Welcome to the 2026 Pharmacy Business Conference Agenda
Important Notice:
This is a working agenda, and session details, speakers, and timings are subject to change. We are continuously updating the agenda and will confirm additional speakers and sessions soon. Stay tuned for further updates!
Networking Opportunities
This conference has always been an excellent opportunity to learn from and network with colleagues and the companies that work with the sector. There will be three chances to do this before the conference begins, during a refreshment break and afterwards over a lunch. You can share your experiences and learn from others to help drive your pharmacy business forward in 2026 and beyond.
Registration / Breakfast
Welcome
Speaker:
- Shailesh Solanki, Executive Editor, Pharmacy Business
Opening Remarks
Speaker:
- Baba Akomolafe, Superintendent Pharmacist & Director, Christchurch Pharmacy and Clinics, Conference Chair
OPENING KEYNOTE
Sadik will speak about the opportunity for community pharmacy within a reformed NHS, and what the sector must do to make the most of it.
Speaker:
- Sadik Al-Hasan MP
An opportunity to understand the future for community pharmacy as part of the government’s plans in the 10-year plan and how they must be an integral part of Neighbourhood health teams.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Strategic collaboration with public and private partnerships for stronger neighbourhood health.
An interactive panel session on why and how community pharmacy could and should collaborate with other primary care healthcare providers in both NHS and private clinical services.
Panellists:
- Luvjit Kandula, Director of Strategy and Pharmacy Transformation, Community Pharmacy Greater Manchester
- Dr Dupe Akomolafe, Medical Director, Christchurch Healthcentre
- James Wood, Director of Member and Local Networks Support, CPE
- Amy Laflin, President, Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK)
Moderator:
- Reena Barai, Pharmacist & Owner, SG Barai Pharmacy
PRESENTATION
Developing and delivering clinical services and utilising independent prescribing
Innovative community pharmacist, Sukhi Basra, tells her story of how she has leveraged her independent prescribing qualification to the benefit of her patients, her pharmacy and herself.
Speaker
- Sukhi Basra, Prescribing Pharmacist, Clinichem Pharmacy
PRESENTATION BY RECKITT
Supporting self-care in community pharmacy
How community pharmacy can utilise their OTC medicines, particularly their USP of P-medicines, and quality health supplements, to support people with appropriate self-care advice and treatment.
Speaker
- Angela Carle, Training & Development Manager Health, Reckitt
INTERACTIVE TABLE WORKSHOP
Why creating the correct climate in which the right culture, behaviours, skill-mix and empowerment through effective leadership will mean that the team and the business will flourish.
Speaker
- Trevor Gore, Founder, Maestro Consulting
Presentation
Pharmacy Landscape update by IQVIA
An overview of current developments, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector.
Speaker
- Joanne Redding, Director of Supplier Relationships, IQVIA UK & Ireland
Networking Break
PRESENTATION
The business and professional case for private services
With NHS funding not sustaining a viable model for community pharmacy, Olivier will explore his business model involving the development and delivery of private services.
Speaker
- Olivier Picard, CEO, Newdays Pharmacy
PANEL
Embracing Technological Innovation
Innovation in digital and hardware technology is moving at pace and can create efficiencies to enable the delivery of high quality and safe clinical services and improve patient engagement.
Panellists:
- Cyrus Hodivala, Managing Director, Meditech UK & I
- Tariq Muhammad, CEO, Invatech Health (Titan)
- Patrick Gompels, Gompels Pharmacy
Moderator
- Amerjit Singh, Managing Director, Skills4Pharmacy
PRESENTATION
How I Won Pharmacy Business of the Year
Sunil Chandarana shares his journey to becoming Pharmacy Business of the Year 2025.
Speaker:
- Sunil Chandarana, Pharmacist, May & Thomson confirmed
PRESENTATION
Medicine Shortages
The recent review of medicines shortages published by the RPS and co-authored by Dr James Davies, reveals some of the progress made, but also outlines that further action is needed to protect patient access and pharmacies. James will present on this important topic and the implications to delegates at the conference.
Speaker
- Dr James Davies, Director of Research and Insights, Community Pharmacy England
Pharmacy Leaders Panel
Reflections and hopes for the future from a range of leaders in the pharmacy sector with opportunities for questions to the panel.
Leaders Panel – reflections and hopes for the future
Panellists:
- Olivier Picard, Chair, NPA
- Jay Patel, Executive Director, Day Lewis
- Brian Chambers, Managing Director, AAH Pharmaceuticals
- Tase Opotu, President, Royal College of Pharmacy
Moderator :
- Shilpa Shah, CEO, Community Pharmacy North East London
Sum-up and close
Baba Akomolafe
Conference Chair
LUNCH & NETWORKING