PILLTIME EXPANDS AT CRIBBS CAUSEWAY TO SUPPORT GROWTH

Major growth for online pharmacy PillTime has prompted the Bristol business to acquire new headquarters.

PillTime is one of the only pharmacies in England to provide medication in daily dose pouches – helping patients to better manage to their medication routines.

Under the leadership of CEO Leighton Humphreys, PillTime expects to grow its current workforce of 65 employees by 20 per cent this year, helping to cater for an increased demand for its service.

It is also moving from Avonmouth to expanded 26,000 sqft premises at Cribbs Causeway and investing heavily in technology, including robotic automation to boost productivity and capacity.

“We are operating in a huge market sector, around £9 billion in size, which is ripe for digital disruption,” said Leighton.

“Existing online pharmacies are currently servicing less than five per cent of the total prescriptions dispensed, and the needs of patients are evolving.

“PillTime provides a service that offers far greater lifestyle convenience, correct dosage adherence and reliability for people who depend upon multiple medications. A step change against some of the traditional tools such as daily dosette boxes.

“We know that around 6.5 million people in the UK take five or more medications per day and that number is growing.

“So, even with the growth we expect to see over the coming months, it’s hardly a drop in the ocean of our potential expansion.”

Leighton was appointed CEO towards the end of 2020, and has wasted no time in pioneering change in a rapidly-growing market sector.

“We’ve built on established foundations and readied PillTime for its next phase of growth, with significant work done to optimise operational efficiencies and the securing of partnerships which are crucial for our future,” he said.

Animation firm acquires major stake in Bristol production studio

Cyber Group Studios, a Paris-based producer and distributor of animated series has acquired a majority ownership stake in A Productions, a leading Bristol animation production studio.

A Productions is a creative-led, multidiscipline studio with a strong reputation for producing award-winning children’s content for many major UK and US broadcasters and streamers.

Founded in 1985, the studio is led by joint managing directors Katherine McQueen and founder Mark Taylor.

Cyber Group Studios – best known for its award-winning series Gigantosaurus – has teamed up with A Productions as part of a wider business strategy to expand into new global markets.

Together, the French and British studios will collaborate in developing new content for audiences across Europe and the globe. In 2022, the studios will start jointly producing Digital Girl, a new kids animated series.

Greentech water treatment firm raises £700,000 for roll-out

The Bristol-based company behind an eco-friendly water treatment that will clean up polluted rivers and seas, has raised a further £700,000 to help roll its technology out at more municipal water plants.

I-Phyc has secured investment from asset management company Mercia’s Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, alongside capital from Trowlock Strategic Planning, Namier Capital and private investors.

I-Phyc’s system – which is chemical free – uses microalgae and technology to remove phosphorus, ammonia and other contaminants, while locking away carbon and creating sustainable by-products such as biomass. It is already in operation at a number of sites.

The company, which currently employs 15 staff at its West Midlands headquarters and laboratory in Bristol, is also in discussions with all other major operators.

The latest investment, which brings the total raised by the company to date to more than £2 million, comes amidst growing pressure for water companies to reduce pollution levels and follows the introduction of stricter limits on phosphorus and other contaminants, which many operators are unable to achieve economically and environmentally using current technology.