As The Voice and BGT return, Peter Robinson asks music and TV experts whether the format’s days are numbered? To view the full article click here. My comments are below:

….. But for some real innovation, let’s consult Tom Pellereau, AKA “Inventor Tom”, the 2011 winner of thinking person’s talent show The Apprentice. His range of nail files has revolutionised the filing of nails, but what ideas does he have for the future of TV?

“We’re good at inventing things in this country so it would be something that plays on that,” he suggests. “It would be Britain’s Got Ideas, but like a televised version of KickStarter.”…. full article link

My thoughts:

Creating a program or TV format is an incredibly complex process. I have huge respect for these who work in the industry, in the UK we have some of the best programs in the world and export many across the Globe. I’m a TV viewer, I know nothing about TV and don’t ever expect to become involved.

What I do know is that good TV programs can really raise the profile and perception of an area. Be that Baking, choirs, house building, dancing or singing a great TV format can really change people perceptions and inspire them to have a go. I would love to know how many more people are now baking or singing in a their local choir due to Mary Berry or Gareth Malone. Inventing, engineering and science are areas I believe worthy of a higher profile, maybe a TV format could assist this.

Secondly, in the UK we have so many amazing ideas. Some of which have that X factor and given a Voice or a chance to really shine could change the world …

Geek Hero Will-i-am

Following news that a revolutionary material, Graphene invented in UK, was being more heavily exploited outside the UK, Tom was invited onto the Anne Diamond show to talk about innovation

This clever piece of art demonstrates how sometimes out on the edge you can see things  you can’t see from the centre.

Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the artist.

It was an honor to meet Stephen Fry as part of Gadget Man filming. Link to Gadget Man on Channel 4.

Filming at the office. “Inventor Tom …

Thinking inside the box …

Just in case –  Stephen with his very own Emergency Biscuits

When designing packaging it’s vital to get someone else to check it before going to print.
Some examples why:

Shoulder to shoulder with Bill Gates and Dara O’Briain, WOW.

Nice interview with Tom about his old school St Edwards in Oxford, read the full article here

‘Years before he was ‘hired’ by Lord Sugar, The Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau was just another pupil at St Edward’s School……

The 33-year-old, who lauched his revolutionary nail file earlier this year, credits much of his recent success to his time at the school.

“I got extra English classes to help with my dyslexia and we had smaller classes which helped. There was no bullying because I was bad at things, but I don’t know if that would have been different elsewhere. It helped that St Edward’s is not all about the academics and I had an amazing time, but where you send your child to school is a very personal decision.

“I got married in May and just the thought that my children might go to St Edward’s is amazing.”

Ah no teaspoon - We’ve all had that moment when there is no teaspoon around. How about this emergency teaspoon idea. Not my greatest idea but may come in handy one day. It’s it certainly saves on the washing up!