Magnetic filtration pioneer ADEY Professional Heating Solutions is launching a nationwide competition to search for potential ‘eco-inventors’ working within the heating and plumbing industry. The competition is open to all heating professionals, installers and apprentices who believe they have an original idea for a product, tool or appliance for the heating or plumbing industry that could have a positive environmental benefit.

The top prize could turn someone’s bright idea into reality, with up to £50,000 worth of research and development, testing, help and advice provided by ADEY resulting in a market-ready product. In addition to ADEY products, the overall winner will also receive a cash prize of £2,000.

“I came up with the idea for the first magnetic filter while I was working as a heating engineer,” explains Chris Adey, Chief Executive of ADEY Professional Heating Solutions (pictured). “So I know that installers in the field are often best placed to see potential opportunities to create innovative new solutions, but it can be difficult to know what to do with your idea.

“Our industry has a great opportunity to develop environmental solutions that will help customers to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Simply installing a MagnaClean filter in one million of the UK’s 22 million households could save in the region of 225,000 tonnes of CO2 annually – the equivalent to taking 72,000 cars off the road.

“But the importance of developing ‘eco-inventions’ is also vital to the UK economy. Britain has a strong reputation for innovations in product design and new technologies, and ADEY is keen to encourage new talent to enter the market.”

The competition runs from 16 October 2011 until 31 January 2012. Details of how to enter, and terms and conditions, can be found at www.adey.co.uk