HallMark Attends FSA Vet Days 2025 in Birmingham
HallMark Joins FSA Vet CPD Days 2025 – Celebrating Collaboration and Public Health Excellence
HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services, was delighted to be invited to attend the FSA Vet CPD Days 2025, held on 30 April and 1 May at the Mercure Birmingham West Hotel. Representing HallMark were Diego Sprekelsen (Group Operations Director) and Luis Castromil (HallMark Head of Official Controls), who joined FSA colleagues and professionals from across the veterinary public health community for two days of insightful talks and meaningful discussion.
This annual CPD event is a key fixture in the FSA’s calendar, bringing together Official Veterinarians from across the UK to explore emerging challenges, share knowledge, and promote innovation in the field. We were honoured that the FSA allocated two spaces to HallMark this year—further recognition of our strong, collaborative partnership.
Diego and Luis felt incredibly welcome throughout the event, with many delegates already well acquainted with them from their long-standing contributions to Veterinary Public Health over the past two decades. It was especially rewarding to reconnect with so many former HallMark managers and OV colleagues—now working within the FSA—many of whom began their careers with us. These reunions sparked warm conversations, reflections on shared experiences, and fond memories of challenges overcome together.
We were particularly proud to hear positive feedback from FSA colleagues and senior figures about our recent transition into service delivery, with several describing it as the smoothest they’ve experienced—a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our entire team.
The agenda featured a broad and impressive line-up of high-profile speakers, offering valuable insights into science, policy, and the future of veterinary public health:
Jane Clark, FSA Veterinary Director, opened the event with a warm welcome and overview of the programme.
Professor Robin May, FSA Chief Scientific Adviser, delivered an inspiring presentation on science in government and current scientific priorities. It was an honour to have him speak at the event.
Steve Moore, Head of Technical (Chicken) at Avara Foods, shared a compelling overview of the challenges facing the poultry sector. His session offered an eye-opening perspective on the complex daily realities faced by industry—navigating Brexit, Avian Influenza, new regulatory requirements, and frequent audits.
Gavin Morris, President of the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA), addressed current issues around public health and animal welfare on farms and in abattoirs. HallMark is proud to sponsor VPHA and to consistently support its annual conferences.
Dragan Antic, VPH Lecturer at Liverpool Vet School, discussed RIBMINS and the evolution of official controls. His thought-provoking session explored how modernisation may be shaped by both UK and EU legislative challenges.
Milorad Radakovic, EVERI President and Teaching Professor at Cambridge Vet School, gave an enthusiastic talk on One Health and veterinary education. A long-standing friend of HallMark, it was a pleasure to reconnect—his energy and interactive style are always appreciated.
Katie Pettifer, FSA Chief Executive Officer, gave a clear and engaging overview of her career journey and current priorities. It was particularly gratifying to hear her highlight the successful transition of service delivery to HallMark as one of her top priorities, now effectively achieved.
Gordon Hickman, Head of Exotic Disease Policy at DEFRA, offered a policy perspective on the control of notifiable diseases.
Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, delivered a senior-level view on veterinary priorities in government. It was an honour to hear from someone in such a key national leadership role.
An interactive and timely workshop on the Veterinary Surgeons Act was led by Aga Dabrowska, Frances Moreno (both former HallMark friends), and Jen Johnson, fostering engaging discussion on future-proofing veterinary regulation.
The event also provided an excellent opportunity for networking and reconnection with senior FSA leaders we know well, including:
Junior Johnson (Director of Operations)
Richard Gwynn-Davies (Head of Operational Assurance and Excellence)
Robert Locker (Head of Field Operations)
Ruth Perez Moreno (National Field Operations Veterinary Delivery Leader)
Laureano Garcia (Head of Veterinary Audit and Technical Portfolio)
Jose Gomez Luengo (Head of Veterinary Audit and Assurance)
Colin Wilson (National Animal Welfare Lead)
...alongside many Veterinary Enforcement Delivery Managers, Veterinary Audit Leaders, Field Veterinary Leaders and Coordinators.
We were especially proud to see Monica Racero, a former HallMark manager now working at the FSA, awarded Vet of the Year—a well-deserved recognition.
We also congratulate Rio Ollerhead, who received a nomination for Meat Hygiene Inspector of the Year.
The day one event concluded with a celebratory dinner, further networking, and meaningful reconnections with colleagues past and present—including friends from our fellow Delivery Partner.
Our sincere thanks go to Jane Clark, Natalie Sampson, Enrique Vega, and the wider FSA team for organising such a warm, professional, and truly inspiring event. We are proud to be part of this vibrant and dedicated community, and to serve as a trusted Service Delivery Partner to the FSA.
Conclusion
As HallMark continues to support the FSA through the delivery of Official Controls, events like the FSA Vet Days are a powerful reminder of the strength and unity within the veterinary public health community. We return from Birmingham inspired, energised, and proud to be working alongside such knowledgeable and passionate professionals, contributing together to the highest standards of food safety, animal welfare, and public health.
