40 businees one step closer to m prize fund after setting Guinne World Record

Virgin Media Business has revealed the top 40 businesses that are edging closer to the £1million prize fund as part of the UK and Ireland's biggest and most valuable pitching competition VOOM 2016'.

The top 40 were selected after 160 businesses pitched back-to-back to a panel of judges over the course of a gruelling 29 hour period, setting a new Guinness World Records title for the Longest business pitch marathon.

The 40 businesses are from across the UK and Ireland and include a brewery, plastic road solution, folding scooter and frozen smoothie kits. Businesses were selected based on their ability to solve a problem, competitive advantage, potential to shake up the market and profitability.

Peter Kelly, Managing Director of Virgin Media Business said: It was extremely tough to select just 40 businesses the calibre and variety of all the pitches we heard was of a very high standard and gives us great confidence in the future of UK entrepreneurship. The adventure continues for a small number and I can't wait to see who's pitching to Richard and I on 28 June.

The top 40 businesses will participate in competitive workshops on the 13th and 14th of June, where they will be put them through their paces to determine the feasibility, scalability and likelihood of success. The six businesses with the greatest potential will then be selected to pitch in the live finale in front of Richard Branson and his panel of expert judges; Tyra Banks, Sara Blakely, Marcus Butler and Peter Kelly.

VOOM 2016' run by the ultrafast business broadband company is hunting for the UK and Ireland's most exciting and innovative businesses. A winner will be chosen from each of the two categories, Start-up' and Grow'.

All businesses that entered the competition this year are still eligible for the People's Choice Award. The business that secures the most public votes by June 24 will win £10,000 which will be presented on stage at the live finale.

ENDS

LINK:	http://about.virginmedia.com/press-release/9520/40-businesses-one-step...
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