Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
VPMA Congress Events Announced
Blind Lemon
Programme for January VPMA Congress revealed.

The events programme for the VPMA Congress, to be held in the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire between 26-28th January 2012, has been announced.

Those arriving on the evening of Thursday 26th are advised to do so before 7pm so they do not miss the beginning of the social programme. 'Team Generation Game', complete with cuddly toy and conveyor belt, will hopefully break the ice and bring back memories of the old TV favourite.

Friday 27th will be devoted to a stream on the subtleties of modern marketing, complete with presentations on websites, social networking, search engine optimisation and e-marketing. That practices are adapting – some with more success than others – to these new forms of communication with clients is by now a well known industry trend, so it is expected that the presentations will be useful and well-attended. Six sessions will be on offer and they will be appropriate for the expert and the novice alike.

The evening, however, will be devoted to a sparkling drinks reception sponsored by the veterinary wholesaler Henry Schein and a four-course banquet provided by Norbrook. Blind Lemon will also be making a triumphant return, and it is hoped that this year's Congress will enjoy their appearance as much as last year's.

Saturday 28th, once those attending have recovered sufficiently from the previous evening, will see three streams on offer: Retailing Masterclasses, HR Boot Camp, and Impact on People sessions. Delegates are welcome to move between streams so that they can learn what will benefit their practices the most.

2011's event was fully booked, so it is advisable to register as soon as possible. The event is essential for practice managers but, as ever, vets, nurses and aspiring practice managers are welcome to attend as well.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.