The eight categories are healthcare, restaurants, hotels, business & industry, schools, universities and colleges, event caterers and pubs.
Nigel Crane, managing director for Essential Cuisine, said: “As chefs ourselves we understand that team work is integral for kitchens to thrive. Entering this competition is the chance for often unsung, always hardworking teams that live and breathe the job, to get the acclaim they deserve.
“The change in the format serves to reinforce this notion: that no matter the sector, every chef takes pride and great cooking can be found in every corner of this fantastic industry. Put simply, Best Brigades is for everyone. In 2017 we’re calling on kitchens across the sectors to sign up.”
Teams have to submit details about the personalities, passion and plate of food that makes their kitchen stand out. All paper entries will be judged and one per sector will then be chosen to bring their entries to life in a 60 second video, which will go to a public vote.
As well as the title, the winning team will take home a £1000 cash prize plus a bespoke menu development masterclass with a top UK chef. Teams will be able to nominate a charity that will receive 50p for every vote registered. The seven runners-up will each receive £300.