June 2017

Client comms: pump up the volume on your social media channels

Most practices have emerged from the dark ages, when postcards and the odd phone call were the only ways of communicating with clients. Dr Ernie Ward explains how modern methods are driving revenue growth, enhancing patient care and boosting client satisfaction.

25 mins
The next generation: are your new graduates going to sink or swim?

The difficulties faced by practices trying to recruit experienced vets has led an increasing number to turn to new graduates. Taking on inexperienced vets can be a challenge, but when it works, the rewards to both employer and employee are substantial, says Jenny Stuart.

10 mins
Driving successful dental initiatives: getting the bit between your teeth

Mark Colton discusses how practice teams can work together to drive dental initiatives, the form they should take and the impact they can have on the bottom line.

16 mins

May 2017

Out with the old, in with the new: how to plan...

Susan McKay spoke to ACD Projects founder Alex Darvill about upgrading practices – and why now could be the perfect time to get started.

15 mins
Fully charged – part 2: closing the deal

Alison Lambert and Mark Harwood take a look at how you can make the best practice financial theory work for you in the real world.

16 mins
Prevention is better than cure: promoting pet health plans

Gudrun Ravetz looks at how you should recommend your plan, what needs to be in it and the broader benefits in terms of practice finances in providing them.

14 mins
Don’t short change your staff – paying the national minimum wage

Adam Bernstein outlines some potential pitfalls that could put your practice on the HMRC's radar for being in breach of paying the national minimum wage.

7 mins
Practice profitability: getting your financial ducks in a row

If early results from the SPVS Practice Profitability Survey are truly representative, many practices are not being run as efficiently or profitably as they could be. John Sheridan discusses.

14 mins
Practice planning part 2: an essay on driving growth

Dave Nicol explains how watching client growth like a hawk is the real secret to making your practice fly.

17 mins

April 2017

Cash coy? Top tips for discussing payment with clients

Talking about money with clients is not always a part of the job veterinary professionals enjoy. Here, Stewart Halperin gives his top tips for helping your team take the pain out of asking for payment.

23 mins
Fleas and ticks: how to get the compliance message across

Climate change is having a big impact on the threats posed by ectoparasites to the nation’s pets. Here, one of the UK’s leading parasitologists, Ian Wright, looks at what veterinary practices can do to help tackle ticks and fight fleas.

23 mins
Puppies and kittens: invest now for future business benefits

Vicky Robinson discusses why it's important to see beyond the obvious ‘cute factor’ and recognise the significant clinical and commercial factors implicit in the arrival of a new puppy or kitten.

19 mins
Change is upon us: beware the business rates revaluation

The fact we must pay taxes is a given. But what upsets many is the way they are levied, the size of the bills received and difficulties in appealing wrong decisions. Business rates are no exception, says John Hinde.

12 mins
Leading from the front: realities of modern management

Kay Hamblin and Lindsay Brazil look at how acquiring leadership skills can benefit anyone working in practice, not just those in formal leadership roles.

17 mins

March 2017

Our mutual client: choosing referral centre sweet spot

The traditional dynamics of the referral process have often left clients feeling a little out of the loop, but times have changed. Here, Ray Girotti explains why it is now essential to see the client as central to the choice of whether or where their animal is referred.

18 mins
#followingthetrends – or social media for beginners

Do you know a ‘hashtag’ from a ‘like’? Have you the confidence to post content on your practice social media? Elanco’s Linn Adams offers hints and tips on what social media platforms to use and content that will appeal to clients.

18 mins
Fully charged – part 1: balancing the fee to drug ratio

In the first of a two-part series exploring simple, but effective, ways to regain control of your practice finances, Alison Lambert focuses on one fundamental shift that will greatly improve the profitability and sustainability of your business model.

17 mins
Practice planning part 1: starting out on your own

With competition, tighter purse strings and the wonder of the web, setting up a new practice is not for the faint of heart. Adam Bernstein looks at some of the things to think about.

15 mins
Buying your business premises through pension contributions

Jeff Steedman explains the importance of weighing up your options and seeking sound financial advice before using pension products to buy commercial property.

7 mins
Add value to your digital message using the power of AdWords

Google AdWords has grown into a relevant tool for businesses to use as part of their digital marketing strategy. Brooke Wheeler explains how it has become a platform trusted by internet users and can be as valuable as organic search results.

10 mins