GPC VISA
The Official UK Government Procurement Card (GPC)
http://www.purchasingcard.info/

The GPC is a branded VISA Purchasing Card provided to the UK public sector through a framework agreement between OGC buying.solutions, VISA and six VISA-Issuing Banks. The new GPC framework agreement also provides for the provision of VISA Travel Cards, VISA Corporate Cards, VISA Commercial Cards, VISA Business Cards and virtual VISA Cards.

HCA
Hospital Caterers Association.
The Association was founded in 1948, and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1998. It is a national organisation with branches in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The aims and objectives of the Association are the promotion and improvement of the standards of catering in hospitals and healthcare establishments in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and elsewhere; the education and training of persons in health care catering services, and the provision and improvement of the professional interests and status of those engaged in health care catering services.

There are 17 branches nationally which are geographically based in order to facilitate the establishment of easier communication networks. Branch activities include formal meetings, seminars and study days with guest speakers, catering supplier’s demonstrations and exhibitions and social events.

National events are also held such as competitions, study days and cookery competitions and the highlight of the Associations year is our National Conference. There are several grades of membership with the principal grade (FULL) being for persons actively involved in NHS catering management. There is also associate membership and a patronage scheme.

The Association has a membership of over 400 and a large proportion of members are actively involved in managing a range of other non clinical support services.

LACA
Local Authority Caterers Association.
LACA is the professional body representing 1000 catering managers and suppliers who provide catering services to all sectors of Local Authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.

Local authority caterers are responsible for providing more than 2.5 million school meals a day, civic catering such as town halls and leisure centres, for social services catering such as residential homes for the elderly, day centres and meals on wheels.

NACC
The National Association of Care Catering.
The National Association of Care Catering is a progressive organisation representing professionals providing catering to the care industry.

TUCO
http://www.tuco.org/
The University Caterers Organisation.

PACE
http://www.keepinpace.org.uk/
Professional Association for Catering Education.
PACE is an organisation with a Regional and National Network of members whose aim is to encourage catering educational institutions to work together to manage the challenges of continual change within Hospitality and Catering Education.

PACE acts as an ambassador on behalf of its members to express their shared views to relevant bodies and organisations affecting catering, education and training. We also strive to promote staff development and interchange within the industry.

CEDA
Catering Equipment Distributors Association.
There are many companies offering to supply or maintain catering equipment. However, only CEDA members operate to an agreed Code of Good Practice and adhere to the Customer Charter.

Only members have access to CEDA's training, support and other benefits, which enable them to provide the highest standards of customer service.

WRAS
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme.
Information about the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws.