Two Surrey businesses supported by Surrey County Council’s Business Growth Grant programme are celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted in the Absolutely Mama Awards 2026. The awards recognise the brands, products and services making a difference to family life, with winners decided through public voting and expert judging. Voting is open until 15 July 2026.
The success of Lesh and More Toddler Meals highlights the strength of Surrey’s growing community of innovative businesses and the impact of support available through the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. To date, the fund has awarded almost £2 million to businesses across the county, helping unlock further investment, create jobs and drive economic growth.
Lesh shortlisted for Best Feeding/Nursing Product
Founded by Epsom entrepreneur Kat Fellows, Lesh was born from Kat’s own experience as a breastfeeding mother frustrated by the lack of practical solutions for milk leakage. After spending more than a year developing and testing products, she launched her innovative leakproof nursing bra brand in 2024.
Lesh received support through Surrey County Council’s Economic Growth Fund to help increase brand awareness and accelerate growth. The funding is helping Kat scale the business, strengthen marketing activity and build towards securing further investment.
Kat said:
“This grant will allow me to drive brand awareness and grow the business to a place where I can pitch for additional funding to become an internationally recognised brand in the maternity space.”
Kat also hopes to create opportunities for local mothers as the business grows, building a Surrey-based team to support areas including social media, customer service and fulfilment.
Lesh has now been shortlisted in the Best Feeding/Nursing Product category, placing the Surrey business alongside well-known names in the parenting sector.
More Toddler Meals shortlisted for Best Mealtime Range or Product
More Toddler Meals was created with a simple mission: to help parents feel proud of the meals they serve their toddlers. The business produces premium, gently dried meals packed with nutrients and designed to make healthy mealtimes easier for busy families.
The company received a Business Growth Grant to part-fund the new product development, allowing More Toddler Meals to expand its range and offer parents more choice.
The founder said:
“The grant has been transformational for our business. Without it we would have just been able to launch one new product so we’ve instantly been able to double the opportunity […] giving more variety for parents to choose from”
The business has now been shortlisted in the Best Mealtime Range or Product category alongside established names including Annabel Karmel and Organix. Reflecting on the recognition, the founder said:
“Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award amongst established brands like Annabel Karmel and Organix is truly humbling. I am so determined to ensure parents have better choices available for feeding their little ones and this recognition gives me the confidence to keep working hard to rebuild the category.”
Vote for Surrey businesses
The nominations are a fantastic achievement for two Surrey businesses that are using innovation to support families while growing their presence nationally.
You can support Lesh and More Toddler Meals by voting in the Absolutely Mama Awards before voting closes on 15 July. Vote here: https://absolutely-mama.co.uk/awards/
Looking for support to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.
