Now in its sixth year, this growing culinary salon is organised by LACA (Local Authority Caterers Association) in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs, which is sponsored by bakery specialist Dr Oetker this year, and is a key part of the annual conference and exhibition.

The event, aimed at all levels of staff employed in any aspect of local authority catering capable of producing excellent craft pieces, provides entrants with the opportunity to show off their skills which would not normally be seen during their everyday profession.

LACA and the Craft Guild are keen to see the salon develop and have introduced two live classes to the competition line up this year. These are a sandwich and wrap class and a carved fruit platter class, which will take place in the Partner’s Demo Theatre in the Westminster Suite on the morning of Thursday, July 11.

To tap into the wealth of enthusiasm and skill among students, they are also introducing two classes for entry by pupils or students.

Other categories to enter include: apple pie/tart; biscuits; cold canapés; cup cakes; decorated celebration cake; decorated novelty cake; filled and/or covered sponge gateau or cake; floral sugarcraft display piece; petit fours; and tray bake.

Criteria for each category have been set by the Craft Guild and senior Guild members will judge the entries. Certificates of entry will be awarded to all entrants, while gold, silver and bronze certificates will be awarded to those who achieve the highest standards. A Best in Class will be picked in each category as well as a Best in Show from all eight categories.

Craft Guild vice president Steve Munkley said: “The Craft Guild of Chefs is pleased to continue developing this competition with LACA. The organisation has some really talented chefs and this gives them an opportunity to shine in their own environment.

“It will also hopefully give them the confidence to compete against other sectors of the industry in the future.

“The standard of exhibits at Finishing Touches 2012 exceeded that of 2011, with an amazing amount of effort put into every category. The introduction of the new classes last year tapped into the wealth of skill among school caterers – and we hope that by developing the competition to include live classes and categories for pupils and students to enter, the status of the competition will continue to grow.

“From what we have seen and speaking to chefs, 2013 is going to be even tougher to mark.”

Full details and an entry form can be found at www.laca.co.uk/events/finishing-touches. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 7, and entry forms can be emailed to [email protected]