With the winner set to take home £1,000 cash as well as a Winterhalter warewasher for their kitchen or bar, the two runners up will also receive cash prizes.
Looking for an “outstanding KP who inspires and motivates others,” judges are on the hunt for “a mentor or hub of your brigade. He or she might have taken on extra duties or achieved internal awards and recognition.
“It will be someone going way beyond the call of duty.”
Nominate now via http://www.kpoftheyear.com/.
Managing director Stephen Kinkead said: “This year we’ve had entries from all sorts of different sectors of the market.
“We truly welcome that – this is about celebrating the huge contribution KPs make to the foodservice industry, so we want entries from hotels, pubs, schools, hospitals – if you’ve got a great kitchen porter, then please nominate them!”
Supporting the competition, chef Michael Caines added: "The KP has been, and always will be, a key part of the kitchen.
“They are unsung heroes, working hard and in difficult conditions to keep the flow of the kitchen going. We’re very, very pleased that we’ve got a Kitchen Porter of the Year competition.
“It’s a wonderful initiative."