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The National Pharmacy Association and the Independent Pharmacy Federation have joined forces to strengthen support and leadership for the independent pharmacy sector.

The announcement was made in light of recent developments in pharmacy leadership, including the evolution of Pharmacy Voice and the NPA's refocus on the needs of independents. Both organisations intend to embed the legacy of the IPF within the NPA, which will continue to pursue a member-focused agenda.

NPA chairman Ian Strachan said: €We have enjoyed a close relationship with the IPF since our joint launch of the Manifesto for Independent Community Pharmacy in 2013. It seems a natural development for the IPF to entrust its legacy to the NPA. Independents need be in no doubt that the full weight of the NPA €“ with the capacity possible on the back of a large membership base €“ is being deployed to help independents thrive and we look forward to working with Fin McCaul and others in that task.€

Chairman and founder of the IPF, Fin McCaul, said: €Our ambition has always been about getting independents a better deal and providing them with the support to build their businesses. As we join together, I will be working with the NPA to find new ways of reaching out to members, building on the success of our engagement events.€

Claire Ward, IPF chief executive, took over as chair of Pharmacy Voice on April 1. Ms Ward's political insight from her experience as a local councillor, MP and government minister will be particularly helpful for Pharmacy Voice as it continues to lobby politicians and health chiefs on behalf of community pharmacy, said the organisation.