Warrenpoint Based Business Makes the ‘Ultimate Pitch’ in Local Heat

Local Warrenpoint company Oceanauts Diving has won the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council local heat of Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch, earning a place in the grand final next month.

Founder Dain McParland, who was awarded £1,000 for the local heat win, will now be in with a chance of taking home a further £5,000 in investment for their business idea in the competition organised by Go Succeed.

After 15 years of professionally diving around the world, Dain decided to start a diving centre in his native Warrenpoint. Situated on the shores of Carlingford Lough, Dain wants to help people to discover the beauty beneath the surface of Ireland’s eastern coastline.

To earn a place in the final, Dain made the ‘Ultimate Pitch’ to a panel of judges from across the business and civic communities.

Other winners included Simon Grant, whose business Thredmark was chosen for the Impact Award, Ben Mooney of BM Schools Academic Quiz, who won the Rising Star Award and David Barr of Mindful Movement for Health who won the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Committee Chairperson, Councillor Alan Lewis, who attended on behalf of Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne said, "We are immensely proud to see local businesses like Oceanauts Diving excel in initiatives like Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch. This competition highlights the innovation and determination of entrepreneurs in our district, and we wish Dain ongoing success as he moves forward to the regional final in November”.

Cllr Lewis continued, “At Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council, we are dedicated to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes and industries can thrive. We remain committed to supporting our pitchers and other local entrepreneurs on their paths to growth."

Local heats are taking place in each of Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas every week throughout October and November. The local winners will progress to the final with an overall winner announced at a special event in November, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The public will also have their say, as the 11 Ultimate Pitch finalists will also be in the running to win the ‘People’s Choice Award’ which gives them the chance to vote for their favourite pitch via Go Succeed’s social media channels.

In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, special category prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur.

As well as the financial award, winners will receive a package of support including marketing and other business support services.

The final will take place in Innovation Factory, Belfast on Thursday 21 November 2024.

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, at every stage of their growth journey, with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, masterclasses, peer support networks, access to grant funding and a business plan.