A SIX-MONTH-OLD start-up business based in Worthing has been named a finalist in the 2018 Rural Business Awards.

There are five finalists in the Best Rural Manufacturing Business category in the South East.

The Great British Porridge Co. is up against five other big names including Kent Crisps and Benchmark Furniture.

Founder Jacqueline Barleycorn said: “We are so excited to be named a finalist in this national competition, which gives recognition to businesses operating right across the rural sector.

“We only launched in January and the business is developing and growing so quickly.

“Being named as a finalist in these awards makes all the hard work worthwhile and proves that we are getting it right both as a brand and as a business.”

Since launching in January, The Great British Porridge Co. has quickly gained contracts with Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and has begun exporting to three countries.

Production has been stepped up considerably to meet demand.

Jacqueline has been working hard to build up exposure for the brand through social media and PR.

“This year has been a total blur.

“We launched the brand officially at The Farm Shop and Deli Show in April and since then things have just taken off; sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe this is actually my business.”

Jacqueline, who has two children, was retired before she decided to start her own business.

It began with a blog she set up whilst travelling with her daughter and grew into a business concept which finally came to fruition in January this year when she launched The Great British Porridge Co.

The brand’s products in 400g bags are Goji Berry and Pumpkin Seed, Strawberry and Peanut and Blueberry and Banana.