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Practice Manager of the Year is announced
Practice Manager of the Year Sharon Lane-Kieltyka and VPMA president Helen Sanderson

VPMA member wins prestigious award

A member of the Veterinary Practice Management Association has been awarded the prestigious title of Practice Manager of the Year at the recent Petplan Awards held in Birmingham.

Sharon Lane-Kieltyka from Shepton Veterinary Group, Somerset, received a year’s free membership to the association, with funded CPD and regional support, access to the active e-group and forums and other member benefits, as well as her all important trophy.

Keen to acknowledge the team effort that went into her achievement, Sharon said: “This award is not just recognition for what I have done but what the practice team as a whole has achieved over the last couple of years. I feel very proud to work for Shepton Vets and am extremely grateful for the support I get from staff and directors alike. Hopefully in the future there will be more awards to come for other members of the practice!”

Past President Pauline Graham, who was part of the judging panel, presented Sharon with her accolade. Pauline commented, “Sharon is a very deserving winner – and it’s so lovely that she’s been rewarded for her hard work behind the scenes in running her practice. VPMA is very much about supporting and learning from one another, and the association looks forward to hearing more from Sharon on best management practice.”

 

 

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.