Ship shape business plan wins investment at Mid and East Antrim’s Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch

Overall winner of the Mid and East Antrim heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch William Mawhinney, centre, pictured with, from left, judge Noel Mullholland and Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

A Carrickfergus entrepreneur has sailed to success after making The Ultimate Pitch to win investment for his innovative new business that carries out vessel hull inspections.

William Mawhinney wowed judges at the Mid and East Antrim heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, securing £1,000 in investment and a place in the regional final next month, where he will compete for an additional £5,000.

Organised by Go Succeed, the government-backed enterprise support service, the competition showcases entrepreneurial talent from across Northern Ireland.

William’s business uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to conduct hull inspections quickly, safely, and cost-effectively — allowing vessel owners to assess damage or prepare for dry dock without the need for divers.

The innovative method significantly reduces risk while improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Local talent shines at Ballymena event

Pictured following the Mid and East Antrim heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, from left, local Inclusive Entrepreneurship winner Emma Gilmore, judges Gemma McAllister, Helen Lynagh, and Noel Mullholland, local Rising Star award winner Mark Haveron, and overall winner William Mawhinney

The local heat took place at the Ecos Centre in Ballymena, where ten entrepreneurs from across Mid and East Antrim Borough Council presented their business ideas to a panel of judges.

Among the winners were Emma Gilmour, an accessibility consultant who claimed the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and Mark Haveron, who runs a physiotherapy clinic and was named Rising Star.

Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, praised the quality and diversity of entries, saying:

“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.”

Final to be held at Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Heat winners from all 11 councils across Northern Ireland will compete in the Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Regional Final on 19 November at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy.

The overall winner will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including:

• A photography session by Brian Thompson Photography

• A podcast recording session by Attention X Studio NI

• Membership of Toastmasters

• Media training from LK Communications

Sub-category winners will also be recognised, with awards including the Go Succeed Impact Award (for the best social enterprise), the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Rising Star Award for the most inspiring young entrepreneur aged 16–25 — each receiving £1,500 to support their business growth.

Members of the public can also take part by voting for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner receiving a £1,500 cash prize.

Supporting business growth across Northern Ireland

Go Succeed is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils. The service provides practical support to entrepreneurs, new start-ups, and existing businesses, offering mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding, and expert business planning advice at every stage of their growth journey.

For more information, visit www.go-succeed.com.