The NPA has been at the heart of the community pharmacy sector for more than 100 years

The National Pharmacy Association is the representative voice of independent community pharmacies across the UK and a key provider of vital services to the wider community pharmacy sector. The NPA has been at the heart of the community pharmacy sector for more than 100 years - we celebrated our centenary in 2021 and consider ourselves to be the ‘family of family-owned pharmacies'.

There are approximately 7000 independent pharmacies UK-wide and more than half of pharmacies are family owned and run, small to medium sized organisations. The large majority of these are NPA members.

With a Board entirely drawn from our membership of independent community pharmacy owners, the NPA is one of the biggest providers of education and training to the community pharmacy sector. Courses range from leadership skills to vaccinations and cover the whole staff, from dispensing assistants to accuracy technicians and delivery drivers.

Other services offered by the NPA include Advice and Support for members on all types of queries related to professional community pharmacy practice and guidance and support on medicine safety. As the representative voice of independent community pharmacies, the NPA is also frequently invited to support parliamentary oversight of pharmacy policy.

We are determined to help pharmacies fulfil their potential as the ‘front door to the NHS