2016 KP of the Year competition open for entries

Now in its fourth year, the search is back on for the KP of the Year.

The competition, organised by The Caterer in partnership with Winterhalter, has gathered quite a following over the past three years, with hundreds of entries submitted for the ultimate crown of KP of the Year.

Peter Barnetson, named KP of the Year in 2015, works as a kitchen porter at the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, a private members' club in Scotland. He was recognised for his multi-skilled approach to tackling jobs in the kitchen, such as spray-coating kitchen equipment, maintaining dishwashers and (as an ex-grocer) using his knowledge of fruit and vegetables for quality control.

Barnetson has been at Skibo Castle for 13 years and also prepares the afternoon tea sandwiches, fixes faulty equipment, checks deliveries and was involved in the design of a new clubhouse at the castle, advising on the hot-wash area and placement of machinery.

Craig Rowland, executive chef at Skibo Castle, who nominated Barnetson, said in his application: "KP teams are such vital cogs in ensuring the smooth running of any professional kitchen."

The judges will be looking for entries that highlight the high level of kitchen knowledge held by KPs, the vital role they play as part of the brigade and most importantly how they pass on their passion and act as a role model for other KPs in the industry.

Stephen Kinkead, managing director of Winterhalter UK, said: "It's such a wonderful feeling to hear so many of our nominating chefs speak so highly of their kitchen porters. They are a key member of the team and the kitchen would not function properly without them.

"We will run our second National KP Day on 22 June 2016 working alongside Springboard to raise some well-deserved funds for the charity and highlight the role KPs play as the hub of the kitchen. The campaign will launch on Twitter via @KPOFTHEYEAR later this year."

The 2016 KP of the Year prize includes £1,000 cash for the winner, plus a celebratory meal for them and their friends and family in a casual dining restaurant of their choice. The winner's place of work will win a prize too, in the shape of one of Winterhalter's warewash products worth up to £8,000.

The deadline for entries is 5 August 2016 and applicants will be judged by a panel of industry experts (no presentation necessary) with the winner announced in September.

To enter visit www.thecaterer.com/kpoftheyear2016

Peter Barnetson of Skibo Castle is 2015 KP of the Year >>

**Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The CatererFONT >>

Latest video from The Caterer