MerlinVet-cel Professional Development Day
October 1, 2024
MERLINVET-CEL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Thursday 24th October 2024
Celtic Manor Resort, Wales
On Thursday 24th October 2024, MerlinVet-cel will be hosting a CPD Day at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales. The event will run from 09.00 - 17.00 with the morning playing host to clinical sessions, while the afternoon will focus on business operations.
We understand how busy practice staff can be, so you are welcome to attend the full day, or pick and choose the sessions which interest you most between the clinical morning sessions and business afternoon sessions. MSD will be leading the morning clinical sessions, with the first being small animal-based focussing on their new Bravecto Injection for Dogs. The other is large animal-focussed with an introduction to the Bovilis Cryptium Vaccine. Hazlewoods LLP Accountants will lead the first afternoon business session on practice accounts, followed by HR specialists, WorkNest, looking at Health & Safety issues within practice.
Please register your interest to attend as soon as possible by emailing either Jon Baker (jon@merlinvetcel.com) or Donald Ramsay (donald@merlinvetcel.com).
This event is open to both members and non-members from independent practices.
Proposed Agenda
08.30 Delegates arrive - welcome coffee
09.00 - 10.30 Clinical Session 1 - Small Animal: Bravecto Injection in Dogs by MSD
Speaker: Sian Stockford, Companion Animal Technical Lead
10.30 Break
10.45 - 12:00 Clinical Session 2 - Large Animal: Large Animal Bovilis Cryptuim Vaccine by MSD
Speaker: Kat Baxter-Smith, Ruminant Business Unit Veterinary Advisor
12.00 - 14.00 Lunch
14.00 - 15.00 Business Session 1: Hazlewoods LLP Accountants, Practice Accounts
Speaker: Mark Harwood, Partner, Hazlewoods
15.00 Break
15.15 - 16.15 Business Session 2: WorkNest, Health & Safety
Speaker: Andrew Hall, Health & Safety Consultant, WorkNest
16.15 - 17.00 MerlinVet-cel Q&A
Speakers
Kat Baxter-Smith BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, Ruminant Business Unit Veterinary Advisor, MSD
Kat graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2010. She worked in mixed practices (equine and farm animal) in the UK for 7 years and completed an advanced certificate in large animal and equine internal medicine. She has been with MSD for 7 years, firstly as a field veterinary adviser and now as Sector Veterinary Adviser for Sheep and Beef. Her main field of interest is cattle youngstock health and she has published several papers in this area. Recently she has been focussing on respiratory health, specifically thoracic ultrasound in calves which she has pioneered as a diagnostic technique in the UK.
Sian Stockford, Companion Animal Technical Lead, MSD
Sian Stockford spent 20 years in mixed then small-animal practice before joining MSD as a Field Veterinary Advisor in 2017. In 2022 she took on the role of Lead Technical Vet and manages the small-animal Technical Team. Sian lives and breathes Bravecto and has a particular interest in tick lifecycles.
Andrew Hall, Health & Safety Consultant, WorkNest
Andrew's role is as a Senior Client Manager and Health & Safety Lead at WorkNest. He has been a health and safety practitioner for 15 years with a wealth of experience across a range of sectors and aspects of health and safety. With a background in construction, engineering, shipping, ports and logistics, Andrew is able to provide advice on new processes and systems that drive health and safety compliance. He has cross-sector knowledge, providing best-in-class advice and recommendations to SMEs and some of the UK’s largest organisations. Andrew is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH).
Mark Harwood, Partner, Hazelwoods LLP Accountants
Mark has been with Hazlewoods since 2003 and works solely with veterinary practices. He advises on a whole range of matters including profit improvement, tax planning, valuations, ownership change and buying and selling practices. He regularly writes for the veterinary press and lectures to the profession.
