FIVP welcomes additional business development manager
Mr Wolstenholme will support the group as it helps independent practices to develop their businesses.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that Ian Wolstenholme has joined its team as a business development manager.
He will be joining existing business development manager Rita Dingwall, as the group seeks to represent and promote the values of independent practices in the UK.
A former practice manager, Mr Wolstenholme has fifteen years experience in practice management and was a finalist in the 2015 Petplan Practice Manager of the Year category.
He was a member of the Veterinary Practice Management Association (which became the Veterinary Management Group) from 2005 until 2018, when he left practice. He joined the board in 2012 and, when the group launched Practice Life magazine, he took the role of editor.
In his practice management career, Mr Wolstenholme managed two independent practices.
His first role, at Ian McConnell Veterinary Practice, resulted in him developing a passion for independent practice. Within ten years, he saw the practice grow from a team of three to a multi-disciplinary team in bigger premises.
However, in his next role, the practice he managed was soon bought by a veterinary corporation. Mr Wolstenholme didn’t like the changes the corporation made to the practice and, with other team members, soon left the practice.
Alongside his veterinary career, Mr Wolstenholme has a keen interest in radio. He is the director of Oldham Community Radio, and uses his platform to promote independent business.
He has hosted an ‘Ask the Vet’ programme on the station, and has also produced a documentary about the CMA investigation at BSAVA Congress.
As business development manager, Mr Wolstenholme will support the group as it assists independent practices to network and develop their businesses.
Mr Wolstenholme said: “I have always had a passion for independent businesses of all types. Through radio, that spirit of community business drive and uniqueness is fostered daily whenever I meet a new start-up or an independent enterprise.
“This incredible opportunity to join FIVP - a federation of like-minded ‘vet world’ colleagues - makes me feel valued, humbled and appreciated. I'm looking forward to catching up on those missing few years!”
Rita Dingwall said: “I am so delighted to be working with a dear friend and colleague once again. Someone who is as passionate about independent practices and the community, as the FIVP team.”
Image © FIVP
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
