Fast-track Winning Pitch eyes fund-raising

NORTH West business coaching company Winning Pitch has broken through the £1m turnover barrier for the first time, and is considering raising capital to fund further growth.

Winning Pitch, which is listed on the PLUS market, said turnover in the six months ti March 27 has soared 43% to £1.07m from £750,132 last year.

After heavy investment in recruitment, IT and new equipment, the Manchester company posted a bottom-line loss of  £9,427, against a £83,649 profit last year.

Chairman and chief executive John Leach told TheBuisnessDesk that the company would begin a fund-raising process for “up to £1m” in the next six to nine months.

“It’s early days but we need to think soon about funding the next stage of the business. So far we have invested our profits back into the business, but I think we can only do that for so long.

“We are about creating something unique and sustainable. There are a lot of other management consultants in the market place, doing good work, but we work in a way that almost bridges consultancy with the creative sector.I am very excited about the future.”

The company’s order book stands at £8m, and Mr Leach said the new business pipeline was encouraging too.

Winning Pitch, which is based in One Central Park, now employs 30 people, having hired six more people in recent months.

The highlight of the year was a £10m three-year contract from the North West Development Agency to deliver a coaching programme for fast-growing businesses.

Other new contracts included a deal with Lancashire County Council to deliver business reinvention services for SMEs.

Mr Leach added: “We are enthused by the opportunities that lie ahead for Winning Pitch, and we will continue to deliver high impact business advice to
entrepreneurs, by fusing innovative delivery styles with innovative content and technology.”