In addition to our core services of being a wholesaler, export business, and veterinary buying group, we are now offering some additional services which can help maximise your practice’s revenue. We’ll be showcasing this in London, so let us know when you’re booking a meeting if you’d like to discuss any of the following: Online MerlinVet Pet Shops Bespoke & Limitless Health Plans & Treatment Plans Home Delivery of Prescription Products: MerlinVet Direct Make sure you visit us at London Vet Show to experience some animal magic – with themed games, giveaways and prizes, there’s going to be lots of magical experiences at Stand V55! We’ll have Merlin’s cauldron on the stand full to the brim with sorcery – hook out a ball inside and you may win a prize! We will also be on hand to answer any queries relating to our buying group, MerlinVet-cel, as well as MerlinVet Export, and of course our services through MerlinVet UK such as Special Import Products, fertility equipment, equine products, and more. Schedule a meeting below! Book a meeting with the team About London Vet Show: London Vet Show is the pinnacle of veterinary education, dedicated to providing high-quality CPD. With a carefully curated programme developed by veterinary experts, the event features handpicked speakers renowned for their knowledge and experience in tackling common challenges faced by veterinary teams. This two-day conference allows you to learn from industry-leading speakers, gain valuable insights, and transform your career and practice. It’s also the perfect platform for building connections. Engage with passionate veterinary professionals, pioneers, and experts from all over the world to discuss key topics, find creative solutions, and share ideas. Don’t miss the Vet Show Happy Hour on the show floor, a great way to unwind and network with the community. The event showcases over 400 industry-leading exhibitors, offering a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations, try out new equipment, and chat with suppliers. Whether you’re comparing products or testing cutting-edge technology, the exhibition floor is where the future of veterinary care unfolds. The London Vet Show is not just about education – it’s an unparalleled experience, packed with opportunities for professional growth, networking, and hands-on learning. Don’t miss out on this exciting event, designed to elevate your veterinary practice and career to new heights. You can see what we got up to at LVS 2024 below: Find out more About MerlinVet MerlinVet is a full-service veterinary solutions provider for practices in both the UK and abroad, with specialisms in fertility equipment, sourcing Special Import Products which other wholesalers cannot provide, and exporting veterinary products globally. With additional expertise in providing health plan solutions and developing new veterinary software, as well as gas exposure monitoring and our buying group, our deep sector knowledge can add a touch of animal magic to practices, and ultimately fulfil our main ambitions of supporting the veterinary industry while enhancing animal health and welfare. If you’re visiting us at London Vet Show, make sure you’re following us on our socials to keep up to date with our activities: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Join our mailing list Recent Posts
MerlinVet will be exhibiting at the VET Trust Conference 2025 which will be taking place on Tuesday 3rd – Wednesday 4th June at the Stirling Court Hotel in Stirling. The conference aims “to provide topical and useful education targeted at Veterinary Surgeons in practice in a setting where there is ample opportunity to meet informally with speakers, colleagues, pharmaceutical and equipment representatives.” There will be several different streams at the conference, including equine, companion animal, nurse, and production animal. The AGM will be held on the Tuesday at 17.15 with the conference dinner taking place afterwards from 19.00 onwards. You can book your conference tickets here . You’ll be able to meet with representatives of the team covering MerlinVet-cel , MerlinSPS , and MerlinVet UK. About Vet Trust: VET Trust is a non-profit making, charitable organisation. It is run by a board of directors with the objective of providing, promoting, encouraging, and advancing the continuing education of those involved in alleviating the suffering of animals and who are engaged in or associated with the practice of the art and science of veterinary medicine and surgery.
Millpledge Veterinary is pleased to announce a new direct sales partnership with MerlinVet-Cel Buying Group, effective 1st April 2025. This collaboration is set to enhance access to Millpledge’s high-quality veterinary supplies for MerlinVet-Cel’s extensive network of veterinary practices across the UK. By joining forces, Millpledge and MerlinVet-Cel aim to streamline procurement processes, providing competitive pricing with rebates, improved availability of essential products—including bandages, syringes, and pharmaceuticals—and a more efficient supply chain. This partnership reflects Millpledge’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterinary professionals with reliable, high-quality solutions and aligns with MerlinVet-Cel’s dedication to delivering exceptional value to its members, ultimately fostering better care for animals nationwide. For details on how to sign up for your direct account, please visit the Millpledge supplier page on the MerlinVet-Cel members' site.
