Apotech is a healthtech organisation founded approximately four years ago with a mission to revolutionise the way community pharmacies in the UK operate. By developing innovative software tailored to the daily needs of pharmacists, Apotech aims to simplify the prescription dispensing process and enhance patient record-keeping. With future aspirations to expand internationally, Apotech needed a trusted IT partner capable of supporting their growth trajectory, infrastructure stability, and industry-specific compliance needs.
Computer Care was selected as their IT partner due to its consultative approach, responsiveness, and proven ability to understand and support small, fast-paced organisations. The collaboration has supported Apotech in maintaining NHS-aligned standards and establishing a stable foundation for future scalability.
1. Key Information
Client: Apotech
Industry: HealthTech / Pharmaceutical Software
Project Lead: Alpesh Pindoria
Project Duration: 18 months
Services Provided:
- IT Consultancy and Advisory
- Infrastructure Support and Optimisation
- Responsive Technical Issue Resolution
- Long-Term Strategic IT Partnership
2. The Challenge
As an early-stage tech firm operating in a highly regulated healthcare environment, Apotech faced multiple operational and technical challenges:
- Limited Internal IT Resources: As is common with startups, Apotech relied on a small team where each person played multiple roles. This created risks around system knowledge gaps and support bottlenecks.
- Time-Critical Support Needs: The nature of pharmacy operations meant that system issues needed immediate attention. Delays in IT support could potentially disrupt daily operations and client trust.
- NHS FHIR Accreditation: Apotech’s ambition to be one of the first pharmacy platforms accredited under the NHS FHIR standard required robust infrastructure planning and compliance-focused IT support.
- Scalability Constraints: As the company grows, the systems and IT services needed to be flexible enough to scale without introducing unnecessary complexity or cost.
Dependency on Key Individuals: Apotech’s team, like many small businesses, was dependent on a few individuals who held most of the technical knowledge. This created challenges when staff were unavailable, delaying issue resolution.
3. The Solution
Computer Care addressed Apotech’s needs with a strategic, flexible, and highly personalised support plan that evolved alongside the business. The partnership was rooted in understanding Apotech’s industry pressures and internal limitations, and proactively removing roadblocks to operational efficiency.
Responsive Support Framework
- Computer Care provided consistent, high-quality technical support, including early morning access to key support staff such as Thomas—an engineer known for his early shift availability.
- Despite occasional challenges in reaching specific individuals due to the small team nature of both organisations, Computer Care actively cross-trained its team to ensure broader coverage and knowledge sharing.
Strategic IT Consultancy
- Offered advisory input to help Apotech meet NHS accreditation requirements, particularly around compliance with the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards.
- Maintained alignment with Apotech’s goals and recommended IT systems that would not only serve current needs but also accommodate growth and complexity as the business scaled.
Understanding of SMB Dynamics
- Recognised the nature of small businesses, where personnel availability can impact day-to-day efficiency.
- Maintained realistic expectations around support turnaround times and avoided over-engineering solutions.
- Provided continuity even during high-demand periods and ensured Apotech’s concerns were escalated quickly when urgent.
Continued Relationship Building
- Fostered a relationship that extended beyond reactive support. Alpesh noted that Computer Care is his first point of contact when considering any new IT-related initiatives.
- Maintained transparency and avoided upselling, providing only the solutions that were necessary and valuable.
“The relationship isn’t transactional—it’s a partnership. We trust them, and they’ve earned that through consistency, communication, and real expertise”
NHS-FHIR Accreditation Support
- Apotech successfully became one of the first pharmacy software providers accredited under the NHS FHIR standards.
- Computer Care’s support and consultancy played a foundational role in ensuring infrastructure and compliance readiness.
Improved Technical Continuity
- Introduced cross-team knowledge and escalation protocols that reduced downtime and dependency on individual support staff.
- Enabled faster issue resolution and created peace of mind for Apotech’s leadership.
Strong Professional Relationship
- Alpesh Pindoria stated:
“I would not hesitate to recommend Computer Care to any other businesses seeking a technology partner.”
Long-Term Strategic Alignment
- Apotech continues to rely on Computer Care not just for IT support, but for longer-term strategic thinking.
- Simon (Managing Director at Computer Care) and his team have remained accessible, even while juggling other responsibilities.
5. Client Feedback
“When you’re a small business, you’re relying on one or two people, and if they’re unavailable, it can be tough. Computer Care understands that reality. They’ve made efforts to cross-train their team, and there’s always someone who knows our setup. That’s been essential.”
“There’s no pressure to take on more than we need. When we need something, Computer Care is our first port of call. They understand how we work and what we’re building.”
“The relationship isn’t transactional—it’s a partnership. We trust them, and they’ve earned that through consistency, communication, and real expertise.”
6. Looking Ahead
Apotech’s journey is just beginning. As they continue to grow, enhance their product, and expand internationally, the importance of dependable IT systems and advisory support will only increase. Computer Care will remain closely integrated with Apotech’s future roadmap, offering scalable solutions and strategic input as needed.
The relationship between the two companies exemplifies how a technology partner can add value not just through services, but through understanding, trust, and long-term thinking.
7. Conclusion
This case study highlights the power of a flexible, collaborative, and strategically aligned IT partnership. Apotech’s experience with Computer Care demonstrates that the right support partner can make a tangible difference in day-to-day operations, regulatory readiness, and business confidence.
By blending responsive service with strategic insight, Computer Care has become more than just an IT provider—they’re a trusted part of Apotech’s growth journey.