The PILLS Award 2026

Vote for the PILLS Award Category at the 2026 C+D Awards!

VOTE FOR THE PILLS AWARD CATEGORY AT THE 2026 C+D AWARDS!

Have your say on who you feel deserves to win The PILLS Award. Read the stories below and vote for one entry. Voting closes on Friday, 21 August, 2026.

THE PILLS AWARD ENTRIES
Headshot image of Jaya Authunuri

I am an independent prescriber and owner-operator of two community pharmacies serving in Bridlington, an area with a IMD more deprived than 95% of neighbourhoods in England. But I am committed across community practice, primary care clinics, system leadership and regional innovation to deliver measurable improvements. I combine hands-on clinical care with strategic leadership and digital transformation to raise standards, reduce pressure on GP and hospital services, and invest in our community’s long-term wellbeing. My aim is to deliver better outcomes today while shaping a healthier, fairer Bridlington for the decade ahead.

Ashwin is a second-generation Superintendent Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber who leads Rainbow Pharmacy with genuine heart. Continuing the legacy of his father, Dr Dhiren Bhatt, he has protected the family values the pharmacy was built on while transforming it into a modern clinical hub. Patients trust Ashwin because he listens, cares and makes them feel heard, whether supporting weight loss confidence, giving advice or improving access to care. He also inspires his team with kindness and belief. Ashwin’s work is rooted in family, compassion and a sincere desire to make people’s lives better every single day in his local community.

Roshni Kale is a Pharmacist Practice Manager who believes that great healthcare starts with listening. She is passionate about supporting patients, advocating for those who feel unheard and helping people navigate their healthcare journey with confidence. Through clinical services, collaborative working and a commitment to continuous learning, she strives to make a meaningful difference every day. Roshni believes community pharmacy is about more than medicines; it is about people, trust and compassion. If remembered for anything, she hopes it is for being a pharmacist who genuinely cared, listened and helped others.

Headshot image of Idreece Khan

In just over a year, I relocated from Glasgow to open a new community pharmacy in Campbeltown, growing from zero to over 8,000 items per month whilst introducing Pharmacy First, independent prescribing, and weight loss services previously unavailable locally. I supervised three staff through their Dispensing Assistant qualifications and built a patient-first culture from the ground up. Appointed Vice Chair of the Area Pharmaceutical Committee for NHS Highland, I now influence pharmacy strategy at health board level. Having identified another underserved rural community, I have secured a pharmacy contract in Oban - continuing my mission to transform rural pharmaceutical care.

Most people in pharmacy do one thing. I do three: I'm an owner, a practising pharmacist, and an innovator. For thirty years I've run seven pharmacies in South Wales. My job is to make people's lives better – when I see pharmacists drowning in paperwork or patients waiting too long, I see fixable problems. I built eCASS and Cambrian Alliance to simplify buying, and PharmacyX – now used by 400 pharmacies and a million patients across the UK – to simplify the pharmacy itself. And, as the first Community Pharmacist Lead in NHS Wales, I ensure pharmacists have a voice.

Since taking over Bruntsfield Pharmacy in November 2023, Farhad and Ather have transformed the business into one of the UK’s most innovative independent pharmacies. Their patient-centred model combines NHS excellence, advanced private services, digital convenience and meaningful community impact. From free Health MOT screenings and vaccination programmes to hygiene poverty support, online pharmacy innovation and medication delivery platforms, they continue to push the boundaries of community pharmacy. With multiple national awards, major media recognition, exceptional commercial growth and a new pharmacy acquisition, they are proving that young independent pharmacists can lead the future of the profession and inspire lasting change.

Qammar Nazir, Company Director for 59 branches and Superintendent Pharmacist for 35, has distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, clinical oversight, and innovation. Under his stewardship, Ascent Wellfield consistently delivers safe, high-quality patient care while expanding services, workforce development, and professional training. He implemented bespoke governance, audit, and training frameworks, delivered record PTPT-funded pre-reg placements, and pioneered multi-branch clinical initiatives, ensuring standardisation without compromising local adaptability. Qammar empowers his teams through mentorship, innovation, and accountability, establishing a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. His vision and leadership set a new benchmark for multi-site pharmacy management.

