A Southampton sauce company has got a taste of success with a nomination for a national award.

Zaman Condiments and Sauces, founded by local businesswoman Fatima Zaman in late 2021, has been named a finalist in the South East category of the UK StartUp Awards.

If successful, Fatima’s business will qualify for the national awards, to be handed out in Hertfordshire on September 12.

Daily Echo:

She said: "Becoming a finalist in the Food and Drink Start Up of the Year for 2024 is no small feat, and it’s a testament to my dedication and contribution to the food and drink sector in the South East of England.

"I have stayed committed to my unique vision and will continue to take strides in this industry.

"It’s initiatives like the UK StartUp Awards that really make all the hard work worth it.”

Fatima had found herself frustrated at the market’s lack of nutritious and easy to use Indian Restaurant sauces.

She could find nothing to satisfy her “demanding palate”, so she took matters into her own hands.

Adapting recipes inherited from her father, Fatima decided to launch her own business, from the kitchen table.

The sauces are produced in Bedford Place, and use only the most carefully sourced fresh and organic ingredients.

Fatima also says that the entire process is very eco-friendly.

Fatima’s products, which include ‘Craft Almond Tika Masala’, ‘Craft Coconut Korma’ and ‘Craft Lemon Madras’, sell mostly online.

But she is seeking to expand into independent shops in Hampshire and beyond.

Currently, it can be stocked at Bay Leaves Larder in Chandler’s Ford, and October Books in Portswood.

Launched in 2022, the UK StartUp Awards were created by the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and seek to recognise the achievements of entrepreneurial individuals who have had a great idea, spotted an opportunity, and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.

Professor Dylan Jones OBE, founder of the Awards, said: “Start-up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and wealth creation across the UK.

"All the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs.”