

2023-24


2023-24
Sigma is an independent short-line wholesaler, offering an industry leading range that includes generics, branded medicines, OTC medicines, parallel imports, and unlicensed medicines.
With headquarters based in Watford, we offer next day delivery through our own fleet within the M25 and home counties and via courier throughout the rest of the UK.
With long standing trading relationships with leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, we are committed to providing the best service and support to our independent community pharmacy customers.
Our notion of family extends to all 437 members of our staff, and we all work together to achieve our company vision. From our warehouse operators to our delivery drivers, to our telesales representatives, everyone that works within our business has helped us to go from strength-to-strength over the last 40 years and be the successful business we are today.
At Sigma, sustainability is at the heart of our mission to enhance healthcare and positively impact the communities we serve. We believe that our responsibility extends beyond providing high-quality pharmaceutical products; it includes creating a healthier, more sustainable future for our employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community.
We are proud to share that this report marks an important milestone in our sustainability journey. While we acknowledge that we are at the beginning of this path, we are pleased with the progress we’ve made so far. This report highlights our achievements and sets the foundation for our future goals as we continue to align our business strategy with our sustainability priorities.
Our focus is clear: we are working in areas where we can make the greatest impact and influence positive change. This includes reducing our environmental footprint, with particular emphasis on carbon reduction and waste management. By collaborating closely with our partners, customers, suppliers, and employees, we aim to drive meaningful change throughout our value chain.
Sustainability is embedded within our organisation, with dedicated leadership at the board level to assess and manage climate-related risks. Together, we are committed to building a sustainable, resilient future that benefits both our business and the communities we touch. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Hatul Shah CEO
Established 1982 Locations: Watford, Birmingham, West Molesey
103 employees are earning more than £35k
429 Employees
175 employees have been employed over 5 years
126 Females in the team
16 Trained Mental Health First Aiders
The world of pharmacy is continually changing. In order to continue to thrive as a business, we must understand the trends and forces that will shape our business in the future and move swiftly to prepare for what’s to come. In very much the same way, we want to help our customers prepare for tomorrow today with the services we provide.
Our mission statement is simple: to continually grow a business where we have satisfied customers, satisfied suppliers and satisfied employees. Without these three ingredients, we have no company.
Satisfied Customers Satisfied Suppliers Satisfied Employees
Understanding our impact Identifying a framework and our first ESG strategy
Developing a valuesbased culture
Reviewing our base position and reporting
Developing metrics and revisiting strategy and goals
Route to net zero
During early 2023 we collectively built our expertise on sustainability as a team; analysed and began to understand our impact on the world.
We have identified our 4 Sustainability Pillars using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a Framework and clarifying our next steps
We will review our values against our 4 pillars to support the implementation of sustainability throughout our business.
We have already begun the integration of sustainability into our internal reporting and business strategy.
We will use insights to refine strategy, set targets, track progress, and include the results in the Annual Report, ensuring continuous improvement.
We acknowledge the Government target of net zero by 2050. Our longer-term strategy will need to establish our route to Net Zero for the entire Business including customers.
We are using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) as the framework to guide our sustainability initiatives. The SDGs provide a global roadmap for achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future. Our commitment to the SDGs reflects our dedication to creating positive and lasting impact in line with international sustainability standards.
Create a working environment that enables people to thrive Partner with organisations to improve our environmental, social and economic impacts Sigma is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact. Sustain and evolve governance structure and systems for long-term sustainability
Create a working environment that enables people to thrive
Gender Spilt: Females
Employees
Engagement in our Training programs
Average age of Employee
% of our workforce have been with us for over 5 Years
No. of Mental Health First aiders.
Sigma is proud of our roots as a family-run business, where loyalty and community are key to our success.
We are proud to employ 429 people, with an average age of 42, and we benefit from a loyal workforce. Around 9% of our employees have been with us for over ten years, and 22% have stayed for more than five years, highlighting the commitment and trust our team has in the business. We regularly check in with our employees through an annual cultural survey, ensuring their voices are heard and we continue to improve the working environment.
