Kwik Save is set to embark on a major charm offensive to woo back suppliers embittered by unpaid bills.

The beleaguered soft discounter, which received a £50m cash injection from a private consortium of investors led by former MD Paul Niklas last week, said fixing relationships with its suppliers and replenishing its depleted stock levels would be top priorities.

"Kwik Save has been through a period of uncertainty and I am looking forward to implementing a new vision for the company," said Niklas, who has been appointed chairman and chief executive.

"I will be working hard to develop relationships with existing and new suppliers to ensure stock is replenished before implementing a long-term strategy."

Suppliers have been promised payment of their outstanding bills as early as next week.

"We are currently in negotiations to get paid, and have been assured things are about to change for Kwik Save, but watch this space," said one supplier.

Industry insiders said winning back suppliers' faith would not be an easy job. "Many have said that once outstanding bills have been paid they will not start trading with them again," said one source. "Others have been more understanding, and have said that they would - but only once every outstanding penny has been paid back."

Tim Kershaw, director of supply chain consultancy Libra Europe, said many suppliers would only deliver goods to Kwik Save after receiving payment up front.

"The rescue package is good, but will only be enough to start trading again - not necessarily to keep payments going, and that's what suppliers will be worried about."

The Kwik Save management also has its work cut out boosting staff morale.

"We have not been told what the deal will mean for us," said one employee. "Morale remains almost as low as stock levels."