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What can practices learn from John Lewis?
Image Tracy Killen
John Lewis HR and main board director Tracy Killen
Director Tracy Killen set to open VMPA/SPVS Congress

Delegates at this year's VMPA/SPVS Congress will learn how to "thrive, not just survive" in tough economic times, taking advice from John Lewis director Tracy Killen, who is set to open the event.

Retail giant, The John Lewis Group, enjoyed a record-breaking Christmas period, with sales reportedly topping £35 million on December 27 alone.

But how have they managed to overcome tightening purse-strings and pressures on customer loyalty? Practice managers can find out on January 31 at the VPMA/SPVS Congress in Newport.

Main board director Tracy Killen will offer her take on what veterinary practices can learn from John Lewis. Being wife to the owner of Highcroft Vet Group, Richard Killen, Tracy is no stranger to the veterinary industry.

During the Congress, Tracy will also join accountant Mark Beaney on remuneration and bonuses, as well as taking part in the Leading your Team lecture stream alongside Katherine Eitel, US training and development expert.

For the full programme or to book online, visit the website.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.