VBJ First Opinions Podcast James Westgate

With a growing number of practices being acquired by corporate groups, the age-old tradition of buying into an independent practice is slowly becoming a thing of the past, leaving many ambitious young vets with little option but to start from scratch.

In this VBJ First Opinions Podcast, editor James Westgate talks to a young couple who did just that – building their “dream practice” from the ground up, with a little help from VetDynamics along the way.

Claire Smith and Josh Willmot from Beacon View Veterinary Clinic join First Opinions to discuss the ins and outs, and ups and downs, of going it alone – from the inauspicious start that saw them open their doors to the public just a month before COVID forced them closed again, to the pride at building a successful, thriving business under the most difficult of conditions.

They are joined by veterinary business expert Alan Robinson, who offers his thoughts on the processes of starting a practice and some important tips for those considering this route for themselves.

For this episode of VBJ First Opinions, we are delighted to be joined by the CEO and founder of one of Europe’s fastest growing veterinary groups – Junko Sheehan from UNAVETS.

In this podcast, Junko talks to editor James Westgate about the company’s three years of explosive growth and its exciting plans for the future.
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𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗞𝗢 𝗜𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗘𝗛𝗔𝗡
Junko has more than 20 years experience in finance and corporate development, with more than $30 billion in M&A and capital raising transactions. Her previous experience includes work in the TMT investment groups of Bear Stearns, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

Most recently, she has focused on the development of M&A and consolidation strategies and is currently CEO of UNAVETS. She is a Board Director of UNAVETS, OneVet, Banco de Sangue Animal, LuxVet Group, and JUX/Vetcelerator.

She is also managing partner of Marconi Capital, an investment and advisory vehicle for her and her partners.

In this edition of the VBJ First Opinions podcast, editor James Westgate discusses technology and the way it has impacted on the UK veterinary sector – with a particular focus on how it helped transform the way veterinary professionals worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and how those changes may impact on the future of veterinary practice.

On the line with him is Paul May, digital product manager at MWI Animal Health UK, provider of innovative animal health solutions to veterinary practices across the United Kingdom.

Welcome to the second part of “Bridging the Gap’ – a special two-part VBJ First Opinions podcast in association with the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS).

Recorded as part of an ongoing initiative to highlight the benefits of SPVS membership for those just starting out on their careers, the first episode focused on some of the barriers to career progression and diversification that face young vets.

This second instalment takes a look at some of the solutions and how SPVS can help vets at all stages in their careers across a range of issues – from EMS and emerging technologies to leadership and legals.

Welcome to the first part of a special VBJ First Opinions podcast in association with SPVS – the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons.

As part of an ongoing initiative to highlight the benefits of SPVS membership for those just starting out on their careers, VBJ editor James Westgate hosted a panel discussion featuring three younger vets and three SPVS board members with decades of experience between them.

Called “Bridging the Gap’, these ground-breaking discussions form a two-part podcast series.

This first part focuses on some of the barriers to career progression and diversification that face young vets and how SPVS can help overcome them, while the second instalment goes on to look at some of the solutions and how SPVS can help vets at all stages in their careers across a range of issues – from EMS and emerging technologies to leadership and legals.

We’d like to thank Leigh-Anne Brown, Ben Sweeney and Vicki Farbon from SPVS as well as Holly Sutton, Nat Morris and Alice Varney for their time and their input into a project we hope will help other young vets find their way in the wonderful world of veterinary business.

To promote the VMG-SPVS Virtual Congress (13-14 May 2021), VBJ sat down with chief executive officer at The Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett.

Craig will be opening congress at 9am on 13 May, but spoke to James Westgate in advance of his appearance to offer a sneak preview of some of his key messages and themes.