Despite fraying nerves, Newport businesswoman Tori Coles took part in a gruelling 29-hour business Pitchathon on Wednesday (1st June) and is now waiting to hear if she has made it into the top 20 in the Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016 competition.
From over 3000 entries, Tori made the shortlist of 158 to attend a nail-biting event in central London presenting to a panel of experts in hope of rousing interest in their businesses.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the idea behind Tori’s business, WightFIT, is to create a fitness hub suitable for everyone, regardless of age, size, shape, goals or fitness ability. In October last year, 4 months after opening the gym, Tori was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Through chemotherapy, surgery and soon radiotherapy, Tori has continued to work.
The gym today welcomes over 1200 members. Toni is now looking at ways WightFIT can help cancer patients train in an empathetic and controlled environment. She said:
“It would be great to create an environment in which cancer patients can feel totally comfortable with exercising in a gym – where your instructor understands if you only have a certain amount of motion in your arm or where you can have a laugh if your scarf falls off”.
As well as being a potential stepping stone, the VOOM event was part of a world record attempt. Following 29 hours of business pitches adjudicators from Guinness World Records confirmed the gong for Longest Business Pitch Marathon had been secured for the very first time.
Speaking shortly after her pitch, Tori said:
“It’s been a great day, I was nervous beforehand but I think the pitch went well. The judges were very friendly and fingers crossed they liked my pitch and I get through to the next round!”
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Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Founder said:
“Guinness World Records titles are tangible proof that humans can achieve incredible things if we work together and put our mind to it. Nobody breaks records – or builds successful businesses – without being dedicated and Virgin Media Business and all of those who pitched have demonstrated this perseverance in spades”.
Tori is keeping her fingers crossed until Tuesday 7th June when she’ll find out if he’s among 40 entrepreneurs to go through to the semi-final of Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016. Just 6 entrants will reach the final on the 28th June and have a chance to pitch to a stellar judge line-up, including Virgin boss Richard Branson; top model turned businesswoman Tyra Banks; Spanx founder Sara Blakely; vlogger Marcus Butler and Peter Kelly of Virgin Media Business.
Winners will share over £1m-worth in prizes, as well as the support they need to take their business to the next level.
Islanders can vote to support Tori in the People’s Choice Award. You can cast a vote for the WightFIT project at https://www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/wightfit.
To find out more about Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016 visit vmbvoom.com.
