Pharmacy Business will be hosting their annual awards event in the pharmacy calendar with a glittering ceremony to celebrate the very best of community pharmacy.
The 23rd edition of the Pharmacy Business Awards will be on Wednesday 4 October 2023 in central London.
The awards attract the biggest names in pharmacy, with heads of pharmacy organisations, CEOs of leading manufacturers and wholesalers, health officials and
government ministers in attendance.
We look forward to bringing together the shining lights of community pharmacy, who show the nation the unique services they continue to provide.
REASONS TO ATTEND
Understand what the ambitions of the NHS and PSNC are for the future of community pharmacy
Understand why its important to develop a wider range of health services
Learn how others are achieving this and what the benefits can be
Learn what the benefits of embracing technological innovations are
Hear what others are doing and what the benefits are to their business
Network with and learn from your peers in community pharmacy
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Pharmacy owners
Pharmacy managers
Other pharmacy stakeholders
Exciting news! Pharmacy Business Awards 2023 are just around the corner!
Join us for the prestigious Pharmacy Business Awards, the most anticipated event in the pharmacy industry. Celebrating the excellence of community pharmacy,
this glittering ceremony is a must-attend for pharmacy professionals. Taking place on October 4th, 2023 in central London, the 23rd edition promises to be a
memorable occasion.
Esteemed guests include heads of pharmacy organizations, CEOs of renowned manufacturers and wholesalers, esteemed health officials, and even government ministers.
It's a gathering of the pharmacy industry's elite, showcasing the outstanding services they provide to the nation.
To participate in this prestigious event, simply fill out the official online entry form, selecting up to three award categories from the drop-down boxes. Ensure
you submit your entry by July 7th, 2023, as only submitted entries will proceed to the judging stage. Don't miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on your
exceptional contributions to community pharmacy.
Save the date: July 7th, 2023, is the deadline for nominations. Secure your place at the Pharmacy Business Awards and be part of an unforgettable evening
celebrating the very best in community pharmacy.
Join us for the prestigious Pharmacy Business Awards 2023, celebrating excellence in community pharmacy. Attend the glittering ceremony in London
and witness industry leaders, officials, and ministers. Submit your entry now and showcase the unique services of community pharmacy.
Nomination deadline: July 7th, 2023.
Pharmacy Business will be hosting their annual awards event in the pharmacy calendar with a glittering ceremony to celebrate the very best of community pharmacy.
The 23rd edition of the Pharmacy Business Awards will be on Wednesday 4 October 2023 in central London.
The awards attract the biggest names in pharmacy, with heads of pharmacy organisations, CEOs of leading manufacturers and wholesalers, health officials and
government ministers in attendance.
We look forward to bringing together the shining lights of community pharmacy, who show the nation the unique services they continue to provide.
All entries must be made on the official online entry form.
Please select from the award categories by expanding the drop-down boxes below then click 'Enter now' by selecting the category you would like to enter.
You can enter three categories.
To complete your entry, agree to the terms and conditions then click the 'COMPLETE' button at the bottom of the page.
All submissions must be made by Monday 7th July 2023. Please note only submitted entries will proceed to the judging stage.
Nomination date 7th july 2023
The 21st edition of the Pharmacy Business Awards have been postponed due to a dramatic rise in the number of Omicron cases nationwide in recent months.
The in-person event - initially scheduled to be held on February 3 - will now be held on Wednesday March 23 in central London.
The awards dinner hosted by the Asian Media Group - owners of Pharmacy Business - was initially scheduled to be held on February 3.
"Given the uncertainties around Omicron and the impact it could have on our community, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the twenty-first edition
of the Pharmacy Business Awards," an AMG spokesperson said, adding: "We feel this is the best and safest decision for our award winners, guests and partners."
Sustainability also brings financial benefits to businesses. This has been proven by Prabjaudt Singh Channa, Director of Priory Pharmacy.
Prabjaudt is a proud winner of the Sustainable Pharmacy of the Year 2023, awarded by Pharmacy Business in association with Teva UK. Prabjaudt thanked the award
organisers for acknowledging the importance of sustainability within the sector and for recognising his modest endeavours to reduce environmental impact and
safeguard future generations.
