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Starting out in veterinary practice ownership

Onswitch has supported countless start-up practices, so wherever you are on the journey, we can help.

Owning your own practice is certainly rewarding, but managing and growing a business requires a specific skill set that you may not have needed previously in your career. Onswitch has supported countless start-up practices, so wherever you are on the journey, we can help.

Why do I need help starting out?

Most people starting out in veterinary practice ownership have worked in the profession previously, many are vets or nurses. And whilst your clinical background gives you a deep understanding of day-to-day practice management and the importance of an excellent customer experience, launching a commercial venture needs different knowledge and skills.

Onswitch will work alongside you for as much or as little of the planning journey as you want. We offer a range of options, from ad hoc business advice to comprehensive new site viability audits to training and reporting programmes to help your new practice achieve its full potential. No question is too silly, no idea too grand. You can be sure that we’ve heard or seen most things before and we’re not easily fazed!

line drawing of rocket launch

How does it work?

Depending on what stage of the planning process you are on, we’ll recommend a blended approach that brings together the right balance of research and business consultancy. Every project is unique, and our services typically comprise of some or all of the following:

Open your own practice workshop

Our ever-popular practical workshop features two sessions designed to give you all the insight and skills needed to make a success of your new veterinary business.

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Veterinary business consultancy and support

When you need a fresh pair of eyes and an experienced head to help refocus your priorities, Onswitch’s highly experienced team of veterinary business specialists is here for you.

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New practice viability study

Unbiased, honest and detailed pre-purchase analysis of potential veterinary properties or sites.

Find out more

You can find out much more about how these work by clicking through to the relevant pages above.

What do I get?

Onswitch is renowned for the breadth and depth of experience that our team bring to every project. We’ll allocate a project manager for you and they’ll be happy to answer every query you may have, or point you in the right direction to find help. Our service is professional, discreet and honest – we won’t sell you things you don’t need and our recommendations will always be evidenced with facts and data. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.

people sat in veterinary practice waiting area

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the course - eye opening and so interesting, it has changed the way I think and will handle calls forever

Camilla ChurchVet and Business Owner, Perth Equine Vets

Onswitch have been transformative for the structure and management of our practice. We have used them since about 6 months after we opened and we have gone from chaotic disorganised mayhem to chaotic organised mayhem. Exactly the way we like it! Always helpful, always there, they have allowed our business to grow and thrive in a vision that still remains 'us'

Carly DayVet and Business Owner, Bury St Edmunds Veterinary Centre

We requested a Business Health Check as we had experienced rather rapid growth at the practice and felt we were losing some direction. Having an outside view of the business have us an honest and real account of where we were, what needed to be done to achieve what we wanted and a framework to support this. We have made inroads into starting processes to improve our ways of working and are enjoying seeing the impact these ongoing developments are already having for our team and our patients.

Lucy ButlerAldgate Veterinary Practice

Onswitch's price checker provided us with some really valuable insights into our competitors and ensured that we were pricing our common procedures competitively. It was really good value and saved us a lot of leg work!

Ellie LeeBusiness Owner, Manchester Cat Clinic

We've used the Consult Coach program for a number of years, and find it particularly effective with our early career veterinarians. While filming consultations can be daunting, we find the feedback process is ultimately rewarding and drives positive change. The 7 Steps process gives a clear framework for effective consultations and the personalised feedback helps them improve and gain confidence as well as get better outcomes for clients, pets and their clinics.

Lindsay EvansGreencross Vets, Veterinary Learning and Development Manager

Alison's advice has been invaluable both before and after opening our independent small animal practice and helped the practice to thrive. Her wide ranging experience at a national and international level and pragmatic approach are brilliant to give an outside perspective.

Emily Knight, Business Owner, Wight Vets

The New Practice Viability Study offered by Onswitch was immensely helpful in starting our new business on solid foundation. Not only did it help me carefully choose our premises but it also opened my eyes to various factors that had never been brought to my attention before. Sophie C and Alison were incredible supportive throughout the entire premises journey and were always available to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend Onswitch's viability study!

Wojciech WoszczynskiBusiness Owner, Bluebell Veterinary Surgery