Winning Pitch names ex law firm boss as new chairman

FAST-growing North West-based coaching and business support specialist Winning Pitch has hired a former law firm boss as non-executive chairman to help it pursue further growth opportunities.

Peter Smart, the former chairman of Yorkshire law firm Walker Morris, joins Winning Pitch as it looks to expand its team and develop a new Skills for Growth division after it secured £2.5m investment from Enterprise Ventures in May.

Mr Smart spent more than 30 years with Walker Morris during which time he held roles including head of corporate, managing partner and executive chairman.
He has been a director of a number of public and private companies, and is presently an independent consultant, chairman of Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax and a non-executive director of Rensburg AIM VCT plc.

Founded in 2005 by John Leach, Winning Pitch is based in Salford Quays and also has offices in Liverpool, Gateshead, Leeds and Cardiff.

Mr Leach said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the board. His experience and expertise will be vital in supporting us on the next stage of our growth.”

Wayne Thomas, investment manager at Enterprise Ventures who helped in the recruitment for the new chairman, added: “Peter is a highly skilled chairman with a wealth of expertise in working with high-growth businesses. His appointment will further strengthen the Winning Pitch board at a time when the company is rolling out its new Skills for Growth division and moving into overseas markets.”