The awards recognise and honour 50 individuals from influential hospitality operators based in the north of England. Entries for this year’s NRB Top 50 line-up will be chosen by a panel of experts from the Russell Partnership who, as well as judging entries, will also scour the region researching the industry’s stars. Those selected will be chosen based on their successes, achievements and their impact on the northern hospitality industry.

New for 2013 will be three special achievement winners which will be announced on the first day of the two day show, which runs from March 5-6 at Manchester Central.

This year’s awards are supported by recruitment company Berkeley Scott and The Russell Partnership, an international hospitality consultancy.

NRB managing director Thom Hetherington said: “With 42% of all hospitality establishments based in the region and a £14bn turnover, we wanted to highlight the people who are contributing to this booming industry and honour their successes.

“The NRB Top 50 is all about celebrating these inspiring individuals who have each made a significant impact in their businesses while driving commercial and critical success, creating employment, training and investment, and creating profile and prestige for the region and its hospitality sector.”

• Anyone wishing to enter or nominate a colleague or client for this year’s awards, needs to complete a registration form hosted on the NRB website – www.northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk/nrb50 – by Thursday, February 7.