Derry entrepreneur Jared Wilson bowls over judges at 'The Ultimate Pitch'

Judges were bowled over by local entrepreneur Jared Wilson when he spoke about his business ‘Cricket Jobs Ltd’ during the Derry City and Strabane District heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch at the Guildhall.

This exciting new initiative, backed by the government’s business support service, is aimed at individuals, businesses, and social enterprises across all sectors that have been trading for less than two years.

A number of local applicants had the opportunity to present their ‘ultimate pitch’ to a panel of experienced judges, but it was Jared Wilson who impressed the most and walked away with a £1,000 prize as well as a year’s hot desk space and 12 months' membership of the Derry Chamber of Commerce.

Jared will join the Special Category winners from the Derry/Strabane heat at The Ultimate Pitch Final in Belfast in November. The Special Category Winners are as follows: The Rising Star winner - Clare Hamilton, The Influencer Hub; The Social Inclusion winner - Alannah Kerrigan, Wildflower Weddings; and The Social Enterprise winner - Caroline McGinness Brooks, Repair & Share Foyle.

A professional cricketer, Jared’s innovative idea revolves around his company ‘Cricket Jobs’ which gives amateur and professional cricketers the opportunity to view playing and job opportunities around the world.

Finalists and Judges from the Derry Strabane heat of the ‘Ultimate Pitch Competition’, held in the Guildhall on Tuesday, 22nd October. Standing from left, Martin Boyle; Music Loopy; Matthew Murnaghan, Vibrotect; Anna Doherty, Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Traynor, eComm Live, Leeann Monk-Ozgul, The Access Group; Paul Leonard, Swift Shift; Christian Kotey, Nu Pitch; James McGarrigle, Pebble; Ciaran Devine, Derry City Bus Tours. Seated from left, Alannah Kerrigan, Wildflower Wedding Socials; Caroline McGuinness-Brooks, Repair and Share Foyle; Jared Wilson, Cricket Jobs; Danielle McNally, Derry and Strabane Council; Claire Hamilton, The Influencer Hub; and Tina Caldwell, Excalibur Press. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Reflecting on the success of the local heat of the competition Business Development Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Danielle McNally said: “We were really impressed with the calibre of applicants at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.

"Our Pitchers had some great ideas which, with the right support, could become sustainable businesses. I would like to thank everyone who took part and to wish Jared, Clare, Alannah and Caroline all the best in the final in Belfast.”

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of Derry Chamber of Commerce, was one of the judges at the local heat. She said, “We were delighted to see so many local entrepreneurs coming forward to Pitch to us. Every one of them had obviously put a lot of work into their Pitch and I know many of them will go on to build successful businesses and contribute to our local economy.

"We at the Chamber of Commerce are delighted to be able to offer Jarad membership for one year and use of a hot desk space – we hope the networking opportunities this will present will help him bolster his future business plans.” 

Overall winner Jared Wilson was delighted to secure the top prize. He said: “I’m delighted that the judges were impressed with my Pitch.

Overall Winner with the Mayor, Lillian Seenoi-Barr, Judges, Business Development Manager, DCSDC & Excalibur Press at Tuesday's award ceremony.

"The prize money and support from the Chamber of Commerce will be invaluable in helping to take ‘Cricket Jobs’ to the next level. I am really looking forward to taking part in the Final in Belfast next month and hopefully I can bring The Ultimate Pitch prize back to the North West.”

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Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.

To find out more information about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view a full list of terms and conditions, and apply, visit www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.