Bosses at Dechra pay tribute to colleague who died due to COVID-19

In a statement to accompany its full year results, Dechra said: "Sadly, we were all touched by the loss to COVID-19 of our group manufacturing and supply chain director, Simon Francis.

"In the 18 months that he was with the group, Simon had implemented a robust strategy and significantly strengthened the management team who will continue to deliver this strategy as his legacy."

Dechra, which employs 167 staff at its base in Skipton, has issued its audited preliminary results for the year ended 30 June 2020.

The company achieved revenue growth of 6.8% to £515.1 million. Underlying operating profit increased by 0.7 per cent to £128.3 million.

Ian Page, the chief executive officer, said: “I am pleased to report that Dechra has remained resilient throughout a challenging year.

"This is testament to our strategy, the strength of our product portfolio and through the innovation and dedication of our people.”

In a statement, Dechra said: "Throughout the pandemic we have successfully managed to remain operational.

"We took the decision that we would not furlough any of our employees and therefore did not take advantage of, or utilise, any government assistance in any country.

"There is no doubt that this has provided job security to our people which has enhanced their loyalty and commitment.

"All manufacturing, logistics and front line laboratories have remained open and operational throughout the period and our employees in these areas have been awarded a one-off

bonus payment; all other employees have functionally operated from home.

"Many of our sales teams created new and innovative ways to communicate with and support our veterinary customer base.

"Across the world the majority of veterinary practices have still operated; however, service provision varied on a country-by-country basis, further details of which will be provided later in this report.

"Our sales have remained robust because of our strategy to focus on essential and chronic prescription medicines, this has served us well, as veterinarians have worked to ensure that sick animals have continued to be treated."

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Thank you

James Mitchinson