The Business of General Practice - Supporting GP Practices Through Rising Costs & Sustainability Challenges

We were delighted to welcome delegates from across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset to The Business of General Practice, our free one-day seminar at Sandy Park in Exeter. The event brought together GP practices and healthcare specialists to address the critical challenges facing primary care today.

We structured the day to combine practical financial expertise with forward-thinking business strategy. The sessions tackled pressing issues including escalating staff costs, pension planning, and the integration of environmental measures into practice operations.

Key Insights from the Day

A particular highlight came from Karen Creffield of Frome Medical Centre, who shared compelling case studies demonstrating how sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction and energy efficiency can deliver both environmental and commercial benefits. This approach to sustainability resonated strongly with delegates seeking practical solutions.

Healthcare Consultant Lucie Simic explored strategies for creating positive workplace cultures where staff feel valued and engaged, whilst Jenna Clark, Director of Healthcare Services, provided practical guidance on managing pay rises and understanding their structural implications for practices.

The day also featured expert sessions from George York of Aquila Financial Management on NHS Pension Scheme planning, Seb Beard, Partner at Simpkins Edwards, who presented 2024/25 healthcare financial benchmarks, and Ian Crompton from Primary Care Finance, who shared surgery finance options and implementation strategies.

Sharing Ideas and Best Practice

Jenna Clark says, "Our event brings together practices and healthcare specialists to share ideas, information and best practice – and this one was another resounding success. It's fantastic to bring people together who share the aim of delivering primary care services in an efficient and sustainable way. We've had some wonderful feedback."

Delegates praised the practical focus of the sessions, describing them as "hugely informative" and providing "valuable insight" that gave them motivation to try new approaches in their own practices.

Looking Ahead

We'll be continuing these conversations at Best Practice Birmingham on 8 October, where we'll be exhibiting.

To find out more about our Healthcare Services, please contact us.