Approved Food is currently top of the leader board in the ‘growth’ category of entrepreneur competition called #VOOM: Pitch to Rich 2015 with 6,334 votes.
If the firm finishes in the top three it will be given the chance to pitch directly to Virgin Group founder Branson on Friday June 26.
The winning pitch will receive £250,000 marketing support and the two runners-up will be granted £100,000. The rest of the £1M prize fund will be distributed between the winners and runners-up in the other categories – ‘start-up’ and ‘new things’.
One other food business is in the top 10 of the ‘growth’ category – Oppo Ice Cream – in eighth place. People have until June 16 to cast their vote for their favourite pitch.
The Semi-Finalists were whittled down from the top 250 pitches which received the most public votes since the competition launched in March. In total, over 2,500 pitches were submitted and over 550,000 votes cast.
‘Fantastic calibre’
Branson praised the calibre of ideas presented in the entries.
“It’s clear that the UK is producing some brilliant entrepreneurs and we need to do all we can to support them,” he said.
“This has been a tough decision to make but for the semi-finalists the adventure continues.”
Richard Branson
“The calibre of ideas that have been submitted to the Virgin Media Business Pitch to Rich competition is fantastic. It’s clear that the UK is producing some brilliant entrepreneurs and we need to do all we can to support them.”
Approved Food boss Dan Cluderay is now calling on supporters and customers of the bargain business to vote in a bid to help him fulfil his dream of pitching to “inspirational entrepreneur” Branson.
“I am just overwhelmed by the incredible support that we have received to date throughout this process, and incredibly excited to be one step closer to the opportunity to present my business model to Sir Richard Branson and his team for feedback and advice,” Cluderay said.
To view a video of Culderay encouraging you to vote for his pitch inside the firm’s warehouse, scroll down to the bottom of this article.
In the running in the ‘start-up’ category of the competition are children’s healthy food manufacturer Mini Nom Nom’s and cauliflower rice firm Cauli Rice.
There are no food or drink businesses in the other category – ‘new things’.
To vote for any of the businesses, click here: http://www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/
Other prizes
The winner will also receive a full internet and fixed and mobile voice package from Virgin Media Business for 12 months, unlimited travel on Virgin Trains for 12 months, a place on the Accelerator Network programme (www.theacceleratornetwork.com/), a free package of pro bono advice from the ICAEW Business Advice Service (business advice service blog) and a membership to the not-for-profit private members club at The House of St Barnabas (www.hosb.org.uk).
Joining Branson on the judging panel will be Virgin Media Business md Peter Kelly and Shutterstock ceo Jon Oringer, Jo Malone, Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts and model David Gandy.
Kellysaid: “We are celebrating the creativity, ingenuity and acumen that exists in the UK and encouraging more budding entrepreneurs to confront their fears and go for it. We are backing today’s entrepreneurs so they can be a part of tomorrow’s success.
“Our 32 Semi-Finalists are from all corners of the UK, from Hampshire to the Highlands, and each and every one of them should feel incredibly proud. We wish them all the best as they look to secure votes to get through to the Finale.”