The conference committee decided it was time to shed the event's image as "mainly a jolly." Speakers and topics had been carefully chosen to reflect rapid changes across the industry, an approach that clearly worked judging by the delegates' final assessment sheets.
Ian Hargreaves, president of the Society of Hospital Laundry and Linen Service Managers spoke of the politics and problems that affected his members, the new NHS Strategy, and the threat disposables posed to healthcare laundries in both public and private sectors.
TSA chief executive, Murray Simpson explained the association's strategy review designed to make it more representative of the industry, improve its working relationship with the Government, and raise the competitiveness of the whole sector.
Jonathon Smith, MD initial Textile Services described his company's marketing strategy and looked at ways in which rental companies might expand the market and increase its value.
Richard Neale, of the Laundry Technology Centre, a regular LCN contributor, showed how, by employing sound management techniques, laundries could use water and energy more efficiently.
