Preston businesswoman helps set new world record at business Pitchathon

The nail-biting event in central London saw 158 professionals presenting to a panel of experts back-to-back in hope of rousing interest in their businesses.

Afterwards eagle-eyed adjudicators from Guinness World Records confirmed the gong for Longest Business Pitch Marathon had been secured for the very first time.

The successful attempt was part of Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016, the UK and Ireland’s biggest pitch competition.

Over half a million public votes were cast in the first stage of the contest.

From more than 3,000 entries, the 158 with the most votes qualified for the Pitchathon.

Speaking shortly after pitching her outdoor maternity wear company, Mother and Nature, single mum-of-one Samantha, 37, said: “I got across everything I wanted to and the judges could see there is a big untapped clothing market for women who remain active throughout pregnancy.”

Three dedicated judges were present for the full 29 hours – their longest ever day in the office. They included Julie Deane OBE, Founder and CEO of Cambridge Satchel Company, Andy Fishburn, Head of Investment at Virgin and Peter Kelly, Managing Director of Virgin Media Business.

Samantha is keeping her fingers crossed until tomorrow when she’ll find out if she’s among 40 entrepreneurs to go through to the semi-final of Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016.

Just six entrants will reach the final on June 28 and have a chance to pitch to a stellar judge line-up, including Virgin boss Richard Branson, top model turned businesswoman Tyra Banks.