Donna Rickaby is Head of Membership at PAGB. She oversees PAGB’s membership strategy focusing on supporting member engagement and growth. She also serves on the Board of the Trade Association Forum, championing the vital role associations play in supporting UK industry and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Celebrating PAGB’s 100 members milestone

PAGB is the only trade association representing the interests of manufacturers of branded OTC medicines, self-care medical devices and food supplements in the UK and the retailers that sell these products. We also represent the agencies and organisations that support these businesses. We have been a collective and expert voice promoting the consumer healthcare sector’s interests and reputation since we were established in 1919.

Since then, we’ve welcomed lots of members, enabling self-regulation through best practice in advertising, leading advocacy and representation for OTCs, and supporting them to navigate regulatory complexities.

This year marks a milestone as PAGB has reached over 100 companies collectively in membership. We’re delighted to be able to support each and every one of them with our
range of services: from regulatory and advertising advice and guidance, to learning and development through authoritative training and workshops, while we also advocate at a policy level to influence government and promote the sectors priorities.

With 98% retention rates year on year across our membership and 100% overall membership satisfaction, we’ve built a foundation of loyalty and trust with our members that has successfully attracted new members to our association

As we reflect on this significant achievement, it’s the experiences and perspectives of our members that best illustrate the value and impact of PAGB’s work. Their voices highlight not only the practical benefits and support they receive, but also the importance of a strong, unified community championing the consumer healthcare sector. Here’s what some of our members have to say about being part of PAGB:

As we celebrate PAGB reaching 100 members, we have valued its vital role in representing the UK consumer health industry to shape a healthier future for all.

We hold the PAGB as a true partner in our mission to enhance the role of self-care and have valued their ongoing support and alliance over the years – from guiding us through compliance and regulatory challenges for our brands and campaigns, to addressing industry issues with the media and its major advocacy work in the public affairs arena.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with PAGB and are positive for the changes we can achieve together.

– Mike Knowland, General Manager for Northern Europe at Bayer Consumer Health, and PAGB’s President

We’re proud to partner with PAGB, who play a crucial role in driving industry-wide conversations and shaping the future of consumer goods. Their efforts to improve consumer access to self-care products, promote responsible advertising standards, and champion the role of self-care in supporting overall wellbeing are game changing. By driving these important conversations, PAGB is helping to create a more trusted and responsible industry that not only benefits consumers but also helps alleviate pressure on the NHS. We’re proud to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration with PAGB.

– Bas Vorsteveld, Area Managing Director for Northern Europe at Kenvue, and PAGB Vice-President

On behalf of Haleon, I would like to congratulate PAGB for reaching the extraordinary milestone of 100 members. As proud members of PAGB, we have witnessed first-hand the positive impact of their advocacy on behalf of our sector. From demonstrating leadership around Brexit, to supporting the reclassification of OTC medicines, PAGB has consistently championed the interests of its members and promoted best practices to ensure consumer trust in OTC products.

Most recently, we’ve welcomed PAGB’s work in ensuring that self-care has been embedded in the Government’s 10 Year Plan for the NHS. This will be critical to the long-term sustainability of our health system. We stand ready to work with PAGB to ensure that we can unlock the benefits of self-care for consumers and the NHS.

For any organisation working in our sector, we strongly recommend becoming a member of the PAGB. Their support and guidance have been invaluable to us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.

– Jo Cooper, PAGB Board Member and General Manager of Haleon UK & Ireland

At Bray Leino, we know that great partnerships are at the heart of great work – not only with our Clients, but with the organisations that support and champion their industries. Our relationship with PAGB is a prime example of this. For close to three decades, we’ve been proud to stand alongside PAGB, collaborating to deliver impactful, creative and responsible work for our OTC Clients, ensuring their brands cut through and grow in the fast-changing healthcare landscape. We’ve always valued the opportunity to contribute to a stronger, more responsible self-care industry together. It’s a partnership that continues to thrive and drive meaningful results.

– Katie Cox, CEO at Bray Leino

At Weber Shandwick, we are committed to helping brands communicate with consumers in a way that is responsible, compliant and rooted in trust. Over-the-counter products play a vital role in people’s everyday health and wellbeing, and it is essential that the information shared about them is clear, accurate and accessible.

Joining PAGB reflects our dedication to the highest standards in healthcare communications. It is a trusted and respected organization that provides invaluable advice, services, training and advocacy, which, in turn, enables us to deliver best-in-class work for our clients and empower consumers to make informed decisions about their health. We are proud to be part of this network and to contribute to the responsible promotion of products that help improve lives across the UK.

– Dyan Owen, EVP at Weber Shandwick

We’re also delighted to welcome M&S as our 100th member. They have joined PAGB with retailer regulatory membership following the launch of their own label OTC products, and we look forward to supporting them with our expert regulatory advice, guidance and consultancy services.

On joining PAGB, Sam Ward, Senior Technologist – Non Food at M&S shared:

M&S is the most trusted brand in the UK and that’s because customers are truly at the heart of M&S, in every product launch, every social post and every store we open. Our new range of own label medicines have now launched in store and that’s why we’ve partnered with PAGB, who provide expert regulatory and policy guidance and support in an evolving and complex sector. By being part of this industry body, M&S can maintain the high level of trust expected by our customers.