FIVP is pleased to announce that Ian Wolstenholme has joined the team as a Business Development Manager.
Ian will work alongside Rita Dingwall in the role, which will see him represent and promote independent veterinary practices across the UK.
Ian Wolstenholme is a former practice manager, with fifteen years of experience in practice management.
He was a member of the Veterinary Practice Management Association (later the Veterinary Management Group) from 2005 until he left practice in 2018 – joining the board in 2012. When the group introduced Practice Life magazine, Ian took the role of editor.
He was also a finalist in the 2015 Petplan Practice Manager of the Year category.
Ian’s career in the veterinary industry began in 2005, when he was offered a position as practice manager at Ian McConnell Veterinary Practice, an independent veterinary practice in Mossley, Greater Manchester.
Ian quickly developed a passion for the customer-oriented, pro-active nature of an independent practice. In the ten years he spent in the role, he saw the practice grow from one vet, one nurse and one receptionist to a full, multi-disciplinary team which went on to bigger and better premises.
In his next practice manager role Ian joined County’s End Veterinary Practice, a nearby independent practice with a similar passion for teamwork and customer care. However, with the practice’s owner looking to move on to new opportunities, he knew that the future of the practice was uncertain.
When a veterinary corporation arrived three years later and acquired the practice, Ian saw first hand the impact that they had on businesses.
Ian, and many other team members, left the practice soon afterwards. It is now closed.
Throughout his career, Ian has maintained a passion for community radio. He is currently director of Oldham Community Radio, where he has continued to advocate for independent practice.
He has previously hosted a popular ‘Ask the Vet’ slot on the station, and recently produced a documentary about the impact of the CMA investigation which he created at BSAVA Congress.
Ian Wolstenholme said: “I have always had a passion for independent businesses of all types. Through radio, that spirit of community business drive and uniqueness is fostered daily whenever I meet a new start-up or an independent enterprise.
“This incredible opportunity to join FIVP – a federation of like-minded ‘vet world’ colleagues – makes me feel valued, humbled and appreciated. I’m looking forward to catching up on those missing few years!”
Rita Dingwall said: “I am so delighted to be working with a dear friend and colleague once again. Someone who is as passionate about independent practices and the community, as the FIVP team.
“As FIVP goes from strength to strength, Ian’s expertise and radio abilities will be a great asset for promoting and representing the value of independent practice.”
