Proud to support the veterinary sector

Published: November 20, 2025

Unity Trust Bank is proud to be returning to the London Vet Show, Europe’s largest veterinary conference and exhibition, on 20-21 November 2025.

The event provides us with a valuable opportunity to speak directly to veterinary professionals, allowing us to better understand their business aspirations and challenges, and discuss how Unity can help independent practices build long-term success.

At the event, we’ll be hosting a speaker session at 9am on Friday 21 November, where Relationship Managers Paul Kelly and Martin Leake will be joined by Chris Vowles from Christie & Co, Graham Scott from Shire Insurance and Greg Elliott, owner of Live Well Vets.

Together, they will discuss funding opportunities for independent veterinary practices – with a focus on current practice values, issues facing the sector, and how businesses can adapt and thrive in the months ahead.

Upcoming changes to the veterinary sector

In October 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released its provisional findings upon its review of veterinary services for household pets in the UK.

The report highlighted the need for greater transparency and clearer information for pet owners, with a proposed range of measures “aimed at bringing about a transformation in the experience of pet owners and empowering them to make the right choices.”[1]

According to the CMA, average vet prices across the market rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023 – well above the rate of inflation. It also found that pet owners pay 16.6% more on average at large vet groups than at independent vets.[2]

To help address the concerns raised, and reinvigorate competition in the market, a number of measures are expected to be introduced from May 2026, including:

·       Clear and accessible price lists for common treatments and consultations

·       Itemised estimates and invoices

·       Greater visibility around ownership

·       A cap on fees for written prescriptions

·       The development of a central price comparison website or database

For independent vets, these changes represent both challenge and opportunity. Practices may need to upgrade their software, review compliance processes, and invest in staff training to fully adhere to incoming measures.

These additional requirements are set against an already challenging backdrop – with veterinary professionals also managing concerns around the upcoming Autumn Budget, rising staff costs amid National Insurance hikes, and the risk of a “race to the bottom”, where consumers search for the cheapest care for their pets.

Despite this, there is still great opportunity for independent practices. From our work supporting customers in the veterinary sector, we have seen first-hand how businesses are becoming more agile and responsive to the latest industry demands – improving their efficiency, investing in new equipment, and expanding their in-house services.

It also remains vitally important for independents to emphasise value over cost – demonstrating the quality of their care, expertise, and trusted relationships in the community.

Customer Story

Earlier this year, an independent veterinary practice in Witham, Essex became employee-owned following six-figure funding from Unity Trust Bank.

Vet, Mike Probert, wanted his 30-strong team to take over Brookend Veterinary Practice when he retired as reward for their hard work and commitment.

Staff have bought the practice via a discretionary Employee Ownership Trust and thanks to a £400,000 refinance package from social impact bank Unity, Mike can eventually retire knowing the practice will continue its customer-focussed ethos.

Mike said: “When it came to considering exit strategies for me it was essential that any plan ensured the wonderful culture and care at Brookend was maintained and even grown.

“I wanted to make sure the animals and their owners continued to get the same friendly caring service.

“Finally, I wanted to reward everyone who has made Brookend what it is today, some team members have been here since we opened in 1990.

“I discussed this with Martin Leake, my Relationship Manager at Unity, and he was brilliant from the off. He understood what I was trying to do and because of Unity’s ethical values we were a great match.

“Employee ownership can be a complicated process at times but Unity has been amazing and being able to speak to the same person when you call is great.”

Supporting independent vets with value-led banking

At Unity, we recognise that for many, running a veterinary practice is a vocation, not simply a job. Independent vets live and breathe their profession and play a vital role in delivering positive social impact, by providing invaluable service and advice to owners and their pets.

As an ethical bank, we’re proud to support those who are working at the frontline of their communities. Our values reflect those we believe are important to many veterinary professionals, including commitment to service excellence and positive impact.

Our dedicated team of relationship managers bring extensive sector experience, supporting a strong understanding of the sector. They act as trusted partners and a valued sounding board to our customers, providing bespoke financial insight and tailored service. This personalised approach allows us to add real business value to the independent practices we support.

Join us at the London Vet Show

We look forward to exhibiting at the London Vet Show for the second year running. By meeting with independent vets and practice owners from across the UK, we’re able to have important conversations at ground level – to listen to concerns, share insights and explore how we can continue to best support the profession.

Visit the Unity stand G60 throughout the event or join our speaker session at 9am on Friday 21 November to hear more from our experts. Together, we can build a stronger future for independent veterinary practices.

[1] Source: Summary of provisional decision
[2] Source: Major reforms would require vet businesses to make fundamental changes to the way they support pet owners – GOV.UK