Welcome to the 26th Annual
Skills for Chefs Conference
Our aim is to showcase the talents of leading chefs, share skills and knowledge, spotlight topical issues affecting chefs and to network with colleagues and suppliers in the UK’s culinary industry.
Next year’s Skills for Chefs Conference will take place on Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th June 2025. Our opening evening will start with an audience with Aktar Islam. The following day will include the conference programme and exhibition, culminating in the Gala Awards Dinner that evening, where the Young Restaurant Team of the Year winners will be revealed.
CULINARY WORKSHOPS
Once again a stellar line-up of chefs will be involved in business sessions and culinary demonstrations.
CONFERENCE EXHIBITION
A vibrant trade exhibition that brings together suppliers and chefs from across the UK.
COMPETITION
The finals of the Young Restaurant Team of the Year will see catering students put through their paces.
OUR HEADLINE PARTNERS
PRESENTING CHEFS IN 2025The conference will open with a fascinating Evening with Aktar Islam, the celebrated chef who recently achieved 2 Michelin Stars for Opheem in Birmingham. The on stage interview will be hosted by Joe Hurd, in addition to being an outstanding chef with a stellar career to date Aktar is an astute and driven business entrepreneur.
The final session of the day will be a panel of chefs assembled from the business programme hosted by Joe Hurd.
AKTAR ISLAM
Aktar is the Chef Patron of 2 Michelin Star, Birmingham based Indian restaurant, Opheem. He was awarded his first start in 2019, becoming the first Indian Restaurant outside London to get one. In 2024 he was awarded his second star, become one of only 2 Indian restaurants in the UK and 4 in the world to hold that distinction. He was also the first person to have 2 stars in his native Birmingham.
JOE HURD
As a chef, Joe has worked alongside Heston Blumenthal, Gennaro Contaldo,
Francesco Mazzei and the late, Antonio Carluccio. He’s a regular guest presenter on BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen, and on stage at festivals and events across the UK.