Leicestershire vet shortlisted for new national award as BVA Veterinary Mentor Award finalist
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 2 June 2026
Small animal vet Lorna Clark has been named as a finalist in the BVA Veterinary Mentor Award 2026.
This new award, which is 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.
Lorna, who is owner and director of Pinfold Vets, an independent practice based in Leicestershire, has been nominated for her mentoring work at her practice. A 2004 graduate from the Royal Veterinary College, she has created a positive learning environment at Pinfold and mentors students to help them gain further insight into veterinary business and finance. Lorna values all of the practice staff and provides opportunities outside of work where staff can socialise and bond as a team without the pressures of practice.
On being nominated, Lorna said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be a finalist for the BVA Veterinary Mentor Award. I've been a vet for over 20 years now and still love my job and am very passionate about the profession and what we do. It's a job that isn't always easy, but provides incredible job satisfaction and life-long learning opportunities, and I firmly believe we have a duty to support and encourage new members of the profession and help them thrive in their chosen career.”
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:
“Vet teams have a profound impact both on the lives of individual animals and people, but also on society at large. The BVA Awards enable us to take a moment out of our busy schedules to recognise these achievements and celebrate the fantastic work of our community. This year’s award finalists stand out as shining examples of the very best of the veterinary profession and it’s going to be very difficult to choose winners for each award.”
Hillary Pearce, Professional and Veterinary Affairs Manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which is supporting the award, said:
“Mentorship is such an important part of success, especially in a learning profession like veterinary medicine. Having a network of mentors, and likewise serving as one, continues to teach me so much. Hill's has always been committed to supporting the growth of veterinary professionals throughout their careers and journeys, and mentorship is an active part of our internal culture as well. We're honoured to be able to support the inaugural BVA Veterinary Mentor Award, and it was incredibly inspiring to see the dedication and diversity of mentorship actions of the nominees."
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.
Alongside the BVA Veterinary Mentor Award, BVA has also unveiled the finalists of several other awards:
- BVA Young Vet of the Year, supported by Zoetis
- BVA Wellbeing Award, supported by ManyPets;
- BVA Veterinary Leader Award, supported by Vetnique - YuMOVE Veterinary; and
- BVA One Health and Sustainability Award.
The winners will be announced at the BVA Awards Dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on the first day of BVA Live - Thursday 11 June 2026.
BVA Awards Dinner and BVA Live
There is still time to get a ticket to the BVA Awards Dinner, which takes place on Thursday 11 June 2026 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and includes a sparkling drinks reception, sponsored by Lloyd & Whyte; a delicious three-course dinner; and DJ and dancing until midnight. For BVA Members, the tickets are £79 +VAT. Visit https://mybva.bva.co.uk/ems-event-calendar/bva-awards-dinner-2026.html
BVA Live takes place on 11–12 June at the NEC Birmingham. Find out more and book your fully funded ticket here - https://www.bva.co.uk/umbraco/bvalive.vetshow.com
