VBJ articles

October 2017

Greater than sum of its parts: whole practice approach to CPD

CPD can be a significant investment for a practice, but if it is well planned with good follow up it can be motivational and help deliver key practice objectives, as Nick Stuart explains.

23 mins

September 2017

Needles and nodes: making light work of OA in older pets

Libby Kemkaran-Thompson looks at how to make the most of two very different treatments for one of the most common age-related disorders.

22 mins
Brand designs: building an identity on firm foundations

Alex Darvill looks at what comes first when planning a building project – the brand or the build.

23 mins
Big 6: future tech

Technology in all its forms has already proved to be a huge disruptor for veterinary practices across the UK. Staying up to date with the latest developments can be a challenge, but upsides exist for those willing to embrace these advances. We asked our panel to share their vision of this brave new world.

48 mins

August 2017

Leave nothing to chance: give a pre-Brexit health check to your...

As the countdown begins towards the UK’s exit from the EU, Adam Bernstein asks a selection of professional business advisors what areas practices need to address in advance of that day.

16 mins

July 2017

Practice planning part 3: should I stay or should I go now?

Vicky Robinson discusses the corporate buying bubble, when it might burst and what the other options are for anyone planning their exit.

27 mins
Talk the talk: 10 steps to achieve that perfect telephone call

Stephanie Vaughan-Jones explains why the old 'dog and bone' may be one of the most important pieces of kit you possess.

23 mins

June 2017

Big 6: work-life balance

VBJ's Big 6 project saw a carefully selected panel discuss and debate the six biggest issues most likely to shape the veterinary landscape. In its first report, panellists discuss work-life balance and how this is changing practice.

50 mins
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
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
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
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

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

March 2017

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
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

February 2017

The smart approach: looking at evidence for responsible antibiotic use

Ernie Ward explains how the rise of antimicrobial resistance and the development of new diagnostic tests mean you could soon be spending more time in the lab.

17 mins