Day Lewis 50th anniversary
Succession in a family business can sometimes be a sudden affair So it was at Day Lewis Pharmacy when in 2016 the company’s founder Kirit Patel MBE passed unexpectedly. Speaking a year before he died, Kirit told the company’s annual conference: “My vision for Day Lewis is to remain in the hands of my children’s children.” Together with his brother JC, Kirit opened the first Day Lewis pharmacy in Southborough, Kent, in 1975. Fifty years on, the business has grown to be one of the largest pharmacy chains in the UK with around 250 pharmacies, including the licence to operate the pharmacy outlet in Harrods! Rupa Patel, Kirit’s daughter and now second generation Executive Director of Day Lewis recalls: “Dad always wanted to create something of value. “But I don’t think he ever really thought of Day Lewis as a family business. It wasn’t until we joined FBUK, that the penny dropped. “Sam, Jay (Rupa’s brothers) and me were working in the business and studying at the same time when we started to realise that this was something far bigger. It wasn’t just about my dad and my uncle, it was about creating something for the next generation and for many generations to come.” Alongside the pharmacy chains, Day Lewis has diversified into pharmaceutical manufacturing and supplying specialist industries, including
As a second generation leader at Day Lewis, Rupa is immensely proud of the growth and diversification in the business. But she feels a real sense of responsibility as a custodian of her father’s legacy. “It is really hard,” says Rupa. “It’s not ours to lose. “Dad used to say it’s ‘here today and can be gone tomorrow’ and while that can mean lots of things for the business, it’s really about caring for things and staying grounded.” As for the next 50 years of Day Lewis, Rupa is conscious of honouring her father’s desire to ensure the business goes to his children’s children. So, what of the next generation? Has it crossed her mind yet? “No,” laughs Rupa. “I haven’t thought about the next generation at all. They’re too young but they know the business is here.” When the time comes, her advice will be a testament to the values her father instilled in the business, “to treat people with respect and kindness”.
the offshore and cruise ship industries. Whilst these are increasing opportunities, community pharmacy will always be the core of Day Lewis.
“Looking after and treating our patients, giving them the best possible choice and care in community pharmacy is so important”
says Rupa. “Across our community pharmacies we have saved thousands of lives. The small interactions we have with our patients every day saves lives. “During Covid, pharmacies were the only health service that was allowed to open for people without needing to make an appointment. Even now, you can’t go to any healthcare provider without an appointment, but you can walk into your local pharmacy and get advice and treatment.”
FBUK Issue 4 26
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