Burradon pharmacy opens as ‘modern local health hub’ following community-focused acquisition

Burradon Pharmacy has officially opened under the ownership of experienced pharmacist’s Paul and Eva Kneafsey. Although this is the team's first acquisition, it follows years of planning to introduce a pharmacy that puts patient care, accessibility and community at its heart. The acquisition was made possible with tailored funding support from UMi Get Funding, a one-stop-shop funding service, working alongside Lloyds Bank, Optimum Commercial and Clarke Mairs Solicitors.  

Marking the growth of the Emerald Rx brand and the directors’ first step into business ownership after more than two decades in pharmacy, the move represents the beginning of a much larger ambition. Emerald RX at Burradon is intended to be the foundation for a wider portfolio, with plans already extending well beyond a single pharmacy.  

Paul Kneafsey, Director and lead pharmacist at Burradon Pharmacy, said: “The aim has always been simple - to create more than a pharmacy. We wanted a proper local health hub, offering modern clinical services alongside old-fashioned customer care, where people feel welcome, listened to and genuinely looked after. 

That vision felt incredibly difficult to achieve at times, especially as first-time business owners. Without the support we received through UMi Get Funding and the wider team of professionals who supported us, it simply wouldn’t have happened.”  

Since opening its doors, Burradon Pharmacy has already seen a strong response from the local community, with customers praising the level of service and welcoming the introduction of a pharmacy that prioritises personal care, accessibility and a focus on community wellbeing.  

The funding journey was led by Julie Cuthbertson, Chief Funding Solutions Officer at UMi, whose role was to translate the Directors community-focused vision into a viable, fundable proposition.  

Julie Cuthbertson, Chief Funding Solutions Officer at UMi, said: “Paul and Eva had a very clear idea of the impact they wanted Burradon Pharmacy to have on the local area, creating a place that goes beyond prescriptions and becomes a trusted part of the community’s health and wellbeing.  

“Through UMi Get Funding, our role was to simplify what can be an overwhelming process and bring together the right funder and advisers to make that vision achievable. Seeing the pharmacy open and already having a positive impact locally shows exactly why this kind of support matters.”  

The overall acquisition value remains undisclosed, supported by a six figure funding package that enabled the transaction. The funding was arranged through Lloyds Bank, with additional support from Optimum Commercial and legal guidance provided by Alex Robson, Partner at Clarke Mairs Solicitors.  

Alex Robson, Partner at Clarke Mairs Solicitors said: “Paul’s vision to blend modern pharmacy services with old school care is the perfect approach for modern community pharmacy, and we have no doubt that Paul and his team will have an enormously positive impact on patients in the Burradon area. We were delighted to guide Paul and Eva through their first acquisition and look forward to helping with many more.”  

The opening of Burradon Pharmacy highlights how access to the right funding advice can help turn community-led ideas into reality. UMi Get Funding is designed to support businesses at every stage, providing expert guidance and tailored funding solutions to help them grow, invest and deliver long-term impact.