The National Pharmacy Association and the Independent Pharmacy Federation are joining forces "to strengthen support and leadership for the independent pharmacy sector", both organisations say.

The intention is "to embed the legacy of the IPF" within the NPA, which will continue to pursue a member-focused agenda as the representative voice of independent community pharmacy across the UK.

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 have taken the decision to entrust its legacy to the NPA."

The IPF had done a remarkable job with limited resource, he said. "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 to thrive."

Fin McCaul, chairman and founder member of the IPF, added: “Our ambition has always been about getting independents a better deal and providing them with the support to build their businesses. Since the NPA restricted its membership to independents only, it has been right that we look at how we work closer with them. It has never been the intention of the IPF to compete with the NPA. Now is the time to share our ideas and pool our strengths."

Mr McCaul said he would be working with the NPA to find new ways of reaching out to members, building on the success of the IPF's engagement events such as conferences and webinars.

IPF chief executive, Claire Ward, thanked members, sponsors and industry partners for their support. "The IPF has made a significant contribution to raising the profile of independent pharmacy, but now it’s time to work even smarter and not duplicate resources. We know that strength for independents will come from having one membership body for independents. Contractors are facing challenging times and it is only right that the sector focuses on more effective solutions."

Ward moves to Pharmacy Voice

The news coincides with an announcement by Pharmacy Voice that Ms Ward is to become chair of the group from April 1.

Ms Ward became the country’s youngest female MP in Parliament in 1997 when she was elected to represent Watford aged 24 years. She held the Watford seat for 13 years and for five of those years she served in Government, ultimately leading to her appointment in 2009 as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice. She joins the recently appointed directors of policy and communications at PV.

Chief executive Rob Darracott said: "Pharmacy Voice is bringing together and acting as one voice for community pharmacy. Claire’s appointment shows that we are totally committed to speaking with a single voice for community pharmacy teams working in independents or multiples."

Update 25.3.15

John D’Arcy, Numark's managing director, commented: "Given the similarity of constituencies it is sensible for NPA and IPF to join forces and so to give synergy to representation for independent community pharmacy. As an organisation whose mission is to improve the wellbeing and prosperity of independent pharmacies, Numark welcomes the move."