A new “green” barbecue fuel developed in Suffolk is among the finalists in the 2014 Ixion Enterprise Awards.

The “Barbecube”, which is made at Alder Carr Farm, near Needham Market, is claimed to be the first British-grown instant-lighting charcoal,

Amy Hardingham, creator and owner of Barbecube has now been shortlisted in the Innovation category of the Ixion Enterprise Awards in recognition of her work in developing the new product and bringing it to the marketplace.

She said: “People are used to thinking about where there food comes from, but they don’t extend this to the fuel they use for their barbecue.

“Up until now, if you wanted to have a barbecue without huffing and puffing over a fire and getting covered in charcoal and ash your only option was to buy imported charcoal soaked in lighter-fuel. These commonly contain material from rainforests and have been transported half way round the world.

“I wanted to change this. Charcoal production is a major global driver of deforestation; charcoal produced in the UK, on the other hand, comes from sustainably managed woodlands.

“Buying British charcoal not only protects forests overseas, but helps to support Britain’s woodland economy and wildlife.”

The Barbecube’s cardboard packaging doubles as the fuel for lighting the high quality, sustainable British charcoal inside the box, meaning no need to use lighter fluid and no waste packaging to throw away. The charcoal is ready to cook on in about 15 minutes.

The Ixion Enterprise Awards, which are due to take place at Westminster Hall on Wednesday next week, are run by Ixion Holdings, a not-for-profit company which gift aids 100% of its profits to its parent company, Anglia Ruskin University, which has charitable status.

Besides the Innovation category, in which Barbecube is up against competition from four other finalists, the awards also include Community, Product, Service and Digital and Challenger. An overall Ixion Business of the Year will also be named, selected from among the other winners.

“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted”, added Amy. “it’s a really exciting time; this is Barbecube’s first summer and the reception so far has been fantastic.”

Barbecube is available to buy at Alder Carr Farm and at East of England Co-op stores throughout Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex as part of the society’s Sourced Locally range.