Derry Food Entrepreneur’S Stocks rise after National Award recognition

Mrs Banahan, the developer of a range of natural bone broths and gravies, was named runner-up in the Northern Ireland category of the prestigious National Business Women’s Awards 2019.

The category in the UK awards celebrates business women operating in Northern Ireland and was open to business owners, leaders and inspirational business women who have achieved accomplishments of significance over the past 12 months. Successful finalists were required to show qualities of vision, innovation, entrepreneurial drive, leadership and to demonstrate their commitment to gender diversity.

The National Business Women’s Awards are made up of 21 categories that allow any successful business in the UK to enter these prestigious awards. All entries are judged by up to four of a national panel of judges. The pinnacle of the awards is the Grand Awards Celebration, in Wembley later in the year.

Mrs Banahan, commenting on the recognition, says: “I am delighted to have reached the shortlist for the final stage and to have achieved this national recognition which should help as I seek to grow sales especially in Great Britain. It’s immensely encouraging.”

Mrs Banahan recently announced a business link up with chef Paula McIntyre to develop new products for launch later in the year.

Based at Derry’s Skeoge Industrial Park, the small company, a Food NI and a Slow Food NI member, has developed a range of natural products for home cooks in particular.

Originally from Dublin, Mrs Banahan returned to Ireland in 2014 after a successful career in investment banking in Canada. A keen cook, Mrs Banahan set up her food production business with help of the Foodovation centre at the North West Regional College in Derry.