The CatererSearch 100 brings you the 100 top movers and shakers whose achievements are having the biggest impact upon the hospitality industry in 2005. It tells you where they’ve been, where they are now and where they are going.

This annually-updated list of operators is a diverse collection of personalities, from the bosses of the biggest corporate giants to those lone operators who are pushing the boundaries of style, comfort or cuisine in their chosen field.

The CatererSearch 100 incorporates key figures from all sectors of the industry – hoteliers, restaurateurs, contract caterers, pub operators and chefs. Nominees in each of these five categories were judged by panels of journalists who specialise in different sectors.

Shortlisted candidates were awarded marks for each of five chosen criteria, which were then averaged out to give an overall ranking in the CatererSearch 100.

• The first consideration was the scale and scope of the operation headed by each of the nominees.

• But size isn’t everything, and candidates were next judged in terms of the power and influence they exerted in the industry and the respect they commanded among their peers. We asked whether they were shapers of policy, leaders in their field, or inspiring and nurturing the next generation of movers and shakers.

• The judges then examined whether the candidates had a proven record of financial success and whether this was reflected in the eyes of their peers and the outside world.

• The candidates’ reputation for innovation was next on the agenda as the judges examined to what degree they were setting standards others wanted to copy and whether their ideas would remain in fashion.

• Longevity was the fifth and final hurdle for the candidates as the panellists considered whether they – and their creations – would stand the test of time and whether we would be hearing from them in the future.

To view the full CatererSearch 100 list, click here