Oonagh O'Hagan

Looking forward to joining you all Chartered Accountants Ulster Society in September to share a little of my journey taking the Meaghers business from one traditional pharmacy to where we are at today and just how important our people are in the journey. #growth #business #pharmacy

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Very interesting to see the process of a Health Impact Assessment being carried out. Many public health advocates seeking a Health Impact Assessment re proposals on Sale of Alcohol bill to extend alcohol availability. Such an assessment can provide guidance on reducing health inequalities.

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Article: Annual Review of the Community Pharmacy Sector The IPU commissioned Fitzgerald Power to carry out an economic study of the Irish community pharmacy sector in early 2024. In this month's #IPUReview, Stuart Fitzgerald, CEO of Fitzgerald Power, provides an overview of the findings of the study, which were recently published as the Annual Review of the Community Pharmacy Sector in Ireland 2023/2024. Read in full at https://lnkd.in/eecjagni The #IPUReview is the official magazine of Irish Pharmacy Union and #IrishCommunityPharmacy #CommunityPharmacy #IrishPharmacy #PharmacyBusinessAnalysis

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Always interesting to see exports data from CSO (Central Statistics Office Ireland) Alcohol makes up just 1% of Ireland’s total exports despite all the industry spin about its importance to the economy. Meanwhile this drug cost the state at least €12bn annually in costs re health, crime and loss of workplace productivity. More than ever Ireland needs an Alcohol Office to drive coherent cross government policies to reduce this burden on individuals, families, communities and the state. #GE2024

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Why is health insurance getting more expensive? 💶 Over the past 12 months, all three health insurance companies in Ireland have increased their prices, and our recent market report indicated that a lack of affordability may be one reason why there is slowing growth in the number of people buying health insurance. But what’s causing these price increases? ↗ In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the volume of claims. According to our 2023 market report, claims increased by 15% between 2022 and 2023, and the number of days spent in hospital increased from 1.6 million to 1.7 million. Medical inflation has also contributed to the rising costs. Figures from CSO (Central Statistics Office Ireland) show that the cost of outpatient services increased by 3.2% over the past year, and in a recent statement, Vhi Healthcare, the largest health insurance provider in Ireland, confirmed that they recorded an 18% increase in the amount paid on claims compared to the same period in 2022. Our view is that the combination of higher healthcare costs and an increase in the number of claims means that prices are unlikely to come down anytime soon. However, there are still ways to cut costs. We always recommend shopping around for health insurance, because chances are that if you have been on the same plan for a while, you’re overpaying. If you would like help with finding and comparing health insurance plans, get in touch with us at [email protected].

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*MEET THE TEAM* 🌍Originally from Spain, our Managing Director Fran moved to Belfast in 2016 (so, you already know he’s a little nuts). 💊Fran was a pharmacy technician before creating his own pharmacy automation company. ❤️His fascination with automation has led him on a mission to help pharmacists improve their workload and give them more time with their patients. 😊 He believes pharmacies are the hub of the community where patients pop in for some reassurance and a chat and automation makes this possible again. 🍩 If you come to the office, you always know if Fran’s there because there’s a pile of sweet stuff beside his desk! It’s maybe no surprise Fran likes his food as he is a trained chef. 👨‍🍳 Connect with Fran Sanles. --------------------------------- Pharmacists, do you want to reduce your workload and improve patient safety? Invest in pharmacy automation with Edia. We’re THE best automation support for pharmacists. DM us to have a chat. #EdiaPharmacyAutomation #PharmacyAutomation #AutomationSolutions

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Our Future of Finance report explores five pillars Irish CFOs can employ to incorporate resilience into business strategy, increase bottom lines, and achieve long-term sustainable growth. Discover more here https://lnkd.in/eYMJEvbV

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In an independently produced survey with Amárach Research about business costs, small businesses were asked about the impact of rising business costs in the past 12 months. This survey revealed that 83% of small businesses in Ireland are facing escalating costs.   Moreover, 35% of businesses report that they cannot continue trading beyond six months without additional funding. David Broderick, Director of the SFA, underscores the severity of the situation: “The fact that over a third of small businesses will run out of liquidity within six months without any financial aid shows how cash-strapped they are. One in five small businesses have secured funding from friends and family to cope with rising costs. This is an alarming reality.”   Supporting small businesses, the lifeblood of our communities, is more critical than ever.   For the complete survey results and detailed insights, visit: https://lnkd.in/emuD69XM #SmallBusinesses #BusinessCosts #CostEscalation #SFA #SupportSmallBusiness Ibec Jonathan McDade Geraldine Magnier

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It’s extraordinary that common sense measures such as the labelling of alcohol products has to be described as ‘controversial’. In Ireland polling data has found very strong public support for this (over 70%). The ‘controversy’ stems from an industry that has been allowed to get away with both setting and moving the goal posts in a manner matched only by the fossil fuels and tobacco industries. In the run up to the European elections perhaps ask your local candidates are they prepared to stand up for public interest as opposed to vested interest? #CDoH European Alcohol Policy Alliance - Eurocare https://lnkd.in/gu2Q_2w8

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A big thank you to Scale Ireland for highlighting changes announced in the budget for tech companies and scale up companies! Increase the amount reimbursed in year one under the R&D Tax Credit scheme from €50k to €75k; Increase in the relief available under the Start-up Relief for Entrepreneurs from €700k to €980k; Doubling in the investment limits under the Employment Investment Incentive scheme (EIIS) from €500k to €1m; Increase in the lifetime limit on gains liable for reduced Capital Gains Tax (for Angel Investors in innovative start-ups and SMEs) from €3m to €10m (Note: new 16% for individuals or 18% through Partnerships announced in Budget 2024);  New relief for expenses incurred in connection with a first listing on an Irish or European stock exchange, subject to a cap of €1 million; Subject to state aid rules, introduce Stamp Duty exemption for Irish SMEs to access equity via financial trading platforms designed to support their funding needs; Enhancement of the section 486C small company start-up corporation tax relief; Commitment to consider the recommendations of the report on share ownership schemes and the review of R&D tax credit next year. You can read the full statement regarding the 2025 budget via this link https://lnkd.in/eZMMqtZn  

