The wholesaler – owned by Well Pharmacy parent company the Bestway Group – has started talking to pharmacies in these British dependencies, its first account on the Isle of Man was due to open last week, Bestway Medhub commercial manager Paul Insley told C+D on October 12.

“Our growth has been so fast, we want to make sure as we grow we continue to support [customers] at the same level,” he said. “We don’t want to rush into where we aren’t 100% ready.”

Mr Insley stressed that face-to-face contact “helped us build our business”. “All of our customers have come across [to us] due to a personal relationship,” he added.

More time on the ground needed

Bestway Medhub announced its expansion into Northern Ireland earlier this year, with plans to work with over 250 independent pharmacies in the country.

The wholesaler is already in England and Wales, and "in Scotland to a limited effect", Mr Insley said.

“The main challenge is [our] presence, as we have never worked in Northern Ireland before,” he said. “We need more time on the ground talking to people over the next few months.”

The market in Northern Ireland appears to be “a bit neglected”, because “the rates are quite high”, Mr Insley added.

"Perfect opportunity"

Mr Insley said that he did not see “too many external factors” that could affect the wholesaler’s growth.

“It is a difficult market out there, but many pharmacies have been using the same suppliers. This is the perfect opportunity for them to try something new.”