Awards honour contribution and commitment of SQPs

Registration has opened for the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) Congress 2025, set to take place on 24 and 25 April at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.The event aims to inspire and equip the next generation of veterinary leaders while challenging experienced leaders with insights into emerging trends and advanced strategies.The congress will feature three streams: Building foundations: designed for new and aspiring leaders, offering insights into leadership fundamentals. Expanding horizons: for experienced leaders, addressing topics such as 'quiet quitting', combating misinformation and exploring service expansion opportunities. Discovering opportunities: workshops and panel discussions, including the launch of the second VMG State of UK Veterinary Leadership report.The first edition highlighted significant gaps in leadership skills, with only 1 per cent of respondents rating their expertise as 'excellent'.Keynote speaker Calvin Akotuah, cofounder of Loud Speaker and a finalist in the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards, will deliver a talk on resilience, motivation and fostering positive change.Returning highlights include morning 'walkshops' along the River Avon and a positive psychology workshop by Art of Brilliance.The VMG has also introduced a discounted 'aspiring leader' package to encourage attendance by emerging leaders. For tickets visit: https://vmgevents.co.uk/booking-and-prices/Stars of the animal health industry have been acknowledged at the National SQP Awards ceremony, held annually for all categories of suitably qualified person (SQP).The awards recognise and reward excellence among SQPs and the businesses in which they work, showcasing the positive impact SQPs have on animal health and wellbeing.The SQP of the Year was chosen from the winners of all other categories and was presented to Amelia Newby of Howells Veterinary Services.Amelia was voted as the winner of two other awards, Newly Qualified SQP and Veterinary Practice SQP of the Year, before being selected as the overall winner.She works on farm advising clients and it is this unique position that enables her to build strong relationships and gain clients' trust, she says.John Millward of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to animal health.Having been involved in the animal health industry for more than 30 years, he was instrumental in the overhaul of the legislation to form the Veterinary Medicines Regulations in 2005 and has supported retailers of POM-VPS and NFA-VPS through both legislation and inspection.Among the other winners was Andy Currall who won the Nutritional Expertise category.Andy, who is deputy manager of Jollyes pet store