Last month, we announced that we had (unexpectedly!) won the Dynamic Strategies Award at the Vet Dynamics Conference. Not only was this a lovely surprise, but a real testament to the hard work of our team. Once a year, Vet Dynamics invites owners and teams of independent practices to come together. They celebrate the dedication, passion, and leadership that drives these types of practices forward. During this conference, we had a lovely surprise!

Vet Dynamics

Vet Dynamics believes that independent practices provide enormous value to their communities (and the humans managing them!). They support practices, like us, to ensure we are fit for purpose long into the future. This includes providing the best care for your animals and operating in a way that protects the wider environment. Every member of our team plays a part in ensuring we can do this. Over the last year, our team has embraced the changes we have implemented. It has enabled us to grow into our new Sherborne practice. 

Our philosophy

Being an independent practice isn’t easy but it is most certainly worth it! We are one of the very few independent practices in our area. We are sat within a sea of those who are corporately owned. Whilst this comes with its own set of challenges, it also has its benefits. As we manage our practice ourselves:

• We can adapt and change quickly as needed, without head office authorisation.
• You, as pet owners, have autonomy in your pet’s care; the people treating your pets are also responsible for making the decisions that ensure the smooth running of our practice day-to-day.
• The decisions we make are not influenced by or for the benefit of shareholders. They are made to improve pet care, owner experience, and team wellbeing. Most recently has included significant investment into facilities and ongoing and extensive team training. 

Dynamic Strategies Award

The Dynamic Strategies award was even more appreciated as it recognised the individual efforts of all of our team members. It was inclusive of all roles and responsibilities, recognising that each one plays a pivotal part in the success of our practice. Whilst this achievement was awarded to Matt, our Owner and Director, it was received on behalf of our whole team. Leanne, one of our Veterinary Surgeons (and leader of our Green Team!), attended the conference with Matt and was equally thrilled with the award. 

Vet Dynamics said “Matt Saunders, Director of Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons, has adeptly identified his particular interests, strengths and skill sets and now purposefully dedicates the majority of his time to tasks that only he can undertake. To achieve this, Matt has empowered his management and wider teams to utilise their own unique skill sets, confident that his expertise and support remain accessible when necessary. As a result, the team are more autonomous and able to achieve mastery in those areas they are most passionate about. Matt implemented his strategy seamlessly, creating a highly agile, innovative, and successful practice, that sets ambitious objectives and consistently meets them”.

Remaining proudly independent

Pet owners often ask us if our growth means that we are becoming corporate and the answer is, no! We are proudly independent. This is a huge part of our culture and philosophy as a practice. We will continue to remain proudly independent. This is a very exciting time for our practice as we continue to settle into our new building. Our team continues to expand their knowledge by undertaking further studies and we are expanding our wider visiting specialists. We will also continue to push the boundaries of what we can do in terms of pet care and operating sustainably. We may continue to grow, and welcome new pets and their owners through our doors, but we will continue to strive to maintain the same level of trusted service you have come to know and expect from our team.