We know you have a passion in entrepreneurism and business development where did this stem from?

I’ve always enjoyed project management and exploring new business opportunities. Before going to Bristol Vet School, I had been involved in running large scale events (for several thousand people), several of which were new events I had pitched and written the budgets/marketing plans for, and running a cocktail bar. So perhaps it started there. Veterinary practice itself can lend itself to some brilliant opportunities for entrepreneurism and business development. The obvious example is by following the partnership route, however, there are many other options – as we will discuss at LVS!

You are speaking at this year’s show in the BVA Career Development Theatre! “Selling it well: How to be entrepreneurial within a corporate structure” we’d love to hear us more about your session!

I frequently hear that you can’t be entrepreneurial or set up new services in a corporate practice. And I also know that, like me, not everyone can afford to set up on their own. So the idea of the session was to use two real-life case studies, that I successfully launched, to demonstrate how you can take an idea to reality. Even in a corporate structure!

The case studies I’m going to talk about are Midlands Advanced Breeding Services (an advanced breeding service for small ruminants which I launched in 2021) and a new branch/expansion of an existing practice which was greenlit in 2022.

Whilst the two examples are farm animal related, the principles will apply to vets working in any sector. And, we will leave delegates with a toolkit and downloadable resources/key points to take away and brainstorm with in their own practices.

What made you want to pursue a career in veterinary in particular large farm animal practice?

I went to vet school without knowing which field I wanted to work in after graduation. The decision to enter farm-animal practice came during my clinical years. And, to me, it’s one of the brilliant things of qualifying able to work in all species. If I hadn’t been able to see genuine mixed practice and spend time with some inspirational vets who taught me about farm-animal practice as well as working with farmers who had a genuine interest in letting me learn, I wouldn’t have felt confident enough to apply for a mixed-practice job as a new-graduate which, in turn led to me applying for a farm-only post as my second job.

What is your favourite thing about large farm animal practice?

The relationships you can forge with your clients and, the fact that you can be a trusted adviser to people’s livelihoods. Plus, nothing beats delivering a live calf/lamb after a difficult obstetrical presentation!

In 2018, You were President of The Association of Veterinary Students, which is an incredible achievement, what guidance would you give to young veterinary professionals and students starting out in an often-challenging industry?

I think it’s important as a student and a new graduate to keep talking, asking questions and networking as well as building your support and social networks. One of the best ways to really understand the profession is to come along to events such as London Vet Show, BCVA Congress or BSAVA. Sessions such as the community masterminds or the V:SGD networking are full of people who would be only too happy to have a conversation with an enthusiastic student and offer some advice or mentorship. Many of these have reduced price student tickets or student volunteering opportunities too.

You’ve spoken at many events, written articles and even appeared on podcasts sharing your advice knowledge and experiences, what’s your advice for those who are looking to also give back, support the veterinary industry, but don’t know where to start?

Take the opportunities that come your way, even if they feel a bit outside of your comfort zone! The other thing I learnt since joining the editorial board of Livestock journal is that many journals or veterinary publications have author guidance or editorial top-tips available which can help you structure that paper or article that you want to write.

Also, giving back or supporting the industry doesn’t have to be on any particularly grand scale. Just starting by mentoring your new graduates or, volunteering to give a clinical club lecture at the nearest vet school are powerful ways to #payitforward.

How did it feel to be part of the debuting Thirty Under 30 2022?

It was a great privilege to be named in the Thirty Under 30 2022, especially considering the calibre of the other list members! Knowing that someone had taken the time to submit a nomination about me is pretty humbling.

Why is Thirty Under 30 important to the industry in your eyes?

Starting out in practice can hard and, the Thirty Under 30 provides an opportunity to showcase some of the many great young members of the profession. I think it’s particularly important that the Thirty Under 30 includes members of the profession working in all fields (such as clinical practice, industry, education and importantly vet nurses too!). This ensures that graduates can see how many different paths we can follow in this industry and the many opportunities available.

What’s your message to the new Class Of 2023?

Make the most of the opportunities that the year ahead will offer you. Right from the start and the awards ceremony at LVS the networking opportunities and chance to meet so many other inspirational people is incredible. We had a whatsapp group for the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2022 and that was great for staying in touch and collaborating throughout the year.

And finally, of course what’s your favourite thing about the London Vet Show?

It’s super exciting to return to speak at London Vet Show, having delivered a lecture as a student at LVS 2018. For me, it’s got to be the opportunity to socialise with friends and colleagues as well as catch up with people you haven’t seen for ages & meet new faces.