Headshot image of Sally Proudman

Sally, Pharmacy Manager at Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh, has built far more than day-to-day operations. She has developed the online infrastructure of the pharmacy, led major governance, compliance and SOP work, and helped create the framework behind three distinct brands within the same company, keeping them separate while tied together through the right legal and governance structures. She has also supported and developed the dedicated independent prescribing training for healthcare professionals within a hands-on private practice setting. Her work has helped shape a modern, clinically focused, fully private pharmacy business from the ground up.

At the age of 29, I have managed to build the largest education platform for trainees, teaching 2450 out of the 3100 in the 2025-2026 cohort, of which trainees have a 95% pass rate. It has also been shortlisted 3 times by Chemist and Druggist Awards.

I have also created Excipient Explorer, a website which allows you to filter drug manufacturers for medications based on the excipients. It allows you to find formulations of the same medication based on allergies and food requirements.

I also spend time running my own charity, The PharmAssists' Project, putting thousands back into the community.

Headshot image of Scott Vane

Scott stands out as a dispenser through his proactive, people focused approach and the impact he has made in just five months at Montu. He consistently goes beyond his core responsibilities, combining accuracy and efficiency with genuine care for both patients and colleagues, he has quickly become a reliable and valued member of the team. Alongside his operational work, Scott actively strengthens team culture, improving collaboration and morale as “social secretary." Motivated by supporting patients and ensuring safe, timely access to medication, he brings together diligence, initiative, and empathy to make a positive impact across the organisation.

OUR 2026 SPONSORS
AAH
AAH is a leading distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products serving pharmacies, hospitals and dispensing doctors nationwide. We deliver over 10 million items per week to more than 14,000 pharmacies and other healthcare organisations, operating from nationwide distribution centres. At AAH, we are passionate about providing expertise and support to our customers. The highest standards of customer care are at the heart of our values and we constantly strive to deliver the best possible service. We support our customers in a range of areas, from OTC, pharmacy services, business and marketing through to wholesale and technology. Our AAH Hub provides easy online ordering, live chat with the customer care team and the latest product availability, prices and promotions. For more information about AAH please visit aah.co.uk
Aspen
Aspen Healthcare, a division of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited, a JSE-listed global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, was founded in 2009 to bring the Aspen Group’s expanding portfolio of pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products to the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT). Headquartered in Dubai, the commercial operation was established in 2010 when the first partnerships were sealed to leverage the global acquisitions in the region. From 3 employees in 2009 to more than 200 today, Aspen Healthcare rapidly grew, establishing itself as a key healthcare player in the MENAT region. Aspen Europe was founded in 2014 to bring the Aspen Group’s expanding portfolio of pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products to Europe.

In March 2023, the Europe and MENAT regions merged into one growth region to achieve the objectives with a specific focus on synergies, commercial excellence, and portfolio development. This strategic decision was made following an in-depth review of the international commercial portfolio completed by the Aspen Group Executives to ensure focus and alignment with Aspen’s business strategy geared towards delivering its stated objectives. Aspen strives to offer patients and stakeholders the best possible experience throughout the region and beyond.
Cencora
Cencora Alliance Healthcare is proud to support the C&D Awards and the pharmacists and healthcare professionals who play such a vital role across the UK healthcare system.
Healthcare is at the heart of everything we do. Through our UK operations, we work alongside pharmacists, GP practices, hospitals, ICBs and wider healthcare partners to help ensure patients have timely access to the medicines and care they need.

From supporting the safe and reliable supply of medicines, to enabling better patient outcomes through services, data, and collaboration, we are committed to strengthening a sustainable and resilient UK healthcare market. We recognise the expanding clinical role of pharmacists and are proud to support them - whether working in primary care, secondary care, or community pharmacy - to deliver high quality, patient centred care.

