VBJ articles

January 2024

Setting up a specialist ophthalmology practice is always going to be a risky business. But Ioannis Tzouganakis eyed a gap in this highly competitive market, and so far, the risk is paying off, as VBJ discovered when we paid a visit to Vet Eye Care last month…

31 mins

Video solutions and remote access are increasingly being used to give clients new ways to interact with their veterinary practices. This should not be seen as a threat and instead the growth of digital engagement should be embraced for the opportunities it provides, as Ben Sweeney explains…

35 mins

December 2023

When most people decide to open their own veterinary practice, the plan is usually to start small and build at a steady pace from there. But Laura Keyser has decided to take a rather different approach with Claro Hill Vets near Harrogate, as VBJ discovered when we met last month…

31 mins

Advanced imaging was once the preserve of referral centres and teaching hospitals, but an increasing number of practices now offer these modalities in a first opinion setting. However, the integration of these technologies can be a highly complex issue and there is much to consider before making such a significant investment…

16 mins

Merlin Simple Payment Solutions (MerlinSPS) is the new health plan support company recently launched by the MerlinVet Group for UK independent veterinary practices.

16 mins

“From economical systems to top-of-the-line equipment, Probo Veterinary proudly maintains the world’s largest inventory of new and refurbished ultrasound systems – all at affordable prices.”

10 mins

Pet owners traditionally sought veterinary services on a pay-per-visit basis, often delaying essential care due to financial concerns. However, the subscription model has the potential to revolutionise pet health care by offering a more accessible, comprehensive, and cost-effective approach…

30 mins

November 2023

Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists has been in a state of almost constant evolution since the referral practice opened in 2008. Last year saw the latest phase of an ongoing £10 million investment at the site, so VBJ headed to Hampshire to see if it’s been money well spent...

33 mins

The current climate for the veterinary sector remains a busy yet challenging one. Veterinary practice … more

13 mins

Tax efficiency can be critical to business success, irrespective of market sector or profession. But tax can be a quagmire ready to swallow up all who become entangled with it – so, if in any doubt, seek good advice…

26 mins

Most modern businesses depend on good IT infrastructure, but are your systems fit for purpose? We live in a rapidly evolving world where technology has become an indispensable tool in nearly every industry, and the veterinary sector is no exception…

24 mins

October 2023

Since the COVID pandemic there has been a significant increase in the number of people looking to set up their own veterinary practice. But much needs to be considered for those thinking of taking the plunge, as Adam Bernstein discovered when he spoke to some of the experts…

31 mins

This Practice Building Insight discusses laying the foundations for successful veterinary practice with ACD Projects.

15 mins

Tax changes that came into force earlier this year could have a big impact on many businesses, including veterinary practices. And those impacts will be even greater for those who have not noted the warnings from HMRC…

20 mins

Most young people struggle to get on the housing ladder these days, let alone self-fund their own veterinary practice. But that’s exactly what Alex Hirst did when he opened River Veterinary Care near Newcastle earlier this year…

35 mins

September 2023

With many veterinary teams hard-pressed and short on time, tech solutions from the likes of PetsApp have never been more needed. Far from resting on its laurels, those behind the client communication tool are taking things to a whole new level, as Thom Jenkins explains…

12 mins

Pickles became the UK’s first members-only vet practice when the doors of its Fulham clinic opened late last year. At launch, founders talked of fixing “a broken system” and of creating a £1 billion business - but is Pickles living up to the hype? VBJ headed to west London to find out…

34 mins

Many routes to practice ownership exist, so it stands to reason there’s no “one size fits all” exit strategy, either. Vicky Robinson looks at the best options in this fast-changing landscape...

25 mins

Referring patients and clients away from your practice’s care is sometimes the best solution in terms of patient and client care, as well as clinical outcome. However, it can also be a minefield, with some of the most complicated client complaints resulting from referrals…

24 mins

August 2023

Balancing the needs of all stakeholders is a crucial judgement to make before deciding to invest in new diagnostic equipment. It can be all too easy to waste a lot money on equipment that clinicians won’t use and clients won’t pay for, as Nacho Mérida Isla explains…

26 mins