The Pitch 2010.... have you got the bottle to enter?

"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."
The RT Hon Lord Peter Mandelson

The story of The Pitch

In 2008, BusinessZone.co.uk held a small pitching competition in Bristol for entrepreneurs to present their business idea to a panel of experts. The format was so successful that in 2009 we took the competition on the road, visiting five major UK cities and holding a grand final in London.

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, walked away with a £50,000 prize package and the title of Britain's best new business.

This year, The Pitch is set to evolve again as part of a new business event, The Business Factory, and will aim to uncover, support and promote a fresh new batch of entrepreneurial talent.

With heats in Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London, The Pitch is a truly national competition. If you think you have what it takes to challenge for the title of Britain's best new business, click here for details of your regional heat.