From the sun-drenched island of Gran Canaria to the busy ports of southern England, Patricia González's career has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for public health. What began as a 
short adventure abroad after veterinary school has evolved into more than two decades protecting the UK's borders and food supply. Today, as National Technical Lead for Imports at Eville & Jones (G.B.) Limited (E&J), Patricia plays a central role in ensuring that the products entering the country meet the highest standards of safety and integrity.
A Career That Crossed Borders
Patricia earned her Veterinary Degree in her hometown of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. While studying, she attended a presentation by E&J that introduced students to the world of official veterinary work, an area she admits she hadn't previously considered. The prospect of combining professional development with an adventure abroad was too tempting to resist.
"I wanted to improve my English, experience another culture, and do something different for a couple of years," she recalls. "I never imagined it would become my lifelong career."
In August 2001, Patricia landed in Manchester and began training as an Official Veterinarian (OV). At the time, the UK was still dealing with the aftermath of the BSE ('mad cow') crisis and the foot and mouth outbreak, creating a pressing demand for veterinary professionals to safeguard animal welfare and public health.
She spent her early years working in a large slaughterhouse in Lancashire, gaining hands-on experience and later serving as an internal auditor.
In 2006, her growing interest in border inspection led her to relocate to the south coast to pursue a role at the Southampton Border Control Post (BCP). After completing her portal training, she secured the position and discovered a niche that would define her career.
“Import controls fascinated me from the start,” Patricia explains. “Every consignment tells a story. Where it comes from, what it contains, and what risks it might pose. You learn something new every single day.”
Leading on Imports and Biosecurity
More than 20 years later, Patricia now leads the company's national imports function. As National Technical Lead for Imports, she provides technical support to portal veterinarians across the UK, liaises with Government departments, delivers training, audits Port Health Authorities, and ensures consistent standards across multiple Border Control Posts.
Her work sits at the intersection of science, law, and trade, ensuring that imported products of animal origin comply with all relevant veterinary and safety regulations before entering the UK. It's a vital function that underpins both public confidence and biosecurity.
"The post-Brexit landscape has brought huge change," she says. “We've had to adapt quickly to new legislation and systems, but it's also created opportunities to modernise how we work."
Digitalisation is a key focus area. The use of electronic certification, centralised databases, and data-driven risk assessments is transforming the efficiency and transparency of border controls. "Technology is helping us streamline processes while maintaining rigorous checks," Patricia explains. "But we can never lose sight of professional judgment, that's what makes the difference between a process and a safeguard."
A project Patricia is particularly proud of involved coordinating the rollout of new import controls across several BCPs. This required developing training materials, mentoring new vets, and ensuring each site met national requirements. "Seeing our teams grow in confidence and capability has been incredibly rewarding," she says. "You can feel the impact of the work we do; it's about protecting people, animals, and trade."
E&J and the Phenna Connection
E&J is the UK's leading provider of official veterinary and compliance services, working on behalf of Government bodies to protect public health, animal welfare, and food safety. The company operates across meat hygiene inspection, export certification, import controls, and animal welfare auditing, anywhere veterinary expertise is needed to ensure compliance and safeguard the food chain.
Since joining Phenna Group, E&J has become part of a wider network of businesses united by a commitment to quality, safety, and assurance. For Patricia, this collaboration brings exciting possibilities.
"Being part of Phenna Group connects us with specialists across different industries," she explains. "We can share knowledge, align best practices, and strengthen our collective expertise. It's a great example of how collaboration across the TICC sector makes us all stronger."
Looking Ahead
The coming years will see further evolution in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) sector. Patricia anticipates continued digital transformation, greater data integration, and closer cooperation between regulators and industry partners. The upcoming Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK and EU will also shape the landscape, offering opportunities for simplification, but only if standards remain robust.
"Efficiency is important," Patricia notes, "but never at the expense of biosecurity. The UK has high standards for a reason; they protect everyone."
Beyond the Border
Outside of work, Patricia describes herself as sociable and energetic. She enjoys long walks, spending time with friends, and admits she's "always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave", much to the embarrassment of her teenage twin boys.
Her journey hasn't been without surprises. Before university, she spent a year studying in Wisconsin, USA, where she had to adjust to sub-zero winters after growing up in the Canary Islands. "It taught me resilience and that life often takes you in unexpected directions," she laughs.
From her first studies as a vet in Gran Canaria to leading national import operations across the UK, Patricia's story is one of adaptability, learning, and dedication. Her work exemplifies the vital role veterinarians play in protecting public health, and her leadership continues to inspire those entering this specialised field.
"Every day brings new challenges," she reflects. “That's what keeps it interesting. The best part is knowing that what we do really matters. It makes a difference to the country, the profession, and the people we serve."