We prioritise career development within Sigma, promoting internal mobility wherever possible. In 2024, 20 employees successfully transitioned into new roles within the company, reflecting our dedication to fostering professional growth.
As a family-owned business with a strong Asian heritage, we embrace our cultural roots while continually striving to improve diversity and inclusion. In 2024, we introduced new policies to support our employees, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave, upgraded health insurance, and long service awards to recognise our dedicated team members.
Looking to the future, we have ambitious plans for growth and sustainability. These include increasing biodiversity at our sites, establishing sustainability champions within the business, and using the Clearview System to monitor and reduce energy use. We’re also exploring eco-friendly transport solutions, such as barrel bikes at our Watford site, and expanding our apprenticeship programme to bring in new talent.
Sigma strengthened its commitment to the mental health and well-being of our team by continuing to invest in initiatives that create a supportive and positive workplace.
At Sigma, we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our employees. We have 16 Mental Health First Aiders across the business, ensuring there is one available for every 26 employees. These individuals provide a vital support system, offering a safe space for colleagues to talk when they need support or guidance.
We actively encourage our staff to engage with the Wellbeing activities available through our Employee Assistance Programme, which offers a range of resources designed to help employees maintain balance and well-being.
To promote regular breaks and mental clarity, we organise lunchtime walks, giving employees a chance to step away, get some fresh air, and reset. These walks are a regular feature at Sigma, and we encourage team members to use them as opportunities to connect and learn more about each other, strengthening bonds across the business.
Additionally, we have a reflection room available for any employee who needs a quiet space to relax during a busy day. By fostering an open, supportive environment, Sigma ensures that mental health is a priority, helping our team to thrive both personally and professionally.
At Sigma, we know that the growth and happiness of our team are key to our success. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing ongoing training and development for all our employees.
By investing in our people, we enable them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the success of the business.
In 2024, we conducted 670 hours of training across various departments, achieving a 99.5% engagement rate from our employees. This commitment to training reflects our belief in creating an environment where learning and professional development are prioritised. To ensure the quality and relevance of our programmes, we utilise the eQMS-Trax which allows us to tailor learning experiences to the unique needs of our workforce, ensuring that everyone, from new starters to senior leaders, has the tools and knowledge to thrive in their roles.
Our training initiatives cover a wide range of topics, including technical skills, leadership development, compliance, and sustainability, helping us remain competitive while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
We believe that staff engagement is at the heart of our success. While some of our metrics have shown a decline this year, we remain committed to creating an environment where employees feel motivated, valued, and aligned with our vision.
At Sigma, we understand the importance of asking honest, sometimes difficult questions about our workplace culture and employee experience. This year, we surveyed our employees on key aspects of engagement, including motivation, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and alignment with company values.
The results, collected from January to October, reflect areas of both strength and improvement. While some metrics, such as job satisfaction and alignment with career goals, have seen slight improvements, others such as communication, work-life balance, and feeling valued have experienced a decline.
We view these results not as setbacks but as opportunities. Our commitment to staff engagement goes beyond merely asking questions; it involves putting a mirror to ourselves, understanding the challenges our employees face, and taking meaningful action to address them. We know that engagement isn't static—it's a dynamic process that requires continuous reflection and improvement.
In response to this year’s feedback, we are introducing several initiatives to enhance employee engagement. We will implement an Employee Forum, which is made up of volunteers from all areas and functions within our businesses. We have the full support of our leadership team to make this a meaningful group in which suggestions and feedback can be taken on board.
Through these efforts, we aim to create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow, ensuring Sigma remains a place where everyone can thrive.
At Sigma, ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, and product quality is central to everything we do.
At Sigma, the health and safety of our employees are a top priority. We are committed to maintaining a secure working environment, adhering to strict safety standards, and following industry best practices to ensure compliance across all areas of the business.
