A Fermanagh business has been awarded £1,000 after winning a competition for their "ultimate pitch".

Embark Protein has now secured a spot in the final of Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch after winning the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council local heat.

This victory earned founder Matthew Rainey £1,000 and the chance to win another £5,000 in the grand final next month.

Mr. Rainey's innovative business idea was born out of personal need when he transitioned from rugby training to a triathlon preparation regime that required both endurance and strength.

In search of a convenient, high-protein snack, he found the market lacking in options that were both natural and unprocessed.

This led to the creation of Embark Protein, a producer of protein bars made on the shores of Fermanagh that have won Great Taste awards.

Mr. Rainey had to pitch his business model to a panel of judges from the business and civic community to secure his place in the final.

The heats are being held across Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas every week throughout October and November.

The winners of each heat will compete in the final, with an overall winner announced at a special event in November, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Councillor Elaine Brough, vice chairwoman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: "At Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, we are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures growth for businesses of all sizes and industries.

"For this reason, we are extremely proud to see local businesses like Embark Protein excel in initiatives like Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch.

"This competition highlights the creativity and perseverance of entrepreneurs within our district.

"We extend our best wishes to Matthew as he moves forward to the regional final in November and to all the businesses who participated in the pitch."

The final will take place at the Innovation Factory, Belfast, on November 21.