Medical safety device provides ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ for local inventor

John Barber will progress to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final

A local inventor has come out on top of the Antrim and Newtownabbey heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, securing £1,000 in investment for his potentially life-saving business idea.

John Barber was chosen for the top prize after wowing the judges with a pitch that showcased his invention of a low-cost sensor to detect when someone stops breathing.

John’s revolutionary creation sees him progressing to the region-wide final of the competition, organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed, where he’ll be in with the chance of capturing a further £5,000.

He was one of ten local entrepreneurs that pitched at the Antrim and Newtownabbey final held at the Theatre at the Mill, among others including Anna Jackson, who was named the local winner of the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25 year old entrepreneur for her plant-based iron bar Feisty.

Other finalists included Grace Smith, who is creating Workforce Wellness, a platform to disrupt corporate wellbeing by rethinking employee health; and Beverley Pollington, who has created a sustainable plastic-free soap system using compostable refills, alongside Taylor Tate, who has an idea for a new tool for handling scaffolding; and brothers Adam and Josh Hyland of True Tech which provides networking, security and smart home support for small business and homes.

Also pitching during the final was Louise Robinson, founder of Homegrown, an online marketplace for gifting local experiences; Martin Walker, creator of strategy card game Celtic Clash; Joshua Agnew, who has designed a platform to connect customers with local tradespeople; and Pauline Timoney of RoutineRoo which turns kids’ routines into fun, personalised stories.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said:

“Huge congratulations to John for winning the Antrim and Newtownabbey heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch with a pitch for what is a truly amazing invention that I’m sure will make a major impact in the regional final.

“The very best of wishes to him and all our finalists for future business success. Each of them delivered inspiring pitches that really showcased the incredible entrepreneurship and new business talent from right here within our Borough.”

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

The overall winner will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a year’s incubation space, 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 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.