A Leeds pharmacist has been named "Businessman of the Year" at the annual Independent Pharmacy Awards. Ashley Cohen, 37, turned a run-down business in Halton, Leeds, into a successful venture before going on to open a further three pharmacies. Mr Cohen said: "I wanted to turn around the decline in independently-run pharmacies and offer an efficient service driven by the health needs of the locality." The United Hebrew Congregation member was presented with the award by Dr Keith Ridge, chief pharmaceutical officer of the Department of Health at a ceremony at Browns Hotel in Mayfair.