Our Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) framework is at the heart of our safety approach, guiding our efforts to protect both permanent and contractual staff. Regular lean management meetings with our senior leadership team help us track and improve our safety processes. These sessions are critical for identifying new initiatives and ensuring our health and safety measures are continuously enhanced.
Health and safety training is provided to all employees, with an emphasis on the importance of following safe procedures. Before scaling up any operations, we conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and establish control measures.
In our manufacturing areas, we implement hazard and operability studies (HAZOP) before beginning any chemical processes, ensuring maximum safety. Qualitative and quantitative risk assessments further help us control and minimise risks.
We track safety performance monthly using an EHS Scorecard, which provides insights into key health and safety indicators. Additionally, we conduct inter-unit audits to identify gaps and make improvements where needed.
By fostering a culture of safety and compliance, we ensure that Sigma operates at the highest standards, protecting both our workforce and our operations. These practices reflect our commitment to being a responsible pharmaceutical business in the UK, maintaining a safe and compliant environment for everyone.
* Per 100,000 hours worked.
We have very exciting and ambitious initiatives for our People and Culture Team to work on in the next year.
The relevant SDG
Our planned initiatives Sigma Ambitions
Establish a company-wide mental health policy
Develop a mental health first aid certification programme
Develop apprenticeship programmes with industry partnerships
Introduce key people skills for all line managers
Implement training on new and upcoming policies as part of the Employment Rights Bill.
Implement a career progression framework for internal promotions
Embed sustainability into the onboarding and training processes
Expand our Culture survey to cover a broader range of topics
Create a gender pay gap reporting policy
Provide leadership development programmes for women
Launch a diversity and inclusion policy with specific goals
Develop an unconscious bias training programme for all staff
Launch initiatives to improve socio-economic diversity in recruitment
Increase employee engagement with mental health resources by 20% by 2025
Certify 20 mental health first aiders by the end of 2025 (Up to 20 from 16)
Partner with IT industry bodies and recruit 2 apprentices per year by 2026
All employees trained and aware of what constitutes Sexual Harassment using online training portal
Ensure 50% of leadership positions are filled internally by 2026
Integrate sustainability principles into all new hire training by 2025
Achieve 80% completion rate on our culture survey in 2025
Achieve 100% gender pay gap transparency by 2025
Reach 50% female/minority leadership representation by 2027
Train 100% of staff on unconscious bias by 2025
Increase recruitment from underrepresented socio-economic groups by 20% by 2026 (20% of new recruits will be minorities)
Partner with organisations to improve our environmental, social and economic impacts
At Sigma, our commitment to improving the industry is demonstrated through our active collaboration with key organisations and thought leaders.
Our recent regional networking meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree is a great example of how we bring stakeholders together to address current challenges and share innovative solutions. With around 40 attendees, the event provided a platform for engaging discussions on critical industry issues.
Key topics included the "Save Our Pharmacies" campaign, highlighting the ongoing pressures in the sector, as well as advice for independent pharmacies on maximising services like Pharmacy First and smoking cessation. The importance of planning and performance review, along with the use of social media for marketing, were also focal points.
Another important discussion centred on the power of data in improving efficiency and operational performance. A presentation on data solutions showed how tools such as operational reporting and year-on-year benchmarking can drive better decision-making for pharmacies.
Sigma also showcased our partnerships with direct customers, buying groups, and regional chains, reaffirming our commitment to providing exceptional customer service and support. Events like these allow us to foster open dialogue, share best practices, and work collaboratively with the wider industry to improve and evolve.
Sigma is proud to be a member of several leading industry organisations, including the British Association of European Pharmaceutical Distributors (BAEPD), the Healthcare Distribution Association (HDA), the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for product information.
These memberships demonstrate our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency in pharmaceutical distribution and manufacturing. Being part of these organisations allows Sigma to stay at the forefront of industry developments, contributing to important discussions around policy, innovation, and best practices.
