Pharmacy's Lauren is a 'Rising Star'

An apprentice from Lincolnshire Co-op is in the running for a prestigious national award, recognising the ‘rising stars’ of the retail world.

Lauren Taylor from Louth completed a pharmacy apprenticeship in February this year and now works as a dispensing technician at Louth Pharmacy.

Her dedication, enthusiasm and skills led to her winning the in-house Apprentice of the Year honour at Lincolnshire Co-op’s own awards evening earlier this year.

She’s now a contender in the Apprentice of the Year category in the national Retail Week Rising Stars Awards, up against competition from international and national firms like EE, Boots, Debenhams and Tesco.

The awards will be held in September at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane.

Lauren said: “Working in pharmacy there is always new advice, new training or new drugs to learn about and that is why I love it. There is so much opportunity to grow and learn new things.

“It’s lovely to have been short-listed and whatever happens it’s an honour to have been recognised. Lincolnshire Co-op offers so much in the way of training and support and it’s good the Society is recognised too.”

Before the winner is announced, Lauren will be interviewed by a panel of judges. A selection of Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues have also given submissions about her.

Head of Pharmacy and Superintendent Pharmacist Alastair Farquhar said: “Lauren highlights the very best of the apprenticeship programme – she’s developed her knowledge and skills to become a key member of the team.”

Pharmacist Manager at Louth Pharmacy, Amanda Hissey, said she couldn’t praise Lauren enough.

“She can be relied upon to complete any task needed,” commented Amanda. “She also has a tremendous thirst for knowledge and uses this information in her day-to-day work.

“We’re all very proud of her – she’s worked so hard and she deserves to be nominated and, hopefully, to win!”