Community pharmacy owners David and Kerry Steel have praised Unity Trust Bank for supporting their acquisition of a pharmacy in Kilmarnock. The couple secured a six-figure loan from the social impact bank to purchase EJ Templeton Numark Pharmacy, fulfilling their dream of owning a local business.
Ambitious Plans for Modernisation
The Steels aim to modernise the pharmacy and expand services through the Pharmacy First programme, benefiting local residents. Kerry Steel emphasised the personal significance: "David and I have raised our family in Kilmarnock, so this is very personal for us. It feels great to be able to put something back into our own community."
The previous owner retired after 40 years, and the Steels are committed to continuing her legacy. Kerry added: "She wanted independent owners to take over and continue the legacy, and that's what we intend to do."
Experienced Pharmacists
Both David and Kerry graduated from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 2000, where they first met. They have worked as self-employed locums in over 400 outlets. David brings extensive managerial experience, while Kerry was one of the first pharmacists in Scotland to qualify as an independent prescriber. She spent a decade working in GP surgeries, specialising in cardiovascular and phlebotomy clinics.
Since taking over, the pharmacy has been fully computerised and now includes a private consultation room. A new technician role has been created, and an existing staff member has been trained to offer micro suction for ears. New services include women's health, men's health, blood testing, and in-person weight management treatments.
David noted: "Most of our nine-strong team have worked at Templeton's for at least 15 years and they have been so supportive about what we're trying to achieve. We want to keep Templeton's traditional values and old-fashioned charm while modernising at the same time."
Choosing Unity Trust Bank
Despite receiving several finance offers, the Steels chose Unity Trust Bank for its values and customer service. David explained: "Unity stood out because of the personal relationship and support. We felt secure with Unity from the start. They made the process as easy as possible."
Jordan Hady, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, commented: "It's been a pleasure working with David and Kerry. They have a wealth of experience, and the people of Kilmarnock will benefit greatly from their plans. At Unity, we're proud to support frontline healthcare providers who make a real difference to the communities they serve."
