10 Jun 2010
Source: L Mirzai
A woman who loves inventing gadgets is hoping her latest creation, the Roastcosy, is a hit with food lovers.
Helen Waterston came up with the unique idea while she was making a Sunday roast for her family and with the help of Business Gateway Lanarkshire, she is now selling the product on a popular shopping channel.
Helen, who is from Hamilton but now lives in Wishaw, wanted to use reusable tin foil while cooking her meats but after searching in shops and online, realised there was nothing in the market that suited. So she began to experiment with materials until she came up with a prototype that not only allowed her to rest her roast without losing its heat, but she accidentally discovered, also retained the natural juices and enhanced the flavour.
Designed entirely by Helen, the Roastcosy is now on sale and will feature on the Ideal World station as one of their must-buy items.
Helen said: "I love cooking and I often make roasts but I wanted something reusable instead of constantly buying tin foil and having to throw it out. I had a look for something that would suit but couldn't find anything. So I began to make my own early prototypes using tin foil with silicon and reflective materials, then I experimented with stainless steel and that worked.
"Originally I just wanted something that would keep the heat in during the resting period but when I then cooked with it and tasted the results I was surprised to find it was full of flavour and juicy. It was much better than I had ever made it before. After that I began taste tests with my family and friends and they all agreed, it was tastier when using the cosy. With hard work and the support of Business Gateway I am now able to let others enjoy the benefits of the cosy."
After trademarking and patenting the innovative product, Helen had to source the material and a manufacturer which was difficult to do with such a unique utensil.
Now Helen is selling her exciting invention on www.roastcosy.co.uk, Ideal World station and is hoping to crack the American and Australian markets especially as it can be used for barbecuing.
When Helen made the decision to start selling her Roast Cosy, she approached her local Business Gateway office for assistance.
Helen said: "I had experience of running my own business but I had never created a kitchen product before so I sought advice from Business Gateway so that I didn't make any mistakes. It's great that it doesn't matter what your background or experience is, they are always there to help you in the areas in which you need it."
Tom Pettigrew, Business Adviser, Business Gateway Lanarkshire said: "Helen is an example of someone who had an idea and after discovering that nothing similar was available decided to put her idea into practice. Her inventing skills have led her to having a product that is already proving popular and her business has a very exciting future. We have supported Helen from the beginning and will keep on assisting her in a bid to make Roast Cosy a household name."
Business Gateway provides practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses.
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help you set up and develop your own business visit www.bgateway.com or call the Lanarkshire office on 01236 702020.
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