What does it look like when you have 80 vets and industry professionals working in teams to turn scrapheap content into an engineering work of art? XLVets found out exactly that at their recent AGM as members rose to the challenge at an AGM like no other to create a moveable structure that spanned over 100m.

Scrapheap challenge was just one of the many engaging activities that took place over the two-day event last month as XLVets broke down the normal expectations of a formal gathering. Without sacrificing quality discussions on relevant topics such as employee ownership trusts and procurement, the AGM was an exciting experience for all who attended. Mirroring the XLVets’ values of celebrating individuality and welcoming diversity, everyone had a voice in interactive discussions and workshops.

Alongside workshops and guest speakers, the AGM provided the backdrop for the launch of THRIVE – XLVets’ new strategic plan. Thrive stands for – Trusting teams, Humanity, Regeneration, Insights, Vet skills and Explore and is designed to support members as the future of veterinary evolves. A breakout workshop focussing on ‘Regeneration’ included conversations regarding the ongoing work of the XLVets Flexible Working Project with Alice Moore of Garston Vets and Silvia Janska from Flexee. Looking to education, Pete Holland from the University of Central Lancashire talked about the vision for their new veterinary school and their view of the future of veterinary education, and David Black spoke in his role as Director of Vet Sustain about their work, tools and resources to support a greener future in veterinary practice.

The AGM brought members from 46 different vet practices together to discuss current challenges in the profession and thoughts on how to embrace the evolving face of the veterinary industry. Vets were also joined by pharmaceutical representatives, practice managers and owners. Committed to ensuring members had plenty of time to connect outside of structured sessions, there was no shortage of extracurricular activities too – as well as the infamous scrapheap challenge, members were treated to karaoke, a beer festival and a pub quiz to name a few.

XLVets Chief Executive, Andrew Curwen, commented “We’d like to thank all our sponsors, with a particular shout out to our Platinum sponsors Boehringer Ingleheim, Forte Healthcare, MSD and Norbrook who have provided fantastic support.  We’d also really like to thank all the representatives of our sponsors in attendance for their active participation and involvement with our community and the activities at the event.”

The XLVets community is already looking forward to next year, Andrew continues “We continue to welcome new practices, both start up and established, into our community. Working together delivers success and enjoyment and if you embrace this collaboration, it will embrace you back.”

XLVets is a community of independent practices that collaborate with each other to share their skills, knowledge and experience. Members share a commitment to clinical excellence and work together to achieve much more than they could do alone. The community also offers a range of training courses from clinical CPD to business courses on running a practice. To learn more about XLVets, visit https://www.xlvets.co.uk/the-boss/