To either enter yourself or make a nomination, visit http://uk.qualityfoodawards.com/qfa2018/en/page/foodservice-development-chef-of-the-year.

Submissions must include a 400-word supporting statement outlining achievements to date, relevant skills, any contract wins and a favourite recipe of choice, which finalists will be asked to create for the judging panel on 16 August.

Awards publishing director, Helen Lyons, commented: “The Development Chef award is unique as it seeks to recognise the highly skilled chefs working in manufacturing, that keep the wheels of this innovative sector turning.

“The UK Foodservice Quality Food Awards are all about banging the drum for the industry - development chefs are its lifeblood. Now is the time to celebrate the many achievements of these outstanding individuals.”

Finalists will be invited to a judging day on 16 August at the University of West London before the winner is announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel (27 September).