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Further details revealed for VMA Annual Awards
Shaparak Khorsandi will host the annual awards event.
Shaparak Khorsandi announced as host of veterinary awards.

The Veterinary Marketing Association has announced the finalists for its New Marketing Talent Award, given to a new marketer who has demonstrated success within the veterinary and animal health industry.

Sponsored by the British Dairying magazine, the award will be presented at the VMA Annual Awards in March, and the winner will receive a £1,000 personal award and £2,000 Marketing CPD bursary.

The three finalists are:
  • Evgeniya Kostova – marketing communications officer at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
  • Blaise Scott-Morris – equine marketing and technical manager at MSD Animal Health
  • Christina Brazzale – marketing executive at Crematoria CVS (UK) Ltd.
Prior to the awards ceremony, all three of the finalists will be invited to an interview and case study exercise in order to decide a winner. In this process, each finalist will have the opportunity to demonstrate their marketing skills.

The Veterinary Marketing Association has also announced that the awards event will be hosted by prominent comedian, author, speaker and human-rights advocate Shaparak Khorsandi.

Establishing herself as one of the UK's most beloved comedians, Shaparak's sell-out Edinburgh show Asylum Speaker created an instant comedy hard-hitter, exploring her childhood experiences as a refugee fleeing Iran in a sensitive yet witty manner.

As a keynote speaker and awards host, Shaparak draws from her early stand-up shows, demonstrating the ability to handle serious subjects with a touch of humour. 

The VMA Annual Awards are set to take place on 17 March 2023 at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.