Secretary’s Message

I have the passion and with everyone’s collective support hope to drive the BCA to the next level,

SECRETARY GENERAL’S MESSAGE
A warm welcome to BCA’s 16th Awards night. Since
1960 BCA has been committed to creating success for
our industry, as a result, our Awards are now
acknowledged as a significant date within the
hospitality sector. It is always a privilege to be able to
celebrate together, to recognize the brilliant talent of
our chefs and restaurants across the UK.
BCA Awards night is always an occasion of fun and
passion, and this evening is going to be another
fabulous event, where we will be joined by the muchloved
media personalities Gregg Wallace, MBE, and
Tasmin Lucia-Khan, who be hosting our evening. Just
a quick word on Gregg, we could not have found a
better or more appropriate compere, as Gregg is
probably best known for co-presenting MasterChef
and Celebrity MasterChef.
Our Awards highlight the growth of the Bangladeshi
curry sector, which recognises the achievements of
those who work their hardest to perfect every meal
and tonight we will be honouring the best chefs,
restaurants, and takeaways. In spite of the many
challenges facing the curry industry, these Awards
prove year after year of how much talent there is
fuelling this tenacious industry, ensuring the magic of
curry lives on. We have an abundance of talent and
like always, competition was fierce this year. I wish all
our finalists the very best of luck.
While we have emerged from the global pandemic,
times have still been turbulent with the rising cost of
living crisis, which has hit our sector. Sadly, we know

that some of our members have been facing their
hardest times. I would like to honour their strength,
passion, and commitment. Our members are known
for their selfless support and their service to their local
communities. As this country faces dark times, I know
our members will once again bring light to local
communities.
This year we also had the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,
and it is widely acknowledged that a food revolution
goes hand in hand with immigration, which occurred
in this country during the second and third decade of
the Queen’s reign. It is the impact of Bangladeshi
immigration into Britain during the 1960s, the second
decade of the Queen’s reign, that historian’s credit
with popularizing curry as we know it today.
This takes us back to community, a key ingredient for
BCA, and is one of our values. It is this unity, that gives
us a mighty voice. Our unity of membership means
that we are a powerful campaigning organization,
where make a difference for our industry. Many of our
long-term supporters are also part of the BCA family,
and it is this community spirit that is our strength.
BCA Awards are one of the few longest standing
awards in the curry industry, and our continued
success is also due to the commitment and support of
our sponsors, media partners and MPs. I am sure you
will enjoy the evening and more importantly celebrate
knowing that you are part of an organization which has
a big legacy and influence on British life and culture.
Celebrating Success & Inspiring Others.