The costs of running a business are increasing. Many customers have less disposable income to spend with us. So, it remains hard to maintain the turnover you might have enjoyed a few years ago, and the margin on sales is under pressure.

If you want to maintain and grow the profit you make in cash terms, you need to look at managing costs, making sure you maintain your margin and avoid wasting money. The general financial pressures facing all business apply to pharmacies, but we have our own specific pressures as well.

The retail business in pharmacy has been steadily eroded over the years through price competition with supermarkets and discount health and beauty retailers. NHS business has also been eroded by competition from the increase in community pharmacy numbers, as well as the increased number of prescriptions dispensed.