean, to get you back in the saddle”

• Targeted, personalised veterinary care.
• A team with extensive knowledge and compassion.
• Long-term relationships, built on mutual trust.
• We have the equipment and the expertise to do everything you would do in a clinic but stable-side.

Hear why Shelley set up Little Rock and how she is helping equine practitioners stay in practice by providing an environment that supports you (even with little ones in tow!)

Watch back our Interview the Boss!

Teamwork

No person gets left behind. If your day is going wrong, other staff pick up your tasks and keep you on time. Highly-skilled vet nurses enable you to work through your cases in a stress-free way.

Paid for the work you do

A good basic salary with an OOH stipend and profit share at the end of each financial year. If you work overtime, you get paid for this overtime in your monthly paycheck.

Career progression

If this is something you have a drive and a passion for, we will make room for it.

Having your voice heard

Everyone on the team is involved in how the company moves forward. The team helps to form the direction of the company.

The staff make this business. We support each other and we all work well together.

• Family-friendly/working-parent friendly – both Lucy and Shelley have small children and we work around our childcare commitments.
• The clients are a great bunch of folk who dearly care for the equines in their charge.
• Beautiful part of the country with fast connections to main city centres such as Manchester (1hr) and London (1.5hr):
  • The standard of living is high and property-wise you get more “bang for your buck” than in other counties
  • 20-min drive to the Peak District for great walking, climbing and mountain biking.
• Fully kitted-out van – including battery-powered digital x-ray, dental kit, and ultrasound. Gastroscope and endoscope also available.
• Profit share is provided to all staff and there is the option for partnership or other business options too!

Our working hours are 8:30 am to 5:30 pm with a 1-in-4 OOH rota. You get the weeknight off after your weekend on call and two days off the following week. We want you to come into work with a twinkle in your eye and a spring in your step!

Buying in and setting up – Stories from VSGD