Adele Robinson from The Clitheroe Pharmacy in Lancashire shows tremendous passion for pharmacy, leadership skills and an eye for opportunities.

When a business outgrows its premises, it can be frustrating for all concerned. Not so for Adele Robinson, who spotted a site opposite a healthcare centre and told her manager all about it. The pharmacy moved, the owner sold to the GPs in the practice, and The Clitheroe Pharmacy was born. A short while later, the premises next door became vacant and Adele again was instrumental in organising the knock through and refit. These are just two of the reasons why she was Highly Commended in not one, but two categories at the Awards.

The refurbishment project was no small task. Adele was involved in the planning, training staff on new products and IT systems, and ensuring customers didn’t suffer during the building work. She comments: “I am proud to say that we had zero complaints and lots of compliments about how the staff handled the hard working environment."

Over the five years that have passed since then, prescription volumes have tripled, and much of that growth is attributable to Adele, who is not only an accuracy checking technician and store supervisor, but is also responsible for all staff training and involved in many aspects of running the business. She says: “I love the eclectic nature of it all – every day is so different and I love walking in each morning not knowing what is ahead of me.” The judges applauded Adele for her leadership skills, with Leanne Beverley describing her as “an all-round winner” and saying that Adele doesn’t realise “just how good she is”.