Last year, we marked 22 years of the Caterer and Hotelkeeper Awards, or Cateys. Since their inception in 1984, the Cateys have celebrated the industry's highest flyers, strongest performers and the hottest brands. Now in their 23rd year, they have become a byword for quality, class and achievement, the awards everybody wants to win. No wonder, then, that the industry refers to them as its Oscars night.

Why does winning a Catey mean so much? Because recipients are nominated, selected and rewarded by their industry peers. A Catey statue on your mantelpiece symbolises Caterer readers' collective desire to recognise your efforts in supporting and developing the UK's hospitality scene.

The 2006 Cateys will take place on the 11 July at the Grosvenor House hotel, London.

Hospitality consultancy PKF, assisted by the Caterer Group editorial team, will research the names and prepare a dossier of information on each nomination. This will allow the judging panels for each category to make a fair comparison of the candidates, working to a given set of criteria. The judges are chosen from the industry for their depth of knowledge and experience.

This year there are 17 award categories, including the Special Award, which last year went to Phillip Kaye for his outstanding contribution to shaping the country's casual dining experience.

Mark Lewis, editor, Caterer and Hotelkeeper

Click on the links below to find out about the individual award categories:

Restaurateur of the Year - Independent

Restaurateur of the Year - Group

Tourism Award

Manager of the Year

Newcomer of the Year

Pub and Bar Industry Award

Pub and Bar Operator of the Year

Hotel of the Year - Independent

Hotel of the Year - Group

Menu of the Year

Education and Training Award

Best Independent Marketing Campaign

Best Group Marketing Campaign

Food Service Caterer of the Year

Public Sector Caterer of the Year

Chef Award

Special Award