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Measuring customer experience really matters
It is really important that practices monitor and measure whether clients would recommend them.
Staff must know why they do what they do, in order to perform well

Find your ‘why’ was the first thing Alison Lambert said in her lecture in the business theatre at the London Vet Show.

Nietzsche said: “He who has a why can endure any how”.

This was the theme of the lecture and Alison made it very clear that unless staff know why they are doing what they do, they will not perform as well as they should. This has a knock-on effect in the delivery of all areas of the service you are providing, because you are not giving your team a purpose.

The customer experience is directly related to your business success, so poor service means poor customer experience and poor success. Alison asked: “How many bad experiences will a customer put up with before they leave you, however good your clinical services are?”

The power of recommendation is enormous and it is really important that practices monitor and measure whether clients would recommend them to others. Research has shown that 50 per cent of any purchases are driven by emotion and this can also be directly equated to the quality of service provided.

Alison was passionate about practices being clear on why they are there and imparting this to their staff. This in turn empowers and motivates the practice team. A motivated team will deliver a much better service to clients and, in turn, clients will recommend you to others.

The customer experience is intrinsically linked to your bottom line. Latest figures show that there are now 5,050 practices in the UK - almost double the number from less than 10 years ago. This kind of extra competition means that the ‘why’, the ‘what’ and the customer experience cannot be ignored.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.