In this article, Karl Clezy, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, explores what he is seeing in the Northern Ireland pharmacy market and shares key findings from Christie & Co’s recent sector survey which was carried out in partnership with Pharmacy In Focus and UCA-NI to gain feedback from pharmacies across Northern Ireland.
Across Northern Ireland, the pharmacy sector continues to experience sustained pressure, with operators balancing rising patient demand against financial, workforce and funding challenges.
We recently conducted a survey to better understand the demand, challenges, and expectations of pharmacy owners across the country. The results highlight a busy but increasingly strained market.
Here are some of our key takeaways:
- ● Almost all respondents (93%) reported increased patient demand over the past 12 months, underlining the critical role community pharmacy continues to play. However, sentiment for the year ahead is less positive, with 54% feeling negative about the sector in 2026/27, compared with just 23% who feel positive, and 23% who remain neutral.
- ● Just 2% of respondents said they are confident there will be sufficient funding to support the phased implementation of the Community Pharmacy Strategic Plan 2030. In contrast, 91% said they are not confident, while a further 7% remain unsure.
- ● Workforce pressures also remain a significant concern. The majority (83%) said recruitment has become more challenging, and almost half (47%) reported increased use of locum Pharmacists. This suggests that many operators are continuing to rely on flexible staffing models to maintain service levels in the face of ongoing recruitment difficulties.
- ● Despite these challenges, there are clear areas of anticipated growth. Respondents most identified private income streams as the key opportunity, with 76% expecting growth in other private services. This is followed by weight loss medication (55%), dispensing volumes (53%) and Pharmacy First services (42%).
- ● Barriers to investment remain considerable. Market uncertainty was cited as the biggest constraint by 78% of respondents, alongside a lack of lending appetite or access to finance (36%) and interest rates (28%). Even so, activity levels are expected to remain steady, with 45% planning to buy and/or sell a pharmacy business within the next three years.
- ● The survey also highlights an opportunity around digital engagement. While only 30% of respondents reported not having a website, usage remains relatively limited. Among those who do, 26% use their website for booking appointments, while 31% use it solely for signposting. This suggests many pharmacies may be missing opportunities to drive additional income through online services or sales.
Overall, respondents describe a market characterised by rising patient demand but weakening confidence. While pharmacies remain busy and opportunities exist, particularly in private services and new revenue streams, financial pressures, workforce challenges, and concerns around long-term funding are weighing heavily. As a result, many operators appear cautious about investment despite the ongoing demand for their services.
Despite the results of this survey highlighting that there is low confidence in the market, transactional activity remains resilient. We are continuing to agree deals across the country, including in County Fermanagh, County Tyrone, County Armagh, and Belfast.
Most sales are being driven by first-time buyers, typically in the £700,000 to £1,000,000 range, which demonstrates that bank funding remains accessible where buyers have the right level of experience and deposit. Of the last 10 deals agreed, seven involved first-time buyers and three existing operators. Upcoming opportunities in Belfast – particularly lower-dispensing pharmacies – are also likely to attract this buyer group due to their relative affordability.
To discuss the Northern Ireland pharmacy market in more detail, get in touch with Karl Clezy: karl.clezy@christie.com or 07885 813 160
Karl Clezy
Director – Pharmacy, Christie & Co