A Tyneside based veterinary practice has shown it has good pedigree as it continues to expand since accessing Business Link support to get up and running.

Metrovets, one of Newcastle’s newest veterinary practices, has been steadily increasing registered client and pet numbers since skilled veterinary surgeon Neil Murdoch set it up 18 months ago with help from the business support organisation.

Neil, who has over 10 years’ experience caring for small animals and domestic pets within veterinary chains, wanted to run his own practice where the emphasis was on outstanding levels of customer service and clinical care, however he was aware he needed guidance with the more fundamental aspects of running a business.

Speaking about his veterinary approach, Neil said: “My intention has always been to provide a first-class, personal service where the wellbeing of the pets and the overall experience of their owners comes first. Continuity of care is extremely important and this is something I am keen will continue as the business develops.”

In the early stages, Business Link adviser Paul Brown was able to provide advice and information in a wide range of areas including business planning, legislation and employing people to help Neil gain the skills and experience to give the business the best possible start. Business Link was also able to help Metrovets to access funding from the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) to help finance marketing activity.

More recently, Business Link has been able to help Neil to manage his finances more effectively by identifying funding to bring in an accountancy consultant who designed a bespoke system and trained Neil in its use. Paul was able to ensure the smooth implementation of the funding application to the NEEIC and was also able to help identify a suitable consultant from the North East England Service Provider Register (NEESPR).

Neil commented: “I approached Business Link completely open-minded and have been pleased with the wide range of support I have been able to access. Whenever I’ve had a query Paul has been able to point me in the right direction and the support he has provided around the accountancy project has been especially invaluable. By managing this side of the business myself I have been able to reduce costs that I would otherwise have had to spend on an accountant or bookkeeper and it has allowed me to become more business aware.”

Metrovets provides a wide range of services for small animals including ongoing and emergency treatment, vaccinations, worming and flea control, dental care and neuturing. The surgery also has private car parking facilities and offers a monthly healthcare plan so that customers can set up a monthly standing order for the preventative care of their pets. The business, which is based in Longbenton, employs four staff in total and hopes to expand and may take on an additional veterinary surgeon as the practice expands. In the first year Metrovets exceeded financial targets by over 20% and is on track to see similar levels of success this year.

Business Link adviser Paul Brown said: “I am very proud that in such a short space of time, and by maximising the support available through Business Link, Neil has built up the business into the success it is today.

“By gaining the expertise to take the company’s finances into his own hands, Neil has had a positive effect on cashflow and will be more business savvy as Metrovets develops and grows.”