In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to recognise the passion and hard work of Britain’s best bakers and bakery companies. Times may be tough for some, but we must not forget that there are still a huge number of highly successful people and businesses in the baking industry, producing top-quality products at affordable prices.

To this end, British Baker is delighted to launch the Baking Industry Awards - now in its 22nd year. The awards celebrate the people and companies that make the British baking industry one of the most exciting and innovative in the world.

Open to businesses of all sizes, from one-shop retailers and tiny artisan bakers to the largest plant manufacturers, this is an opportunity to bang the drum for your business and celebrate our vibrant and diverse industry. With several new categories launched this year, there should be an award to suit everybody.

Key players from the baking industry will attend the gala Awards Dinner, to be held at the Park Lane Hilton in London on Tuesday 8 September. These will include representatives from major plant bakeries, craft companies, millers, leading supermarkets, bakery trade bodies and suppliers. It’s a glamorous networking opportunity not to be missed.

The closing date for the Awards is 1 May. For an entry form or advice on completing it, call Helen Law at William Reed Events on 01293 846587. Alternatively, complete the slip on page 17 and return it to the address provided. Details can also be viewed at www.bakeryawards.co.uk, which gives advice on how to fill in the quick and simple entry forms.

Entrants do not have to be a supplier or a customer of any of the category sponsors. A panel of judges, organised by the sponsoring company, will adjudicate each of the categories in the Awards.

Each panel contains representatives from the sponsoring company, plus an independent expert judge, selected in agreement with British Baker. This panel will draw up a shortlist of competitors and will visit each finalist’s business or workplace. Or, the panel may call the short-listed finalists to their premises to be judged.

A British Baker staff member then joins each of the final judging panels to help decide the finalists, who will make the trip to the Awards ceremony in London, as well as the overall category winner.

A company may enter more than one category, BUT different company representatives must enter each of the chosen categories. No one person can enter more than one category.

The winner of each of the categories will receive a trophy, while finalists receive a certificate. Last year’s glittering awards night featured various exciting events and entertainment. Look out for news of what will be happening at this year’s ceremony in upcoming issues of British Baker.

More awards follow soon. In the meantime, please browse the various awards categories in the following pages and work out which you want to enter. We wish you the best of luck.