Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Nick Henderson, founder and president of VMA, has died aged 92
Nick Henderson is remembered for developing an "external voice" for the profession.
VMA pays tribute to a "tireless campaigner" 

Nick Henderson, founder and president of the Veterinary Marketing Association (VMA), has died aged 92. Mr Henderson passed away on Sunday, 23 December 2018.

VMA chair, Jane Manning, commented: “As the founder member and president of our wonderful association, Nick was such an inspiration to all of those lucky enough to meet and work with him.

“Nick continued to support the VMA and attend our annual awards event throughout his presidency. We all have some wonderful memories, not least his attendance and fabulous speech to the 300+ guests at our annual awards ceremony in March 2018 at the age of 92.

“He will be greatly missed and our sincere condolences go to Nick’s family.”

Nick Henderson BSc, MRCVS Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, was involved in setting up what was to become the BSAVA, as well as in the development of veterinary societies and associations over the past 60 years.

Fulfilling his childhood dream to become a veterinary surgeon, Mr Henderson graduated from Glasgow veterinary school in 1951 and went on to help organise the very first BSAVA congress in 1958.

Mr Henderson became the founding chairman of the Pharmaceutical Marketing Club in 1975 and founded the VMA in 1988, followed by the Associations of Veterinarians in Industry (AVI). Mr Henderson also became president of the International Aspirin Foundation and chairman of Henderson Group One.

In July 2015, Mr Henderson was awarded an RCVS Honorary Fellowship for services to the veterinary profession.

Mr Henderson is remembered and recognised by the VMA as a “tireless campaigner” for veterinary surgeons and for developing an “external voice” for the profession.

Mr Henderson’s funeral will take place on Friday, 25 January 2019 at 1 p.m. The service will be held at St Peters & St Paul’s, the parish church of West Clandon, just north of Guildford. All are welcome.

Please send any enquiries or condolences to Alice Laurens: secretary@vma.org.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.