FIVP Practice Matters

In this episode of FIVP Practice Matters, we’rejoined by Sinead Bennett, veterinary surgeon and owner of MCR Vets in Salford, one of our new member practices.

Sinead shares her journey of building a modern, community-focused practice and the realities of being a vet owner in today’s rapidly changing profession. We explore leadership, culture, and what it really takes to create a practice thatsupports both clients and teams. From navigating growth to staying true to your values, Sinead offers honest insights and practical reflections that will resonate with anyone involved in independent practice. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation not to be missed.

https://www.mcrvets.com/

As ever, we would love to hear from YOUR practice! Send us a voice note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this bonus episode of Practice Matters, we bring together four independent veterinary practices to explore the real-world implications of the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed actions following its ongoing investigation into the veterinary sector. From pricing transparency and client trust to operational pressures and professional autonomy, our guests share candid perspectives on what these changes could mean for independent practices on the ground. Drawing on day-to-day experience, they discuss both the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how practices can prepare for potential reform. It’s an honest, practical conversation about safeguarding independence while navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

How do you see the CMA investigation affecting YOUR practice? As ever, we'd love to hear from you - why not send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Our guest on this edition is Mark Ware, the voice behind the Not A Vet Podcast – a refreshingly honest, no-nonsense show exploring life in and around the veterinary world. Mark isn’t a vet, but he brings a unique outsider’s perspective, asking the questions others don’t and highlighting the real stories behind the profession. From mental health and career pressures to the lighter side of animal care, his podcast mixes insight, humour, and authenticity. With engaging conversations and relatable experiences, Not A Vet Podcast has built a strong community around openness, support, and understanding what it really means to work with animals from someone who has been a well-known industry figure for more than a quarter of a century.

A ever, we'd love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

FIVP Practice Matters dives into the issues shaping the future of veterinary practice, and in this first episode of the new series, we explore one of the most significant developments facing the profession today. We are joined by Dr David Reader and Dr Scott Summers, who have used the CMA investigation into veterinary household pets as a central focus of their research.

Together, they unpack what prompted their investigation (which actually started before the CMA launched its own), what the CMA is seeking to understand, and why this scrutiny matters for practices, clients, and the wider veterinary sector. Drawing on their research, David and Scott offer clear insight into themes such as transparency, pricing, consumer trust, and how regulatory attention may influence day-to-day clinical and business decisions.

This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine evidence, context, and potential implications, helping listeners make sense of a complex and evolving landscape.

You can read Dr Reader and Dr Summers’ full findings here. Don’t forget you can read FIVP’s full response to the CMA and our Impact Assessment on the FIVP website.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Our guest on this episode of Practice Matters is JustinPhillips, the founder and director of Practice Made Purrfect, aveterinary marketing and business consultancy dedicated to helping practices across the UK and Ireland thrive through smarter strategy, clearer communication, and better client engagement. With over 20 years’ experience in veterinary marketing including roles growing independent practices and leading marketing for more than 350 clinics, Justin brings a practical, evidence-based approach to every challenge.

A true advocate for pet health plans, Justin is “evangelistic” about their value for practices, clients and patients alike. Heargues that thoughtfully designed plans are essential for modern practice growth, improving efficiency, profitability, and clinical impact. He emphasises that good plans should be simple, aligned with what pets and owners actually need, and structured to remove barriers to care — all while fostering regular engagement and strengthening the bond between practices and pet owners.

You can find more information at: https://www.practicemadepurrfect.com/services/supercharge-your-pet-health-plan

To hear our episode musical outro from VetChoir UK, visit: www.facebook.com/vetchoiruk or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Z6IrzKP4A

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a Voice Note or message to 07709 836865

At FIVP, we’re lucky to meet countless vet students through careers fairs across the UK, giving us real insight into their EMS experiences and what they truly need as they prepare for life in practice. We’re currently working with the Edinburgh Dick Vet and the RVC on an upcoming forum exploring how independent practices can better support new graduates.

Our guest on this edition is someone who understands this landscape inside out. Anna Pill, author of the brilliantly witty blog Getting New Grads to Swipe Right, joins us to unpack what vet students are really looking for.

It's all about the vibe....

In this episode, we welcome HELEN BALLANTYNE RVN, VN —keynote speaker at the 2025 BVNA Congress. Helen’s powerful address explored the concept of One Health, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental wellbeing. With her dual qualification in medical and veterinary nursing, she challenged delegates to embrace leadership and progression without relying on buzzwords, instead focusing on meaningful collaboration and advocacy. Her insights resonated deeply with veterinary professionals, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Helen shares her vision for a future where veterinary nurses are central to global health conversations.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Welcome to this episode of FIVP Practice Matters, where we explore how independent veterinary practices can build strong, effective partnerships with Cats Protection. As the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection offers vital support in rehoming, neutering, and education. By working collaboratively, practices can enhance care for stray and unwanted cats, streamline referral processes, and contribute meaningfully to community welfare. We’ll discuss practical strategies, shared goals, and how to align clinical services with charitable initiatives to improve outcomes for cats and clients alike. Whether you're new to working with Cats Protection or looking to strengthen ties, this episode is for you.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

In this episode of 'Practice Matters' we feature FIVP practice Catmose Vets based in Rutland, the second smallest historic ceremonial county after the City of London. Just over a year ago, vet owner VICTOR ORTIZ escaped the corporate world to set up his own practice team. Was it the right decision?

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Just ahead of their milestone 60th Anniversary congress celebrations, this edition of Practice Matters provides an opportunity to meet new incoming BVNA president SARAH HOLLIDAY. 

At an important moment for the association, we learn more about just what their diamond jubilee year theme of ‘Progression for veterinary nurses’ means and hear about some of the barriers (plus successes) that our nursing colleagues face, in trying to progress their role and responsibilities.

As ever we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65