Sky One And Vodafone Join Forces To Announce ‘The Big Idea’

Inventive Business Entrepreneurs Apply Within

Sky One and Vodafone today announced THE BIG IDEA - the UK's largest-ever search to discover the next great British invention or business idea. Voted on by the viewers, budding entrepreneurs will compete for a £100,000 investment in launching their idea or venture.

Supported by a major outreach programme undertaken by Vodafone, regional heats will be held in Manchester and London in September. Contestants can download an application form at www.skyone.co.uk/thebigidea  Produced by Ricochet Productions in association with Vodafone THE BIG IDEA will be broadcast on Sky One in the autumn, with extended programming on Sky Three. The show will be executively produced for Sky One by Steve Jones.

Richard Woolfe, Director of Programmes, Sky One, Two and Three said: "From John Logie Baird to Trevor Bayliss, Alexander Graham Bell to James Dyson, we are a nation of brilliant inventors and I'm delighted that Sky One and Vodafone are teaming up for The Big Idea. It's the biggest ever UK search for inventions or business ideas and anyone with a flash of genius can participate."

Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone added: "This is a unique partnership that sees two leading British brands join forces to showcase the best and brightest of Britain's business talent. We have created a unique mainstream TV property that actively engages with today's aspiring small business community. Fundamentally, it is our aim to inspire businesses to be successful and enable people to work wherever and whenever they require."

Billy Paulett, Executive Producer for Ricochet said: "The Big Idea presents a huge opportunity for anyone who reckons they've got a cracking business idea that will take the nation by storm or an invention that is just waiting to be mass produced. Our two regional heats will give them the chance to showcase their ideas. We want to appeal to everyone; from the bloke beavering away in his shed, through the Mum who thinks she's spotted a gap in the market, to the student who's convinced he's on his way to making his first million."