COMING up with an ingenious household energy monitoring device has set a Perth mum on the road to fame and fortune. Tanya Ewing’s simple but effective invention was named Scotland’s best business idea at a glitzy awards ceremony at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel — landing her £5000 in cash and £2000-worth of business software. The Fair City mother-of-one beat 14 other high quality finalists to scoop the top prize. Tanya’s invention — known as the Ewgeco — shows exactly how much electricity, water and gas is being used in the house at any one time. Judges were impressed at how she had responded to people’s need to save money while reducing their carbon emissions, and unanimously voted for her entry. Tanya told the PA she was “completely taken aback” by her success.
“It was a bit of a surprise especially given the stiff competition — my husband kept telling me I had no chance when he heard all the other entrants' ideas,” she said yesterday.
“The whole night was incredibly professional and motivating. Everyone there seemed to be happy for me and it was great to meet so many interesting and useful people.
“I want to encourage the wise use of available resources by changing people's behaviour towards energy. Hopefully it will be available globally for everyone to help reduce their carbon emissions and save money.”
Tanya was presented with her prize by John Davis, local business marketing director for award sponsors Barclays, who described Tanya's invention as “a really innovative idea”.
“I like the fact that no matter what your financial personal circumstances are, this will be viewed as really useful,” he said.
“The simplicity and practicality of this innovation addresses the wide concern for the environment, as well as people's wallets.
“Clearly this will have wide impact and appeal.”
Meanwhile, Tanya has fought off stiff competition to reach the national final of E.ON Energy’s nationwide talent search to find Britain’s next big energy-saving innovation.
She came through the competition’s regional final in Edinburgh, where her invention was judged by a panel of experts headed-up by television presenter and designer Oliver Heath.
Tanya will be one of four UK finalists at London’s Tate Modern on March 13, where a top prize of £10,000 will be at stake.
“To have reached the national final in such a prominent competition is a huge achievement,” she said.
“It’s going to be nerve-wracking. I can’t wait to step up to the challenge.”
Mr Heath said the standard of entries was “extremely high”.
“We had a tough job deciding which inventions should go through,” he said.
“Tanya and her invention really stood out for us though and we look forward to seeing her in London for what promises to be an exciting final.” | 
