In this insightful episode, Solomon Abuede sits down with our guest Nicola Goodberry Kenneally, CEO of Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire, to unpack the latest Community Pharmacy Contract announcement and what it really means for pharmacy contractors, pharmacists, and the future of community pharmacy.
Together, they discuss the biggest funding uplift community pharmacy has received within the NHS, the £239 million margin write-off, the introduction of Independent Prescribing within Pharmacy First, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the profession.
The conversation explores whether the new funding goes far enough, how contractors can adapt to an evolving healthcare landscape, and why innovation, private services, and Independent Prescribing are becoming increasingly important for the future sustainability of community pharmacies.
Key topics covered include:
• The latest Community Pharmacy Contract changes
• What the £239 million margin write-off means for contractors
• Independent Prescribing and Pharmacy First updates
• Why CPWY believes contract reform is essential
• The growing role of private services in pharmacy
• How community pharmacies can remain sustainable and profitable
• Support available from CPWY for pharmacists and contractors
• Career advice for pharmacy students and newly qualified pharmacists
• The future of community pharmacy and the opportunities ahead
Nicola also shares her perspective on leadership, the changing pharmacy landscape, and why she remains optimistic about the future of the profession despite ongoing challenges.
Whether you’re a pharmacy contractor, pharmacist, pharmacy student, or healthcare professional, this episode provides valuable insights into where community pharmacy is heading and how to prepare for the changes ahead.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

In this episode of the Pharmacy Ownership Series, we dive into one of the most pressing challenges facing community pharmacy today time.

As dispensing volumes increase and operational costs continue to rise, many pharmacy owners are finding themselves trapped in a system that prioritizes workload over value. But what if the real problem isn’t just funding but how time is being spent?

We explore the Hub & Spoke model, a system designed to separate dispensing from patient-facing services — allowing pharmacies to operate more efficiently while creating capacity for growth.

Through this conversation, we break down:

• What Hub & Spoke really means in practice

• The advantages and operational efficiencies it can bring

• The financial realities behind the model (costs, margins, and trade-offs)
• Why “more items” does not always equal “more profit”
• The importance of workflow, structure, and internal SOPs
• How pharmacy owners can rethink their business model beyond dispensing

This episode also challenges traditional thinking, highlighting why pharmacy can no longer be viewed as just a “corner shop” and why adapting to change is no longer optional.

Whether you’re an aspiring pharmacy owner, an established contractor, or simply interested in the future of healthcare delivery, this conversation offers valuable insight into where the industry is heading.

Key takeaway:
Outsourcing doesn’t create money it creates capacity. What you do with that capacity is what determines your growth.

In this episode of Beyond the Counter Pharmacy and Beyond, hosts Solomon Abuede and our guest Qammar Nazir dive deep into the realities of pharmacy ownership. With nearly two decades of experience, Qammar Nazir, Managing Director of Ascent Welfield Group, shares the lessons, challenges, and personal sacrifices behind growing from a locum pharmacist to the owner of over 50 pharmacies.

From the early days of saving and taking calculated risks, to navigating partnerships, managing cash flow, and building a supportive team, Qammar’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, strategic thinking, and passion-driven growth.

He opens up about:

• The importance of choosing purpose over profit

• Why partnerships should be based on merit, not friendship

• The critical need to agree on exit plans before entering a partnership

• Lessons learned from nearly 20 years in pharmacy ownership, including the personal cost of time, stress, and constant operational challenges

• How to scale successfully without losing control or compromising your values

Whether you’re a pharmacist, aspiring business owner, or simply curious about what it takes to grow and sustain a business in a challenging industry, this episode offers practical insights, cautionary advice, and inspiration to navigate your own journey.

🎧 Tune in to discover the strategies, mindset, and sacrifices behind nearly 20 years in pharmacy ownership.