For a start-up, which type of licence do you recommend applying for as a starting point?

For start-ups, the best licence to start with depends entirely on your business model and financial resources. If your team has retail experience and relatively limited funds, you could consider starting with a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) licence (drug store). This model requires less investment and has lower operating costs, focusing on commonly used over-the-counter medicines for which demand is stable. If your strengths are in distribution channels and supply chain management and you aspire to B2B business, applying for a wholesale licence is a good starting point. You could focus on a particular field, such as dermatology medicines or health supplements, and build your distribution network. A Pharmacy / Authorised Seller of Poisons (ASP) licence and a Manufacturer of Pharmaceutical Products licence usually require substantial investment in professional staff and capital, so they are generally not recommended as a first step for a start-up unless you already have a strong team of pharmacists or substantial financial backing.