Importance of benchmarking

It's good to see the increasing importance being placed on comparative benchmarking in tourism and hospitality.

In your story headed "HR is no longer the soft option" (Caterer, 26 October, page 11](http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2006/10/http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2006/10/26/309656/HR+is+no+longer+the+soft+option.htm26/309656/HR+is+no+longer+the+soft+option.htm)), Gavin Wetton rightly points to the need for more information on HR strategy, and more benchmarking against best practice. Your Infozone Strategy Clinic also provided much-needed guidance on the ways in which operators of chain hotels can measure and compare their performances.

Caterer readers from smaller independent businesses may like to know that they can also compare operating performance by accessing the Best Practice Forum's online benchmarking tools at www.bestpracticeforum.org. They can also receive a confidential report comparing their performance against best practice.

The Excellence Through People website, www.etp.org.uk, also has a free self-assessment benchmarking check list to measure up against good and best employment practice.

David Battersby
Managing director, Hospitality and Leisure Manpower, Hampton Wick, Surrey

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