Reforms for Vet Practices, the government’s plan for small businesses, and a free early warning service against cyber threats
Today’s post covers a wide range of business news, from the CMA’s report setting out reforms for vet practices, to a free early warning service against cyber threats. We’ve got it all!
CMA Report to Bring New Obligations for Vet Practices
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its investigation into the veterinary sector and set out its final reforms coming into force later in the year.
The legally binding measures aim to provide clearer information for pet owners but will mean increased regulation for veterinary businesses and practices.
Key changes
The final remedies and recommendations in the report include the following changes:
- Practices will need to publish a comprehensive price list for their standard services – including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options.
- Price and ownership information will be made available to pet owners through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) ‘Find a Vet’ service. RCVS will share this data with third-party comparison sites.
- Vet businesses will need to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business. Common ownership will need to be displayed on signage, both at the business’s premises and online.
- Except for emergencies, practices will have to provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment that is expected to cost £500 or more (including aftercare costs). An itemised bill will also be required.
- Pet owners will need to be told that they can have a written prescription, which could save them money.
- Written prescription fees will be capped at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for any additional medicines.
- Practices will need written policies in place that ensure that vets are empowered to offer independent and impartial advice. This is to avoid the potential for being compromised by commercial pressure.
- Pet care plans will need to clearly set out the price of each component, the total cost and how any advertised savings are calculated.
- Clear, upfront prices will need to be provided for all cremation options, including any add-ons. A lower-cost option for a communal cremation will also need to be offered.
- Out-of-hours providers will be banned from imposing unreasonably long notice periods. This will make it easier for practices to end a contract if there’s a better service elsewhere.
- Practices will need to have a transparent, accessible in-house complaints process and engage in mediation where disputes cannot be resolved.
Reforms to regulations and legislation
The CMA has backed the government’s proposed reforms to the Veterinary Services Act, which will make veterinary businesses, and not just individuals, accountable to an independent regulator.
The RCVS will take a central role in monitoring compliance with its work funded by a levy on veterinary businesses. The levy will be charged based on the size of the business. The CMA estimates that the levy will be in the region of £150 to £250 per practice for the initial costs and £450 to £550 per practice on an annual basis for ongoing costs.
Next steps
The CMA now have until 23 September 2026 to put in place the legally binding Orders that will bring their remedies and recommendations into effect. Depending on the measure, businesses will need to implement these in the following three to 12 months.
The CMA have confirmed that smaller veterinary businesses will be given an additional three months to implement many of the changes than larger businesses.
Increased Opportunities in the Public Sector for Small Businesses
For the first time, government departments have set individual targets for how much they will spend with small and medium-sized businesses (SME). In total, the government plans to spend £7.4 billion a year with SMEs by 2028.
The targets are part of the government’s Plan for Small Business and aim to help businesses and the economy grow.
To hold government departments accountable, they will be required to publish yearly progress updates. Departments that fall behind will need to show how they will improve.
Small Business Minister Blair McDougall said: “These new targets will ensure thousands of smaller businesses have greater opportunity to win lucrative government contracts and grow their businesses.”
Could Early Warning from NCSC Help Your Defences Against Cyber Threats?
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offer a free Early Warning service to all UK organisations.
Early Warning is a free NCSC service that can give you a head start on potential cyber threats that they are aware of. Cybersecurity researchers may uncover malicious activity on the internet or discover weaknesses in organisations’ security controls and release this in information feeds.
The NCSC uses trusted information feeds, including some that are not available elsewhere, for Early Warning.
Depending on the information you provide when registering, NCSC will send you tailored alerts via email.
According to the 2025 Cyber Breaches Survey, 43% of businesses reported a cybersecurity breach or attack in the last 12 months. Cyber threats continue to endanger businesses of all sizes, and the advance alert provided by NCSC’s Early Warning service can provide an additional layer of defence.
To find out more and register, see: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/active-cyber-defence/early-warning