About Us

We believe in providing local healthcare services with a personal approach from each of our pharmacies, always striving to deliver a professional, tailored service to our customers. Rushmere Pharmacy maintains excellent standards of professional practice within our dedicated team, who prioritize people first. Our pharmacy should serve as the central hub within any local community, where friendly, professional advice can be easily obtained – truly at the heart of local healthcare. Rushmere Pharmacy offers a comprehensive range of services, from the dispensing of prescription medication to providing over-the-counter advice.

Ownership

J R Barbour Pharmacies Ltd

Superintendent Pharmacist & Operations Manager - Michael Barbour

Director - John Barbour

Director - Margaret Barbour

Registered Office:

Unit D, Devon Suite, Dencora Business Centre, 36 Whitehouse Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5LT

Company No. 04582470

VAT No. 102 093 032

Meet the Superintendent Pharmacist & Operations Manager

Michael Barbour BPharm (hons)

Mike started his pharmacist career working as a hospital pharmacist in London. After a few years, he decided to take a different path and began working as a community pharmacist. Mike became Operations Manager for Rushmere Pharmacy in 2010 and then took on the role of Superintendent Pharmacist in January 2025. He oversees several companies, including Thaxted Pharmacy Ltd, Wringtons Ltd, North Tawton Pharmacy Ltd, Looe Pharmacy Ltd, and J R Barbour Pharmacies Ltd. Additionally, Mike works as a Clinical Pharmacy Advisor to Herts and West Essex ICB.

Meet the Directors

John Barbour BSc - Director

John started his pharmacy career in 1970 after qualifying as a pharmacist from Sunderland University. Now retired since December 2024, he remains responsible for the business, primarily leading financial management, health & safety, and human resources among his many other director responsibilities. John has been a director of J R Barbour Pharmacies Ltd since 2002. He has delegated clinical oversight to his son, Mike Barbour, the current Superintendent Pharmacist. John originally established Rushmere Pharmacy in 1985, converting the premises from a greengrocer into the local pharmacy we know today. He previously owned Barbour Chemists in Ipswich on Bramford Road from around 1972 to 2004, after which he chose to downsize to focus on Rushmere Pharmacy. John has contributed to numerous charitable causes over the years as an active member of Ipswich East Rotary Club and can be found helping out at the Orwell Challenge every year.

Margaret Barbour - Director and Company Secretary

Margaret has been a director of J R Barbour Pharmacies Ltd since 2002. She served as the Store Manager of Rushmere Pharmacy from its inception in 1985 until 2010. Now retired from her original role, Margaret is responsible for the business's operations, primarily focusing on product and stock management.

Margaret initially qualified as a Norland Nanny upon leaving school and later became a qualified Medicines Counter Assistant and Dispensary Assistant at Rushmere Pharmacy. Like her family, she has contributed to many charitable causes over the years as an active member of Ipswich East Inner Wheel Club.