BUSINESS - PAST ARTICLES

October 2008
The absence bug
The contentious and often controversial issue of employee absence can lead small businesses into financial ruin. Sinead Keane examines what employers can do to tackle this prevailing problem.

September 2008
60 – it’s a magic number!
Senior Manager in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Pension Solutions Group, Emmet Gibson offers IVJ
readers advice on the ever-evolving area of pensions.

August 2008
NERA: Nearer to employment law compliance?
The Irish Veterinary Journal reports

July 2008
Past to present
Melanie O’Donoghue, VN, VetAssist explores the design and redevelopment of the historic practice at
Athenry Pet Clinic.

June 2008
Smooth flow of information in the veterinary practice
James Barnes examines the importance of workflow in daily operations and provides tips to ensure the
smooth flow of people, pets and information through your practice.

May 2008
Practice makes perfect
Melanie O’Donoghue VN, VetAssist, looks at the development of a new companion animal practice
premises in Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15.

April 2008
Marketing in veterinary practice II: Getting started
In the second of our articles on marketing in the veterinary industry, Susan McKay BVMS, MRCVS, MBA
looks at how to put marketing theory into practice.

March 2008
Marketing in veterinary practice I: ‘Talking dirty’?
Susan McKay BVMS MRCVS MBA, in the first article of a two-part series on marketing in the veterinary
industry, looks at why this element of business should not be a taboo subject for veterinary practitioners.

February 2008
Finding and keeping a job in Ireland
Whether applying for your first job as a new graduate or changing your job later in your career, looking for a new position can be a daunting experience. Martin Downes, Dublin Veterinary Locums, looks at some of the issues that arise when looking for a job and tips to keep the perfect job when you find it.

January 2008
Taking your practice management system with you
James de Wesselow looks at the unique technological needs of the large animal practitioner.

December 2007
Building positive workplace relationships and teams
Consultant workplace mediator and conflict management coach Mary Rafferty looks at ways to build positive relationships in the workplace.

November 2007
Bullying and harassment in the workplace
Consultant workplace mediator and conflict management coach Mary Rafferty looks at how to deal with bullying and harassment at work.

October 2007
Is a house the best home for your pension?
Emmet Gibson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, discusses pension planning and, specifically, the Veterinary Ireland Pension Scheme.

September 2007
Managers and leaders – the twin pillars of success
Professor Adrian Furnham of University College London is speaking on the topic of ‘Successful and unsuccessful managers: the psychology of leadership’ at the VPMA Congress taking place in Bristol in January 2008. As a taster, Brian Wright, VPMA Hon. Sec., explores the relationship between managers and leaders.

July 2007
Merchandising in your clinic: Why and how?
In the final part of our series by Philippe Moreau, the Veterinary Practice Management Consultant looks at merchandising in the practice environment.

June 2007
Communication tools of today and tomorrow
Veterinary Practice Management Consultant Philippe Moreau looks at the importance of valuing your clients using simple communication techniques.

May 2007
Clients’ needs and expectations
Veterinary practice management consultant Philippe Moreau looks at what today’s client is looking for from his or her veterinary practice

April 2007
Stock control - pitfalls and practical solutions
Mind the millilitres and the litres will look after themselves.
Phil Scanlan looks at how to keep track of what’s on your shelves.

March 2007
NCE - a NiCE way to study?
Peter Bishton, Operations Executive at Veterinary Ireland,
reports on the launch by the Small Firms Association of a National Centre of Excellence
for owner-managers.

December 2006
News in brief

November 2006
Why do vets need a practice manager?
Clare Wright

October 2006
Launch of the FDI in Ireland
In the second of a two part series on the Fort Dodge Index in Ireland, we look at how your practice can get involved.

September 2006
Benchmarking for business success
In the first of a two-part series looking the launch of the Fort Dodge Index in Ireland we look at the basics of the scheme and its success in the UK

August 2006
Funding the longest holiday of your life
Emmet Gibson, a Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers Pension Solutions Group, looks at using your SSIA to provide for your retirement.

July 2006
Choosing health insurance cover for veterinary surgeons
Gary Ellison, of Ellison Financial Consultants, provides free independent health insurance advice to Veterinary Ireland members.

June 2006
Not getting paid on time? Then toughen up!
Avine McNally, Small Firms Association, examines the effects of debtors on small businesses in general and what steps businesses might take to minimise bad debt.

May 2006
Health and safety matters ... it certainly does
Peter Bishton examines health and safety within a veterinary context.

April 2006
Employee Handbooks
David Nunan, senior HR consultant at Graphite HRM, looks at the value of employee handbooks
in the workplace

March 2006
An easy birth...legislatively speaking
Peter Bishton, Operations Executive with Veterinary Ireland, takes a look at the employment legislation covering maternity.

February 2006
The 2005 Vets Now annual Congress
Martin Downes, from Dublin Veterinary Locums, reports from the second Vets Now Annual Congress.

January 2006
It’s good to talk – But am I allowed?
Peter Bishton, Operations Executive at Veterinary Ireland, explores the personal use of business telecommunications and describes the importance of acceptable use policies.