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Independents should look at what they are doing well, what they shouldn’t be doing, what opportunities they have missed and new ideas they can incorporate into their business, says Neil Scobie…

Strategic mentorship has moved from being a ‘nice to have’ to an essential component of profitable and sustainable pharmacy performance. Alphega business mentors play a critical role in helping pharmacy owners navigate this complexity.

Their support begins with a structured review of pharmacy performance, enabling owners to step back from day-to-day firefighting and take a strategic view of their business.

These reviews provide an objective assessment of what is working well and where improvements are needed, creating a foundation for informed decision-making.

A key element of this is a SWOT analysis. By examining strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, mentors help members translate performance insights into practical goals for the year ahead.

Deliver the greatest impact for patients

This approach ensures that planning is grounded in reality rather than aspiration alone. It also helps pharmacy owners prioritise their efforts, focusing on areas that will deliver the greatest impact for patients, teams and business sustainability.

However, strategy is only as effective as the people delivering it. Workforce challenges remain one of the most significant barriers to pharmacy progress and many owners struggle to assess whether their staffing model is truly fit for purpose.

Alphega’s business mentors can help members to address this through the Alphega staff profiling tool, which provides a clear view of staffing levels and skill mix. This enables pharmacy owners to understand whether they have the right number of people, with the right capabilities, to deliver their ambitions.

Importantly, this is not simply about reducing costs. It is about aligning roles, responsibilities and skills to the services a pharmacy wants to provide.

A business aiming to expand clinical services, for example, requires a different staffing profile to one focused primarily on dispensing efficiency. By using data rather than instinct, mentors help owners make confident, evidence-based workforce decisions.

Efficiency is another area where targeted mentorship can deliver meaningful gains. The business mentors are well placed to advise on operational improvements, including pharmacy layout, workflow and the distribution of tasks within the team.

In collaboration with the central team, they can identify changes that improve productivity, enhance patient experience and reduce unnecessary pressure on pharmacists and staff.

Digital tools also play an increasingly important role in driving efficiency and compliance. Mentors can guide members on the effective use of Alphega’s digital solutions, such as SOP Manager, MHRA Manager and Team Manager. When used properly, these tools support consistent standards, simplify governance and free up valuable time for patient-facing activity.

Beyond internal systems, Alphega members also benefit from access to a range of externally provided solutions at preferential rates. These include online controlled drug registers, NHS prescription ordering apps and 24-hour prescription collection points.

Mentors help pharmacies understand which of these solutions are appropriate for their specific circumstances, ensuring technology is adopted strategically rather than reactively.

Ultimately, the value of the mentors lies in their ability to connect insight with action. By combining performance review, strategic planning, workforce analysis and operational efficiency, they help pharmacy owners move from surviving to thriving.

Neil Scobie is head of Alphega Member Offer and Engagement.