Despite the tough times ahead the latest BHA publication, the Food and Management Survey, has revealed an ultimately confident sector that can see both challenges and opportunities this year.

The launch, which took place on Tuesday 3 March at The Institute of Chartered Accountants, was well attended by the catering sector and Phil Hooper, chairman of the BHA's food and service management forum, struck an optimistic tone in his editorial comment in what is the 20th Food and Service Management Survey - sponsored this year by BHA Corporate Partner, Nestlé Professional.

"Food service management companies have the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances," wrote Hooper. "They can bring particular strengths to the marketplace that are difficult - sometimes impossible - for the in-house caterer to provide."

The industry as a whole prospered in 2008, with record turnover and number of meals served as the report indicates. Turnover increased 3.9 per cent to £4.1bn (2007: £3.98bn) and contractors served a record 1.62 billion meals, 1.2 per cent up on 1.6 billion in 2007, despite a fall of 3.5 per cent in the number of outlets to 16,983.

One of the largest and most enduring challenges, other than the economy, faced by caterers in all sectors last year was rampant food inflation, which the survey put at 8 per cent in 2008. If you have not yet received a copy of the Food and Management Survey please contact Keris Marsden at the BHA on [email protected]