Adam Bernstein

Adam Bernstein is a former editor of VBJ with many years’ experience of running his own small business.

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

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

July 2023

It may be a risky gambit, but starting a new business from scratch and growing it can be very rewarding. Of course, nothing in life that’s worthwhile is easy, and setting up a practice is no different – but with thought and planning, it’s perfectly possible…

21 mins

March 2023

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

January 2023

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

November 2022

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

July 2022

The reputation of the insurance industry is one of odds stacked against the insured through contract terms. It’s hardly surprising, then, that some might be tempted to cut corners when seeking cover…

24 mins

June 2022

With minimum wage rates not long increased, Adam Bernstein reminds employers they have an obligation to pay their staff the right amount – or risk damaging and costly repercussions.

16 mins

April 2022

Premises to a practice are as hands are to a surgeon – they are essential. But building or fitting out premises is not a simple task…

February 2022

Capital equipment, by its very nature, is expensive and few have the spare cash to pay for it upfront. Even if cash were on hand, it may not make sense to use it to pay for large pieces of equipment when working capital is central to survival…

24 mins

August 2021

Cyberattacks are nothing new. However, now the intrusions are far more dangerous – and the veterinary world has proved to be far from immune from this insidious and potentially costly threat…

23 mins

May 2021

Liza Minelli couldn’t have summed it up better when she sang that money makes the world go round in the 1972 film Cabaret. It’s true, despite what we all want to believe. In a commercial context, this means thinking about how a practice funds its setup or expansion, how it acquires equipment and how it funds its day-to-day expenses...

25 mins

April 2021

Adam Bernstein discusses the potential legal implications of this issue, and describes the early warning signs of the problem and potential solutions.

17 mins

February 2021

One of the best ways independent practices can compete with the big boys is to cut costs by joining a buying group. Adam Bernstein takes a look at how these groups have evolved and how your practice can make the most of membership…

27 mins

October 2020

Offering the best possible clinical care is the top priority for any veterinary practice, but being in a position to do that is often no easy task. Behind the scenes of any business are a myriad of vitally important external relationships – from who checks the accounts to who cleans the windows...

21 mins

September 2020

Bounce Back Loans (BBL) could be a relatively low-risk financial lifeline for practices hit by the coronavirus pandemic. With no fixed interest and no repayments for the first year, a BBL could make all the difference for some businesses, but think fast as they won't be about for long...

24 mins

July 2020

At this time of year, thoughts turn to the trips and holidays we plan to take. In the short term, coronavirus has put paid to that. But while we may not be able to travel, employees are still accruing holiday, and many are wondering how the rules will play out…

10 mins

February 2020

So, you’ve been employed in another’s practice and either circumstance or a keen desire to be master of your own destiny is leading you to running your own business. Setting up a practice isn't easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you get your groundwork right...

21 mins

January 2020

Running a successful veterinary practice requires a strong network of connections and relationships, sometimes with organisations outside the veterinary sector. By looking at the bigger picture, it is possible to harness these networks to help your business boom...

18 mins

Tax investigations should be avoided – they are not something that many welcome or would want to endure, as they are stressful and can be costly. And if HMRC finds misbehaviour, that taxpayer is bound to receive “special” attention in the future.

24 mins

October 2019

Veterinary medicine is ever-changing. It’s true the profession has had its fair share of challenges recently, but it’s also important to not lose sight of the one thing that bricks-and-mortar practices have over online – a local community to market to...

18 mins

August 2019

Boris Johnson as PM has only made it harder to make Brexit predictions, but we must assume it is going to happen one way or the other. It remains unclear how this will impact British business, but now is a good time to ensure your practice is fit enough toi survive what could be turbulent times ahead...

20 mins

July 2019

Adam Bernstein delves into the legal issues for employers looking to engage his or her very first worker – from advertising the role to liability insurance.

16 mins

Adam Bernstein considers how to make your résumé catch the eyes of employers.

17 mins

June 2019

Adam Bernstein takes a look at the process when dealing with a difficult staff member.

15 mins

Do you really know who your practice is employing? With the spirit of the goodness of humanity in mind, it’s unlikely you have anyone bad or criminally minded on staff. But it does happen.

21 mins

October 2018

Adam Bernstein offers advice for people managers, particularly any who have risen through the ranks.

12 mins

September 2018

While running a practice is one part of the commercial equation, getting paid is the other, as Adam Bernstein explains.

24 mins

It has hit the headlines globally, and more women are challenging inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, as Adam Bernstein reports.

15 mins

July 2018

The automatic joining of workers to a company pension scheme – known as auto-enrolment – celebrated its fifth birthday in October 2017. On 1 February 2018, the process was finally completed, but, as Adam Bernstein explains, auto-enrolment is still a big and potentially costly issue for British business ...

22 mins