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Gable Asset Finance specialises in providing bespoke finance solutions for pharmacy businesses across the UK. Our team understands the unique requirements of pharmacy operations and the regulatory environment, helping businesses access the finance they need to purchase assets, expand operations, manage cash flow, or acquire other pharmacies.
This page outlines the types of finance available, their benefits, factors influencing selection, and practical guidance for pharmacies seeking funding.
The pharmacy sector in the UK is a vital component of healthcare delivery, encompassing independent pharmacies, pharmacy chains, and specialist dispensaries. Many businesses require external funding to purchase a pharmacy, upgrade equipment, expand premises, or manage working capital efficiently.
Finance plays a key role in enabling pharmacies to remain competitive, meet customer expectations, comply with regulations, and invest in technology and staff training.
Pharmacies use a range of financial products depending on their specific requirements. Gable Asset Finance tailors funding solutions to suit individual circumstances.
Acquisition finance enables a pharmacy owner to purchase an existing pharmacy business. This type of funding typically covers goodwill, stock, and equipment. It allows pharmacists to acquire established businesses without requiring full upfront payment.
Pharmacy partnerships often require financing solutions for partners joining or leaving the business. Buy-in loans provide capital for new partners, while buy-out loans allow departing partners to be compensated fairly without affecting business operations.
Asset finance is used to purchase specific pharmacy assets, including:
Through hire purchase or leasing, pharmacies can acquire these assets while spreading the cost over time, preserving working capital for operational needs.
Short-term working capital loans provide funding to cover day-to-day operational expenses, such as payroll, utility bills, and consumables. These loans help pharmacies manage cash flow, especially during periods of high stock turnover or seasonal demand.
Commercial mortgages are available for pharmacies seeking to purchase or refinance their premises. They are secured against the property and typically offer longer-term repayment schedules, allowing businesses to spread costs and invest in premises improvements.
Leasing offers a flexible alternative to purchasing equipment outright. Pharmacies can access essential technology, dispensing units, or POS systems without large upfront costs. Operating leases also provide upgrade options at the end of the lease term, helping businesses stay current with technology.
Invoice finance allows pharmacies to release cash tied up in unpaid invoices. A third-party financier advances a percentage of the invoice value upfront, improving cash flow and ensuring ongoing operational stability. This is particularly useful for pharmacies supplying other businesses or healthcare institutions with delayed payments.
Finance for relocation or refurbishment enables pharmacies to move premises or upgrade existing facilities. This type of loan covers the costs of construction, shopfitting, equipment installation, and associated professional fees, ensuring a smooth transition or upgrade.
The purpose of the finance is a key determinant. For example:
The pharmacy’s current financial position affects loan eligibility, interest rates, and repayment terms. Lenders consider cash flow, profitability, credit history, and existing liabilities.
Pharmacies planning to expand into multiple sites, introduce new services, or diversify into additional healthcare products may combine multiple finance types to optimise cash flow and capital deployment.
Pharmacies must ensure that financed equipment and premises comply with UK pharmacy regulations, including temperature control, data protection, and accessibility standards. Lenders may require compliance verification as part of the finance approval process.
An independent pharmacist wished to acquire a local pharmacy valued at £450,000. Using acquisition finance structured over 5 years, they were able to pay for goodwill, stock, and equipment without affecting operational cash flow. The pharmacy’s profitability allowed timely repayment with minimal strain.
A medium-sized pharmacy needed to upgrade dispensing units and install modern POS systems. Through leasing, the business accessed state-of-the-art equipment without large upfront costs. Monthly payments were fixed and aligned with revenue cycles, improving financial predictability.
A pharmacy supplying care homes experienced delayed payments impacting liquidity. Gable Asset Finance arranged invoice finance, allowing the pharmacy to receive a large percentage of their invoices immediately. This ensured uninterrupted supply of medicines and staff salaries.
A pharmacy relocating to a larger, more accessible site required finance for construction, shelving, refrigeration, and technology installation. Using a combined commercial mortgage and refurbishment loan, the business successfully opened the new premises, increasing customer footfall and revenue.
Yes, start-up pharmacy businesses can access asset finance, equipment leasing, and working capital loans with a credible business plan and clear projections. Lenders may request higher deposits or guarantors.
Absolutely. Acquisition finance covers goodwill, stock, and assets of the business, enabling new owners to take over without large upfront payments.
Yes, provided the equipment is in good condition with supporting maintenance records. Lenders will consider residual value and usability.
Application turnaround varies by finance type and lender. Simple asset finance or leasing arrangements may complete within a few weeks, while acquisition finance or commercial mortgages may take longer due to due diligence.
Gable Asset Finance is an established provider of business finance to the pharmacies, hospitals and dispensing chemists sector across the UK. We are able to arrange funding for pharmacies, with or without wholesale product support.
The team at Gable Asset Finance is available to support the pharmaceutical and retail chemist sector by offering finance and leasing solutions for the following purposes:
The team at Gable Asset Finance will offer you the most tax efficient finance solution available taking into consideration the businesses personal tax and VAT status.
Gable Asset Finance is committed to supporting the continued success of the independent community pharmacy sector in England, Scotland and Wales. We are establised providers of business finance and leasing to both existing businesses and new entrants and startups within the pharmaceutical and retail chemist sector.
We also provide specialist funding and finance for other healthcare professionals in the UK such as:
We can provide finance for almost any requirement in the sector including but not limited to the acquisition of a pharmacy Shop, expansion, relocation, shop re-fit or the refinancing of existing debt. Please call us or apply online for advice and solutions for obtaining pharmacy funding and finance for pharmacists,