A MOTHER who spotted a gap in the market for quality Omega 3 fish oil has been awarded £10,000 prize to take her business to the next level.

Melanie Lawson, founder of Bare Biology, based at start-up hub Entrepreneurial Spark, won ‘Entrepreneur of the Moment’, having shown “sheer determination, dedication and a flair for disrupting the market and spotting little opportunities that can result in big value”.

Melanie was one of several entrepreneurs from the Brighton-based 'hatchery' to pick up a total of £30,000 from the business accelerator.

OMG Tea, which produces organic green tea, walked away with the ‘Acceler-8’ award and £7,000.

Noel Sesto, founder of Control Freq, which makes smart technology systems, David Williams, founder of Shuttle, and Ineke Nugteren, founder of Nourish, were awarded £3,000, awarded to entrepreneurs who “take action, seek challenges and deliver impressive results”.

Nominated by his fellow entrepreneurs the Shuttle founder was also presented with the ‘Chiclets Choice’ award and £1,000 as a result of his hard work, determination and spirit.

Eight entrepreneurs took to the stage to battle it out at the Entrepreneuring Awards pitching competition on the night [Weds].

Scott Henery, founder of Social Care Training Solutions, providing organisations with key professional development, Katherine Swift, of OMG Tea, and Louise Wells, founder of Brighton Ceilidh Collective, a feel-good Ceilidh events company, wowed the judges on the night with their 60 second pitch, and walked away with £1,000 each for their business.

Fiona Anderson, entrepreneurial development manager, NatWest, Brighton, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to recognise and reward the hard work, perseverance and growth that these entrepreneurs have shown since joining the Entrepreneurial Spark programme six months ago.

“It can be daunting starting your own business but these entrepreneurs have had incredible support from the Enablement team and all of the partners involved.

“It’s also been great to see how much they’ve benefitted from working together at the Hatchery where they have the opportunity to share ideas and look for ways to overcome challenges.

“They have already proven to be a positive reflection of Brighton’s vibrant start-up community and I have no doubt they will continue in their success.’’

Entrepreneurial Spark co-founder and chief entrepreneuring officer Lucy-Rose Walker added: “Since opening our Hatchery in Brighton we have seen our Chiclets embrace the mindsets and behaviours of an entrepreneurial leader, working hard to become credible, backable and investable.

“We’ve seen some incredible things from the Chiclets in Brighton so well done to everyone who was nominated and to all of the winners!”