Management in Practice has today launched a practice handbook to help GP practices navigate the complex processes of extending or renovating their surgery.

Management in Practice has produced the expert-written handbook – its first ever on the topic of GP premises – to equip practice managers and GPs with vital know-how about the steps to take when planning a major refurb, including on how to access funding.

The handbook called Renovate, revamp, develop – a guide to improving GP premises is produced in association with Darwin Group.

It has been published hot on the heels of a Government announcement that £102m has been allocated to more than 1,000 practices in England to upgrade their premises and improve patient facilities.

Research has underlined the urgent need for improvements to be made to the general practice estate. For example, a 2023 survey from the Royal College of General Practitioners revealed that four in 10 GPs are seeing their patients in practice premises that are outdated and ‘unfit for purpose’.

And Cogora’s white paper on the general practice workforce, published earlier this year, highlighted that lack of premises space is inhibiting practice’s ability to recruit more staff, including GPs.

However, remodelling and upgrading a GP surgery is a time consuming, costly and complicated project for practice managers to take on.

This free handbook aims to provide clarity on the end-to-end process, offering useful information on the many stages and issues to think about. It includes:

• An overview of the steps to take from planning to completion of the new space or new build
• Tips and advice on accessing grants and other financial assistance
• How to write a winning business case to secure NHS approval and funding for a refurb project
• Helpful hints on how to source and work with suppliers.

Rima Evans, editor of Management in Practice, said: ‘We know that many GP surgeries lack adequate space to be able to properly accommodate their teams, so they can deliver quality care to patients.

‘The decision to extend or renovate can bring many benefits for both patients and staff. But it can feel like a daunting prospect since it’s a project that demands time, money and energy.

‘This guide aims to be an easy-access resource for practice managers and GPs looking for vital information they need to help them through that process.’

Management in Practice offers the latest incisive news, features, opinions, and business insight, gathered specifically for practice managers, GPs and those with management responsibilities working in GP surgeries.

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We are pleased to announce that Management in Practice has been shortlisted for the Community Engagement Award at the PPA Awards 2025.

The Community Engagement Award focuses on recognising the value of specialist media audiences, such as the GP practice manager community, who trust and engage with the content of specialist media brands.

Our PPA Awards entry for Management in Practice highlighted how its news and information website, newsletters and events programme are all finely tuned to meet the niche needs of GP practice managers, who have in recent years undergone a profound transformation to become the main decision makers, leaders, and business experts in GP surgeries.  

A greater focus on content that offers reliable industry insight and practical support combined with in-person events that allow practice managers to take a rare day out, catch up with peers and hear about new ideas and innovations has strengthened their engagement with the brand. 2024 saw a 41% growth in newsletter subscribers compared with 2023 and an increase in attendees at Management in Practice Events.

However, Management in Practice’s focus has gone beyond that, with a goal to actively champion and support the PM profession, whose role can be isolating and underappreciated. This has been reflected in our coverage of practice managers’ campaigning activity on issues such as fair pay for all staff and for greater investment to stem the closure of surgeries.

Our Management in Practice-sponsored annual Practice Manager of the Year award, part of Cogora’s General Practice Awards, reinforces the brand’s commitment to celebrating this dedicated community and showcasing their achievements.

Management in Practice offers the latest incisive news, features, opinions, and business insight, gathered specifically for practice managers, GPs and those with management responsibilities working in GP surgeries. Through our website and events, practice managers are kept in the know about all aspects of running a practice, including on finances and QOF, efficiency, managing the workforce, recruitment, looking after the premises, technology, CQC inspections and more.

The PPA Awards champion businesses and individuals across the sector, recognising work across UK consumer brands and business media.

The winners will be announced at an event in London on June 25th 2025.