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William Chase with a bottle of the world's best vodka (made by Chase Vodka)

Drinking and driving takes on a surprising new meaning as potato entrepreneur, and the man behind Tyrrells Crisps and the world’s best vodka, plans ‘vodka’ petrol...

WILLIAM CHASE, THE WORLD'S LEADING POTATO ENTREPRENEUR, is planning the next stage of his tuber driven empire — potato power! Mr Chase, the creator of the Tyrrells Crisp and Chase Vodka brands, believes that waste from his Herefordshire vodka distillery could be used to make a high-grade vehicle fuel.

"We have known for a long time that potato starch is an excellent source of bio-ethanol but this new scheme will tap the resources left behind in distillery waste." It is hoped that the fluid left behind in the coppers after Chase Vodka's high-grade spirit has been distilled are still fermentable along with the potato waste.

"There has been research completed at Edinburgh Napier University that has demonstrated that 'pot ale' (the fluids left behind from the distilling process) can be fermented into biobutanol. I don't see why," says William, "we can't do the same in Herefordshire."

The Aston Martin DBRS9 that made motorsport history by becoming the first bio-fuelled car to win a major motorsport event in Britain.

The Aston Martin DBRS9 that made motorsport history by becoming the first bio-fuelled car to win a major motorsport event in Britain.

Biobutanol is believed to be the next generation of biofuel. It gives internal combustion engines 30% more output power than ethanol. And, more importantly, it can fuel ordinary cars without the need for expensive adaptations to the engine.

"We would need local partners to create enough biomass to make the project commercially viable," says William. "But I firmly believe that vegetable matter will provide the world with the next generation of fuels." McCain, the UK's largest potato processor, and Heinz are both believed to be exploring the use of potato peel as a source of biofuel.

William Chase

If anyone can make a success of 'potato fuel', it will be William Chase. After growing up in Herefordshire in a farming family, in 1984 William borrowed Ł200,000 (equivalent to Ł2million today) from the bank to buy his father's farm and begin trading in potatoes.

In 1992 sky-high interest rates caused the business to close but William set up again in 1993, building a successful business trading, storing, hauling and supplying premium potatoes to supermarket multiples.

Increasing price pressure in 2002 led William to start a new business using his potatoes to make chips. He spent a year travelling the world to source the equipment and recipe to make potato chips, and by the summer Tyrrells was born.

Then, in 2004 whilst travelling in the USA looking for chip packaging equipment, he found a small distillery making potato vodka and decided to try making vodka on his farm. He sourced a traditional still to make the vodka base and found a family firm with over 100 years of experience to supply a bespoke rectifying column to create the highest quality vodka.

William made his first batch of vodka in June 2008 and decided to call it Chase Vodka. He sold his majority holding in Tyrrells to found Williams Chase Distillery. In 2010 Chase Vodka was judged the world's best vodka out of 115 vodkas worldwide with a double gold medal in the most respected spirits awards held in San Francisco.

As well as Chase vodka, Williams Chase Distillery also produces Naked Chase and Williams Gin, both distilled from their own Herefordshire cider, plus limited editions of smoked vodka and a limited edition English Breakfast Marmalade Vodka. The distillery also has a range of vodka-distilled fresh fruit liqueurs including rhubarb and elderflower.

Williams Chase Distillery products are available online, from all quality retailers nationwide including Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Waitrose, as well as top bars, hotels and restaurants throughout the country.

Make the most of the last days of summer
at the PSP Southampton Boat Show. From
10-19 September, the UK’s leading outdoor
boat show returns to Mayflower Park, bringing
hundreds of boats, exhibitors and visitors
together on the South Coast...

WITH BOATS OF EVERY SHAPE AND SIZE, ranging from dinghies to powerboats, sailing cruisers to catamarans and inflatables to kayaks, there is no better place to experience the variety and scope of boating. Yet the Show is not just about boats, it is also the perfect shop window for marine products, accessories and services browse the latest clothing ranges, chandlery, electronics, engines and more, discover your local sailing club, enrol on a course or gather inspiration for your next holiday.

Over the Show's 10 days, there will be plenty to keep you occupied while soaking up the atmosphere in Mayflower Park.

Some 500 exhibitors will be assembled in Southampton this year. Joining the Show from all corners of the UK, visitors will encounter the likes of Westwood Marine, who will be proudly showing the A390, the first 39ft aft-cabin motor cruiser built in Britain for several years. Charles Watson Marine will be displaying a selection of high quality sailing yachts, including the latest Contest 50CS and two fast and elegant new boats from the Winner range of Dutch cruise racers. Maritimo will show a range of Enclosed Flybridge Motor Cruisers, including the new 2010 specification M48 long range Enclosed Flybridge Motor cruiser (Overall length 51.6ft; Beam 17.1ft; Draft 4ft). Sunseeker International will be boosting the Show's wow factor with a collection of 12 yachts, including the world launch of its 40-metre motor yacht and Manhattan 63 flybridge motor yacht.

Mayflower Park will also play host to a fantastic selection of Show attractions and features, including:

The Marina — The PSP Southampton Boat Show boasts Europe's largest purpose-built marina, with construction of the 2km-long pontoons taking well over a month. This year, National Boat Show expects to host approximately 350 boats on the marina, considered by many to be the crowning point of the Show. From ocean rowing boats to luxury ocean cruisers and everything in between.

