Dr Ben Hanning
“Corporate” doesn’t have to mean controlling, and “independent” doesn’t have to mean alone. Here are some of the insights that really stayed with us from Dr Ben Hanning’s session at the Best Practice Summit.
Dr Ben Hanning
Since we launched VetThing in the UK last autumn, I have been bowled over by the response from colleagues in the profession who are keen to understand what we offer and why our approach is different. It’s been energising to have such productive conversations with fellow vets and their teams over the last few months and I am delighted to welcome these first five practices into the VetThing community.
“When we decided on the name for the company it was born out of an often unspoken understanding that those within the profession have, where we catch each other's eye knowing ‘it's a vet thing’ which sometimes only we recognise. We truly understand the many challenges of being a vet or working in any aspect of veterinary care today. Many of us became vets because we want to look after our patients – but we’re not always very good at looking after ourselves in what has become an increasingly pressurised environment.
“Being part of VetThing offers the opportunity to retain autonomy while supporting each other, sharing knowledge and collaborating together. This ethos is at the heart of our intent to build the country’s strongest veterinary community – one that champions both individual skill and collective expertise.
“What is obvious from the first wave of practices joining VetThing is that one size does not fit all. We are in this for the long haul, and we firmly believe that while we are great on our own, we are better together. It’s clearly the right time for a group like VetThing – one that invests in people, as well as in bricks and mortar.”
Each practice will continue to operate locally, retaining its identity and independence, while benefiting from our wider European network, shared expertise, and additional support.
Our ownership model reflects that same thinking. With more than half of the business owned by employees, we’re creating a structure where vets and practice leaders can share directly in what we build together.
We believe there’s a different way to grow. One that invests in people as much as infrastructure. One that recognises that while practices are strong individually, they can be even stronger together.
We’re now continuing those conversations with practices and professionals who want to explore what being part of VetThing could look like.
Behind every veterinary role is a story that often starts the same way. A love of animals. A desire to help. A sense that this is where you’re meant to be. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who turned that love into a calling, and the girls who dream of following in their footsteps.
Across Europe, Vetopia has grown into a network of more than 200 practices, built around a simple idea. When veterinary professionals are properly supported, they can deliver better care.
Behind every veterinary role is a story that often starts the same way. A love of animals. A desire to help. A sense that this is where you’re meant to be. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who turned that love into a calling, and the girls who dream of following in their footsteps.
Across Europe, Vetopia has grown into a network of more than 200 practices, built around a simple idea. When veterinary professionals are properly supported, they can deliver better care.
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