A NUMBER of top industry experts have been officially revealed as the panel of judges for a Dragons Den-inspired event for aspiring designers, engineers and inventors.
The annual Blackwood Design Awards attract both gifted amateurs and seasoned professionals to showcase innovative designs which aim to change the lives of disabled people.
Now, the fate of nine shortlisted entries lies in the hands of the confirmed judges, who will select their favourites this Friday at Dundee Contemporary Arts centre.
This year’s competition has two distinct categories – Best New Product and Best New Concept.
The panel includes Gordon Aikman, a motor neurone disease campaigner as well as a journalist and columnist for the Scottish Sunday Times, and Anne Walker, a board member at Blackwood.
Other judges are Toby Mildon, diversity and inclusion manager at the BBC, Richard Neville, editor of the Courier (Dundee Edition), Will Mitchell, head of design at 4C Design and Tom Thomas, partner at Harper MacLeod.
“I am over the moon to have been asked to judge at the Blackwood Design Awards,” said Walker. “Since the competition first launched, there has been no end to the innovative and life-changing products I have seen being entered.
“My own experience in living with a disability will be beneficial when judging the entries and deciding an overall winner – a massive good luck to everyone involved.”
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