WORCESTERSHIRE, UK - The Enterprising Worcestershire initiative recently hosted a Dragons' Den style event called QUICKPITCH, where early-stage and startup businesses had the opportunity to test their business viability. The event took place on Tuesday 6 February, as part of the Start Up Festival held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

A panel of experts, including Jayne Nation from the headline sponsors Wynne-Jones IP, listened to pitches from eight ambitious entrepreneurs. After careful consideration, the panel selected Green Clean Hygiene as the winner and Make Life Better as the runner-up.

Jayne Nation explained the judges' decision, stating, "Both startups delivered a clear business proposition with a strong theme in British society. Strengths included an existing proof of concept and the right amount of ambition for the market."

Wendy Garrad, Enterprising Worcestershire project manager, expressed her excitement about the event, saying, "It was great to hear from so many fascinating businesses, and they all did brilliantly!"

Trish Whan-Hatfield, the QUICKPITCH Winner representing Green Clean Hygiene, shared her experience, stating, "It's been really beneficial to learn how to write the perfect pitch in order to get the message of our brand and business across to potential customers in the local area and to connect with other business owners who are on exactly the same journey I'm on."

Mark Abrams, the QUICKPITCH Runner-up representing Make Life Better, also expressed his satisfaction, saying, "We've had a fantastic business start-up event culminating with a QUICKPITCH. I was able to present my ideas to an expert panel and have received some fantastic feedback from the judges and have made some unique contacts."

The panel of judges, resembling the renowned Dragons' Den format, also included Peter Daniel from Rock Solid Consulting, and Chris Orr from Worcestershire Growth Hub.

The Enterprising Worcestershire Start Up Fest attracted approximately seventy attendees who engaged in a series of interactive talks aimed at helping new and early-stage businesses in the county grow. Experts such as Peter Daniel from Rock Solid Consulting, Rich Brown from QBD digital marketing, Mike Jones from Better Happy, and Peter Hill, a successful Dragons' Den participant, shared their knowledge and best practices on various topics including managing cashflow, digital marketing, beating start-up stress, and the art of networking.

Enterprising Worcestershire is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The County Council is part-funding, delivering, and managing this project in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Redditch Borough Council, Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council, Wyre Forest District Council.

F more information on businesses and startups and Enterprise Worcestershire visit the Worcestershire County Council website.