British chemist chain Boots has announced a series of initiatives, which it said were being undertaken to develop links with Irish suppliers. It includes a pledge to maintain existing supply and distribution networks where profitable.

The company said it had also established a small team within its purchasing division to deal specifically with Irish suppliers. "Their brief is to assist in the identification of suitable local manufacturers, suppliers and distributors."

However, the Small Firms Association (SFA), which has previously raised suppliers' concerns since Boots took over the Hayes Conyngham Robinson (HCR) chain for £13 million in January, described the group's statement as "factually incorrect".

SFA director, Mr Brendan Butler said a number of suppliers who had been selling to HCR had been delisted, despite the lines being profitable. He said the suppliers would be holding a series of meetings with Boots over the coming weeks to prove their case.

Mr Butler also said that a key problem with Boots was that all decisions regarding the Irish stores were still being taken centrally - from the group's offices in Nottingham. He said management in Ireland was unable to take decisions here. In a statement yesterday, Boots said that it had agreed to take part in a trade development group which included SFA representatives, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and others.

"In order to develop product lines unique to the Irish market, Boots The Chemist will invest significant resources in merchandise planning," the statement said.

It said there had been an increase in orders with some Irish suppliers since it took over HCR.