PillTime, the Bristol-based online pharmacy, is poised for a period of rapid expansion this year, including acquiring a new head office and growing its workforce by 20%.
The firm is one of the only pharmacies in England to provide medication in daily dose pouches – helping patients more easily manage and adhere to their medication routines. 
With 6.5m people in the UK taking five or more medications a day – and forecasts that this number will continue to grow – PillTime is getting ready for increased demand for its services.
It is in the process of moving to a 26,000 sq ft base in Cribbs Causeway – larger than its current HQ in Avonmouth – and preparing to expand its workforce of 65 by a fifth.
PillTime CEO Leighton Humphrys, pictured, is also investing heavily in new technology, including robotic automation to significantly enhance productivity and capacity.
He said the new property, which is being rented from Bristol’s Russell Property Consultants in a deal brokered by Cardiff-based Jacobite Services, allowed for the next growth phase.
“It will be a state-of-the-art facility suitable for the next generation of pharmacy operation,” he said.
“Its location close to our current site means we can retain our existing staff and it has fantastic transport links to facilitate our delivery services. 
“We’re looking forward to providing more job opportunities in the area and supporting local businesses through our presence here.
“It’s certainly an exciting time for all involved and we are grateful to the support we have had from our property consultants and brokers in enabling this deal to go through.”
Mr Humphrys said the prescriptions market, worth an estimated £9bn, was “ripe for digital disruption”.
“Existing online pharmacies are currently servicing less than 5% of the total prescriptions dispensed, and the needs of patients are evolving,” he added.
“The PillTime proposition is focused on providing a service that offers far greater lifestyle convenience, correct dosage adherence and reliability for people who depend upon multiple medications. A step change against some of the traditional tools such as daily dosette boxes.”
UK studies have highlighted that more than half those on medication do not follow their prescription as it has been directed by their GP. That figure increases when people have multiple daily medications.
“These patients will benefit most from receiving medications which are pouched according to single or multiple daily doses, removing confusion and improving adherence in domestic, care home and hospital settings,” added Mr Humphrys.
“So, even with the growth we expect to see over the coming months, it’s hardly a drop in the ocean of our potential expansion.
“PillTime is already a brand recognised by patients, carers and GPs. We are now innovating further to develop software and hardware which can expand our capacity and product range, using new technologies to enhance our service and support organisations.”
Mr Humphreys joined PillTime as chief finance officer in 2019 from clothing retail chain Peacocks, where he was finance director. He was appointed CEO towards the end of 2020 and has since enjoyed the challenge of pioneering innovative change in a rapidly-growing market sector.
“Since I joined the company we’ve built on established foundations and readied PillTime for its next phase of growth, with significant work done to optimise operational efficiencies and the securing of partnerships which are crucial for our future,” he said.
“Now, all the key pieces are in place, with a modern working environment for our growing team and the opportunity to explode into a thriving business sector. I’m looking forward to 2022 and overseeing the next steps in our journey.”
