b'AD FEATUREA partner in success: the Heritage Vets storyEvery veterinary practice has its own unique story. For Becky Keeble BVM&S MRCVS and Sara Murray BVM&S MRCVS, that story began as a shared dream that ultimately led to the foundation of Heritage Vets. We had a very clear vision for Heritage Vets. Seeing ownersour Covetrus representative. She really went above and beyond, through both the good times and the bad is a privilege. Weespecially in the early days.are passionate about looking after both our patients and our clients and wanted that to shine through when ownersBecky added that Christies support has remained walked through our doors. But we also wanted our team to beinstrumental throughout the process, helping smooth the a priority. Having full autonomy to look after them and helpinevitable bumps in the road, as well as organising a pre-nurture the love for the veterinary profession that we bothlaunch lunch and learn for Heritage staff. Christie even came share was central to that vision. to the practice to help us unpack our first order and make sure we were set up and ready for the off. Shes very much part of Finding the right partner the team. Becky adds that knowing what they wanted was one thingSupportive guidancebut making that dream a reality was another. Quite early on we realised we needed a supportive wholesale partner whoAs the process has unfolded, having a buying group that could guide us, help with some of the day-to-day decisioncommunicates so well with the wholesaler has proved making and leave us with more time to focus on the aspectsinvaluable and Becky highlighted the value of working with of practice planning that needed our input. Recruiting ourPBG, which is part of the Covetrus group. Graham at PBG team for example. Or researching and picking our laparoscopyexceeded all our expectations. If we needed to meet in the equipment. evening or at the weekend to fit around our working hours, he would make sure it happened. His knowledge is second to none. Setting up a practice is not without its challenges, but After an introduction to the team atChristie and Graham have been that safe pair of hands we When the practice welcomed its first patients on April 22ndneeded to help keep our stress levels to an absolute minimum.2024, with two veterinary nurses and two receptionistsCovetrus, Becky says the comprehensive suite of completing the team, it marked the culmination of monthssolutions they offered immediately set theA promising futureof meticulous planning and anticipation. company apart.From the first meeting in November, to the presentFirm foundations day with a pristine operating suite, bustling waitingroom and the doors well and truly open, Covetrus has been Sara graduated from Edinburgh in 2003, and Becky in 2013.A meeting at the London Vet Show proved pivotal. Afterthere to support Becky and Sara, seamlessly integrating with Both initially honed their skills in mixed animal practice. As wellan introduction to the team at Covetrus, Becky says thetheir vision. Becky says, The team at Covetrus feel like part as their love of clinical work, a dedication to nurturing teams,comprehensive suite of solutions they offered immediately setof Heritage Vets. They get us and their expertise and building client relationships and prioritising the welfare of theirthe company apart. With Becky and Saras time at a premium,shared enthusiasm for the success of the practice is patients laid a solid foundation for what was to come. Afterthe benefits of an integrated approach to practice set-up and aunparalleled. We cannot wait to see what the future leaving their clinical director roles at their previous practice, thesingle partner handling everything from practice managementholds.pairs path to practice ownership began. systems to supply chain logistics was a game-changer. Building the vision The ethos of the Premier Buying Group (PBG) also caughtIf youve been inspired by From the early days of brainstorming around Beckys kitchenBecky and Saras attention and cemented their decision thatHeritage Vets storytable to finally opening the doors in April 2024, the pathCovetrus was the right fit for them. and want to discover how to ownership has been a busy, but rewarding time. BeckyAbove and beyond Covetrus can help you in setting explains that from the outset, navigating the intricacies ofup your own practice, you can contact setting up a practice was challenging. With demanding workFrom this initial meeting, the pace to practice ownership pickedthem on 01387 274 700 or email lives as well as young families to care for, they were lookingup. Becky says, We wouldnt be in the position we are, with theenquiries@covetrus.comfor a trusted partner to join them on their journey.practice already open and welcoming clients, without Christie, 26'