A family-run pharmacy in East Kilbride has new owners who are looking to expand the services they offer.
Daniel and Daniela Ferrie, directors of Ferrie Healthcare, have purchased John P. Fenton and Sons in Greenhills Shopping Centre.
It comes after Felicity Fenton, a third-generation owner of the business, retired.
The purchase is thanks to a thanks to a seven-figure funding package from Unity Trust Bank.
Daniel, a qualified pharmacist with 10 years’ experience, will manage the day-to-day running of the pharmacy while Daniela, an experienced bookkeeper, will take care of the administration side.
Daniel told Lanarkshire Live : “Owning our own pharmacy is something we have always wanted to do.
“I’ve worked at John P. Fenton and Sons for three years. I had a very good working relationship with Felicity and was delighted to be given the opportunity to carry the business forward.
“It’s been in her family for 60 years and has a proud history. It’s nice to be part of that.”
Daniel chose to finance the venture with Unity because he was impressed by relationship manager Scott Hutchinson and the bank’s commitment to supporting the pharmacy sector.
He went on: “Scott’s been brilliant. He is very experienced and with this being my first business he talked me through everything and gave good advice.
“Pharmacies have a unique structure and it was reassuring to speak to someone who understands the way they are run."
Daniel and Daniela employ 18 staff and plan to create at least two new positions this year as they expand their services.
As well as mentoring a trainee pharmacist every year, Daniel is committed to developing all his staff, allowing them time off to study for industry qualifications.
Daniel is also studying to become a qualified independent prescriber which will enable him to assess patients himself and prescribe medication, if appropriate, without the need to see a GP.
He added: “We plan to modernise and increase the range of services we offer.
"Traditionally, pharmacies were just seen as a place to dispense prescriptions but we are now fully utilised as healthcare professionals and offer invaluable support to the NHS.”
Scott Hutchinson from Unity Trust Bank told us : “Unity is proud to support the pharmacy sector as it provides accessible, frontline healthcare services to local communities.
“It is always a pleasure to support first-time owners like Daniel and Daniela who are not only committed to delivering high quality service but help the local economy by creating new employment opportunities.”
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