Aspire UCS, a Wrexham-based veterinary imaging provider, is revolutionising the industry with its cutting-edge training phantom, addressing a critical skills gap in veterinary ultrasound.
Founded in 2016 by Angie Lloyd-Jones and Julie Burnage, Aspire UCS is bringing expertise from human healthcare to the veterinary sector. The new training phantom, officially unveiled at the London Vet Show earlier this month, allows veterinary professionals to hone their ultrasound skills in a controlled and accessible environment.
Aspire UCS was established to empower veterinary practices to maximise the potential of their ultrasound equipment. Despite widespread access to ultrasound technology, many veterinary professionals lack the training or confidence to use these tools effectively, often leading to unnecessary treatments or surgeries. Aspire UCS aims to bridge this gap by providing expert mentorship and training.
With a combined 85 years of experience in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound and an additional 15 years in veterinary ultrasound education, founders Angie Lloyd-Jones and Chief Operating Officer Julie Burnage bring unparalleled expertise to their mission. Both hold diplomas in Diagnostic Radiography and Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, complemented by extensive managerial and service-development experience.
The transition from human healthcare to the veterinary industry wasn’t without challenges. Critics initially questioned the founders’ move into the field, but their cross-disciplinary expertise has proven invaluable. For example, the UK’s requirement for human sonographers to report on their findings has influenced Aspire UCS’s rigorous training standards for veterinary professionals.
Aspire UCS’s contributions have been recognised on an international scale. In 2022, their guidelines for veterinary ultrasound were endorsed by leading global bodies. More recently, they were invited to help establish the European Association of Veterinary Imaging Professionals (EAVIP), which will hold its inaugural conference in Barcelona in September 2025.
The company also offers the ‘Sonographer on Your Shoulder’ Training and Mentorship Programme, providing high-quality, accessible learning to veterinary professionals worldwide. This programme has received widespread acclaim, with Aspire UCS supporting vets in countries including Dubai, Lebanon, Portugal, and the USA.
Angie and Julie have reinvested over £100,000 into Aspire UCS to drive its growth, even forgoing salaries to ensure its success. Their dedication has earned the company over 85 five-star Google reviews and a strong reputation in veterinary imaging education.
For more information, visit www.aspireucs.com or contact info@aspireucs.com.
