Our team

Tariq Malik: Owner and Head Pharmacist

I studied pharmacy at Manchester University qualifying in 1989. Nabila and I married in 1991, and have two grown-up children. We practiced in Manchester for eight years, before moving to Lancaster in 2000. You will most often see me in the pharmacy, fulfilling a wide range of prescriptions. Everyone knows, however, that if I spot a dog in the shop, I’m likely to dash out from behind the counter to say Hello! Nabila and I have a dappled chocolate Dachshund, Mabel, and run a dog-friendly pharmacy- the more, the merrier!

Nabila Malik: Owner and Pharmacist

I can’t disagree with Tariq on how long we’ve been married and how many children we’ve got! I studied pharmacy at John Moores in Liverpool, qualifying in 1989. With our children grown up, I took the opportunity to increase my skills and qualifications, especially after learning fewer than 10% of pharmacies nationwide offer comprehensive travel vaccinations. Now I’m proud to be the only independent pharmacist in Lancaster qualified to provide the full range, from standard to exotic. It keeps me busy, but I also enjoy reading, walking and looking after my grandson.

Sobia Hussain: Pharmacist and Aesthetics

I've worked for Nabila and Tariq since 2018, so you may know me from both Dalton Square and King Street pharmacies. Starting as a locum pharmacist, I often said "yes" when shifts needed covering, so sometimes ended up working 6 days a week! Becoming permanent staff then moving to Brock Street, I've loved the opportunity to add more specialist training and qualifications. As well as travel and vitamin B12 injections, I’m really excited to be leading our IV Vitamin Drip services and non-surgical Aesthetics procedures. So if you’re coming in for a life-lift or energy boost, I’ll be your reassuring presence!

Ruth Laverty: Pharmacy Manager

I have worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 30 years and been here since 2000, so this year is my 25th anniversary with the company. The combining of two shops and the big move to Brock Steet was probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, but I’m proud of what has been achieved and how beautiful the new pharmacy looks. In my spare time I love walking my dog, Bert, socialising with friends and family and growing my own in my garden. I’ve grown flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Paula Shields: Pharmacy Technician and Accuracy Checking

I’ve got 20 years’ experience in pharmacy, and have been working with Nabila and Tariq since 2007. I work in the dispensary, but because I check all the prescriptions you’ll often speak to me when you’re collecting. In fact, Tariq calls me “the eyes of the pharmacy!” I help with all sorts of jobs that need doing- I like to keep busy- and if Ruth, Nabila and Tariq aren’t in, then I’m the boss! Home is usually full with two teenage boys, a cat, and friends and family over at the weekends; I love socialising, and switching off by spending an afternoon cooking and baking ready for everyone. I love getting lost in a book, and I’m a bit of a Scrabble geek, too.

Emma Parsons: Accuracy Checking Dispenser

Although I’ve been working here since 2007, you might not see me when you come in, because I’m tucked away making up blister packs of medicines for our most vulnerable customers. I am also qualified to check the accuracy of prescriptions, very important when we’re looking after so many people’s health. I like spending time with my family, watching films, playing games and various craft activities.

Rhianne Bell: Accuracy Checking Dispenser

I started here on a two-month temporary position, but I must have done something right as that was in October 2016! It’s been nine years and I still absolutely love it. Out of work – it’s all about ice skating. My alarm goes off at 4:30am every Friday and I travel to Blackburn for three hours training. I’m not a fan of the early mornings, but I love the feeling of fitness and it’s necessary to compete nationally at a high level. I’ve already had some great experiences. Thanks to Nabila and Tariq, I’ve got the flexibility to start work later on Fridays, you might even see me practicing my moves across the shop floor!

Ella Naylor: Dispenser

I moved to Brock Street from Cohens at Morecambe Health Centre in December 2025. While I’m full time, you might not always see me, as I’m part of the busy dispensing team ensuring the pharmacy’s prescriptions are dispensed accurately and on time. It’s my perfect job, as I love attention to detail, and knowing we’re helping people manage their conditions and enjoy a better quality of life. My weekends are all about family, and I love my holidays: a city break or relax in the sun with my twin sister, partner, friends or family- and no counting out of pills for a few days!

Helen Gibbon: Medicine Counter Assistant

I’ve worked here for 3 years, full time and am customer facing, so if you come into the pharmacy you’re likely to see me. I have always worked in retail in the Lancaster and Morecambe area, so being at the front of the counter looking after our lovely customers suits me down to the ground! I am a happy, positive person and enjoy my holidays, socialising and going to music festivals with my husband. We’ve been together for nearly 40 years and love life!

Karen Taylor: Medicine Counter Assistant

Like Helen, you’ll often find me at the counter. I’m fairly new to the business — I completed my training over at Dalton Square, but my first official day on the job was right here in our lovely new premises back in November. So, I suppose you could say I arrived with the new shop! I now work here full time and really enjoy working with people. Outside of work, I have two young grandchildren who keep me on my toes — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Martin Lund : Dispenser

I’ve been here since 2018, before then I was a teacher, after a career in IT.  Away from work I’m a fan of all kinds of sports, watching football and playing cue sports, like snooker and pool, as well as golf. I’m quite outdoorsy, and like hiking, I’ve got a good group of friends who all like getting out and being active- our latest addition to the adventure sports is snowboarding!

Barry Buczynski: Dispenser

I joined the team in 2022 and I love working here. Before that, my work included local care services and NHS forensics.

I work part time with Thursday as my regular day off, so if you pop into the shop you’re likely to see me at the counter. If I’m not at work, I’m most likely at the gym  or spending any spare time I have with my football mad son. We go to Westgate Wanderers  together as well as the three other teams he plays for- I even coach one of them!

James Doherty: Dispenser

I’ve not worked here for long and I’m part time, so I may feel like a new face to a lot of you! I’m on the counter now, so chances are it’s me you’ll see when you come in.  Out of work I have two young sons and I spend as much time with them as I can. At the weekends we walk our dog, Teddy and enjoy baking together. I also support Torquay United and travel to games when days off and time away from the family allows.

Margaret: Pharmacy Deliveries

If I look familiar it’s because prior to coming to the pharmacy over 10 years ago, I worked in Wilco’s for 15 years, so I’ve always been customer facing in Lancaster town centre. This has suited me so well over the years as I love meeting and chatting to customers and making sure they are ok.  In my spare time I enjoy knitting, reading and walking my three dogs - Baxter, Woody and Hollie.

Dawid: Pharmacy Deliveries

My name is Dawid which is of polish origin and is pronounced Daavid. I used to work for Peugeot in Blackpool before moving to Lancaster. I’ve just started working here so I’m the newest member of staff. I’m a delivery driver, so it will be me or the lovely Margaret that you’ll see on your doorstep when you’re expecting your prescription. My hobbies are football, fast cars and to relax Netflix is my choice of TV viewing!