The entries are in, the judging has begun and preparations are well under way for this year’s Baking Industry Awards evening. Staged at the prestigious Grosvenor House hotel in London on 18 September, the Awards will pay tribute to some of the finest talent that UK bakeries have to offer, from enthusiastic students to this year’s Baker of the Year, often a seasoned individual. Three finalists in each category will be called up to the stage to receive their certificates and, in the case of the winner, a £500 cheque and trophy from a celebrity host.

But the evening is not just about recognising excellence. It’s also a chance to rub shoulders with colleagues from across the UK and Ireland, catch up with old friends, exchange ideas and, last but by no means least, have a lot of fun. The evening includes a Champagne reception, four-course dinner with wine, a cabaret, disco and dancing and a casino, as well as a quieter bar area for networking or just having a chat.

With plenty of opportunities to win prizes and raise money for charity, the Baking Industry Awards evening is also a unique opportunity to give something back to the industry that employs you. Around 900 people attended the Awards last year and tickets for this year’s event are already sel-ling quickly. So don’t delay! Call Liz Ellis on our ticket hotline (see box) to make sure you don’t miss out.