The founders of a snacking-inspired Putney startup have won a prestigious entrepreneurial award at the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards.

Well & Truly co-founders Sara and Maria Trechman, of Ranelagh Gardens near Putney Bridge station, were named the winners of the Duke of Yok New Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The award looks to celebrate the potential within leaders of the United Kingdom’s most promising startup businesses.

Maria Trechman said: “For us it means that we’re really proud because it’s recognition for how far we’ve come over the last 18 months.

“We set out to build a scalable business to transform the world of snacking, and the faith that the retailers and investors have shown in us has basically been confirmed by this prestigious award.

“Two years ago, my sister-in-law [Sara] and I were looking at the marketplace and we’re both foodies and love snacking.

“But we were always looking for something that was slightly healthier, that didn’t have kale or some weird seeds or a really bizarre flavour with turmeric in it.”

“We just wanted the normal flavours. The cheese, the sour cream, the onion, with all-natural ingredients that still tasted amazing. So super strong on flavour but really, really crunchy. Because that’s what I want when I have a snack.”

Well & Truly sells bags of tortilla chips, cheese sticks, and sour cream and onion sticks at several food retailers, including Tesco, Amazon, Whole Foods and Ocado.

The judges said: “Well & Truly produce great tasting snacks using natural ingredients that are much better for you than traditional ones, lower fat, gluten free, fewer calories and they taste delicious.

“They particularly impressed the panel with how well their concept had been thought through and then executed. Their relentless drive for innovation has culminated in an outstanding product and a deserving winner.”

More than 1,200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and media representatives gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Mayfair, for the 16th annual National Business Awards.

The awards were presented by BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty and Olympic Gold medallist Sir Mo Farah.

The gala ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 14.

For more information, visit: www.wellandtruly.co.uk