Let the search begin
Heston Blumenthal has joined forces with Finish, innovator of Finish Quantum dishwasher tablets, to launch the Finish Diamond Standard Innovation Challenge.
The competition, launched in association with Lakeland, is inviting Britons of all ages to submit a new idea they believe could be the invention to revolutionise the future of culinary life and the way we live and work in the kitchen. This could be a new piece of equipment, gadget, utensil or ingenious piece of crockery.
Blumenthal will lead the expert panel to select the overall winner of the challenge who will be awarded a once-in-a-lifetime package estimated to be worth at least £50,000. The winning package includes a £10,000 cash prize from Finish, as well as the opportunity to work with Lakeland, home of creative kitchenware, to develop the product and work towards putting it on sale, with the winner receiving royalties on any future sales through Lakeland stores nationwide.
The celebrity chef said: "The British have always been at the forefront of great innovation and great design, and kitchen innovation is no exception. I'm delighted to be at the forefront of this new challenge to find the next generation of culinary innovators."
"The entries that will stand out for me will be the ideas that bring this to life, and that transcend a brilliant idea from the past into something new for the kitchens and cooks of the future."
Commenting on the Finish partnership with Blumenthal, Rosie Nagra, judge and Finish marketing manager, said: "Heston is the perfect partner for Finish Quantum, as he is the living culinary embodiment of the Finish values of perfection, quality and innovation. His advice and support to those entering the Innovation Challenge will be invaluable."
All competition entrants will be whittled down to a shortlist of ten British finalists from across the UK, who will battle it out by pitching their idea to a panel of expert judges in a "Dragons' Den" style finale in central London during August.
Alongside Blumenthal, three other judges renowned for their expertise in innovation within their individual fields will assess the finalists. These include: Paul Pankhurst, chief executive and chair of British Design Innovation; Rosie Nagra Finish marketing manager; and Wendy Miranda customer ambassador of Lakeland.
The closing date for entries for the Finish Diamond Standard Innovation Challenge is 16th July. For further information on how to enter visit www.finish.co.uk
Words: Maria Bracken
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