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VMG Congress 2025 registration opens
Popular returning features include 'kickstart' sessions and a morning 'walkshop'.
It will host three leadership streams.

The Veterinary Management Group (VMG) has welcomed registrations for VMG Congress 2025, which takes place from 24-25 April.

Hosted at Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, the event will incorporate three streams which focus on different elements of leadership.

The ‘Building Foundations’ stream aims to provide guidance for new and aspiring leaders. It offers insight on the fundamentals of leadership as well as explaining how leaders can set foundations for future success.

‘Expanding Horizons’ is designed for more experienced leaders and explains advanced leadership strategies. It will also discuss some growing industry trends, including ‘quiet quitting’, online misinformation and service expansion.

The ‘Discovering Opportunities’ stream will include the launch of the second edition of the VMG State of UK Veterinary Leadership Report. Following the findings of the first edition, this stream will also feature workshops and panel discussions that explore how the VMG will tackle knowledge gaps in veterinary leadership.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Calvin Akotuah, the co-founder of Loud Speaker.

Loud Speaker, which was a finalist in the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards, holds life skills workshops for young people across the UK. In his speech, Mr Akotuah will discuss resilience, motivation and how managers can contribute to positive change.

Other popular features returning include the VMG’s early ‘kickstart’ sessions and a morning ‘walkshop’ along the bank of the River Avon, hosted in collaboration with Art of Brilliance.

As part of its commitment to future leaders, the VMG has this year introduced the discounted ‘Aspiring Leader’ package, which invites delegates to bring a colleague who they believe has leadership potential. Similarly, a new startup exhibitor package will offer new opportunities for new and emerging businesses.

Liz Somerville, VMG president, said: “Today’s veterinary leaders, whether experienced or just setting out on their journey, face numerous challenges – but ours is a collaborative profession, always ready to support and guide one another.

“VMG Congress will showcase the very best of leadership in our profession today and offer two days of learning, sharing and inspiration to all.”

Tickets are available here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.