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Wholesaler Alliance Healthcare is proposing to close two of its Midlands warehouses, including one on the Boots Nottingham estate, in a move that could threaten hundreds of jobs.

As well as closing its Nottingham and Hinckley warehouses, the wholesaler could axe up to 110 job losses at another site in South Normanton, bringing potential job losses up to 490.

The company said the restructure is a result of its plan to invest in a new central logistics centre (CLC) in Birmingham “to strengthen its supply chain solutions and operations” and help it “deliver enhanced customer service”. 

Speaking to P3pharmacy, a representative for the wholesaler said it will seek to minimise disruption to community pharmacy customers, commenting: “Operations will remain unchanged at least until spring 2026, when the new CLC opens.

“Alliance Healthcare UK’s customers will be kept fully updated on the Central Logistic Centre’s progress, including how they will benefit from its supply chain technologies and operations. 

“A careful cut over of production between service centres will ensure Alliance Healthcare UK continues to prioritise customer service throughout these changes to its network.”

Trade union Usdaw, which represents staff at the Boots D80 site where around 150 jobs could be lost, said: “This is devastating news for the staff impacted and we will now enter into a consultation process, where we will question their business case for these proposals. 

“We expect the consultation to start as a matter of urgency. In the meantime, we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this very difficult time.”

The wholesaler commented: “Alliance Healthcare UK plans to close its service centres in Hinckley and Nottingham and transition slow moving medical lines from South Normanton SC to the CLC in 2026.

“This decision was not made lightly. The company greatly appreciates the contributions of the impacted team members and is committed to providing support to individuals impacted by these changes.”