The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) has launched a new Associate Partnership programme that brings together organisations with a shared interest in community pharmacy and strengthen collaboration.
Global biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer, UK's number one pharmacy apprenticeship training provider Skills4Pharmacy and global healthcare company Viatris make up the first cohort of Associate Partners to the CCA.
The Associate Partnership programme gives organisations privileged access to the CCA’s insights, network and expertise.
They also get to collaborate on shared priorities and offers opportunities to work together on projects that proactively shape policy, service development, professional practice and patient care.
The benefits of Associate Partnership include:- Unique insight into community pharmacy and the wider health landscape.
- Expert support, intelligence, and resources to inform decision-making.
- High-quality events and networking opportunities.
- Increased profile through communications and shared channels.
- Opportunities to collaborate on projects and shape the future of the sector.
CCA Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “Our new Associate Partnership programme is about bringing more organisations into the conversation on the future of community pharmacy. Through the programme, we can build stronger relationships across the sector and help drive the continued development of community pharmacy.
"We’re proud to welcome Pfizer, Skills4Pharmacy and Viatris as our first set of Associate Partners, and we look forward to working with each of them to shape the future of community pharmacy.
"Together we can share insight, strengthen collaboration and deliver more for patients and the NHS.”
Hetal Naik, Primary Care Lead, Pfizer UK, said: “Community pharmacy is already a vital part of how people access care, advice and support in their local communities. As the health system continues to evolve, there is a real opportunity to better recognise and harness that role, supporting more accessible care for patients and helping the NHS respond to growing demand.
“We’re proud to be an Associate Partner of the CCA and to continue to build on our longstanding relationship. Through partnership, shared insight and constructive dialogue, we look forward to exploring practical ways to support the continued development of community pharmacy and help deliver better outcomes for patients. As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention and community-based care, we are committed to working collaboratively to improve access to services, treatments and medicines, helping ensure that patients can receive timely, convenient care closer to home."
Jamie Crinigan, Managing Director at Skills4Pharmacy said: "The CCA represents some of the UK's most significant pharmacy employers, and we're proud to be joining as an associate partner. The pharmacy sector is facing a genuine workforce challenge, and apprenticeships are one of the most effective tools available to tackle it - this partnership puts us right at the heart of that conversation."
Melissa Fisher, Country Manager, Viatris Ireland and UK, said: “At Viatris, our mission is to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, regardless of geography or circumstance. Community pharmacy plays a vital role in making that ambition real — as the evolving front door to the NHS, providing trusted, convenient access to high-quality medicines, care and advice in neighbourhoods across the UK.
"As an inaugural Associate Partner of the CCA, we are proud to work through access, leadership and partnership to support greater collaboration across UK health and care. By making better use of community pharmacy’s reach, convenience and medicines expertise, we can help improve population health, support the NHS and reduce health inequalities.”
