Linda Bowkett has worked at the Mayberry Pharmacy Group for 19 years and has made her mark on the business in more ways than one

A former accuracy checking technician, Linda Bowkett’s role for the last two years has been area stock manager. Under her guidance, all seven branches that were consistently overspending by some £80,000 have been brought to heel, reducing that amount by 90 per cent. It was how Linda achieved this turnaround that saw her Highly Commended in the Innovation Award, sponsored by Thornton & Ross.

Linda put together and implemented a plan that included using a cloud-based pharmacy data system and a digital warehouse platform alongside a new central warehouse operation and hub and spoke robotic technology. Her aim was to shift how the pharmacies went about their buying and to develop round-theclock dispensing. She explains: “It means that branches are replenished with the stock they need more quickly as deliveries are ready via the robot for the delivery driver team every morning, having been organised during the night.”

Linda also developed a suite of reporting tools so that the Mayberry Pharmacy Group is better able to monitor and evaluate its stockholding in terms of pharmacy spend versus stock required. Linda proudly says: “Combined, my innovative stock solution has delivered significant savings, with as much as £40,000 worth of dead stock now beingused through the cloud-based and robot central warehousing systems.”

Awards judge and Avicenna chief executive Salim Jetha was struck by Linda’s efforts. He pointed out that “under the current economic climate, cash fl ow is vital to business survival” and called Linda’s idea an “excellent innovation to reduce stock levels without compromising service”.

Linda credits Paul Mayberry, chief executive of the chain, for supporting her and giving her opportunities to progress, sometimes in unexpected directions. But she isn’t done yet. “At 50 years old,” she says, “I believe I have shown that older heads can deliver innovative solutions and look forward to building on my success for the greater good of pharmacy.”