In our ‘Inspiring small businesses’ series, we share and celebrate great stories from small business owners who started and run their own business. By bringing you closer to these inspiring businesses we hope that you find motivation, tips, and ideas for building yours. For this weeks interview, we spoke to Abbas Kanani, Managing Director of Chemist Click an online pharmacy.

Chemist Click is an online pharmacy providing an online consultation and prescription service. We focus on certain low risk medical conditions that can be treated safely, using a remote service. When a patient visits their website, they will click on the medical condition they wish to be treated for. They are required to fill out a medical questionnaire, after which they can select appropriate treatment. Their consultation is assessed by a registered prescriber, and if clinically suitable a prescription is generated. This prescription is dispensed and dispatched from our inhouse pharmacy using a next day delivery service.

What's the story behind your business?

I qualified in 2013 and worked as a locum pharmacist for 2 years. I then went to work in a GP surgery as a practice based pharmacist for 2 years before working for the NHS as an advisor for a year. After having seen first hand the trouble that some patients go through, I realised that there was potential to make such a healthcare service accessible and affordable. Often, patients cannot get an appointment with a GP, practice nurse or practice pharmacist. There are also limitations on what prescribers can prescribe on the NHS (i.e. erectile dysfunction medication is limited to 4 tablets a month and there are many treatments that patients would like, but the NHS will not allow due to cost). Patients will need to make an appointment with a private provider who will issue a private prescription and patients will need to take this to a pharmacy and it all becomes very costly. Our service incorporates all of this and offers treatment at a competitive price, with the convenience of having next day delivery.

What inspired you to start your own business?

First and foremost, I love what I do. Creating a model that is beneficial to the average person and being able to make your service accessible to millions of people inspired me to leave my job and make this a reality. I’ve also had so many different ideas working in different places and because I was not a senior member of staff, or didn’t have any “experience”, I was never taken seriously. With what I do, I can turn my ideas to reality.

What is the most difficult aspect of running your own business?

Everyone looks to you to for the answer and you can’t look to anyone else. There is a solution for every problem, but sometimes finding that solution can be difficult. Often in business, things aren’t going to go your way, and it’s not an easy ride. If you are the sole director, it can be a dark and lonely place when everyone has gone home and you’re the only one in the office trying to make it work.

What is the best thing about running your own business?

When things are going well, it’s amazing. It feels great to see something that you have built serving so many people. One of the best feelings is to see staff development. I’ve personally mentored our staff and to see their personal and professional development is probably one of the most satisfying feelings and a big accomplishment. Watching them now mentor new members of staff gives me great pleasure and a very proud feeling.

How has your business been affected by coronavirus and how have you adapted?

Yes, prices of medication has increased and delivery couriers are not operating within usual timeframes. We have increased our list of suppliers and introduced a premium delivery partner so that we can continue to offer a reliable next day service.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?

This is a difficult question that I think all business owners get asked quite often. My approach is always very honest and transparent. If you feel it is something you will enjoy, then do it. Be prepared to be scared, sleepless nights, working 7 days, no holidays for a while. Your social life takes a hit but it is now easier than ever to set up a business and reach out to so many people through so many different channels. Barriers to entry are a lot lower meaning there is much more competition out there. You have to think of ways to be different and always maintain pride in the product and service you offer. Treat your staff well, they are your business and will be the ones to help you take it to the next level, so they deserve respect. It is for everyone and you really need to research and think about what it entails, before making that step. If you don’t, that’s totally fine, you may be in a better off position. If you do, be prepared and work towards your dreams. It will happen, just stay consistent and never lose that motivation during the tough times. Channel any negative emotions into drive and hunger.

To find out more about Chemist Click visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.