VBJ articles

March 2023

Digital developments and transformative technology

The basic science of veterinary care may evolve relatively slowly, but the technology underpinning its delivery continues to advance at a relentless pace. Oli Viner looks at some of the latest developments and how they can enhance practice performance


30 mins
CPD that works for your people and your practice

Carefully tailored CPD plans can provide the perfect platform for team members to develop their careers and learn new skills. But it is important to ensure the needs of the individual and the business are aligned


22 mins

In this VBJ veterinary medicine Insight feature, head of digital learning at Dechra Jack Dickinson discusses his top tips on how veterinary professionals can upskill and keep up to date with the latest thinking through modern and traditional learning experiences.

15 mins
Sustainable transport: are ‘friends’ electric?

It’s perfectly clear the direction of travel in automotive is towards zero-emission vehicles and, for the present, that means buying electric. But buying an electric vehicle doesn’t just help reduce carbon emissions, it also provides significant tax advantages to those making the switch


25 mins

February 2023

Practice Profile: Martin and Manifold Vets

One of the veterinary sector’s central narratives in the past few years has been the story of big corporate groups swallowing up small independent practices. But as VBJ discovered when we paid a visit to Martin and Manifold Vets in Cirencester last month, the little guys are beginning to bite back


Latest ownership options: something old or something new?

For anyone hoping to take the significant step of moving into ownership, it is worth considering all the options first. Vicky Robinson from Vet Dynamics looks at the pros and cons of partnerships, joint venture opportunities and setting up from scratch


Standing out from the crowd: how to dazzle on the digital stage

Many more people are “going digital” in all aspects of their lives – especially when it comes to looking after treasured pets. So it pays to know how to use the latest digital tools to ensure your practice stands out in an increasingly crowded market


January 2023

Practice Profile: Barossa Veterinary Service

The key ingredients needed for a successful veterinary practice don’t change a great deal – wherever you happen to be in the world. Strong leadership, a motivated team and top-class client care are universal requirements, as VBJ discovered when we caught up with Catherine Harper of Barossa Veterinary Service...

Covering all the bases – talking about insurance

Many people are searching for places to make savings as the cost of living crisis bites deeper. For pet owners, one monthly expense under scrutiny could well be their pet insurance premiums


26 mins
Finding finance that fits: funding key investments

New equipment, additional consulting rooms and general refitting are all hallmarks of a practice looking to progress. But such advancements come at a cost, which leads to a natural question: what is the best way of financing these investments?

26 mins

This VBJ Buying Insight feature highlights what to expect from this year’s event – from the clinical programme to the venue.

15 mins

December 2022

Practice Profile: Vets4Pets Northampton Hospital

Size mattered when it came to finding a new home for the fastest-growing practice in the Vets4Pets group. So, when the time arrived to move the flagship Northampton hospital after more than a decade of rapid expansion, it was a case of “the bigger, the better”, as VBJ discovered


42 mins
Leveraging diagnostic technology to boost practice productivity

New technology has delivered massive change in the area of veterinary diagnostics – especially during the past two years.Seth Wallack and Eric Goldman discuss how to harness these developments to drive practice productivity in an increasingly challenging economic environment


21 mins

In this Skills Development Insight feature, Amy Sawran discusses how SPVS can help make your practice a more sustainable, profitable and fulfilling place to work.

16 mins

November 2022

Practice Profile: Pocket Nook Equine Vets, Cheshire

It was less than a year after graduation that Emily Westwood realised working for someone else as an ambulatory equine vet wasn’t going to be for her. But instead of abandoning her hard-won veterinary career before it had really begun, Emily instead decided to set up her own practice – and Pocket Nook Equine Vets was born


33 mins
Find power in numbers: choosing a buying group

Finding a buying group is an important decision for anyone setting up on their own practice or thinking about doing so. In this article, Ross Kelly shares his views and explains how collective purchasing power can benefit your business


23 mins
Willing a business on – how having a will in place...

We enter the world with nothing and depart as we were born, leaving our earthly possessions behind. This harsh circle of life becomes grimmer for those left behind when there is no will to determine how a deceased’s assets are distributed, especially if a business is part of those assets


25 mins
Referral cases – managing relationships

In this article, David Walker lends his extensive experience as a referral vet, head of service, hospital director and regional MD on what first opinion practices should be looking for from their referral centre. Specifically, he shares his thoughts on communication and client care, as well as what referral centres should be doing to engage and build relationships with those practices referring cases to them


29 mins

In this VBJ Technology Insight feature, Chris Plummer – head of technical at antimicrobial technology specialist Byotrol – discusses the importance of researching the hygiene products used by animal health professionals to ensure they are safe and suitable for use. 

14 mins

In this latest VBJ Technology Insight feature, MWI Animal Health shares its success and expertise in the migration of more than 1,000 practice sites from a variety of systems across companion animal, farm, referral and equine practices.

13 mins