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Improve International acquired by Benchmark Holdings
David Babington
Improve is the provider of official veterinarian training for England, Scotland and Wales.
Acquisition of CPD company to strengthen Benchmark's technical division

Benchmark Holdings Plc has acquired 100 per cent of CPD company Improve International, it was announced this week.

Swindon-based Improve was established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons. It offers CPD courses for veterinary professionals in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia and mainland Europe.

Last year, the company was also awarded a contract by the AHVLA (now APHA) to provide official veterinarian training and revalidation services in England, Scotland and Wales for a three-year period. This is carried out in partnership with Harper Adams University and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies.

Benchmark believes there is significant scope for developing the courses online through its Technical Publishing division, which provides global knowledge transfer, technical insight, e-learning and market analysis for the food supply chain, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

Improve's directors David Babington, Heber Alves and Rui Lobao will remain in the company.

Commenting on the acquisition, Benchmark's chief executive Malcolm Pye, said: "The acquisition of Improve will enable us to combine our digital and distance learning expertise with Improve’s veterinary content across Europe, enhancing our ability to serve the professionals in our key veterinary markets.

"This is a significant step forward for our Technical Publishing division in both of the food and companion animal markets. We plan to take Improve’s successful, face-to-face courses and deliver content digitally on an international basis."

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

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Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk