The story of Bicester Vets from a mixed practice on Evans Yard to an independent, employee-owned small animal hospital on Victoria Road. Told in five phases.
Peter Ferens joined Bill Milne's established mixed veterinary practice (farm, equine and small animals) in Evans Yard, off Sheep Street, Bicester, in 1975. The practice had been operating since 1927.
In 1981, Peter took over the business and moved it to its current premises on Victoria Road. Jim Cumming joined the partnership later that year, followed by Fiona Cornish in 1993, and the practice became "Ferens, Cumming & Cornish Veterinary Surgeons".
In 2000, Jason Williams joined the partnership after working at the practice since 1995. As the name had become increasingly complex, the practice adopted the name Bicester Veterinary Centre, later shortened to Bicester Vets.
That year, the practice underwent a major refurbishment, creating a new waiting room, consulting rooms and clinical areas. Following Jim's retirement in 2003 and Peter's in 2007, the practice chose to focus exclusively on small animals, allowing investment and training to be directed solely towards companion animal care.
Cliff Maw joined the practice in 2004 and, after the business was incorporated in 2008, became a Director alongside Fiona and Jason. This marked a period of innovation as the practice focused on the care of dogs, cats and small pets.
When Fiona Cornish retired in 2016, the practice promoted senior team members into management roles, supporting the needs of its steadily growing team.
The practice remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Despite working with a reduced team, with some staff temporarily furloughed, we continued to provide 24/7 emergency cover, hospitalisation, car park consultations and the same high standard of treatment and care.
In 2024, the practice began a major 18-month building and renovation project. Extensions were added to the front and rear, and all clinical areas were upgraded, including new cat, dog and rabbit wards, an additional operating theatre and a new procedure room. The in-house laboratory, isolation ward and instrument preparation areas were also relocated. A spacious staff lounge was created, reflecting the value the practice places on its team.
One of the practice's most significant upgrades was the installation of a CT scanner in February 2025. This advanced diagnostic equipment has been a great success, enabling us to diagnose conditions more quickly and less invasively while continuing to provide the highest level of treatment and care for our patients.
In November 2025, Cliff and Jason created an Employee Ownership Trust, which now owns the business on behalf of all employees. This new structure supports our ongoing commitment to remaining an independent veterinary practice, with a strong focus on our clients, their pets and the 55 people who proudly work for Bicester Vets.
Long-serving vets Claire Letts and Kyra Jennings, along with Head Nurse Louise Hughes, have been promoted to Directors, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the management of Bicester Vets. The practice remains strong and forward-thinking, continuing to train future veterinary nurses and develop new graduates into capable, confident veterinary surgeons. Together with our reception and support teams, we will continue to ensure that pets in the Bicester area receive the compassionate care and treatment they deserve.
