THE way VetPartners is influencing the changing face of the veterinary profession will see the group take centre stage at one of the industry’s biggest conferences.
CEO Jo Malone and Business Support Manager Fiona Nichol will be speakers at the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) annual Congress in Newport on January 27.
The theme of their talk was on practice culture and how it influences the way people work.
They shared an insight into VetPartners’ culture of collaboration, team work, support and trust – and explained how nurturing this approach in practices is helping to transform the profession.
Being asked to address the veterinary profession’s movers and shakers to reveal what is setting VetPartners apart from other groups is a huge honour for both Jo and Fiona, who have played key roles in devising and implementing a positive working culture.
Fiona, pictured, said: “Culture is what attracts and retains good people both in our practices and at head office as people want to work with the right values and the right morals.
“Every practice has a culture, some by design others by default. In essence, it’s the personality of a brand, a company or business which is an evolving and living thing.
“A positive culture is behind the success and growth of VetPartners and that is why people within our industry are sitting up and taking notice of what we’re doing and wanting to learn more about our approach.”
Fiona added: “Our talk at the Congress came as a result of people within the veterinary profession being keen to understand more about our culture and how we nurture it within practices.
“Organisational culture is relevant to us all in practice. The best way is to define it before it defines you. The benefits of doing so will pay dividends to your business and importantly the morale and engagement of your team.”
Before establishing VetPartners in 2015, Jo was instrumental in growing Minster Vets in York, improving performance and developing the people within the practice, while Fiona’s current role sees her focus on servicing the needs of practices by understanding the support and development they require.
The SPVS/VPMA Congress is held at Celtic Manor Resort from January 25 to 27.
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Head of PR and Communications, on 0191 300 1181 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk