Challenging times are acknowledged, but one of Gloucestershire's best-known family businesses is confident of growth - posting a £17 million turnover.

Now with near 20 businesses across the county Badham Pharmacy has outlined in its annual accounts that more growth is expected.

According to its report it dispensed more than 1.7 million items across its counters last year aimed at keeping us all fit and well - making a pre-tax profit of £654,789 (2017 - £546,646).

Turnover was £17,047,394 - up from £16,489,188.

"The impact from funding cuts to the NHS budget will provide tough trading environment for pharmacies to operate in, however the directors remain confident that they will be able to increase the profitability of the company through organic growth.

"The directors have prepared forecasts which indicate company will continue to be profitable and generate cash," said Peter Badham, managing director and superintendent pharmacist of Badham Pharmacy in the company's annual report.

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On the cards shortly for the business will be a new pharmacy at the recently opened Cleevelands Medical Centre, Bishops Cleeve.

"During the year the company continued to grow its retail pharmacy operations through organic growth.

"At the year end the company had 17 pharmacies across Gloucestershire and one pharmacy in Bristol. The pharmacies are supported by a mobility shop.

"The company obtained a new pharmacy licence in Upper Risington in the prior year, from which it commenced to trade in the current year.

"Following the year end, the company acquired two pharmacies in central Gloucester, which increased the number of pharmacies to 20.

"The pharmacies operated by the company continued to be at the centre of the local community dispensing 1,765,283 items, which is in line with the prior year.

"The impact of NHS cuts continue to depress the grows profits margin although a slight improvement has been achieved in the year. Wages and salaries as a percentage of turnover has remained consistent."