BUSINESS START-UP
LAUNCHING AN INDEPENDENT PHARMACY OF YOUR OWN CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK FOR ANY BUDDING – OR EVEN ESTABLISHED – BUSINESS OWNER.
NUMARK HELPS START-UP PHARMACY
ON PATH TO SUCCESS O
bstacles like competition from existing high street names and complying with the required regulations can make it challenging for start-up pharmacists to fi nd their feet if they don’t have the right support.
Equally. Scotland is a much more complex place to apply to set up a new pharmacy than the rest of the UK as there are many more applications from independent businesses than in England, increasing competition for licences.
That’s why, when founding his new pharmacy - Green+ Healthcare - in Inverness, Scotland, James Higgins, turned to Numark for help. As the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to the future of independent pharmacists, Numark works with start-up businesses up and down the country, providing them with the guidance and support they need to succeed.
‘Each and every application in Scotland needs public backing, as
44 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST
well as a robust business plan before it gains approval,’ James explained. ‘As a result, it can take up to two years to complete all of the required paperwork and get the fi rst customer through the door. Without the right support, the entire process can be overwhelming for a new business owner.’
With a wealth of experience managing a number of existing independent stores in the past, James is an expert in the world of pharmacy. He is passionate about building close relationships with customers to provide them with tailored advice about their health, as well as working with GPs to support them in improving the wellbeing of the local community.
When starting a pharmacy of his own, James made the most of the guidance Numark offers when it comes to the fundamental business aspects of running a pharmacy. This was crucial not only to help him pull together an initial comprehensive plan together,
but to help him secure a successful future for his business as well.
Numark worked closely with James throughout the development of his business plan, providing support in a range of areas, including fi nancing and insurance, as well as guidance on the best procurement strategy to help minimise the cost of purchasing stock.
‘The dedicated team at Numark gave me the well-rounded support I needed when it came to stock,’ James said about the process. ‘The range of own brand products Numark has available through its Wholesale partner Phoenix was also a bonus.”’
Once the application had been approved, James continued to make the most of Numark’s resource, including its online templates for employee contracts, handbooks and job descriptions.
The Numark team also provided James with merchandising and sales advice to help maximise over-the-
counter sales. Guidance was given on marketing and promoting the new store in the local media - from launching the pharmacy, to building relationships with local newspaper and radio journalists.
Green+ Healthcare, which opened its doors in September 2016, has already become a mainstay of the local community, impressing residents with its selection of medication and tailored health advice.
‘When I decided to set up Green+ Healthcare, I wanted to create a service-driven pharmacy,’ James said. ‘For me, that means building close personal relationships with regular customers, and working closely with GPs in the area to ensure we support them in delivering the best healthcare support for the community. Working with Numark meant I had support on the behind the scenes running of the pharmacy, freeing my time up to focus on providing a tailored service to customers and achieve my vision for the store.’
‘Community pharmacies play a vital role in healthcare in the UK,’ concludes Deborah Reeves, Regional Sales Manager at Numark. ‘thanks to their unique ability to build the kind of close customer relationships that James champions at his new store. But, in order to have the time to deliver this kind of service – and make the most of their USP – smaller stores can sometimes need support in the beginning. That’s why, if they need help when setting up a new pharmacy for the fi rst time, or investing in an existing one, business owners should never be afraid to ask for it.’
To fi nd out more about Numark’s support for start-up pharmacies, visit:
www.numarknet.com •
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48