An entrepreneur aiming to clean up in the detergent market has created 14 jobs.

Rob Knight, 33, of Penenden Heath, has invented an “ecoegg” – an egg-shaped container that releases pellets in a washing machine.

He and business partner Dawn White spent four years developing an egg that would be more green, and suit people with skin allergies. They cost £19.99 and last for 720 washloads – equivalent to less than 3p a wash compared to around 25p washing powders. So far, more than 100,000 have been sold worldwide.

To meet demand, Mr Knight has set up an HQ in Kings Hill, West Malling, with six employees, and an assembly plant on the Isle of Sheppey with eight.