Regional schools pitch for business success

‘The Pitch’, hosted over two days at the University’s Telford Innovation Campus on 14 and 15 March, saw 25 schools from the West Midlands region working in teams on one of five business briefs.

Students were encouraged to develop their skills and gain experience through several fun exercises hosted by mentors from the University, before they were asked to set up an exhibit and pitch their ideas to business experts.

Several senior members from prominent businesses including steel manufacturers ‘Caparo’, global advertising agency ‘McCann Erickson’ and local charity ‘Promise Dreams’ were on hand to judge the efforts of every team.

The event saw a winning team emerge from each of the five business briefs:

St Dominic’s High School for Girls from Brewood, Staffordshire proved victorious in the ‘McCann Erickson’ section.

Cheslyn Hay Sport & Community High School from ran out winners in the ‘Promise Dreams’ brief.

Blue Coat C of E Academy from Walsall beat the competition in the ‘Caparo’ section.

Thomas Alleyne’s High School from Uttoxeter came out on top in the ‘Free Radio’ brief.

Wrekin College from Telford, Shropshire was victorious in the pitch for manufacturer ‘Moog’.

At the conclusion of the event, Blue Coat C of E Academy from Walsall was announced as the overall winner, claiming the title of ‘Best Overall Pitch’, though organisers hailed the enthusiasm and quality of every team at the event.

The Pitch was held as part of the University’s ’21 and Proud’ celebrations, marking 21 years since the institution received University status.

Raman Sarpal, Head of Marketing at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We were absolutely delighted to host ‘The Pitch’ as part of our ’21 and Proud’ celebrations. It was wonderful to see the students learning new skills throughout the two days and having such a tremendous time. It proved to be a fantastic event and one which really showcased the strong link between the University and the schools and businesses in the region.”

Schools took part from across the West Midlands region, including Shropshire, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Derby and the Black Country.

For more information on The Pitch, visit http://www.wlv.ac.uk/thepitch

For more information about 21 and Proud, visit http://www.wlv.ac.uk/21proud

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Wednesday 3 April 2013