It was great to see so many of you at the recent CHEP meeting in Peterborough. We have enjoyed a close working relationship with CHEP for some years, which began following considerable industry issues. This relationship has developed over a period of time and has resolved many significant industry concerns.

The new managed recovery system discussed at the forum was developed in conjunction with FPC members, and further information of this concept will be released to all CHEP customers in the near future. We believe this will have a positive impact on the supply and management of pallets, whilst promoting a more efficient and environmentally responsible supply.

Alex has settled in to life here in Peterborough and wasted no time in getting to grips with industry issues. His experience at the NFU is proving invaluable, and he has quickly become a key member of our team.

We have developed an active involvement with the School Food Trust regarding the Food Dude initiative and will keep you informed as we move forward. We are delighted to note such a positive result to the most recent School Fruit & Veg Survey published last week.

Our relationship with embassies and high commissions continues, and this month we were delighted to meet with the first secretary of the Jordanian Embassy to discuss UK importing.

Bookings for the FPC Annual Dinner on February 2, 2008, are coming in thick and fast. We are excited that Egypt is the guest nation and we are looking forward to an excellent evening, with the menu and entertainment influenced by the land of the Pharaohs. For those of you who love to dance, we have booked the infamous and immensely popular Dark Blues. The newly refurbished Intercontinental in Park Lane is a great location with a brand new ballroom and spectacular pre-drinks area overlooking No. 1 London, which is exquisitely lit up in the evenings.

Thanks go to our primary sponsor Anglia Business Systems for their support of this fabulous evening. Book online.