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A UK pharmaceutical goods wholesaler is currently in the process of ceasing trading.

Medicine Box Ltd, headquartered in Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, is winding up operations, meaning it is unable to meet its debts as they fall due. This has necessitated legal proceedings such as liquidation to manage its affairs. The company's winding up order was dated 13th May 2026.

Liquidation is the formal legal process through which a business is closed down. This typically involves selling the company's assets to raise funds, which are then used to settle outstanding debts owed to creditors and shareholders, formally bringing the company's legal existence to an end.

It has been reported that Medicine Box Ltd received a £20 million advance from the government upon signing a £40 million contract to supply healthcare workers with personal protective equipment at a cost of £10 per item.

The contract commenced on 25th April 2020 and was due to be completed by June 2020, as Pharmacy Magazine reported in February 2021.

Medicine Box Ltd informed Independent Community Pharmacist that it was required to supply four million pieces of protective coveralls, which it claimed to have delivered by 31st May.

The company stated that it received the full £40 million. The "deposit" from the Department of Health and Social Care was paid upon signing of the contract, while the remaining balance was paid "upon delivery and inspection" of the products.

The DHSC declined to confirm whether the contract was subject to an open bidding process, according to reports. According to Tenders Electronic Daily, the European public procurement journal, it received one tender.

A firm behind a chain of high street pharmacies and beauty outlets has also collapsed into administration.

Amiry and Gilbride Healthcare Limited (AGH) operates 13 stores across Scotland under LP North 14 Limited and LP North 15 Limited. The family-owned business, established in 2023, also runs two prescription collection units providing locker services and free medicine pouching.

A Court of Session order appointed administrators to the holding company, though neither of the two subsidiaries is affected. Both are expected to be sold, with the pharmacies set to continue trading as normal.