Entrepreneurs from across NMD battle to make 'The Ultimate Pitch'

Entrepreneurs from across Newry, Mourne, and Down have made the local shortlist and will battle it out to make ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ in a bid to win investment for their business idea.

The winner of the local heat, taking place on 15th October at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle will secure £1,000 and progress to the regional final in November where they’ll be in with the chance to capture another £5,000 for the overall winner.

The competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed.

Finalists in Newry, Mourne, and Down include Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad of Fibre First+, which provides daily nutrition sachet; Sean Yalcin of AIMA OPEX, an AI-powered factory platform that prevents mistakes, cuts costs, and boosts competitiveness; and Kate Boyd who runs a private skin clinic.

Others include Sarah McKiernan from Building It Better NI, an all-female DIY and construction training programme; Garrett Rafferty of Agri Comply, a digital compliance tool to simplify slurry compliance; and Stuart Henry who has developed Equipple, an EdTech platform that streamlines parent-teacher meetings.

They are joined by Brendan Carragher of UNeed Power which converts waste tyres into energy; Paul McCreery from Fibre UP which sells soft drinks high in fibre; and Conrad Madden of Gift Wrap 4U.

The line-up is completed by Paul Smiton who has devised an equine safety release bar; and Hugh Patrick Morgan of Antigenesis which develops antibody therapies for pets.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell, said:

“Many congratulations to all those that have made the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch. The incredible number of entries from across the Newry, Mourne, and Down district illustrates the depth of entrepreneurial talent locally and shows just what an achievement it is to have been shortlisted.

“We wish the very best of luck to all finalists, and to all those entrepreneurs that took the time to enter. The future of our local economy is obviously in very safe hands.”

Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Co. Derry on 19th November.

The overall winner at the regional final will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.

Winners of sub-categories at the regional final, which include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize.

Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.