Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, has recognised a Hemlington-based veterinary practice in Westminster this week.

Kibbles Veterinary, an independent practice founded to make pet care more affordable for working families, was invited by Luke to Parliament and to Number 11 Downing Street for a reception with the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of a celebration of SMEs across the North East.

Joined by co-founders Jo and Richard Buller, Luke took the opportunity to showcase the ambitions and achievements of the Teesside business, which has quickly gained a reputation for affordable, compassionate, and transparent veterinary care.

Speaking after the event, Luke Myer MP said:

“Businesses like Kibbles are so valuable to the local economy here on Teesside, employing local people and serving our community with pride. Their model is about delivering affordable care for working families, in a market dominated by price hikes. This Government knows how important SMEs are to Teesside and the country, which is why it was brilliant to take the experiences and thoughts of this great local business from Hemlington directly to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget this Autumn.”

Founded by a small team of veterinary professionals frustrated with increasing corporatisation in the sector, Kibbles Veterinary opened in early 2025 with a mission to put people and pets before profit. They provide free initial consultations, upfront pricing, and a calm environment for pets and owners – a shift from what co-founder Richard Buller described as a market that had “lost its way.”

“We believe that veterinary care should be affordable to every single pet owner,” Richard said, reflecting on the challenges many families face due to rising costs. “There is a lot of good veterinary practice out there, but too many are tied to corporate pricing structures. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from our community and have big ambitions for growth.”

Speaking after the event, Richard said:

“It was an incredible honour and privilege to have our work at Kibbles recognised by Luke and the wider community. We have been truly overwhelmed by how much we’ve grown in such a short time and this recognition means so much to us.”

The business was recently accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a training practice for student nurses, an achievement the team described as “remarkable” for a newly established practice.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves praised the contribution of small businesses like Kibbles to local economies, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to business rate reform and a pro-growth agenda.

Luke Myer added that showcasing businesses like Kibbles in Westminster is a vital part of ensuring Teesside’s voice is heard at the heart of government:

“What Jo, Richard, and their team are building is exactly the kind of innovation and community focus that we want to lift up. It was brilliant having them down in Westminster to show ministers what our area is all about.”

For more information about Kibbles Veterinary in Hemlington, visit their website at kibblesvets.co.uk.