Improve International

RJD backed the management buyout of Improve International Limited (“Improve”), a global provider of continuing education to the veterinary sector, in June 2020. Improve was the third Education & Training investment from RJD’s third buyout fund and continues our successful track record in this sector.

Improve provides both specialist postgraduate courses and qualifications as well as continuing professional development training to veterinary professionals.

Its key postgraduate programmes are structured on a modular basis comprising both face to face practical and classroom learning as well as online delivery. These comprise a GPCert or a GPAdvCert qualification in various specialised areas including small animal medicine which are assessed and awarded by the International School of Postgraduate Veterinary Studies (“ISVPS”), the internationally recognised examination and awarding body. In the UK, delegates can then choose to further develop these qualifications to a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) or Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) through Harper Adams University. A PgC ultimately allows UK vets to apply for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons advanced practitioner status.

RJD took a majority stake in the business, investing alongside Improve’s management team led by Chief Executive, Heber Alves and original founder David Babington. The team has overseen impressive growth both domestically and overseas with training now delivered directly in eight countries and through license partners in a further six. Its fully online distance learning propositions reach a global audience.

RJD is working closely with the company to develop its customer propositions, including its digital delivery, and build an infrastructure to support further international growth both organically and via acquisition.