Wow, what a year. If I reflect on this year, a word that comes to mind is gratitude.
Gratitude for all the wonderful most special things we have in our life. Gratitude for the wonderful people in my team, our families and friends, our health, our clients, the pharmacy community in general, the environment and the good lifestyle we live. This feeling of gratitude also flows to being in the present, and I know this has been very present with me for most of this year.
There are many people I want to mention who have had massive contributions to Peak. Of course, one group of people will always come first, and that is, the Peak family. You, most wonderful, glorious people. Vic, Pri, Sar, Reners, Maddie, Arnie, Yhan Yhan, The Don, Marky Mark, and Cakes. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you all. Your care, love, and attention, as well as all your beautiful personalities that make up the Peak family and gives it all its happiness and vibrancy.
Oh, the laughter, the “fruity” conversations, the happiness that is the Peak family. You may come to the office grumpy, but I can guarantee you won’t stay grumpy long. Thank you, thank you a million thank you’s. We have done a lot, achieved a lot, exceeded goals and at times fell short. We have done our best, we made mistakes, but we learnt. Overall, you lot are the best in the world.
In the Peak office health was probably the main theme this year. I am a firm believer that you need to have the basics right if you are going to perform at your best. That starts with your physical health, then your mental health, then your spiritual health. We had the steps challenge, the sleep challenge, and the water challenge. All with a view of introducing good practice and good habits within the team. We also had a regular, quarterly mental health day. Half a day given to the team to focus on their mental health. To learning, to growing, and to evolving as a person.
Covid made sure it hung around. All of us got it at some point. Such is the way it goes, and most in pharmacy land are the same.
In pharmacy land, the staffing shortages hit hard. Many pharmacies suffered with chronic shortages. Some owners were doing huge hours, day after day, week after week, month after month. Some are just exhausted now, and there does not appear to be any let up in sight yet. We do get concerned about the mental health of some. We applaud you all, and your efforts. Thank you for helping keep our communities healthy.
Wages rate for pharmacists also have gone up, which is a good thing and about time. Pharmacists should be getting paid more for what they do and the value they provide to the community. Covid was a very good example of the critical roles they play in the community health landscape.
The pharmacy for sale market was rather buoyant. I haven’t seen a market like this for a long, long, time. It has been a sellers’ market that’s for sure. Many have cashed out, took the opportunity when it came. But we all know, nothing stays the same. Things change. Inflation and interest rates are likely to hit their mark. What 2023 holds in store will remain to be seen, but we must all think ahead and plan carefully. Never assume things will stay the same.
In reflection of 2022, and thinking ahead for 2023 for pharmacy land, one issue remains firmly at the front of my mind. Things change.
2022 was a year when most members of our communities had to go to a pharmacy for a vaccination, RAT, masks, hand sanitizers or something. 2022 showed good growth in every pharmacy I saw. Logic tells you, it won’t stay like that.
If we are to sustain our performance, connection to our communities becomes a vital component in 2023. We must remain relevant, we must engage and connect. We have seen with some of our client this year how these strategies can have significant benefits for pharmacy businesses.
Partnerships have also been a big factor this year. We have had a significant uplift in pharmacists connecting with Peak looking for help and guidance on partnerships. We have produced a ton of content on this topic, and it has been very fulfilling to be able to help pharmacists with their first step into the world of business.
Of course, I cannot finish this blog without giving special mention to my wonderful wife Lisa, my rock, my love, my Queen. Also, my two incredibly intelligent children Stephen and Ciara who are just ticking off life goals left right and centre. And the motivational support officer, the office mascot, the relaxation guru, the sleep deprivation device, Cookies (the dog).
I know I am very excited for next year. There is so much to look forward to. We will be launching new programs to elevate pharmacy marketing, as well as developing resources for junior partners.
To our current and future clients, we are always looking to push the boundaries and become better. You will see just how we plan to do that next year.
I am taking a few weeks off to rest, but also allow time to learn and create.
So, as we prepare to tune out for another year. Merry Christmas to you all. Here’s to a content, healthy and peaceful 2023!
Our office finishes up next week 22nd of December and we are back on Tuesday 3rd January 2023. Skeleton staff will be on hand to cover the emergencies.
