Coleraine Entrepreneur Named Finalist In Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Coleraine entrepreneur Thana Thammavongsa has been named a finalist in the 2026 The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, often referred to as the "Grammys of Entrepreneurship".

The owner of Whoosh has been shortlisted in the Consumer Entrepreneur of the Year category for Northern Ireland, placing her among a group of business leaders recognised for building and growing established businesses across the UK.

Speaking ahead of the awards, Thammavongsa said running a business often means "solving problems, putting out fires and navigating whatever challenge comes next".

"It means a lot to be recognised alongside some of the most ambitious entrepreneurs building established businesses across the UK," she said.

She also thanked the Whoosh team, customers and supporters who have backed the business on its journey so far, adding: "More to come."

The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards is a prestigious national programme celebrating the courage, resilience and stories of founders from across the UK. Widely regarded as the "Grammys of Entrepreneurship", the awards attract thousands of applications each year and culminate in a major ceremony at London's Grosvenor House, bringing together some of the country's most inspiring business leaders.