This will be the Association’s 37th Annual Conference and, as in previous years, we have created a stimulating and topical event designed specifically for purchasing and supply professionals involved in the support of health care. Attendance is open to members and non-members working in the field of purchasing and supply, to other health care professionals and to representatives of companies who supply to the health care sector.

The theme this year is ‘Can the NHS Afford to Buy Quality?’ and is designed to reflect the increasing pressure on budgets in general and procurement departments in particular in the modern NHS.

The Conference will provide an excellent opportunity to explore key issues, all of which affect the provision and performance of health care purchasing and supply services, and ultimately patient care.

Once again we have attracted speakers of the highest calibre who will provide delegates with a unique opportunity to understand and discuss the key issues that affect us all.

Each year the high-quality debate on key issues attracts a capacity audience of members, other health care professionals and representatives of major supply companies from across the UK, and this year will be no exception. As in previous years, attendees will also be provided, via the Exhibition, with the chance to network with colleagues from across the UK and to meet together in relaxed surroundings.

The Conference has again proved popular with delegates from the NHS, and at the time of writing almost all of the Chief Executives of the Procurement Hubs and Confederations together with their senior colleagues have signed up to attend, along with senior staff from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

I look forward to seeing you all in Stratford. John Smith Executive Director