I see that

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reques...%20fina l.pdf

contains a FoI release of sections of Met Office Board minutes
including the comment (from March 2009) :

"The Board heard that the Met Office reputation had improved through a
series of events. A good forecast of snow in February against a poor
forecast by a competitor had helped discussions within the Highways
Agency about contracts for next year......."

Anyone else want to put a bid in for this year ?