Health group heads for £10m turnover after launching innovative new products
A HEALTH and distribution company is increasing turnover and expanding rapidly after launching revolutionary new products.
And Pharma Group Holdings – the business behind PharmaVet, Celtic Wellbeing and PharmaPack – is expected to continue the trend of growing 25% year on year after a successful start to 2019.
Employing 25 people on Conwy Morfa Enterprise Park, the firm produces, supplies and delivers a wide range of health and medical items and services for people and pets all over the world.
They are aiming for £10million turnover in the coming years and are at the forefront of advances in the sector, having collaborated with Cardiff University on the innovative Pharmabees project, creating a new brand of natural cosmetics using honey and medicinal Welsh plants.
Commercial Manager Ywain Williams says the future is looking bright for the Group and believes his own development has strengthened since joining the prestigious ION Leadership course.
Ywain completed the Level 5 programme earlier this year, and says it played a big part in his life and work.
“The company is in a fantastic position and we have enjoyed significant growth, which is testament to the amazing team we have here,” said Ywain, who lives in Abergele with wife Becky, and children Mabli and Lili.
“From a personal perspective I really feel I’ve developed as a manager, and a lot of that is down to the ION Leadership programme, which really galvanised me and helped to build my confidence.
“The business has also felt the influence of ION, but the real benefits will be felt in the years ahead as a result of the strategies I’m implementing and the further support I can give to the team.”
Reflecting on his earlier career, Ywain says his positive approach to leadership differed from some of his bosses.
He believes his ideas and attitude were supported by other attendees on the programme, which is based at Bangor University.
“Throughout my life I’ve worked with a variety of people who had a very specific way of leading, often quite dictatorial,” said Ywain.
“I’ve always been more about inclusivity, working and forming a team, which has served us well at Pharma Group as we all have the same common goals and vision.
“ION reinforced my beliefs and reignited my passion for business but also allowed me to spend time with individuals who were in the same position, so we could bounce ideas around and talk about issues we had, and what works and what doesn’t in our industries.
“When I consider what my organisation has achieved since I joined the ION course last year I realise how much of my own personal achievements and those of the team that I lead have been impacted on by the business programme, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Typically, aimed at firms in north west Wales – in conjunction with Bangor and Swansea universities – the course is funded up to 70% of the cost by the European Social Fund via Welsh Government and has transformed the lives of hundreds of delegates over the last four years.
Gwenllian Owen, ION Leadership Programme Manager, said Ywain’s story is heartening and reflects others from within the North Wales business community.
She added: “Congratulations to Ywain and everyone at Pharma Group for your continued success and growth. I’m delighted the course has proven beneficial on a personal and professional level and wish you all the best of luck for the future.
“Ywain’s feedback is similar to what we are receiving from those who have taken part in the ION Leadership programme, and shows the sessions, seminars and lessons we deliver are having a positive effect on different industries and business arenas in the region.”
For information or to register for the ION Leadership programme, visit www.ionleadership.co.uk