When the going gets tough…
—
“More pharmacies have gone bankrupt in the past year than in the previous ten years put together.” –
Kos Sclavos National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
These are tough trading times for community pharmacy. Customer retention, cost of goods sold,
compliance, operating costs, profit margins, labour costs, inventory turns, productivity and employee
turnover have always been a part of pharmacy – however, now more than ever, pharmacy is looking for
innovative ways to deal with these issues.
That’s why all in the community pharmacy sector will be interested to know that registration is now
open for the new Pharmacy Business Network, being held in Canberra, 13 – 16 September 2012. The
PBN’s unique focus is to provide the industry with tools to improve business planning, management and
profitability.
The PBN will have a strong emphasis on networking, and provide many opportunities to learn from
peers and business leaders. The majority of sessions in the PBN are workshop style with expert
facilitators, rather than speakers. This is a unique event where attendees will learn the how, rather than
the why. Participants will be able to track and implement their learnings in the pharmacy thanks to a
workbook/guide created especially for the PBN.
This inaugural networking and education event is for anyone who manages or owns a pharmacy, or
would like to in the future. The PBN has been developed in place of the Pharmacy Women’s Congress,
and will continue the legacy of former Guild National Councillor and pharmacy advocate, the late Judy
Liauw, by continuing the Guild’s vision to develop pharmacy owners and leaders of the future.
There are limited numbers for two master classes on the last day, Sunday 16 September. These special
sessions will assist those interested in improving their business planning, store execution and
profitability. These master classes will be led by the team from innovative management group Zenbuu
and Malcolm Scrymgeour, a retail specialist from Business Increase Group. Make sure you register for
one of these optional events before they are sold out.
Registration costs $660 for three days (excluding master classes) or $220 for students.
Apart from learning the business essentials the PBN promises to be a great time with offsite practical
excursions, exciting social/networking activities at some of Canberra’s premier cultural centres and top
restaurants. Interested pharmacy staff should visit www.guild.org.au/pharmacybusiness to register now
to ensure they don’t miss out.
For media enquires contact Greg Turnbull on 0412 910 261
For all general enquiries contact Melanie Sykes-Bridge on 02 6270 1888