When Brexit first landed, most of us hoped the chaos would fade after a few months. But for local pharmacies, it didn’t. Instead, it turned into a slow, constant headache that still hasn’t fully gone away.

If you run a pharmacy, you already know what I mean: orders take longer, suppliers give vague updates, and patients still expect everything to run smoothly.

Let’s be honest, it’s tough.

The Supply Chain Headache

Before Brexit, restocking was simple. You placed your order, suppliers delivered, and everyone got what they needed. Now? It’s a guessing game.

Customs cheques, new documentation, and border delays have made medicine deliveries unpredictable. Something that used to take a few days can suddenly take a few weeks.

And when a patient needs their prescription today, not “when the shipment clears,” that delay hits hard.

The Delivery Gap

A lot of pharmacies rely on national couriers who treat medical deliveries like any other parcel. They don’t always understand that what’s in that box isn’t just stock, it’s someone’s health.

We’ve seen deliveries left overnight in depots or sent to the wrong branch because a label was misread. It’s not only stressful but risky.

That’s why more pharmacies are turning to local delivery partners. A rider who knows your area can pick up, drop off, and be back within the hour. It’s faster, safer, and saves you from endless tracking calls.

Paperwork and Compliance. The Silent Time Thief

Then there’s the admin side. Post-Brexit, pharmacies face more forms, new MHRA cheques, and stricter import rules. It all eats into your time, the same time you should be spending helping patients.

Every new rule means more hours behind a computer, less focus on care, and more frustration when you’re already stretched thin.

Finding a Way Forward

Here’s the good news: some pharmacies are already turning this around. By working with local, tech-driven delivery teams, they’re cutting delays and taking control of their supply flow again.

We’ve seen our partners in SW and W London reduce missed deliveries by up to 15%. They get real-time updates, reliable drivers, and peace of mind knowing their patients won’t be waiting by the door.

The reality is, Brexit made pharmacy work harder. But it also reminded us that local still matters.

When borders slow things down, the smartest thing you can do is strengthen what’s close to home.

Let’s make sure your deliveries stay on time, no matter what’s happening at the border.

Partner with Onelivery UK today because your patients can’t wait, and neither should you.