"I just felt really happy and proud of this recognition because originally when I set myself down on this path, I didn't really think anyone would be that bothered
about the small changes that we were trying to make and the impact," says Prabjaudt.
In addition to his family's background in the field, his passion for chemistry also drove him to pursue a career in pharmacy. He finds being a pharmacy contractor
enjoyable because it allows him to be flexible, pursue various interests and shape his professional path.
The Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC) has announced the appointment of six specialists to scrutinise the government's progress made on its commitments
to pharmacy services in England on Wednesday (26 April).
"They will work alongside the core members of the Expert Panel to produce a report evaluating Government progress across nine of the Government's own commitments
across the four areas. A CQC-style rating from "inadequate" to "outstanding" will be awarded against each specific pledge with a final overall rating given," said
DHSC.
Professor Dame Jane Dacre, Chair of the Expert Panel, said: "The role of pharmacy in delivering care whether in hospital, the community or primary care has never
been more important.
"The Government has made a number of commitments aimed at improving pharmacy services and we'll be looking at the progress to achieve these targets.
"In the process of our evaluation we'll be hearing from stakeholders from across the industry, including the pharmacy workforce and NHS and independent providers
of pharmacy services. We'll be considering pledges covering frontline services as well as the education and training of the workforce."
National Pharmacy Association (NPA) chief executive, Mark Lyonette, is one of six panel members with specialist expertise in pharmacy. They will work alongside five
standing members who are all renowned healthcare policy experts and professionals. Professor Dame Jane Dacre will chair.
After the government announced to award pay rise to pubic sector workers, pharmacy trade bodies have expressed their disappointment at the neglect shown
towards funding crisis in community pharmacy.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) chair, Andrew Lane, said: "Our sector can't help but feel utterly neglected after seven years of crushing real terms cuts
to pharmacy funding, amounting to half a billion pounds, and no hint of any relief to come.
"This week's public sector pay awards, which include a large number of our health service colleagues, highlight that there's an unresolved funding crisis in
community pharmacy which needs urgent attention."
"Four months into this financial year, there is as yet no clarity even on current arrangements."
"After stepping up to tackle Covid and keep the wheels on the NHS, the sector deserves better than to be neglected in this way," Andrew opines.
he Pharmacy Schools Council (PhSC) has elected Professor Katie Maddock as the organisation's new chair.
Prior to becoming head of school at Keele University, Professor Maddock had been MPharm course director and associate dean for education for the Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, responsible for developing the clinical teaching at Keele.
Before joining Keele University, she taught clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice at Aston University. Her research interests lie in pharmacy education,
particularly the use of technology in teaching, clinical therapeutics, augmented reality simulation and interprofessional education. She was also awarded a
principal fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in November 2020.
Having worked in hospital pharmacy, Professor Maddock is acutely aware of the pressures that Covid-19 has placed on healthcare, as well as the importance of
retaining and building upon the positive changes to patient care and pharmacy practice that were developed in response to the pandemic.
The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) celebrated achievements of its members during the pandemic at its first annual 'ball and award' ceremony held last week in London.
To highlight the important role played by pharmacy teams, the association representing community pharmacy businesses with multiple branches, introduced two award categories - for patient safety and social care.
Stephen Walls from H I Weldricks won the Patient Safety Awards and Sandeep Dhami, Nadia Hussain and Sachin Basandrai from MW Phillips won the Social Care Award.
Congratulating the winners, Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of AIMp, said that community pharmacy teams "have worked tirelessly to deliver patient care throughout the pandemic." David McNicol, head of sales at AAH Pharmaceuticals, noted that the country and community pharmacy witnessed the toughest 18 months, and the gathering provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing challenges.
Simon Harris bought an average-sized store from a national chain and turned it into a profitable business in just over a year - a great example of how to
start up a pharmacy and become successful. His formula was quite simple - recognise the available opportunities, take some calculated risks and reap the rewards.
Simon went into pharmacy because he felt it was a profession that would allow him to "help people" and have a direct impact on their lives. "I also thought it was
a profession which would allow me to have my own business one day."
