Ian Strachan started his career as a forensic scientist in 1980 at the Home Office forensic science laboratories in Aldermaston Reading. Having served for five years in the chemistry division relating to crimes against the person Ian studied pharmacy at Brighton. Qualifying in 1986 as a pharmacist Ian worked across a multitude of independent pharmacies including the multiples. He gained a PGCE in 1992 and became a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry both in pharma and many blue-chip consumer healthcare companies Ian wrote three publications for the pharmaceutical industry and was the author of the first accredited medicines training for care homes in the UK. Ian has been the chairman of the national pharmacy association becoming its longest-serving chairman in the association’s history. He was the spokesperson and figurehead during the now infamous cuts and efficiencies consultation to community pharmacy between 2014-2019 A period many consider a halcyon period for the sector as its strategy to influence government thinking resulted in a number of significant victories Ian acquired a series of new contract pharmacies in 1986 and is now the owner of a group of four pharmacies across the North West.