As part of JCDecaux’s ongoing involvement with Virgin Media Business’s VOOM initiative, JCDecaux’s Business Director Maria Clarke and Head of Nurture Joe Hills joined the team as judges at the high-profile semi-final day, held at the Lowry Theatre on Salford Quays on 21st May.
Both were responsible for evaluating the forty semi-finalists in the ‘Scale and Grow’ category (for businesses with between 20 and 250 employees) on their marketing acumen. Maria was part of the judging panel, hearing two-minute pitches from each business hopeful; while Joe carried out the in-depth interrogation of each entrepreneur in ‘The Grill’.
This year’s semi-finalists incorporated a diverse range of entrepreneurial businesses from all backgrounds, ranging from specialist speech and language apps to renewable energy to putting imperfect fruit and veg to best use. Regardless of product category, there was a strong focus on ethical entrepreneurial activity, with products and services showcased focused on problem-solving for the greater good. The full range of semi-final pitches are available to watch and the lucky finalists have just been announced.
These businesses present their final ‘pitch to Rich’ on Wednesday 23rd May, with winners announced that day.
In addition, Joe Hills was interviewed for the VOOM start-up advice podcast series, to explain why out-of-home advertising needs to be a key part of start-ups’ marketing toolkit by providing brand fame and cut-through in the real world; how the medium builds trust with consumers; and how, through building trust, it can propel businesses from start-up to scale-up.
The VOOM Business Podcast episode featuring Joe was released on iTunes on 7th May.
Both were responsible for evaluating the forty semi-finalists in the ‘Scale and Grow’ category (for businesses with between 20 and 250 employees) on their marketing acumen. Maria was part of the judging panel, hearing two-minute pitches from each business hopeful; while Joe carried out the in-depth interrogation of each entrepreneur in ‘The Grill’.
The whole judging day was a great deal of fun. I met passionate founders of truly inspirational brands who gave very strong pitches throughout the day. The innovations unveiled are clearly going to make a difference to the lives of people throughout the world. It is exciting to know that JCDecaux can support these innovators in building awareness and understanding of what they can do and, in many cases, how they will address challenges and solve problems.Maria Clarke Business Director, JCDecaux
There was a great buzz throughout the day, and consistently high energy levels. It was great to see so many businesses acting with conscience and developing a product or service to make a real difference to the lives of people across the worldJoe Hills Head of Nurture, JCDecaux
These businesses present their final ‘pitch to Rich’ on Wednesday 23rd May, with winners announced that day.
In addition, Joe Hills was interviewed for the VOOM start-up advice podcast series, to explain why out-of-home advertising needs to be a key part of start-ups’ marketing toolkit by providing brand fame and cut-through in the real world; how the medium builds trust with consumers; and how, through building trust, it can propel businesses from start-up to scale-up.
The VOOM Business Podcast episode featuring Joe was released on iTunes on 7th May.