Since qualifying as a pharmacist from Bath University in the late 90s, Simon did his pre-reg at a large Boots store in Broadmead, where we had some "great experience"
as a pharmacist manager.
He decided to take a year out and went around the world with his "now wife" and ended up working as a pharmacist for a pharmacy group Down Under which had a contract
with the sports industry, i.e. Australian Open and the Australian Football League.
"It was quite an experience because at the time I knew nothing about Aussie football but I ended up being their pharmacist after a short conversion course."
In his maiden speech delivered to community pharmacy since becoming new minister with responsibility for the sector, Will Quince MP said he's determined to be
"your champion" and "voice in government".
Addressing delegates on Wednesday (Oct 12) as chief guest at the 22nd Pharmacy Business Awards in central London, he praised community pharmacy for delivering 25
million Covid-19 vaccines, five million flu jabs, 200 million lateral flow testing kits and millions of medicines throughout the pandemic.
"These local efforts became the national success story," he told over 600 attendees at a gala dinner held at the iconic Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel
overlooking the Houses of Parliament.
'We need you now'
Quince, who was appointed minister of state at the Department of Health and Social Care on 7 September 2022, added: "Just as we needed you in the pandemic, we
need you now," highlighting the vital role of community pharmacy in realising the secretary of state (Thérèse Coffey)'s vision, particularly in regard to her
much talked about 'Plan for Patients'.
Jonathan Burton will receive the 2022 RPS Charter Award for his outstanding work for the Society and the wider profession in promoting the interests of pharmacy.
The award will be presented by the President at a future meeting of Fellows and Members to take place at the Society's Edinburgh office on 22nd March 2023.
Jonathan's main role is as a practising, patient-facing pharmacist within the community in NHS Forth Valley where he uses his advanced practice skills and independent
prescribing qualification to assess and treat acute ENT, dermatology, and respiratory conditions.
He was one of the first community pharmacist prescribers in Scotland and has always been at the forefront of innovation and service development.
Jonathan has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for the pharmacy profession throughout his career. He has excelled as a pharmacist in the Right Medicine
Pharmacy group, on local and national committees, in advocacy for the pharmacy profession and as a local and national leader who is highly regarded as an exceptional
role model for the profession.
Join us at the 23rd edition of the Pharmacy Business Awards on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in central London. This prestigious event honors
the very best of community pharmacy, attracting industry leaders, heads of organizations, and government officials. Showcasing the unique services provided by
community pharmacies, submit your entries by July 7, 2023, for a chance to be recognized in one of our award categories. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate
excellence in pharmacy and make your mark in the industry.
We're approaching that time of year where the sun is supposed to be shinning and things are supposed to quieten down over the summer holidays
(note I said supposed to. . . well we have the sun at least).
The elections are over, and a new party is in power. Wes Streeting is the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. He's met with GPs and Dentists and has
great ambitions for Primary Care but when will he meet with community pharmacists?
To be fair to Wes, he did visit a local pharmacy in his constituency, with CPNEL last year as Shadow Health Secretary (and was a guest speaker at the Pharmacy
Business Awards 2023). He has also had meetings with NPA and CPE, so we know he understands the value of Community Pharmacy. The question is, do we as a sector
and profession need to shout louder so that we aren't forgotten about, as healthcare plans are being drawn up?
Community Pharmacy is a humble sector, not unlike most other HC sectors. The difference is that we often get forgotten. I have lost count of the times I've heard
in meetings or conversations "Primary care and community pharmacy. . ." totally disregarding the fact that we are part of primary care.
Women accounted for 62 per cent of GPhC registrants in 2019, according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Despite representing the majority of pharmacists
in the UK, only 2 per cent of women are pharmacy business owners compared with 13 per cent of men. Also, the majority of senior pharmacy leadership positions are
held by men, with research showing that only 36 per cent of senior pharmacy leaders are women.
Sobha Sharma Kandel, superintendent pharmacist and co-owner of Neem Tree Pharmacy, Abbey Wood, London, quoted these statistics while shedding light on the
representation of female leaders in the field of pharmacy.
