Leeds hub to transform community pharmacies following seven-figure funding

A Leeds based firm has received a seven-figure funding package to develop the UK’s first centralised automated pharmacy hub for independent community pharmacists, and create 100 new jobs.

HubRx, which will free up prescription dispensary time for upwards of 200 independent community pharmacies, is using HSBC UK funding to develop its automated hub, which will operate from a 40,000 sq ft facility on the outskirts of Leeds. This equipment will be capable of dispensing up to 12m healthcare items per annum.

The business has worked with global leaders in digital automation to invest in a range of innovative technology, including Pack to Patient robots that allow each medicine to be fulfilled automatically, and optical scanners that optimize the labelling process before medicines are ready for dispatch.

Daniel Lee, CEO and founder at HubRx Ltd, said: “The role of independent community pharmacy is rapidly changing from being focused on dispensing prescriptions to instead offering more clinical services.

“To achieve this, pharmacies need to free up more dispensing time which is where HubRx will be able to help. We’re grateful to HSBC UK for supporting us to acquire cutting-edge automation technology and equipment so we can create the first centralised automated hub of its kind for independent pharmacists.”

Mike France, relationship director for equipment finance at HSBC UK, commented: “We’re pleased to support the HubRx team, led by CEO Daniel Lee and chairman Sean Riddell, both of whom have significant expertise in healthcare technology and a genuine passion for improving community pharmacies in the Yorkshire region and across the UK.

“The business puts innovation and local community wellbeing at the heart of their business, and we look forward to seeing them grow.”

Helen Philips, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “As a business establishing its position as a market leader in digital healthcare, we were pleased to support HubRx’ s acquisition of innovative equipment.”

The turnkey project is being delivered by the Knapp Group, a recognised global solutions provider of intelligent automation systems.

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