Feature boats — The marina will also host an exciting selection of feature boats, which are always popular with visitors to the Show. The first to sign up is Show favourite, the University of Southampton's research vessel, Callista. Science ship Callista will be on the marina for the duration of the Show and encourages curious minds to come aboard to see, feel and touch the fascinating 'other world' of life beneath the ocean. Once onboard Callista, visitors can take part in real experiments, see live specimens and play with the onboard gadgets.

Also on the marina will be Calypso from the Jeremy Rogers yard, a 'greener' version of the iconic Contessa 32. Embracing hybrid engines, hydrogen fuel cell technology, solar panels and reclaimed and recycled fixtures and fittings, Calypso embodies a green vision, a classic yacht, a legendary boat builder and a hunger for sustainability, all supported by the only bespoke environmental boating programme of its kind from the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association.

Get afloat with Laser — Encouraging the Show's younger visitors to get out on the Solent's calm waters, Get Afloat with Laser offers 8-16 year olds a free 90-minute sailing lesson with a qualified instructor. Parents are advised to sign up at the booking point situated at A001, as places will be limited and filled quickly.

Nautical Imaginarium Challenge Stage Show — Based in Solent Park, the Imaginarium Stage Show encourages visitors of all ages to take up challenges set by a nautical guru. Visitors can either compete by themselves or as part of a team with friends to become Nautical Masters. With challenges ranging from nautically themed quizzes to knot tying, from learning the language of the sea to more physical challenges such as the bosun's chair run; this highly interactive feature allows visitors to get involved and immerse themselves in the Show.

Try-a-Boat — Visitors are advised to book early on in the day for the Show's signature feature, Try-a-Boat, to experience the thrill and excitement of being out on the water — all for free! In association with onthewater.co.uk, a new online portal full of ideas and advice on getting out on the water more, information on boating events and holidays and help in finding local clubs and activities. The booking office for Try-a-Boat is situated in the Arena, stand A001.

Try-a-Dive — In association with Andark, the ever popular Try-a-Dive is back. Held on the Andark stand just before the first bridge, Try-a-Dive is fully supervised by qualified professionals in a purpose built four-foot deep tank to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for that first experience of scuba diving.

Ladies Day — Thursday 16 September will see the fairer sex take over the Show with the third consecutive Ladies Day. In association with the Southern Daily Echo, Ladies Day will centre on the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Bar, ensuring the day is suitably glamorous from start to finish. With a range of prizes to be won for the Best Dressed Lady and TV presenter and former Capital Gold DJ Mike Osman heading up the proceedings, the event is set to be the best yet. Ladies Day at the PSP Southampton Boat Show is one stylish day out and it's all in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Hydrozorbing — Following the success of Hydrozorbing at the 2008 Show, NBS is thrilled to present Water Warriors in 2010. These giant inflatable spheres will be floating on a pool in Solent Park and will allow visitors to climb in and literally walk on water, with absolutely no danger of getting wet — perfect for the conservative thrill-seeker!

Planning your day at the Show — Tickets to the Show can be booked in advance via the website (southamptonboatshow) or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7140. Tickets booked in advance will be priced at Ł13, while tickets bought on the door will be Ł18. Tickets to the Show are excellent value for money and offer a great day out for the family as each ticket admits one adult and two children under the age of 15.

For those visitors wishing to treat themselves to a more elite experience at the Show, the Platinum Ticket with Princess is the perfect option. In addition to a free Show guide, exclusive use of the Platinum Lounge (which is situated in the Mayflower complex), complimentary tea, coffee and a selection of pastries in the morning, buffet lunch and afternoon tea, the Platinum Ticket also offers the chance to get out on the water with a luxury power boat experience aboard a Princess yacht.

Get £6 off Show tickets

IF YOU'RE NOT one of the five lucky winners in MotorBar's Boat Show competition, you can still get Ł6 off Show tickets by quoting 'P60' when booking via the Show's website at southamptonboatshow, or the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7140. More information and help in planning your day at the Show can also be found on the Show's site.

Grab yourself a ‘60’ registration
car with Nationwide’s market-
leading loan...

FROM 7 SEPTEMBER, more FlexAccount customers will be able to apply in branches for Nationwide's market-leading personal loan rate of 7.7% APR typical. This coincides with the release of the new car '60' registration plates in September, which is likely to increase the number of personal loan applications in this time period.

New FlexAccount customers, and existing customers who have not used their FlexAccount as their main current account, will be eligible to apply in branch for the market-leading loan rate, if they transfer their main current account to Nationwide.

Existing main FlexAccount holders continue to be eligible for this rate and can apply over the telephone (0800 30 20 10) and via the Internet (nationwide.co.uk/loans). This rate is available for loans of up to five years between Ł7,500 and Ł14,999.

Personal loans can be cheaper than car dealer deals

The finance packages offered by some dealers may look appealing — especially if there is a 0% deal — but a personal loan could be the cheapest option for new car buyers. It is important to understand the full terms and conditions; for example, a special offer of 0% finance for the first year that then moves onto a higher rate for the rest of the term of the loan may well prove more expensive in the long run.

Chris Rhodes, product and marketing director: "September is a busy time for personal loan applications, probably because of the new car registrations. So if you're thinking of making your dream purchase but you're unsure on how best to finance it, consider a Nationwide personal loan. Our main current account customers won't find a lower rate anywhere else in the UK and opening a FlexAccount is easy."

Other loan amounts between Ł1,000 and Ł25,000 are available with repayment terms between one and seven years. These are available at a personalised rate for both new and existing Nationwide customers, whether or not they have a FlexAccount.

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