So, what is stopping women from reaching leadership positions in the profession? According to Sobha, the barriers hindering female pharmacists from attaining
leadership positions include:
Gender Bias and Stereotypes
Lack of Representation and Role Models
Glass Ceiling and Double Standards
Work-Life Balance Challenges
Imposter Syndrome
Unequal Access to Opportunities
Negotiation and Advocacy Challenges
"There also continue to be gender and ethnicity pay gaps affecting women in pharmacy," said Sobha, who has been advocating for women in pharmacy by being a part
of the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network.
Alliance Healthcare UK has won a 'special achievement' award for its work during the Covid-19 pandemic at the Logistics UK Awards 2021.
The pharmaceutical wholesaler and it's subsidiary, Alloga UK - a specialist provider of supply chain solutions for healthcare manufacturers - received the 'Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Response to Covid' at an event held in central London on Thursday, December 9, 2021 - beating off stiff competition from a number of high profile challengers.
Alliance Healthcare's new managing director Marie Evans said: "I am delighted that our business and team of 6,000 colleagues have been recognised at this level for our contribution to the fight against Covid-19. Our main aim over this unprecedented period is to support the NHS, pharmacy and all UK patients, and this award is true recognition for all of that hard work and dedication."
The special award category was open to an individual or organization that demonstrated an outstanding response to the pandemic in 2020 within the logistics sector and included seven other nominees including the likes of National Highways, Hermes UK and Yodel.
Fife-based trainee pharmacist and Honorary Secretary of the PDA LGBT+ Network, Soh Xi Ken has won the Scottish Trades Union Congress' (STUC) Equality Award.
One of Scotland's leading LGBT+ campaigners and Honorary Secretary of the PDA's LGBT+ Network has been recognised for his advocacy work for LGBT+ pharmacists
in Scotland.
Soh Xi Ken of the PDA received the Equality Award at the STUC Annual Congress in April 2023 in Dundee. The award praised Xi Ken's tireless advocacy for LGBT+ workers
within pharmacies in Scotland, highlighting his personal experience of homophobia in Scotland and his home country, Malaysia.
In May 2021, Xi Ken became a founding member of the PDA LGBT+ Network's committee and was elected as their first Honorary Secretary. The PDA LGBT+ Network is the
first of its kind in the pharmacy world and has made a significant difference to the profile of LGBT+ people in the profession.
Xi Ken and others within the PDA LGBT+ Network spotted that there was a lack of LGBT+-specific guidance given to pharmacy students and that their unique and specific
health needs were not being addressed as part of the pharmacy education that they received.
Sobha Sharma Kandel wants community pharmacy teams up and down the country to be super responsive to emerging needs of their patients - by always being
pro-active rather than reactive.
"We know that every patient benefits from our proactive approaches - listening, asking questions, providing information and making clinical interventions when
appropriate.
"At a time when general practice is overstretched, community pharmacy must be relied upon as the frontline of the NHS when it comes to providing diagnosis,
treatment and continuous care in our communities to promote health and wellbeing of our patients."
Sobha believes Covid-19 has helped shift public perception of community pharmacies from being a place where one goes to collect a prescription to a hub where one
can access a range of healthcare advice and services.
"We are way more than just a shop where you can collect your medicines," she said, giving examples of how her interventions have helped reduce medication errors,
prevent harm and subsequently reduce cost of care.
She once saved a baby from getting overdosed with omeprazole when they had issues with gastroesophageal reflux. On another occasion, she managed a lady's high blood
pressure by finding equivalent medications to a combination dose prescribed by her doctor in another country.
Pharmacists, politicians, faith and community leaders paid tribute to Parvatiben Solanki, the co-founder of the Asian Media Group (AMG), publishers of Pharmacy
Business magazine. Mrs Solanki passed away in London last Thursday (September 8). She was 86.
Along with her husband, the late Ramniklal Solanki CBE, Mrs Solanki played a key role in establishing AMG as one of Britain's largest Asian publishing houses.
They began the business in April 1968, producing the flagship title, Garavi Gujarat, from their terraced house in Wembley, north London.
Today AMG publishes a range of trade and consumer titles, including Pharmacy Business, Asian Trader, Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye, in addition to hosting gala
awards dinners. AMG has offices in the UK, US and India, and also publishes titles in the United States.