Howard Goatley

Howard Goatley is Chief Nag, Dementor and COO of Village Vets Formby, the independent veterinary practice he bought with his wife Kate 15 years ago. Originally a pharmacist, Howard worked in electronic prescribing before becoming Product Director at EMIS, where he helped develop healthcare systems and apps. He has since transferred that enthusiasm for systems, processes and making complicated things work into veterinary practice. At Village Vets he leads operations, finance, systems, strategy, people and projects – while trying not to piss too many people off. Over 15 years, the business has grown from one practice and four team members to two practices and a team of around 30, with Howard particularly proud of the culture the team has built. He became Village Vets’ VVOS Integrator after losing – or possibly winning – a game of rock, paper, scissors. A spreadsheet-loving introvert, Howard has limited patience for feelings, a lack of clear systems, or any meeting without a discernible p