TLC Pet Allergy Testing, the winner of last year's Evening Press Small Business of the Year, has changed its name.

The Bishopthorpe-based company which offers blood tests for allergy by dogs and cats to one or more of 16 different foods will from now on trade as YORKTest Veterinary Services.

But the tender loving care will remain in its product names - TLC Canine Allergy Test and the TLC Feline Allergy Test.

The change, which includes alterations at board level, follows the restructuring of parent company, YORKTest Group headed by John Graham, who now takes on the role of chairman of the animal testing services.

Joining him on the board are Peter Cousins, technical director, and Janice Culligan, managing director. All have previously been involved with the development of the YORKTest Group and have played key roles at TLC.

YORKTest Veterinary Services has appointed Deborah Goodall to take on the role of marketing and PR manager. Deborah has previously worked in the veterinary sector with Burgess Supafeeds, before most recently joining The Arundale Group as marketing manager.

Janice Culligan, managing director, said: "This is an exciting time for YORKTest Veterinary Services. We are well on the way to taking the company to the next level of development based on an unswerving dedication to research, and to providing world-class customer service.

"I am delighted that we have been able to attract such an experienced executive to help us build the TLC brand in the consumer marketplace and strengthen our position in the veterinary sector."

Updated: 09:54 Tuesday, August 27, 2002