The group aims to provide a range of services including training, seminars, newsletters and research which are usually provided by contractors.

Adrian Meyer and Dr John Simmons of Acheta, consultants specialising in pest management issues, facilitate the Group. Commenting on this new venture Adrian Meyer said, "We believe that there is a need for impartial, but informed, opinion about pest management issues. Products and services are too often launched with little or no scientific data to support assertions made about them. We will provide our members with an independent technically based view. Furthermore, our members will drive The Pest Management Group. If they want information about a topic, or research undertaken on a particular problem, we will organise it".

Asked why the term 'Pest Management' was used, when most people would use pest control, Dr John Simmons replied, "Pest Management is an integrated approach based on prevention rather than cure. The objective is long-term management rather than short-term control. How
many quality controllers do you come across? Quality assurance now prevails. Pest management represents the same approach, and we can help our members to achieve it".

Supporting the objectives of The Pest Management Group, Richard Sprenger of Highfield.co.uk Ltd commented, "The Pest Management Group offers its members the opportunity to take more control over pest management. Independent, but informed, opinion is something that has not been easy to come by. Due diligence in relation to pest related issues is now firmly in the food industry's own hands".

Newsletters and seminar programmes, and details about joining, are provided on The Pest Management Group website. Those interested should visit www.pestmanagementgroup.com