BVNA's Veterinary Nursing Journal shortlisted for prestigious Award

We are thrilled to announce that the British Veterinary Nursing Association's Veterinary Nursing Journal (VNJ) has been shortlisted for Membership Publication of the Year at the prestigious Professional Publishers Association (PPA) Independent Publisher Awards. This recognition comes as a testament to the successful digital transformation and collaborative publishing model that has revolutionised how we deliver essential content to veterinary nursing professionals.

A digital-first success story

VNJ's journey to excellence has been marked by innovation and sustainability. Serving 6,500 BVNA members, this bi-monthly publication has evolved into a sophisticated digital platform while maintaining optional print availability for those who prefer traditional formats.

"The digital platform allows BVNA members to interact with VNJ much more easily," notes Nikki Ruedisueli, VNJ’s editor. "The search facility and clickable links enriches their learning experience, and data collected by the platform enables us to identify which topics are most popular among members, which is particularly helpful in directing future content."

Innovation meets sustainability

Our digital transformation strategy has focused on several key areas:

• Enhanced accessibility: Improved access for neurodivergent readers, and a broader range of news, articles and peer-reviewed clinical content
• Interactive features: Unique search capabilities, an online archive, digital subscription forms, live hyperlinks and an easy-to-use feedback facility
• Multimedia integration: Embedded multimedia files, such as podcasts, audio recordings and videos, for an enriched educational experience
• Environmental commitment: Use of eco-conscious print production methods and FSC-certified paper for optional print editions
• Data-driven decision making: Advanced analytics tools to better understand member preferences and to inform the content strategy

A collaborative success

The nomination recognises not just the publication itself, but also the innovative partnership between BVNA, Latcham and Salt Media, who work together to bring the publication to BVNA members in the UK and overseas, six times a year, as BVNA CEO Huw Jones explains: "The move to self-publishing VNJ was a huge decision for BVNA. Almost two years on, it is working well because we have managed to create a trustworthy, supportive partnership, with people who understand our ethos and business model and are working with us."

Looking forward

This PPA Award nomination validates our commitment to delivering exceptional value to BVNA members while pushing the boundaries of what a professional membership publication can achieve. VNJ continues to evolve, combining technical innovation and clinical application with a trusted voice that communicates both with and on behalf of the veterinary nursing community.

The success of VNJ demonstrates how professional publications can embrace digital transformation while maintaining editorial excellence and member engagement. We look forward to the PPA Awards ceremony and remain committed to further enhancing the VNJ experience for all BVNA members.

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The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) Independent Publisher Awards are among the most prestigious recognitions in the publishing industry, celebrating excellence in professional and business media. The ceremony takes place on Friday 22 November 2024.