Our involvement enables us to collaborate with other industry leaders, advocate for the needs of our customers, and help shape the future of pharmaceutical distribution. As a trusted partner in healthcare, Sigma leverages these partnerships to drive improvements, ensure regulatory compliance, and continue delivering high-quality, affordable medicines to the communities we serve.
As one of Watford’s largest businesses, Sigma recognises the importance of giving back to the local community that supports us.
In 2023, we reinforced our commitment by supporting a range of local charities and initiatives, including naming Citizens Advice Watford as our Charity of the Year. Citizens Advice Watford provides free, confidential support to those in need, assisting with issues ranging from housing and debt to immigration and discrimination.
We are proud to have contributed £20,000 to help further their vital work, which makes a tangible difference to the lives of many in our community. This financial support reflects our dedication to addressing community challenges, and we’re honoured that our contribution has been recognised in their Annual Review.
Looking ahead to 2024, Sigma remains deeply involved in broader charitable efforts.
Our charitable focus for 2024 includes targeted support for New Hope Trust, Watford Foodbank, Peace Hospice, and Macmillan, organisations that align with our mission to improve health, well-being, and community resilience. We are committed to maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with local charities, ensuring our contributions not only provide immediate relief but also help build a stronger, more supportive community in the long term.
Charity donations in 2023
£20,000
Charity Donations + 10% on Prior Year TARGET FOR 2025
Team volunteer days 120 Days
At Sigma, we believe in building strong connections with our community and giving our employees meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact.
As part of this commitment, we provide each employee with two paid volunteering days per year. These days are designed to encourage everyone to engage in meaningful activities that align with our core values and corporate social responsibility goals.
Employees can choose from a variety of pre-approved volunteer programmes, including contributions to organisations like Watford Food Bank, New Hope Trust, and Peace Hospice Watford. Whether it's giving time to those in need, supporting environmental causes, or helping to uplift local communities, our volunteer days offer a chance for employees to give back in a way that resonates with them.
In 2024, we introduced this new formal volunteering policy, which builds on the long-standing spirit of giving back that has always been a part of our community. For years, our employees have been involved in various charitable activities, from supporting local food banks to participating in environmental clean-up efforts. By offering dedicated volunteer days, we’re not only recognising the positive impact our people have already made but also encouraging further engagement in shaping a more sustainable and supportive future for the communities we serve.
The relevant
Our planned initiatives
Increase the frequency of networking events across the UK to engage more stakeholders.
Deepen collaboration with organisations like HDA, BGMA, and DHSC on policy advocacy and innovation.
Increase financial support and involvement in new local initiatives like community health programmes.
Introduce new volunteering options in health-focused areas and increase volunteer participation.
Sigma Ambitions
Partner with environmental organisations to promote sustainability initiatives in the community.
Host six regional events annually. Attendance rate and participant feedback.
Increased stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing. Co-develop two policy recommendations annually.
Double annual charitable contributions by 2025.
Total contribution amount and beneficiary feedback. Improved community well-being and resilience.
Achieve 70% employee participation in volunteering by 2025. Participation rates and hours volunteered.
Develop three long-term environmental partnerships by 2025. Obtain Partnership impact reports and community engagement levels.
Sigma is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact by cutting emissions, minimising waste, and promoting sustainability throughout our operations and supply chain.
The nature of our business means that the transportation and distribution of goods represents the most significant part of our footprint.
We understand that to effectively address carbon emissions, we must first measure them.
This assessment was carried out in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP). The results allow us to track and compare our emissions in future years, highlighting our progress and areas for improvement. This measurement of our carbon footprint reinforces our commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact.
Our commitment to a lower carbon future, through targets and improvement.
We are making significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint, with actions aimed at transforming operations, engaging stakeholders, and driving sustainability across all facets of our business.
• Optimised Logistics: Shifted to once-a-day delivery and invested in advanced route optimisation technologies to reduce emissions.
• Sustainable Fleet: Achieved 100% Euro 6 compliance across our fleet, with a long-term strategy to transition to hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
• Energy Efficiency in Facilities: Implemented gas-saving measures, including the elimination of boilers at select sites and the use of destratification technology in warehouse areas.