By working in partnership across the healthcare system, we aim to support both day to day delivery and long term system improvement, helping healthcare professionals focus on what matters most: improving patient health.
Dexcel Pharma
Dexcel Pharma® is synonymous with innovation. We strive to identify and address unmet patient needs through the development of widely available products which not only help people to lead healthier lives but to also live well. We continue to expand our OTC presence in the UK through the innovative advancement of brands such Pyrocalm Control. Where others see obstacles, we see opportunities. Learn more at dexcel.com
ECG
ECG Training delivers practical, high-quality clinical training to healthcare professionals across the UK. Patient care sits at the heart of everything it does, guided by three core values that shape the way the company operates and the way its team supports learners. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, being honest, accountable and consistent in the care, training and support provided. Innovation means staying curious and never settling for "this is how it's always been done," always looking for smarter, more responsive ways to deliver care and education. Inspiration is what drives the company to go beyond the basics, creating an environment where people feel motivated, supported and proud, and where both the team and the people they support can grow and thrive.

ECG Training is also a PGD provider, giving healthcare teams the tools they need to practise safely and effectively. The company truly believes in community pharmacists and their ability to expand what they offer patients, and creates new ways to push the boundaries of how pharmacy teams can grow and deliver private services. With over 20 years' experience, ECG Training continues to evolve its training to meet the changing needs of the healthcare sector.
Jensten Insurance Brokers
Jensten Insurance Brokers is an award-winning UK insurance brokerage, specialising in tailored commercial and personal insurance solutions. Our Pharmacy team support over 4,000 small independent and large groups of pharmacies across the UK with their insurance requirements; which range from Professional Indemnity, Commercial Shop, Fleet, Management Liability and Cyber Insurance.

Our brokers navigate complex risks and a changing pharmacy marketplace to arrange insurance solutions to the needs of the pharmacy, deal with claims, and provide access to legal-advice. Apart of the Jensten Group, they manage over £650 million in premiums, and focus on prioritising client needs, employee satisfaction, and sustainable growth, supported by a team of over 1,000 across 50 UK offices.
KRKA
Krka is a world leader in generic pharmaceuticals and our products are used to treat over 100 million patients worldwide daily. We specialise in high efficacy treatments, including single pill combination solutions. Our range covers key clinical areas across cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system healthcare concerns. In the UK, Krka have been supplying the NHS since 2004 and now partner with all key pharmacy wholesale distribution across the market. We pay special attention to APIs used in our medicinal products and develop the APIs for over 70% of our Human Health range. Supervision over manufacturing operations, safety and quality of APIs is of utmost importance to us and ensures we maintain complete control of our product quality. For more information, please go to www.krka.co.uk.
National Pharmacy Association
PDA
The PDA (Pharmacists’ Defence Association) has more than 40,000 members and is the largest pharmacists’ membership organisation and the only trade union exclusively for pharmacists in the UK.

The PDA exists to:
• Advance and protect good health by promoting proper standards and best practice in pharmacy
• Support the safe and effective practice of pharmacists at every stage of their education and career
• Provide leadership and representation for employed and self-employed pharmacists, and those in training
• Protect, defend, lobby for and support the interests and reputations of pharmacists
• Work with and support local, national and international organisations with similar objectives
• Facilitate professional indemnity insurance, arrange benefits and undertake any other activities that can support our wider objectives.

The PDA is a member of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU), the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), and the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC). Learn more.

The PDA includes the National Association of Women Pharmacists (founded in 1905), the LGBT+ Pharmacists Network, the BAME Pharmacists Network and Ability, the network for pharmacists with disabilities. Learn more.

The PDA Union is affiliated to several wider groups because, just as individuals achieve more by joining together as a Trade Union, unions can achieve more by working together. Learn more.
Pharmacy2U
Pharmacy2U is the UK's largest digital healthcare platform, serving over 1.6 million patients by putting them in control of their healthcare. Its mission is to enable accessible, exceptional healthcare whenever and wherever people need it.

