Survey will measure UK against world's best

The UK hospitality industry is to be measured against some of the best companies abroad in a survey due to be published next month.

The report, commissioned by the Government, is similar to one carried out for the motor industry, where car makers in Japan were examined for best practice.

Surrey University has been examining businesses with high levels of service in Europe and the USA. The results will help to identify ways in which working practices and productivity can be improved in UK businesses.

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA), speaking at the HCIMA London Conference this week, said: "We are going to focus on any business that wants to improve and grow. What really has an impact on a business is people, and we want to work on motivating and retaining them."

The survey is to be used by the Partnership Project, a Government-backed forum comprising the BHA, the Academy of Food & Wine Service and Hospitality and Leisure Manpower, set up in May 2002.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 26 September - 2 October 2002