The BHA and patron supplier iTradeNetwork (formerly Amphire) recognise that food inflation has increasingly become an issue of major concern for all members, be they hotelier, restaurateur, motorway service operators or caterers.

Despite the recent slowdown in food cost increases in the past few weeks, it is still more important than ever to mitigate cost increases. Peter Backman, managing director of Horizons said: "Despite food costs levelling out, operators still need to do what they can to mitigate cost increases such as reducing portion sizes, buying more cost-effectively and using cheaper cuts of meat.

"We are still in a period of economic instability and while the eating out market has yet to be significantly hit, the run up to Christmas could see consumers tightening their belts even further." In response to this, the BHA and iTradeNetwork have organised a half day seminar to be held on Thursday 20 November at One Aldwych, London from 8.30am - 2.00pm.

On the day, many key issues will be discussed including: • Food inflation - the outlook for the next few years and the potential impact on eating out.

• The importance of a strong brand proposition to secure share of cautious consumer spending. • Different approaches to purchasing offset rising food costs including the use of technology to control costs and improve the visibility of purchasing spend.

• Local and organic sourcing - implications of a brand promise and the necessity for consistent implementation. Who should attend?

An ideal seminar for Finance Directors and Managers; Operations Directors and Managers; Restaurant Managers; Purchasing Directors and Managers; and Food and Beverage Directors and Managers. Cost:

£65 (inc. VAT and buffet lunch) Reduced rate of £62.50 for each additional delegate (up to a maximum of four people) For a booking form please click here. Please return your form to Marsha Phillips either by fax: 020 7404 7799 or post to BHA, Queens House, 55-56 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BH.