David McKown, director of the Skills for Chefs Conference, commended: "We are delighted that the conference will open with an evening with Aktar Islam.”

Aktar is the chef patron of two Michelin Star, Birmingham based Indian restaurant, Opheem. He was awarded his first start in 2019, becoming the first Indian restaurant outside London to get one.

In 2024 he was awarded his second star, becoming one of only two Indian restaurants in the UK and four in the world to hold that distinction. He was also the first person to have two stars in his native Birmingham.

Aktar started his TV career on Channel 4’s ‘The F Word’, and has appeared on many shows including The One Show, Saturday Kitchen and Rick Stein’s Food Stories. He is a regular mentor on MasterChef The Professionals and is a veteran judge on Great British Menu.

Birmingham born and bred; Aktar is an incredibly active member of Birmingham’s ever growing food scene. Aktar’s latest venture is Aktar at Home, a critically acclaimed nationwide food delivery business offering traditional Indian home cooking.

For further details on the 2025 conference visit: www.skillsforchefs.org.uk.