An exceptional Harrogate entrepreneur who has turned her gluten free food firm into a national success story has won a grant of £50k in a Dragon’s Den style event.

Having set up Kirsty's in 2009, Managing Director and Founder Kirsty Henshaw has gone from strength to strength, continuously innovating and expanding the business.

She originally established the Harrogate-based food company after struggling to find safe, healthy meals for her son who had severe food allergies.

Having become a leading UK free-from food company, Kirsty’s now boasts its own purpose-built factory in Harrogate and is devoted to creating free-from food that is delicious, nutritious and safe – 100% gluten-free and free from all 14 major UK allergens.

Having set up Kirsty's in Harrogate in 2009, Managing Director and Founder Kirsty Henshaw has gone from strength to strength, continuously innovating and expanding her gluten free food business. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Having set up Kirsty's in Harrogate in 2009, Managing Director and Founder Kirsty Henshaw has gone from strength to strength, continuously innovating and expanding her gluten free food business. (Picture contributed)

The latest success sees the awarding of £51,479 to Worthenshaws trading as Kirsty’s after a Dragons’ Den-style funding pitch called Great Ideas, part of Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith’s Business Innovation Fund.

In total so far, businesses from York and North Yorkshire have secured a combined £800,000 via the funding stream which supports projects ranging from AI-enabled production improvements and recruitment technology to micro farming innovation.

"With transformational grants and expert advice, we're giving our businesses the tools they need to take their Great Ideas to the next level,” said David Skaith.

"Whether it's about using AI to unlock productivity in factories or using sustainable thinking to help our farmers save water and money, we're backing our businesses."

The pitches for the chance to secure purpose-built grants from Great Ideas took place at West Offices in York.

The £2.5 million programme offers personalised support and provides grants to help them implement innovative ideas.

Among the other successful businesses was Belle Richardson, founder of York-based SealStop.

Belle Richardson, said: “We secured the £60,000 that we pitched for, which is incredible, and now means we can bring out our product.

“It’s really sped up getting that new product to market, it’s so exciting."

Mayor David Skaith’s Business Innovation Fund is made up of five programmes, supporting Sector Activity, Spin-Out and Start-Ups, Get Exporting, Get Funded and Great Ideas.

For more information, visit: https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/business-innovation-fund/