Richard Smith (Bilbrook) Limited

Richard Smith (Bilbrook) Limited presents itself as an independent, owner-led veterinary practice (Richard Smith is listed on the practice website as “Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner”). The website focuses on introducing the team (veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionist, and practice manager) rather than detailing facilities or specific treatments.

From the latest reviews, owners most often describe long-term use of the practice (“for years” and “with all my pets”) and a strong preference for the continuity of seeing Richard and the same team. Several reviewers explicitly contrast it with corporate-feeling care, saying they don’t feel it’s “just for the money.” One recent review conflicts with these positives, describing a poor front-desk experience during a pet’s unexpected death, specifically a perceived lack of empathy from a receptionist.

People

• •Richard Smith (Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner, per the practice website): repeatedly named in reviews as the vet owners choose to stay with long-term; described as “passionate about his job,” and “knowledgeable.”
• •Dr Marius-Costin Popa (Veterinary Surgeon, per the practice website).
• •David Oulton (Veterinary Surgeon, per the practice website).
• •Amelia Bates (listed on the practice website; role not shown in the available website extract).
• •Reception team (role listed on the website, not named in the extract): one review describes a negative interaction during bereavement, stating the receptionist “couldn’t have cared less” and prioritised phone calls while the owner was distressed.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.8 stars from 223 reviews.

• •Continuity and loyalty: multiple owners say they’ve attended “for years” and wouldn’t go elsewhere.
• •Perceived clinical confidence: reviewers mention the vet being “knowledgeable” and “professional.”
• •Money/upsell concerns addressed (for some): one owner says being at an independent practice made a difference because they didn’t feel it was “just for the money.”
• •Conflicting experiences with empathy at reception: one 1-star review describes a lack of compassion during a pet’s sudden death and leaving the practice as a result.