Specialist Pharmacy Solicitors

If you own or manage a pharmacy, you’ll understand the need for tailored legal guidance that specifically caters to the nuances of pharmaceutical businesses. That’s where we come in. With a long history of advising businesses in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, we are well-versed in the unique challenges you’ll face, both legally and commercially. Our specialist pharmacy solicitors are equipped to offer you not just legal advice, but also reliable backing and creative solutions to ensure your pharmacy succeeds in today’s competitive market.

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How can pharmacy solicitors help you?

From the set up of your pharmacy business to the point of its sale, Scott Bailey will support you every step of the way. Our expert solicitors navigate the complicated world of regulations and compliance guidelines specific to the pharmaceutical industry, providing advice and support on contract matters and more. Whether you’re launching a new venture, considering making changes to an existing one, or seeking compliance advice, we’ve got you covered. Our service offerings encompass conveyancing, shareholder agreements, drafting of commercial contracts, and succession planning strategies, among other service – reach out to us today for more information.

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An employee getting independent legal advice about their settlement agreement

Buying and selling a pharmacy business with pharmacy solicitors

At Scott Bailey, we take great pride in our expansive and long-standing clientele, a testament to the high-quality service we offer throughout commercial property transactions. Understanding the value of time in business transactions, our commercial property lawyers commit to keeping you in the loop at each phase of the process. We are proficient in advising businesses of diverse scopes and complexities, and our expertise extends to serving a varied clientele.

You can expect our customary standard for thoroughness and hands-on guidance, as we compile all essential documents to meet your specific business needs.

Regulatory and compliance for pharmacy businesses

Ensuring the correct regulations and compliance requirements are in place is an enormously important step in the setting up of your pharmacy business. Failing to adhere to the correct demands could lead to serious consequences. If your service model includes one of the following, you must apply to register the premises as a pharmacy under the Medicines Act 1968:

the sale of pharmacy (P) medicines without a prescription, other than for the purpose of resale
the supply of pharmacy (P) medicines or prescription-only medicines (POMs) without a prescription

The term ‘pharmacy’ is a protected title in law. It’s against the law to use the phrase “pharmacy” in connection with a retail firm that isn’t a licensed pharmacist (or pharmacy department of a hospital or health centre). If you utilise the name “pharmacy” in connection with a business that isn’t a licensed pharmacy, you could face fines and imprisonment. It makes sense to let Scott Bailey help you keep everything legal!

In recent years, there has been a vast increase in the focus of compliance for business owners, and it is essential that the duties and obligations of any business are fully understood and fulfilled. Scott Bailey’s specialist pharmacy solicitors can assist you with a full range of compliance and regulatory matters, including GDPR and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) registration, ensuring that you are safely within the law, and avoiding possible expensive legal fees and fines.

Partnership, shareholder and joint venture agreements for pharmacies

If you’re contemplating opening a pharmacy in collaboration with a partner or through a joint venture, look no further than Scott Bailey for legal expertise. We are experts in tailoring agreements that encapsulate the unique needs and roles of each stakeholder, including aspects such as investments and revenue-sharing. Our shareholder agreements provide a clear framework for shareholder rights and obligations, effectively mitigating future misunderstandings while adhering to legal protocols.

Employee reviewing how much compensation they'll receive from settlement agreement after tax
Solicitor negotiating a settlement agreement

How can pharmacy solicitors help with drafting and reviewing pharmacy commercial contracts

Daily interactions in your business form the basis of your commercial contracts with various stakeholders—customers, employees, and vendors. Therefore, it’s vital that such agreements are put in writing. Given that most contracts carry legal weight and are officially recognised, they help in minimising risks. With Scott Bailey, your commercial contracts will complement the other services we offer, giving you peace of mind that all your agreements are meticulously drafted or scrutinised to align with your specific business objectives.

Outsourcing agreements for pharmacies

When considering outsourcing aspects of your pharmaceutical company, having a contract that aligns with both your present and future goals is crucial. Such a contract may be vital for your company’s sustained growth, and Scott Bailey is equipped to ensure nothing is overlooked.
It’s vital that the contract outlines the responsibilities of all involved parties, including clear descriptions of the services you intend to outsource, standards and timeframes, and agreed penalties for failure to deliver. We will ensure you settle on an equitable pricing structure, perhaps with provisions for periodic cost reassessment.

If assets are to be transferred or your data is accessed, GDPR compliance is obligatory, along with industry-standard warranties and liability insurance. You may also wish to include clauses for monitoring and auditing the services.

Should the need arise to reincorporate outsourced services, your contract should feature a termination clause. Our team can advise you on these and other components that cater to the needs of your pharmaceutical business.

Employee reviewing how much compensation they'll receive from settlement agreement after tax

Pharmacy franchise, agency, and distribution agreements 

If you’re in the pharmaceutical sector, Scott Bailey can assist in navigating franchise, agency, or distribution agreements to scale your business.

Agency arrangements will be critical for specialist roles, including authority levels, payment timelines, and safeguarding sensitive information.

For distribution agreements, especially around pharmaceutical products, consider minimal purchase obligations and trademark issues. We will provide you with expert guidance on limiting liabilities and easy termination processes.

Considering franchising? Scott Bailey will help tailor an agreement that suits your pharmacy’s specific needs, covering fees, staff training, and more.

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) for pharmacies

In case you’re considering Independent Legal Advice as a pharmacy, we have an expert team of pharmacy solicitors ready to help. We’ll meticulously go through your paperwork to ensure you’re alert to any associated risks and provide you with an exhaustive understanding of the obligations your contracts impose.

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Specialist advice from pharmacy solicitors

Personal guarantees for pharmacy businesses 

If you’re taking out a loan to buy your pharmacy, you might explore a Pharmacy Finance Scheme or a wholesaler loan guarantor scheme. This often involves a major pharmaceutical wholesaler serving as the guarantor, thus providing the bank with additional security.

It’s essential that the documentation related to the guarantee is presented in transparent English so both you and any potential guarantor can fully understand the liabilities accepted. Scott Bailey can generate your personal guarantee papers to satisfy legal necessities and steer clear of potential disputes.

Share incentives and business succession planning for pharmacy owners

The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is a tax-advantaged all-employee plan that offers companies the ability to award equity to employees flexibly. It is tax-efficient for both the employer and the employees. At Scott Bailey, our corporate solicitors will be able to advise, answer questions, and draft the appropriate documents to support your business in setting up a SIP.

If you have built your business and have a complex estate, you want the peace of mind that your hard-earned wealth will be passed on as you would wish it to. Scott Bailey can advise you how to make sure that your intentions are followed through. We can help you understand the value of your estate and the tax implications of passing on wealth at different times.

Get in touch with our team of pharmacy solicitors today.

An employee requesting a settlement agreement from their employer

Our lawyers solve problems
like yours every day.

We would like to hear from you. Please send us a message by filling out our form or contact us using the details below.

Phone: 01590 676933

Fax: 01590 679663

Email: [email protected]

Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT

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