• Renewable Energy Commitment: All operations are now powered by 100% zero-carbon energy tariffs.
• Eliminate fossil fuel-based heating by 2035.
• Partner with supply chain members to develop and deliver robust carbon reduction plans.
• Support customers in crafting and executing their carbon reduction strategies.
• Engage and educate employees on home energy efficiency and transitioning from fossil fuel-based heating systems.
These efforts underpin our drive towards a net-zero carbon future, fostering collaboration and innovation across our network.
While the carbon emissions from our waste are relatively low, Sigma is conscious of the wider environmental impacts of waste and, plastic in particular. We are therefore tackling waste at every level.
Sigma is deeply committed to reducing waste in all its forms through the transformative power of digitisation and innovation. Recognising the environmental impact of waste generation, the company has implemented a range of initiatives and practices to foster sustainability throughout its operations.
New supply chain partners appointed in 2024 and packaging innovation will help us reduce our waste volume, as well as the percentage of waste that ends up in landfill. Our primary focus will always be waste elimination.
We are working closely with our upstream suppliers, downstream suppliers and customers to identify waste source hotspots and collaborate on how we can reduce them. Looking ahead, the company plans to implement advanced technology for real-time waste tracking and reporting, fostering targeted waste reduction strategies.
Periodic reporting ensures accountability and drives continuous improvement, reflecting Sigma's dedication to transparent waste management and sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector.
In 2023/4 we had 448 tonnes of waste in 2023-24 with 25% to landfill.
Sigma has also taken significant steps to minimise packaging waste by transitioning to recyclable totes. These reusable containers not only reduce the environmental burden associated with single- use packaging but also promote the principles of the circular economy.
Sigma Pharmaceuticals is setting a new standard in the pharmaceutical industry by reducing packaging waste through an innovative partnership with BoxxDocks. This collaboration introduces advanced tracking technology that enhances asset visibility and management across Sigma's supply chain.
By adopting BoxxDocks’ real-time tracking system, Sigma transitions from single-use packaging to reusable totes, reinforcing the principles of the circular economy. This shift not only minimises waste but also improves security and operational efficiency by reducing asset loss and optimising resource use.
Rajiv Shah, Procurement and Innovation Officer at Sigma, emphasised, “This partnership accelerates our sustainability goals and aligns with NHS net zero objectives. Through advanced asset tracking, we can significantly reduce disposable materials and streamline distribution.”
BoxxDocks CEO Alessandro Attanzio highlighted the impact, stating, “Our technology enables sustainable, cost-efficient distribution tailored to the pharmaceutical sector’s needs. Together with Sigma, we aim to lead the way in achieving both environmental and operational excellence.”
Supporting our supply chain partners to reduce their impacts is another significant element of our environmental approach
In 2023 and 2024, Sigma has taken significant steps to better understand the challenges and progress of the businesses within our supply chain through dedicated surveys. These surveys focus on critical sustainability areas such as carbon footprint, transportation efficiency, waste reduction, modern slavery risks, and life cycle assessments. Our goal is not just to gather insights but to actively engage with our suppliers in addressing these challenges.
Our ambition is to move beyond the traditional supplier relationship and foster a deeper, collaborative approach to tackling the pharmaceutical industry's most pressing issues. We are particularly focused on supporting our suppliers on their journey to net zero, recognising that achieving this goal requires coordinated effort and innovative solutions. Together, we aim to address industrywide challenges like reducing carbon emissions from transportation, improving supply chain transparency, and ensuring ethical practices across all tiers.
By working closely with our suppliers, we aim to lead by example in driving sustainable practices across the sector. This deeper collaboration ensures that we are not only meeting current regulatory demands but also paving the way for future innovations that will benefit the entire industry. Sigma is committed to ongoing partnership and open dialogue, ensuring that we collectively rise to meet the evolving challenges in our sector.
We are investing and developing our Environmental Impact in the following areas.