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Heartfelt congratulations to Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, led by Osman Khalid and his dedicated team, on entering into a prestigious non-exclusive voluntary license agreement with Gilead Sciences Ireland UC. This agreement allows Ferozsons to manufacture and sell the licensed generic lenacapavir in resource-constrained, high-burden, and resource-limited countries, marking a significant achievement not only for the company but also for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. Ferozsons is now one of just six global partners chosen by Gilead to produce high-quality generics of lenacapavir, a drug approved by the US FDA for HIV treatment in heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) patients, with potential for future use in HIV prevention. This partnership underscores the confidence that leading international pharmaceutical and research organizations like Gilead have in Ferozsons and in Pakistan’s capacity to contribute to global healthcare solutions. Through this agreement, Ferozsons has gained the right to receive a technology transfer of Gilead’s manufacturing process for lenacapavir, enabling it to scale up production and meet the needs of 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries. This milestone not only elevates Ferozsons’ standing on the global stage but also highlights Pakistan’s growing influence in the international pharmaceutical landscape. We are confident that under Osman Khalid’s leadership, Ferozsons will continue to reach new heights, bringing hope to patients around the world. World Health Organization Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation PATENTPOOL Group Huma Rasheed Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar Osman Khalid Waheed

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Ireland’s ageing population is reshaping the healthcare landscape. As a healthcare leader, are you prepared to meet the growing demand for care? Check out this insightful article by Sharon Scanlan from Grant Thornton Ireland and learn how you can adapt your strategies to thrive in this new area of #healthcare

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📝 The IPU White Paper outlines a bold vision for community pharmacists to practice to their full scope, aligning with national policy objectives and bringing Ireland closer to integrated, patient-led care. Enabling pharmacists will improve public health outcomes and promote medication safety. #ThinkPharmacy #HealthcareReform #PharmacyInnovation #IPUWhitePaper #PatientsNotPaper 

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Do you know how crucial your income and spending habits are when applying for a mortgage? Lenders review your income and expenses over at least six months to assess repayment capabilities. Building a consistent saving habit and managing outgoings prudently can enhance your appeal to lenders. Reducing unnecessary expenses and boosting your savings are vital steps to secure a favourable mortgage offer. Financial stability is key. Learn more about how managing your finances can prepare you for mortgage approval as a first-time buyer: https://lnkd.in/enQ6eUbT

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Pharmacy Skills in Demand in Ireland: Building a Competitive Edge

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Running your business social media like a 90's dial-up connection? 🤔 Let's upgrade to fibre-optic speed together! Send us a message 📲 or contact us through our website >> www.lakelanddigital.ie #SocialMediaSaviours #DialUpToDigital #Ad #Funny #BusinessMarketing

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Common Things Most Business Owners Aren’t Aware Of! 💼 Grants and Supports: Many business owners don’t realise the number of grants and supports available through Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland. Familiarise yourself with these resources for financial assistance. Revenue Briefs: Stay updated with Revenue briefs to keep up with changes like the enhanced reporting requirements introduced in January 2024. Budgeting: Keep your budget updated regularly. It's a live document that should be reviewed and adjusted monthly to reflect your business's financial reality. Exit Strategy: Always consider your long-term goals and how you plan to exit your business. This strategic thinking is crucial, even in the early stages. Stay tuned for more valuable insights from Borgo Accounting! Discover more at borgo.ie. #BusinessTips #FinancialHealth #Grants #RevenueBriefs #Budgeting #ExitStrategy #Accounting #BorgoAccounting #BusinessGrowth #IrishBusiness #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur

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📢 This morning we released our latest white paper, the Irish Pharmacy Sector: M&A Review-2023! This in-depth analysis covers the mergers and acquisitions landscape from Q1 2021 to Q4 2023, highlighting the health of the sector, challenges faced by operators, and average enterprise valuations. Key Highlights: 🔹 Transaction Analysis: Advised on 51 single-unit pharmacy transactions, 54% of the estimated 95 sales during the review period. 🔹 Valuation Metrics: Based on 45 transactions, excluding 6 atypical units for accuracy. 🔹 Focus: Individual pharmacy transactions and small pharmacy groups (up to 4 pharmacies). 🔹 Valuation Approach: Assessed using maintainable EBITDA and goodwill consideration. Download here ➡ https://lnkd.in/eJDsEzFn #teamFP #Pharmacy #MandA #WhitePaper #PharmacyPulse #accounting #accountancy #irishbusiness

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The majority of patients in Ireland want to use online health records for practical tasks to manage their health, such as renewing ongoing prescriptions and tracking test results, according to a new report by HIQA - Health Information and Quality Authority. The survey of 2000+ members of the public and 1000+ healthcare professionals revealed that the public is ready to engage digitally to help manage their health, with 74% saying they would access their health records online once available. Healthcare professionals, however, are concerned that the IT skills of people they treat and care for will be a challenge (54%) and just over a third (36%) worry that digitally provided care may negatively impact their relationships with patients. Rachel Flynn, HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards, and Chair of the project steering group, said: “With the increased investment in digital health, it was important to engage with both the public and professionals, to help develop person-centred digital systems which can strengthen and support care delivery. “The findings of this engagement are extremely valuable, providing evidence to inform the development and provision of digital health systems and services in Ireland.” Learn more: https://loom.ly/2_P8Wh4

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