In the latest episode of The Pharmacy Planet Podcast, Boo Dhaliwal sits down with two trailblazing minds behind the pharmacy tech startup Apotec: Ian Taylor, founder, and Shanel Raichura, clinical director. This candid and insightful conversation unpacks how Apotec is shaking up the UK pharmacy landscape by tackling outdated systems and putting power back in the hands of pharmacists.

Boo’s relaxed, light-hearted hosting style perfectly complements Ian and Shanel’s deep expertise, resulting in an episode packed with inspiration, real-world solutions, and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit.

Watch the full episode here:

Table of Contents

1. What Is Apotec?

2. Fixing Pharmacy’s Foundations

3. Pharmacists as Investors

4. Building for the Future, Together

5. Final Word from Boo

What Is Apotec?

At its core, Apotec is a cloud-based CRM and PMR system, designed by pharmacists, for pharmacists. Tired of inefficient legacy software and fragmented digital processes, Ian and Shanel set out to create an all-in-one hub that allows independent pharmacies to streamline operations, centralise communication, and ultimately deliver better care.

From day-to-day dispensing to team coordination and patient communication, Apotec’s intuitive dashboard aims to fix the operational cracks that have long plagued UK pharmacy.

Fixing Pharmacy’s Foundations

The conversation dives deep into how Apotec isn’t just another software—it’s a rebuild of the very infrastructure pharmacies depend on. Ian and Shanel highlight common problems such as:

  • Workflow bottlenecks in legacy PMRs like ProScript
  • Communication breakdowns between branches
  • Manual workarounds that waste valuable pharmacist time

Apotec addresses these with smart automation, barcode verification (Scan to Check), easy system integrations, and the power of the cloud.

Pharmacists as Investors

Perhaps one of the most compelling parts of Apotec’s journey is how it was funded. Rather than turning to traditional venture capital, Apotec was funded by community pharmacists themselves—a rare and powerful model that ensures the product remains anchored in real-world pharmacy needs.

This grassroots investment model not only fuels development but also builds a genuine sense of ownership and accountability among the very users Apotec was built for.

Building for the Future, Together

Boo guides Ian and Shanel through the origin story of Apotec, the challenges of bringing a tech product to market, and their ambitious vision for the future. As they look ahead, the duo is focused on scaling Apotec while staying true to their founding mission: empowering pharmacy teams and elevating patient care.

Highlights include:

  • Why Apotec won’t slow down even as more pharmacies join
  • How it uses data insights to inform smarter decision-making
  • Transparent pricing and seamless onboarding
  • The story behind the name “Apotec” and its branding vision

Final Word from Boo

This podcast isn’t just a tech spotlight—it’s a celebration of community-driven innovation, entrepreneurial grit, and the power of pharmacists taking charge of their own futures.

Whether you're a pharmacist, a healthcare entrepreneur, or just a curious mind, this episode offers a refreshing, forward-thinking take on where UK pharmacy is headed.

Watch the full episode here: 


Useful Links

  • Apotec Website: www.apotec.com
  • Investor Enquiries: invest.apotec.com/join
  • Ian Taylor on LinkedIn: tayloraaf
  • Shanel Raichura on LinkedIn: shanel-raichura
  • Boo Dhaliwal on TikTok: @boo_pharmacyplanet
Posted: July 28, 2025
Author: Harminder Kaur