The relevant SDG
Our planned initiatives
Develop internal programmes to train employees on energy efficiency and sustainability.
Increase use of reusable totes through partnerships like BoxxDocks.
Introduce advanced technology to monitor and report waste generation and disposal.
Increase supplier engagement through sustainability surveys and joint initiatives.
Sigma Ambitions
100% employee participation in sustainability training by 2025.
Training completion rates.
Improved workplace sustainability culture and reduced energy consumption.
100% transition to reusable packaging by 2028.
Packaging audit results.
Significant reduction in single-use packaging waste.
Reduce landfill waste to below 10% by 2026.
Annual waste audit reports.
Achieve 60% supplier participation in carbon reduction plans by 2026.
Supplier survey outcomes.
Stronger, more sustainable supply chain partnerships.
Reduce overall carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.
Partner with suppliers to develop robust carbon reduction strategies.
Continue to complete annual carbon footprint reports.
Expand the Carbon reduction planning in line with Industry standards
Sustain and evolve governance structure and systems for longterm sustainability
Sigma is committed to sustaining and evolving our governance structure and systems to ensure long- term sustainability. We monitor our Sustainability though a number of key activities and processes.
Climate Risk Director:
We have appointed a Director to lead the climate risk and efforts at our board level. We have implemented structures to provide all relevant information.
Community Impact Team:
This group manages Sigma's charitable efforts and partnerships.
Health and Safety Team:
This team helps to ensure that we have an environment that enables Team Sigma to be safe, well, healthy, and accident-free.
Health & Wellbeing Team:
A team, which includes trained mental health first aiders, provides health & wellbeing support for all employees.
As a highly regulated business in the pharmaceutical industry, we take our legal, ethical, and social responsibilities seriously. We comply with all applicable regulations and industry standards, ensuring that our operations meet the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.
We are committed to full transparency, regularly sharing our progress and challenges with all stakeholders. We believe that open communication fosters trust and enables collaboration across our community. To ensure we hold ourselves accountable, we report annually on our sustainability efforts using recognised frameworks, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This reporting allows us to track our environmental impact and make data-driven improvements.
Recognising that our industry is both complex and ever-evolving, we bring in external experts whenever specialised knowledge is required. Where we don’t have in-house expertise, we consult professionals to ensure we are making informed, responsible decisions. Our internal team of experienced professionals is fully equipped to manage our governance, sustainability, and compliance requirements, ensuring that Sigma operates efficiently and ethically.
As part of our governance structure, we are looking to have comprehensive climate and sustainability communications. These communications serve to openly share our progress, highlight any challenges we face, and outline the steps we are taking towards improvement. We believe that by sharing both successes and obstacles, we can engage our community in meaningful discussions and receive valuable feedback that helps us adapt and grow.
Governance at Sigma is an evolving process. We are continuously reviewing and updating our policies to reflect the latest industry best practices. We actively seek feedback and input from our stakeholders to ensure that our governance framework remains relevant, transparent, and effective in supporting both our business goals and our sustainability ambitions.
By adhering to these principles, Sigma ensures that we meet our governance obligations while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration. This not only strengthens our business but also reinforces our commitment to the communities and industries we serve.
For 2025, we are setting ambitious goals to further our sustainability journey.
Building on the foundations laid this year, we aim to:
Enhance Sustainable Operations: Our efforts to cut carbon emissions will remain central as we work toward our 2030 targets. We are planning to develop our fleet strategy and continue to reduce waste across our value chain by implementing recycling and repurposing strategies.
Expand Community and Wellbeing Programs: Recognising the value of our employees and community partners, we will continue to cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace. Training opportunities and community engagement initiatives will be expanded to support this goal.
Strengthen Supply Chain Sustainability: We will intensify our focus on supply chain sustainability by collaborating with our suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and ensure alignment with sustainable practices.
As we embark on these initiatives, our dedication to transparency and ethical practices will remain at the forefront, ensuring that we continue to be a leader in sustainable business practices within the our industry.