Joint VPMA And SPVS Congress Proves A Winning Combination

Shows SPVS (now Senior Vice-)President Gudrun Ravetz, VPMA (now Senior Vice-) President Pauline Graham with Andrew Triggs Hodge, keynote speaker and Double Olympic Gold Medallist (Rowing). Photo courtesy of Vision Team Publishing If evidence was needed for the ability of vets and practice managers to work together in the advancement of their practices then it was seen in abundance at the recent Veterinary Business and Management Congress. Over 350 delegates from all walks of practice life were in attendance with streams packed to capacity. Many commented on the extremely friendly atmosphere of the congress and the benefits gained by sharing learning and best practice with their owners, managers, vets and other staff. Practice Manager and JVP, Ruth Cook from Companion Care in Harlow said ‘The lectures were superb and we have come back feeling very excited for the future.’ Vet Roger Wilson of Forest Lodge Veterinary Surgery, New Milton who brought two other members of his practice with him echoed these sentiments, ‘An excellent congress, will be back next year with more staff!’ Outgoing SPVS President Gudrun Ravetz commented ‘This congress was particularly successful because it proved very clearly that when practice managers, owners and other staff come together to learn about management and share the wealth of experience they have, the effect is synergistic and motivating. We are looking forward to hearing how the attendees will use their learnings in the year ahead. The quality of our speakers was second-to-none and we know that practices investing in continued improvement and training thrive.’ The newly inaugurated VPMA President Helen Sanderson was equally impressed, ‘I spoke to several groups of practice people who had come along together and all commented on the value of the opportunity to learn as a team, so increasing the chances of successful implementation of new ideas back at the practice. I’m looking forward to seeing this positive attitude grow and grow with the excellent CPD programme we have put on with SPVS in the coming year’. VPMA and SPVS would like to especially thank all the sponsors and exhibitors for their support in helping make this inaugural congress such a success. Those interested in attending as a delegate or supporting as an exhibitor can contact [email protected] to register their interest for 2014. The Congress was sponsored by Norbrook and Citation plc (platinum sponsors), Pfizer Animal Health (gold sponsor), Merial Animal Health, (silver sponsor) and bronze sponsors Purina, Novartis Animal Health, The Practice Business Pet Health Plans, St Francis Group, Veterinary Insurance Agency, Pet Cremation Services, Rickerbys Solicitors, Careline4Vets, Henry Schein Animal Health and Bayer Animal Health.

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