Pharmacy Landscape in England August 2026
Minor change in the total number of pharmacies (down 7 on July 2026, 56 on the year to date, and 2029 since 2015); however the shift away from medium and large groups continues with small independents now owning 5119 pharmacies (51.6% market share). DSPs up another 5 to 467 with delays in opening/processing following the…
July community pharmacy landscape in England
As of the end of July 2026, the number of community-based pharmacies was 9,927, 2,022 less than Jan 2015, 910 less than Jan 2021 and 98 less than Jan 2026. (source NHSBSA) Small independents (1-5 pharmacies) have 51.5% market share with 5,116 (1,092 increase on Jan 2021, mid-sized groups (6-99) 16.8% with 1,670, and larger…
Supported self-care
Much is spoken about self-care including the excellent work done by the Self Care Forum and this is one of the key elements of building a viable community pharmacy business within the MCPP model. The consumer health industry and community pharmacy must start viewing support for self-care as a valued service beyond a transaction and…
The latest NHS data on community pharmacy ownership in England (source NHSBSA) shows a further decline in overall numbers of contractors, down by 2,072 in the last five years to 9,923 in June 2026. There has also been a further shift in ownership with drops in both mid-sized groups (6-99) and larger groups (100+) and…
One vision, one plan and one voice
I have read and heard about (and commented on) the outcomes of the community pharmacy contractual framework negotiations in England. The increase, whilst probably the best that could be achieved in the current economic climate and within the current framework, will not sustain a pharmacy business on NHS funded income alone. It’s worth noting that…
From Vision to Profit
Pleased to be invited to speak at the excellent #TitanUp26 event earlier this month. Great conversations with pharmacy owners and partners. A real focus on what must happen to create a profitable and sustainable pharmacy business, reducing reliance on low or no profit NHS services whilst still optimising those, developing private services and delivering a…