BEVA Congress to address non-clinical duties of vets

Being a successful equine vet involves more than good clinical skills. Numerous non-clinical aspects are also involved in developing a thriving practice which is why BEVA Congress 12-15 September 2018 contains a wealth of sessions on succession planning as well as practice finance, human resources and marketing.

The BEVA Congress programme is put together democratically, by equine vets for equine vets. This year, as well as compiling world-class scientific and clinical research programmes the organising committee has taken big strides to address the growing thirst for non-clinical know how.

BEVA Congress committee member Colin Mitchell of Scott & Mitchell Associates, Hexham has organised a strong selection of speakers from veterinary and other fields. The session on succession planning is likely to garner considerable interest from delegates following the response to last year’s corporatisation debate. It will feature speakers from the corporate organisations that are increasingly prominent in equine practice and representatives from practices that have been through the process of corporatisation. Alternative succession plans will also be discussed and accountants will provide an insight on the specifics as well as the concepts of transitioning practice ownership, practice finance and profitability.

There is also plenty of non-clinical content for assistants and vet nurses. Sessions include soft skills, mindset theory, marketing and social media, human resources, thriving in practice, adapting to the changing times of veterinary practice.

BEVA Congress committee chair David Rendle of Rainbow Equine Hospital, Malton said: “Our non-clinical programme reflects the results of this year’s members’ survey. 59% of survey participants reported that one of their biggest challenges is communicating with clients and managing expectations. Numerous respondents also identified financial and business management and career progression as significant challenges.”

BEVA Congress 2018 will be held at the popular ICC in central Birmingham from 12-15 September 2018. Take part in this year’s BEVA Congress theme ‘Plenty to smile about’ by joining BEVA’s  #ilovebeinganequinevet social media campaign and submitting your own video. Visit  to find out more.

To view the full BEVA Congress programme and to book your ticket visit www.bevacongress.org.

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.