BVA Congress to explore implications of the Competition and Markets Authority investigation

Since it began in 2023, the CMA investigation has placed the veterinary profession under intense public scrutiny but has also challenged the wider sector to reflect on how it could improve.  With the CMA due to announce its ‘provisional decision’ imminently, BVA Congress is dedicating several sessions to give veterinary professionals the opportunity to discuss the implications in greater detail; look at different veterinary business models and explore the vet-client-patient relationship which has been strained.

Other sessions will invite conversation and debate on issues such as reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, artificial intelligence and its use in farm veterinary work; the balance of providing good veterinary care and protecting the planet; and keeping the UK’s borders safe.

The full two-day programme for BVA Congress, which runs at London Vet Show from the 20 – 21 November at Excel London, includes:

• The outcome of the CMA Investigation, where we are and possible implications for the profession– with Chair BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux and speakers BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams; Gudrun Ravetz, Group Chief Medical Officer – IVC Evidensia; Nick Jackson, Vet locum and BVA Council Member; and Rebecca Robinson; of Vet Dynamics UK
• Is the Vet Client Patient Relationship broken? – with Chair BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux and speakers Amanda Joy Oates, Managing Director of Cultivating Restorative Cultures; Julie Gibson, Knowledge Quality Improvement Clinical Lead – RCVS; Alison Skipper, Veterinary and Research Advisor - The Kennel Club; and Hamish Morrin, Lecturer in Clinical Communication Skills - School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lancashire
• Beyond the big six and traditional practice: Exploring diverse veterinary business models– with Chair BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams and speakers Caroline Collins, Veterinarian and Director - Pennard Vets; Russell Welsh, Founder - Creature Comforts; Gudrun Ravetz, Group Chief Medical Officer - IVC Evidensia; and Guy Killick, BVSc MRCVS, Founder - Palace Vets
• Wooldridge Memorial Lecture The genetics of obesity: Can an old dog teach us new tricks? - with our keynote speaker Giles Yeo, Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology - University of Cambridge
• How do we keep our borders safe?– Chaired by BVA Welsh Branch President Gwen Rees with speakers Malcolm Morley, director of UK - World Horse Welfare; Paula Boyden, independent veterinary surgeon; and Jorge Martin-Almagro, International UK Deputy CVO and Deputy Director, Global Animal Health & UK SPS Office – Defra.
• The female journey: endometriosis, menopause and beyond– with Chair Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA President and speakers Laura Haycock, of Brew People; Alexandra Taylor, of International Cat Care; and BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams
• Conversations around everyday ethical challenges in small animal practice (in association with AWF)– with speakers Caroline Allen, RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer; BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux; Peter Haggis, Clinical Director of Wilbury Vets; and Gerry Polton Hospital Director at North Downs Specialist Referrals
• AI on farms - is it good for vets and animal welfare?– Chaired by BVA Welsh Branch President Gwen Rees with speakers Jonathan Birch, Professor of Philosophy at London School of Economics and Political Science; Robert Hyde; of Vet Vision AI, University of Nottingham; and Paul Horwood, UK Country Head of Farm – IVC Evidensia
• Can we protect the environment whilst providing good clinical care?– Chaired by BVA Welsh Branch President Gwen Rees with speakers Catriona Curtis, Group Head of Sustainability - IVC Evidensia; Jon Haycock, Senior Veterinary Assessor - Veterinary Medicines Directorate; and David Black, Managing Director - Paragon Veterinary Group
• Your Voice, Your Future: Shaping the Veterinary Surgeons Act for Every Professional - with Chair BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams and speakers BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux; Eleanor Brown, Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer - Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); Tim Parkin, President - Bristol Veterinary School / RCVS; and Samantha Butler-Davies, Veterinary Services Director - Vets for Pets

British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “With the CMA Investigation moving into its final stages, this year’s BVA Congress is an opportunity to not only get up to date but to explore the possible impact the investigation may have on us as veterinary professionals on a day-to-day basis. There’s also a wide variety of sessions on a range of issues that are important to our sector, from sustainability and ethics, to biosecurity, so be sure to come along to share your views and join in the conversation on the issues which matter to you.”

BVA Congress is back at London Vet Show at the Excel from 20-21 November this year. BVA members can currently book their tickets for £356 +VAT, saving 15 per cent off the lowest advertised rate for the event, which will include sessions discussing the issues that matter the most to the veterinary profession, CPD and networking opportunities. Discounted BVA tickets are due to increase to £467+VAT on 26 September.

Find the full BVA Congress programme and book your member discounted tickets at https://london.vetshow.com/