The Pitch 2010

Now in its third year, The Pitch is a permanent fixture in the calendar for budding entrepreneurs.  High profile business experts will scrutinise business concepts and presentation skills, searching for the very best at its regional heats.

The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson said 'Following the success of The Pitch last year, I am extremely pleased to see it return for 2010 as part of The Business Factory. Initiatives that provide small business owners with advice and guidance from successful entrepreneurs deserve full support.'

WHY ENTER?

Effective pitching is a skill and by entering this competition, entrants not only get to pitch to famous entrepreneurs and business experts but can also use the opportunity to raise brand awareness. There are numerous networking opportunities at the regional heats and entrants will meet and learn from top business mentors and real life investors.

The Pitch 10 will visit Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London for a series of regional heats and the winners of these will go forward into a national final, held in London in November. The finalists will pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of high profile judges as they compete for the title of 'Britain's Best New Business' as well as £50,000 worth of business support prizes.

THE PITCH 2009

In 2009, the judges tasked with rating the entrants' pitches included former TV dragon Doug Richard, The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell and founder of Pimlico Plumbers Charlie Mullins. Anthony Lau, inventor of an innovative new product for locking up bicycles, the Cyclehoop, walkedaway with a £50,000 prize package and the title of Britain's best new business.