New director takes over Scottish pharmacy chain following a seven figure funding package from Unity Trust Bank

A Scottish pharmacist has become one of the youngest pharmacy directors in the country to own a chain of stores following a loan from Unity Trust Bank.

Mark Feeney, 36, has worked his way up from employee to owner of A G Bannerman Ltd after originally serving his ‘Pre-Reg’ pharmacist placement at the firm 15 years ago. The funding package, from the commercial bank with a social conscience, sees Mr Feeney take charge of five community pharmacies across the central belt of Scotland in Glasgow, Kirkintilloch and Dunblane.

Community pharmacies are engaged more than ever in providing NHS healthcare services in local communities and some of Mr Feeney’s premises are located in areas which have some of the highest rates of deprivation and alcohol and drug misuse in the country.

Mr Feeney said: “NHS Scotland has been actively promoting the ‘Pharmacy First’ approach with enhanced services being offered through pharmacies to reduce the need for a GP appointment.

“I am proud to serve the communities of Possilpark, Kirkintilloch and Dunblane with NHS pharmacy services provided by my dedicated teams.

“Unity Trust Bank has been very supportive of the pharmacy sector and the work we do to help improve the health of our communities.

“Their social conscience and ethical lending policy resonated with my own personal beliefs.

“As well as the financial support provided by Unity Trust Bank, my relationship manager has provided invaluable help and advice throughout the whole process and has gone the extra mile to make sure the process has been as smooth as possible.”

Unity Trust Bank support

Unity Trust Bank aligns its operations and practices with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which include promoting health and wellbeing.

Scott Hutchinson, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Our support and funding of the pharmacy sector will positively impact society through the creation or maintenance of community health facilities where pharmacies are often seen as a first port of call for health delivery, taking pressure off GP services.

“The funding for A G Bannerman Ltd is representative of the commitment of Unity Trust Bank to support businesses that improve the quality of life for people in the communities which they serve.”

About A G Bannerman Ltd

A G Bannerman Ltd’s five premises are Possil and Bannerman’s pharmacies in Saracen Street, Glasgow; Bannerman’s Pharmacy in Merkland Drive, Kirkintilloch and Bannerman’s pharmacies in Anderson Street and High Street in Dunblane.

The pharmacies employ 48 people and dispense around 300,000 prescriptions every year.

Mark Feeney is committed to improving his employees’ welfare by working towards National Living Wage Accreditation. The association with Unity and the banks strong association with workers’ rights has helped Mr Feeney with his goal to improve conditions for his employees.