Ship shape business plan wins Ultimate Pitch investment

A Carrickfergus man has made ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ to win investment for his new business that conducts hull inspections of vessels.

William Mawhinney wowed judges to secure £1,000 in investment and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final next month where he’ll be in with the chance of an additional £5,000.

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

William’s business aims to deploy remotely operated vehicles to inspect vessel hulls quickly, safely, and economically allowing their owners to assess damage or prepare for dry dock. The method is considered much safer than requiring specialist divers to physically carry out the inspection.

It enables vessel operators to plan for any potential repairs and subsequent downtime, improving overall operational efficiency.

He was among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, held in the Ecos Centre, Ballymena.

Among them was accessibility consultant Emma Gilmour who won the local Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and Mark Haveron who runs a physiotherapy clinic, and won the local Rising Star Award.

Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said:

“Our local Ultimate Pitch heat has highlighted the strength and diversity of entrepreneurial talent across Mid and East Antrim.

“Congratulations to all the participants on their impressive pitches and to the overall winner on securing a well-deserved place in the regional final. We look forward to seeing their continued success.”

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.