The show exhibits in Birmingham and Glasgow

One of the biggest foodie events of the year, the BBC Good Food Show uses its Bursary Award Scheme to support British producers of food and drink.

Rachel Poletti-Gadd, divisional director of the BBC Good Food Shows, says, ‘We are proud as a show and as a brand to be able to support small British food and drink producers by investing time and money back into the industry. It is so important to us to be able to help new and smaller businesses. We truly believe this award can change the future for a small business.’

One of last year’s winners, Kate Jenkins from Gower Cottage Brownies, says, ‘Since winning the Producers Bursary Award at The BBC Good Food Show Winter 2010 I have seen a dramatic increase in both online sales and interest from wholesale stockists. The award helped me, as an artisan producer, to take my products centre stage and direct to the customer on a scale I could never have achieved by myself.”

After the applications have been received and the shortlist announced, nominees will be put through a rigorous judging process headed by BBC Good Food Magazine editor Gillian Carter and will include a tasting session in the BBC Good Food Kitchen. The most exceptional will then be awarded with a free opportunity to exhibit at one of the Shows, gaining valuable editorial coverage, and showcase their products to tens of thousands of food enthusiasts.

If you would like to apply, or know someone who should, then visit www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com to download an application. Applications close on August 28 2011.