One of 22 awards being presented at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane on Tuesday, July 7, the Chef Award is open to chefs from all sectors of the industry and will recognise an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.

The winner will have made a major contribution through innovation in cooking techniques, styles of cuisine and understanding of culinary processes.

The award will also recognise a chef’s wider contribution to the trade, through significant and effective involvement in the fields of education, charity or the general promotion of the industry's interests.

Although the winner may not be an ever-present figure in their own kitchen, they will be taking a strong and significant role in the day-to-day operations of an outlet or outlets.

You can enter the category on your own behalf or nominate a person you admire in the industry, with nominations closing on Friday, February 13. They are free to enter.

Last year’s Chef Award at the Cateys was won by Andrew Fairlie, chef patron of the Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the five star hotel and resort in Perthshire.

Described as “the ultimate chef’s chef” by judge Jason Atherton, Andrew was particularly commended for being an industry ambassador outside his own business.

Martin Bates, chief executive officer for the Craft Guild, the UK’s largest chefs’ association, said: “To be able to reward an outstanding chef at this industry wide event is particularly significant for us in the year we celebrate our 50th anniversary and our ongoing commitment to supporting chefs across the sectors. We wish all this year’s nominees the best of luck.”

Since their inception in 1984, the Catey Awards have cast a spotlight on the industry’s highest flyers, strongest performers and hottest brands. Receiving a Catey means so much because recipients are nominated, selected and rewarded by their industry peers to recognise their efforts in developing the hospitality scene.

For more information, visit www.cateys.com. For live updates, follow the Craft Guild of Chefs on Twitter @Craft_Guild.