The Young Business Group (YBG) has named The Seaweed Food Co. as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Bill Green Award for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Award, first established in 1996, aims to showcase Guernsey innovators, whose sense of entrepreneurial spirit is thriving. The announcement was made during the 2024 Digital Greenhouse’s Véyaon Awards, an event that brought together the island’s brightest entrepreneurs and business leaders. This year’s competition was especially fierce, with three exceptional and diverse finalists:

  • Katie Inder, founder of data consultancy Concise
  • Vic Holyoak, innovator behind the healthcare solution C-Section UK
  • Naomi Tustin, co-founder of the Seaweed Food Co., a business dedicated to sustainable, product-based food solutions.

The judges (YBG president Rebecca Hale, Deputy Steve Falla and Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Alice Gill) selected The Seaweed Food Co. for its outstanding dedication to sustainable growth, innovative approach to local resources, and embodiment of the values championed by the late Bill Green. Naomi and Ben Tustin’s commitment to delivering authentic, high-quality products while driving expansion impressed the panel and secured their win.

President Rebecca Hale praised the winners, saying,

“The Seaweed Food Co. is a shining example of Guernsey’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their dedication to sustainability and their authentic approach to business truly represent the values Bill Green held dear. The entire YBG council would like to thank all the entrants for their applications. We were extremely impressed not only by the calibre of applications received, but also the variety. The diverse range of applications is evident not only in the shortlist itself but extended beyond this to several worthy retail, arts and not for profit organisations. It’s clear to see that Guernsey continues to be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Long may that continue.”

The evening was further enriched by the presence of Bill Green’s granddaughter, Fiona McLaren, and her husband Alasdair, who joined the YBG to honour the legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship that the award represents.