Schools Pitch-ed into battle

Year 10 and 11 students from 30 schools from the West Midlands will descend on the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Innovation Campus for The Pitch, a Dragon’s Den style business challenge, taking place on 20-21 March 2014.

Six well known businesses will take part, challenging students to devise an innovative solution to their real life business tasks. Throughout the two days, 150 pupils will gain key skills in leadership, team building and problem solving before making their final pitch to a panel of judges.

Owing to the popularity of last year’s event, the University has increased the number of participating schools from 25 to 30 in order to meet the demand for places. There will also be a judging panel of 60 people, drawn from the participating businesses and the University.

This year, the companies taking part are Lego Education, the Black Country Living Museum, Capital FM, StarCity, Ultra Furniture, and the charity Promise Dreams.

Stone’s Throw Media, a video production company founded by two graduates from the University, will be there to capture the event’s highlights.

Raman Sarpal, Head of Marketing at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Wolverhampton is the University of Opportunity and this event is a great example of some of the ways we extend opportunities to wider audiences.”

“The University has a fantastic record in supporting entrepreneurship and enterprise among its students, graduates and the business community. Through successful events like The Pitch, we are able to encourage the entrepreneurial aspirations of a younger generation."

During the packed two-day programme, students will be taken through the innovation process. Fun workshops and activities, hosted by mentors from the University, will develop business skills and help students gain insight before delivering their own pitch and exhibition.

The six category winners and overall winner will be announced on the final afternoon of the event.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.

Date Issued: Wednesday 19 March 2014