Day Lewis to launch independent pharmacy scheme

Day Lewis is to launch a new venture that will see it partnering with first-time business owners to help them start their own independent pharmacies.

The company's managing director Kirit Patel told Chemist and Druggist that it will be launching the initiative in order to aid newly qualified pharmacists who wish to create their own businesses, but are unable to afford it.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Day Lewis will offer buyers financial support equivalent to 15 percent of the cost of buying the pharmacy and to secure a bank loan towards 70 percent of the costs, while also providing management support in key areas.

Mr Patel will act as principal mentor to these new operations, meaning partners will have access to his expertise on a personal level.

"We will let them fulfil their aspirations of providing services without having to be caught up in all the bureaucratic and accounting work that just drags them down," he said.

Day Lewis was created in 1975 when Mr Patel opened a branch in Kent and has since gone on to become the largest independent pharmacy group in the UK.