A celebration of the industry's legacy and an account of BCA's expanding regional organisation.
Today, the Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) proudly celebrates its 18th year of presenting these distinguished industry awards. This special occasion marks another milestone in our enduring commitment to recognise and elevate the exceptional achievements of the British Bangladeshi curry sector. For sixty-five years, this dynamic industry has been woven into the fabric of British culture, and we are honoured to celebrate its remarkable legacy — one defined by dedication, passion, and excellence that continue to drive its success.
When I stepped into the role of Organising Secretary in 2023, I anticipated a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. A key focus of my work has been expanding our regional reach, and I'm thrilled to announce the successful formation of several new regional committees: BCA London Region 2, BCA Cambridge Region, BCA Essex Region, BCA Surrey Region, BCA Portsmouth Region, and BCA Kent Region. These committees play a vital role in strengthening our local engagement and ensuring our support touches every part of our community. I'm immensely proud of our collective progress and eager to build on this momentum.
As we come together tonight, we not only honour excellence within the British Bangladeshi curry industry but also embrace this year's theme: "Celebrating a Legacy, Shaping the Future." This theme encapsulates our shared vision — paying tribute to the rich traditions that have defined our journey while championing the innovation and creativity that will guide us forward. It is this enduring blend of heritage and progress that keeps our industry vibrant, resilient, and ready for the future.
For over sixty-five years, the BCA has stood as a steadfast advocate for the British Bangladeshi restaurant and takeaway sector, representing 12,000 establishments across the UK. Since our founding in 1960, we have remained a not-for-profit organisation devoted to supporting our members, addressing their concerns, and working in partnership with government to ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry.
Transcribed from the 2025 BCA Awards programme. Line breaks and clear scan errors have been normalised for readability.