Inspiring vets recognised with new national awards

Three vets have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and inspiring careers at the BVA Awards Dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. 

BVA Veterinary Leader Award 2026

Winner: Paul Horwood BVetMed DBR MBA MRCVS

The BVA Veterinary Leader Award 2026, supported by Vetnique - YuMOVE Veterinary, recognises an inspirational leader who has driven positive change, fostered innovation, and made a lasting difference to colleagues, the profession, and animal welfare.

Farm vet and UK Head of Farm and Exports for Inspiring Vet Care, Paul Horwood from Romney Marsh, Kent, has won the award for inspiring and supporting others through calm, principled and highly effective leadership, guiding organisations and individuals through complex situations with clarity and confidence.

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“It’s not always easy to be a leader, particularly in a profession like ours where every day is different and difficult situations can arise at short notice. But Paul’s innovation, his calm and effective leadership skills and support for his team really stood out. Congratulations, Paul.”

Courtney Miller, Chief Veterinary and Innovation Officer at YuMove Veterinary, which is supporting the award, said:

"We're thrilled to support the BVA Veterinary Leader Award. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate outstanding individuals who are making a positive difference to the lives of their patients and their colleagues. Recognising and celebrating strong leaders can create long-term benefits for pets, people, and the veterinary profession itself. Nurturing those skills drives progress whilst inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.”

BVA Veterinary Mentor Award

Winner: Sharon Ann King BSc (HONS) BVetMed FHEA MRCVS

The BVA Veterinary Mentor Award 2026, supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, recognises an inspirational mentor who has gone above and beyond to support and guide others within the veterinary professions.

Sharon, a small animal vet at Downes Veterinary Services and a lecturer in Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, won the award for her compassion and for supporting those who “might have fallen into the cracks along the way”. Her nominations mentioned her personal touch and how she works hard to support those who need her as a whole person, not just as a vet student.

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“Vet school can be demanding and for some students, overwhelming. However, Sharon’s personal touch and commitment to ensuring that no one ‘falls into the cracks along the way’ means those she mentors get the compassionate and understanding support they need. The stories shared as part of her nomination were very moving and highlighted how she supports and mentors the “whole person” and not just the “vet student”. She’s an inspiration. Congratulations, Sharon.”

Hillary Pearce, Professional and Veterinary Affairs Manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which is supporting the award, said:

"Especially today, when veterinary medicine and the world at large are changing at a rapid pace, those who choose this challenging and rewarding profession benefit from support, and mentorship is critical to success. Hill's has always been a strong supporter of the veterinary profession and the individuals who make it up, and we are proud to continue that support as the sponsor of the inaugural BVA Veterinary Mentor Award."

BVA One Health and Sustainability Award 2026

Winner: Dr Laura Higham BVM&S MSc PhD MRCVS

Presented in memory of BVA Past President Dr. Simon Doherty, a champion of sustainability and One Health, the BVA One Health and Sustainability Award 2026 celebrates veterinary-led initiatives that have driven increased awareness and action on these key issues.

Dr Higham, was nominated for demonstrating exceptional leadership in embedding One Health principles within veterinary practice by positioning vets as key contributors to environmental sustainability, food system resilience and public health. By founding Vet Sustain, which supports veterinary professionals to become leading forces for sustainability, she created the first coordinated platform dedicated to empowering vets to act on sustainability.

Dr Higham, who graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2008, said:

“It is such an honour to receive this award. Sustainability and One Health have become a defining part of my career, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be recognised for work I am so passionate about. I would like to thank BVA for this recognition and congratulate all of the finalists. It is a privilege to be part of a profession that is so committed to creating more sustainable future for animals, people and the environment.” 

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“This new award is presented in memory of our past president and dear friend Dr Simon Doherty, a champion of sustainability and One Health. Laura is very deserving of this inaugural award: her leadership skills are exemplary and her energy and momentum to keep things moving stands out. Vet Sustain helps to empower vets to act on sustainability and work towards protecting wildlife and our planet. Congratulations, Laura, you should be very proud.”

BVA Awards

The BVA Awards recognise inspirational vets from across the profession who: go above and beyond for their patients and clients; support wellbeing and positive workplace culture; drive positive change across sustainability; deliver inspirational leadership and mentoring; and push the boundaries of veterinary science.