We can all achieve improvements in efficiency - and therefore profitability - but it does not have to cost an arm and a leg, says BPEX. Often there are ideas already out there which can be applied immediately for an instant improvement.

That is where Change for Success comes in, the first national knowledge transfer event being run by the BPEX Knowledge Transfer Team.

The speakers and topics have been chosen to deliver information that can be used the following day to impact on businesses and achieve success.

Farm Manager Roger Meadows from Alexander and Angell will talk about how he manages his pig unit with numbers. Although crucial to a successful business, many units still record the minimum and avoid any analysis. Roger analyses his finishing system in huge detail and uses the numbers to highlight problem areas, make improvements and measures the results.

Dr Emma Baxter has undertaken some of the most up-to-date and exciting research in piglet mortality in the past few years and will share her knowledge of practical on-farm measures you can take to ensure piglet survival is maximised on your unit.

Why is a pig farm different from any other business? David Hughes Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London, who spoke at this year's Oxford Farming Conference, will explain the management of his fresh produce and supply chain enterprises and draw comparisons with pig production.

"Who wants to be biosecure?" An instant 'ask-the-audience' quiz will identify what measures the group has taken. British pig units have historically given too little attention to biosecurity but we all know health is the key driver of performance. Well-known vet David Chennells will take us through the groups' answers from the quiz and suggest how producers can improve to protect their pigs' health. Honest answers are a must!

Do you ever wonder why your last good member of staff left? How can you tell if staff are de-motivated or understand what makes people tick? This section of the afternoon will highlight some psychological staff management ideas which should help with the retention of good staff and ensure they have a successful long career on your unit.

The event will take place on Wednesday 18 March 2009 at The Haycock, London Road (A1), Wansford, Stamford, PE8 6JA.

To book a place, or if you have any queries, please contact Radha Ray on 01908 844105 (e-mail [email protected]).

The event is free of charge but admission is by ticket only. Once you have registered the names of those who wish to attend, places will be reserved. Tickets will be sent in early March.

The event starts at 14:00, with tea and coffee available from 13:30. The event will close at about 18:30 with a hot buffet. PIPR points will be awarded for people attending this event.