Devon village’s only pharmacy sold for undisclosed amount to former employee

The only pharmacy in Woolacombe, Devon has been sold to one of its former employees, the broker Christie & Co has announced.

"The pharmacy dispenses an average of 2,440 items [a] month," the broker said

Barton Pharmacy dispenses “an average of 2,440 items [a] month”, Christie & Co said yesterday (March 9).

It was snapped up “for an undisclosed amount” by first-time buyer Harminder Chaggar, who told C+D he has worked there as a pharmacist for the past three years.

Mr Cheggar said he was “excited to embark on this new adventure” and “introduce new, innovative services” to meet “the evolving needs of [the] local community”.

Read more: I need a loan for my pharmacy business. What makes a good application?

Barton Pharmacy has been owned by Osman Hamid for the past seven years but was “brought to market to allow him to concentrate on his other business interests”, Christie & Co said.

Mr Hamid said “the business has huge potential to grow and diversify into other avenues that are yet to be explored”.

Challenging market

Director of medical at Christie & Co Jonathan Board said he was “delighted to offer this business for sale again” after having sold it to Mr Hamid seven years ago.

Read more: ‘Exceptional’ high-dispensing pharmacy sold for undisclosed price

Despite “ongoing operational challenges in the marketplace”, the pharmacy is “showing remarkable resilience”, he said.

“There remains significant demand for well-established and well-located pharmacies,” he continued. “I am sure Harminder will make a success of this business and wish him all the best for the future.”

Sign in or register for free

Latest from News

Assisted dying: MPs admit not ‘enough’ discussion of pharmacists

 
• By 
 • comment

Members of parliament have admitted that they “have probably not spoken enough” about the assisted dying bill’s “impact on pharmacists”.

Lloydspharmacy: £40m locum tax ‘directly impacts’ £2.6m staff claims

 
• By 
 • comment

Fresh liquidation accounts have revealed that Lloydspharmacy has paid half a million pounds to former owners, but that payments for “non-preferential” creditors are “wholly dependent” on a successful tax appeal.

The C+D Awards open for entries!

 • comment

After a record-breaking 2024, the competition for a C+D award is stronger than ever. Last year’s event was also a sell-out, so this year the C+D Awards are expanding into the London Hilton on Park Lane.

More from Business

‘Devastating news’: Alliance puts ‘upwards of 845’ jobs at risk

 
• By 
 • comment

Alliance Healthcare has revealed “plans to close” two Midlands service centres and proposed cuts at another, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

Wicker Pharmacy forced to downsize amid ‘lack of funding’

 
• By 
 • comment

Award-winning Wicker Pharmacy has moved out of one of its premises in the hope this will save up to £60,000 a year to stay “sustainable”, it told C+D.