A star-studded awards ceremony has hailed the UK’s top curry chefs – amid a warning that, without continued Government support, the future of the nation’s favourite dish could be thrown into doubt.

Chefs and restaurants from across the country were honoured at the annual Bangladesh Caterers Association awards dinner at the InterContinental London at The O2 on Monday, 28 October.

But despite celebrating the achievements of the ‘Kings of Spice’ the event saw industry leaders voice their concerns over plans to axe small business rate relief next March.

Oli Khan, BCA President, said: “The current system provides eligible, occupied, retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a 75 per cent relief, up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business. 

“This is due to end in less than six months’ time and, unless this decision is reversed, will sound the death knell for hundreds of hospitality businesses. The sector has been hit time and time again and we simply cannot take any more.

“We need help, we need support and we need immediate reassurance that business rates relief will be extended, otherwise ministers will be waving goodbye to the nation’s favourite dish.”

The glittering awards ceremony, hosted by CBBC presenter Angellica Bell and TalkRadio’s Ian Collins, was attended by around 30 MPs, ministers, Lords and Mayors from across the country.

A message of support and good wishes from King Charles was also read out to all those attending.

Atik Rahman, BCA Awards Convenor, said: “This year’s awards has been a resounding success, celebrating the most outstanding talent in our industry. It has been incredibly exciting to see the level of culinary expertise across the country, underlining the importance of ensuring the Government acts now to support our industry and protect the future of Bangladeshi cuisine in the UK.”

The UK curry industry, now worth over £4.5 billion, is a remarkable success story. The sector supports more than 12,000 restaurants across the country, employs over 100,000 people, and serves millions of customers every year.

The Bangladeshi community, which owns and operates around 80% of these establishments, has played an instrumental role in this success, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of its members.

BCA leaders are planning to lobby senior Government ministers on a range of issues including the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis on hospitality businesses, planned rises in the costs of energy and a need to act on the price of ingredients – with calls for widespread reductions which can be passed onto customers in a drive to encourage diners back into restaurants.

BCA Secretary General Mitu Chowdhury said: “Going for a curry is part of the fabric of modern British life and we want to see a commitment to ensure that remains the case for generations to come.

“We are facing a battle on multiple fronts, from rising costs to punitive immigration laws. On behalf of our members, we will ensure the voices of restaurants up and down the country are heard by those in a position of power and we call on Labour to do the right thing and support us in any way they can.”

That sentiment was echoed by BCA Chief Treasurer Tipu Rahman, who added: “The last few years have been the perfect storm when it comes to running a restaurant. We have faced a challenge like never before and we now need to see support to help us not just survive, but thrive.

“We are seeing restaurants around the country closing week in, week out. We can’t afford to lose the Great British curry. We need to see action now.”

Naz Islam, BCA Press and Publications Secretary, said: “Bangladeshi curry is part and parcel of modern British life and these awards are a celebration of the incredible talent that continues to shine across our industry. Chefs and restaurants are always looking to innovate to make sure diners can enjoy the very best experience.”

The Bangladesh Caterers Association was set up in 1960 and represents 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK. For more details on the competition and the association visit www.bca1960.com