2020 has been challenging. We are all navigating uncertainty and coping with new demands, both personally and professionally. Few of us will forget being told to stay at home in March 2020, or being asked to return to lockdown in November 2020, just as we began to emerge from the restrictions.

But some things didn’t change during COVID-19. Firstly, patients across the world still needed their medicines. Secondly, the team at Smartway made sure that it happened.

Month after month, year after year, our team keep the medicines supply chain moving, working behind the scenes, night and day, to bring high quality products to practitioners and patients.

Against this background of a difficult time, we are incredibly proud to announce that Smartway Pharmaceuticals has been recognised in the 16th annual Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250, which ranks Britain’s leading mid-market companies. Smartway secured position #89 for 2020, a considerable improvement from its 2019 ranking of #121.

“Our improved ranking is testament to the hard work and commitment of our people. Thanks to their efforts, we have maintained a robust, resilient and high performing supply chain that services patients, wherever in the world they are. I couldn’t be happier with the progress we have made in the past twelve months.”

Josh Cocklin, Chief Executive 

Reflecting our on going sales success

The Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 ranks mid-market companies by sales but, for us, this seemingly simple metric actually encompasses a wide range of activities.

Behind every order is a sprawling, complex process that starts with manufacturers and ends with an unparalleled level of care for patients, including by our own fearless NHS. Our impact can be measured in sales, but it’s a metric that cannot be decoupled from the quality, care and commitment at every stage of the supply chain. After all, at the end of the supply chain stands our true customer – the patient.

For us, everything we do is underpinned by five key values:

  • Service
  • Motivation
  • Adaptability
  • Reliability
  • Timeliness

Beyond the numbers, we see our recognition in Sunday Times PWC Top Track 250 as a seal of approval for everything we stand for as a business.

Demonstrating our resilience and stability

Crucially, our improved ranking represents continued success, even in a year where nothing can be taken for granted.

As a pharmaceutical distributor, Smartway continues to see significant demand and, thanks to our resilient supply chain, we have been able to deliver with minimal disruption including in new markets. However, we have also seen demand dramatically shift in all respects, from how we keep our staff safe to how we keep medicines moving across the country and beyond our border.

Meanwhile, regulatory compliance remains of critical importance to us. This year, we were subject to two routine MHRA inspections, the outcome of which we are very pleased with. We will continue to build on our commitment to quality and safety.

The breadth and adaptability of our supply chain that has helped us operate effectively. We’ve been able to respond with real agility, meeting new needs and challenges wherever and whenever they appear.

At the same time, we have doubled down on our investment in the people, technology and processes that make our work possible. We’ve created COVID-safe environments through various methods including:

  • Equipping our team with PPE and hand sanitiser
  • Social distancing
  • Staggering work patterns and allowing for remote working where possible
  • Limiting visitors and conducting virtual meetings

Together, these measures keep our team safe and confident – so our customers can be confident as they continue to do business with us.

Planning the next stage of our success

Thinking beyond this year’s impressive achievements, we’re also excited about the future of Smartway. In part, we’ll continue to adapt to changing circumstances, giving our customers the stability and dependability that they need from us.

We continue to recruit and expand our internal expertise, helping us to maintain our uncompromising standard of service and quality, even as we grow.

See the full Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250