Social app takes top prize at Derry and Strabane ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ heat
7 October 2026
An app that allows users to discover new pubs, rate pints of stout and share their experiences has wowed judges, securing first place at the Derry City and Strabane Ultimate Pitch heats.
Following the win, Stout N About is experiencing rapid growth and is developing a new digital platform aimed at increasing footfall for hospitality businesses while creating a vibrant community where users can discover, review and share experiences across the region.
Tyrone McCullagh of Stout N’ About secured £1,000 in investment for the business, office space in Londonderry Chamber’s incubation hub with a membership of the Chamber for one year and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final in November where they’ll pitch for an additional £5,000 to grow their budding business.
The pitching competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service, Go Succeed.
Stout N’ About, started earlier this year by Tyrone and two friends, already has a growing community with thousands of users and genuine pub ratings.
The founders say Stout N’ About gives venues a targeted alternative to broad social advertising through enhanced listings, promotions, events and other paid features, while keeping the core app useful and free for consumers.
Tyrone was among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, held in the Harbour House in Derry.
Among them was Chloe Tinney who won the Rising Star award for her business Brush & Banter, a creative studio and craft café. Meanwhile the Inclusive Entrepreneurship award was presented to Patrick McCann of Navder, which is developing a pop-up 3D navigation and operational intelligence platform for temporary venues.
Catherine McDaid, Deputy Mayor, Derry City and Strabane District Council, added:
“Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch is all about giving ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their business, share their vision and take the next step.
“Congratulations to everyone who entered the local heat, and a huge congratulations to Tyrone and Stout N’ About on being selected as our winner by the judges.
“Good luck for the final in November.”
Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney Home Place in Bellaghy, Co. Derry on 18th November.
The overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award will also receive a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, a podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Subcategory prizes will include the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur, and the Go Succeed People’s Choice Award for the contestant with the most public votes.
Each winner will receive £1,500 towards their business idea.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.