Founded in 1999, and a trusted NHS partner since 2001, Pharmacy2U has revolutionised the repeat prescription industry and evolved into the ultimate digital healthcare provider, prioritising excellence at every turn. Based in Leeds, Leicestershire and London, it is a multi-award-winning business, with patient care and nurture at the forefront, supported by 582,000+ Trustpilot reviews and excellent ratings.

Pharmacy2U's digital healthcare platform offers a wide range of purposeful products and services online and via its app including:
· Free fully tracked delivery of NHS prescriptions
· Family accounts to manage prescriptions for those you care for
· Access to NHS services including Pharmacy First and the Pharmacy Contraception Service
· Online Doctor consultations for 17 conditions including sexual health, weight loss and skin problems
· Low-cost vet medication and pet products
· Medicine stock checker providing patients with real-time updates on prescription availability
· Health & Wellness shop with 4000+ great value products and bundles
· Health Hub and NHS tools for health advice on the go
· Access to additional advice via virtual app live chat and customer services, plus personalised pharmacist recommendations

A trusted member of the Company Chemists' Association (CCA), Pharmacy2U is empowered by innovative technologies to constantly improve healthcare access for its customers, so they have control of their healthcare. In 2022, the business appointed CEO Kevin Heath to drive forward its ambitious vision to become a world-leading digital healthcare platform.

www.pharmacy2u.co.uk
Renascience Pharma
Renascience Pharma Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lupin Healthcare, focused on restoring access to essential medicines across UK primary and secondary care. We specialise in niche brands that address unmet clinical needs in infectious disease, pain management, cardiology and nephrology.

Entrepreneurial and agile, we combine deep therapeutic insight with the global strength of Lupin to deliver sustainable solutions where continuity of treatment is critical. Working in partnership with the NHS and healthcare professionals, we’re committed to improving patient outcomes and supporting long-term system resilience.

Renascience Pharma: reviving science, restoring health.
RxBridge
RxBridge is the leading provider of discretionary credit facilities for pharmacy business in the UK, advancing over £600M to entrepreneurial pharmacists last year. It's an exciting time to build or expand your business but growth opportunities such as, acquisition, service development and modernisation, require a substantial investment - and all whilst you are balancing your cashflow needs. That's where we come in. We provide up to 4X your monthly NHS income in additional funding, finance for any use, helping you to seize your moment.

For more information, visit: www.rxbridge.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Call: 020 7313 8088
Strides Pharma UK
Strides pharma is the UK arm of the global pharmaceutical company, Strides Pharma Science LTD. Strides operates in both regulated and emerging markets and is active in over 100 countries. Our dedicated R&D facility has global filing facilities and we have created an exhaustive pipeline of branded generics and OTC products across many formats.

Established since 1993 based in Watford, Strides UK has been driven by our core values, Reliability, Quality and Value. We pride ourselves in our commitment to putting patient care and safety and the forefront of our mission to become a leading UK manufacturer of medicines and building Strides UK into a Healthcare Organisation actively promoting and supporting patient wellbeing and good health.

A supply chain you can trust.
As well as the advantage of our own Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Strides operates in line with industry best practice for Risk Management, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP).
8 World class global manufacturing facilities spanning four continents: 5 US FDA & 4 MHRA approved plants.
Teva
For over 120 years, Teva has been a different kind of biopharmaceutical company – one that operates across the full spectrum of innovation to continuously better health worldwide.

We do this by following the science to create the medicines needed today; driving the discovery and development of modern therapies; innovating throughout our established portfolio and promising pipeline; leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate the development of therapies; streamlining the launches of generics and biosimilars through our legacy capabilities.

For healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and families, we commit to push the boundaries to help deliver quality medicine wherever it is needed, discover life changing treatments and strive forward through scientific innovation.

Because when it comes to health, good is not enough for us. 

THIS is the Teva legacy—to be stronger, bolder and simpler in the way we operate and relentless in our growth by understanding what’s next—in science, for patients, people and society. 

We are all in for better health.

Moving forward together with science that treats, inspired by the people we serve. 

We are Teva. 
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