Neil Dodgson - Hatto

Born in Devon, Neil first became interested in cooking when he would hang around the kitchen at home as his mum was cooking wonderful dishes for the family. Coming from a military family, the choice of an army career was expected of him so cooking had to go on the back burner for a while.  Serving in Germany for several years he perfected his fluency in the language.

After the Army, Neil moved into sales, starting as a management trainee rising rapidly through the ranks to sales director.  After that he took over as general manager of an engineering consultancy specialising in the automotive and defence industry.  His involvement in this area the whole of his civilian life combined with a lifelong passion for performance, classic and specialist cars has turned him into something of an automotive expert.  He has a wide ranging car knowledge including all the statistics - power outputs, prices, specifications, colours, original purchase prices and current market values.  

His first TV break came when he got through to the finals on ‘Britain's Best Dish' 2007, which was quickly followed by guest appearances on ‘Market Kitchen' for UKTV, reviewing various teas with Tana Ramsey and an interview on "Workplace of the day" on 102 Touch FM. Due to his popularity, Neil was invited back as a judge on Celebrity Britain's Best Dish 2008.

Neil has also appeared in various TV commercials including a recent one for Pet Plan, and is currently the regular guest presenter on QVC for ‘Destrooper' the luxury Dutch biscuit manufacturer.