A FORMER Northern Echo delivery boy has developed a high tech kettle

than can give users a few extra minutes in bed every morning.

Stockton-born Richard Hill, 31, and his Middlesbrough-based business partner Robert Hill, 29, - no relation - are the whizz kids behind the Appkettle, which can be controlled remotely through mobile devices such as a smartphone.

The invention allows the user to set the temperature of a beverage, measure the amount of liquid in the kettle and control the timing of the brew all with a few taps on a screen. You could set it to start boiling after your morning alarm sounds, or set to to be ready when you get home following a hard day at work.

In addition, the smart kettle has a baby bottle preparation function, which allows parents to schedule the kettle to boil and cool down in advance of a baby’s feed.

It is a far cry from the days when Richard was up with the larks to deliver

newspapers to the villagers of Hartburn, near Stockton.

"I would get out of bed at 5am, which is ridiculous now that I think about it, but at least it kept me fit," says the entrepreneur, who met his future business partner while the pair were studying at Loughborough University.

"We are both very creative thinkers and spark off one another so we make a great team," says Richard.

The kettle has been developed at home over the last four years, and the duo behind it are proud to say that it is a truly regional venture. Appkettle’s business address is in Middlesbrough, its three investors who have put in £250,000 to develop an prototype and secure intellectual property rights are based in Darlington and Durham City, and the entrepreneurs have used North-East firms to produce their PR, promotional video and marketing materials.

After they showcased the technology at the recent Venturefest innovation exhibition in York the engineering graduates launched an online crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter, which has a week to run. They hope to raise at least £165,000 through pledges to enable them to take the product to the manufacturing stage. The campaign, which raised £20,000 of funding in its first two days, gives people the option of pre-ordering the kettle to get it for an early bird price of £79.99, which is £40 lower than the expected RRP.

If they secure funding Richard hopes to have the product in shops within about eight months.

For more information visit www.appkettle.co.uk or www.Kickstarter.co.uk

FIVE minutes with Richard Hill, a director of Appkettle Limited....

Favourite North-East building and why?

Durham Cathedral. An amazing feat of what is humanly possible to develop with not only ingenuity but the will to create something of such significance.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

I was a paper boy from the age of 13 which gave me a small sense of responsibility. In the paper boy hierarchy I managed to obtain the job for all four local areas which gave me a lofty £14 in wages on a Sunday.

What is the worst job you've had?

From retail to construction all jobs I have had I have welcomed the challenges that gave me experiences to learn from and appreciate different levels of work. I think having pride in your work is an essential commodity to aim to succeed.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

I like my food, so naturally I like to cook. I am a big one for supporting a local business, so I shop in Hodgsons and Blackwells. Either a good bit of steak or decent piece of salmon, with some really good vegetables and potatoes is a treat for any northerner.

What would your superpower be?

There are many you could obtain for personal gratification, however a couple of years ago I volunteered to teach in Mombasa, Kenya and seeing the poverty there I would have to say to provide ample amounts of food to those in need. We have a plentiful earth, so it would be great to see everyone live fruitfully on it.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steve Jobs. It would be really interesting to gauge his take on the current direction Apple are going, and what he thinks our humble product.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?

I went on a Safari to Africa which cost me more than £3,000; but a humbling experience in the Serengeti, we were just visitors to the animals backyard.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

I am biased but Appkettle Ltd.

Favourite book?

I loved Dan Brown’s Inferno, gripping throughout.

When did you last cry?

I can’t recall so I'll quickly side step this one.

What is your greatest achievement?

I am hoping it is to get our concept to market and really do something that has never been done before, to try and make a difference

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?

Persevere whatever the obstacle.

Favourite animal and why?

Chichilla’s, you really have to work for their affection, I like the fact they aren’t that domesticated in that way and still have some ties to the species in the wild.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

I don’t have anyone famous in my phone, my family and friends are enough for me personally.

What was the last band you saw live?

Can’t remember.

Describe your perfect night in.

Great food, even better company and a surplus of good wine.

In another life I would be... I don’t regret where and who I am, so personally don’t muse the ideas of what could have been. Every day is a gift so I try to live them that way.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Jason Statham because my life is an all out action thriller, ha ha I wish. I don’t think I would warrant anybody of note. I am just content with the day to days things, and if our idea comes through great. I hope to help family and friends that have made it possible.

What irritates you?

Ignorance. When people have strong beliefs it is much better to have grounding for them other than a blind stereotypes, otherwise they are just echoing rumours and propaganda, that really helps no-one.

What's your secret talent?

I think my talent is self-awareness. I do think I can look at something from the outside-in really well. Talent is nothing without the motivation and perseverance to achieve something. If you’re not giving 99 per cent effort in what you are passionate about, then you are never going to get the results you want, excellence isn’t an act, but a formed habit. Saying that I recently seem to make a decent travel agent, as I am attracting my entire family for my ability to sniff a bargain; I may have to start charging them commission.