An inspiring business leader whose company offers baby slings for hire has been announced as the winner of The Pitch competition.
Charlene Fiander, founder of Staffordshire Sling Library, wowed the judges with her live presentation on the way to winning the event organised by new premium and office co-working space Smithfield Works in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
She scooped the prize of 12 months’ worth of serviced office space at Smithfield Works as well as a Start-Up membership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
Staffordshire Sling Library is a baby carrier library and carrying consultancy providing advice and supporting parents and guardians to find and fit the best baby carrier or sling.
Judges of the competition included Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council Abi Brown, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Head of Projects and Business Support Tom Nadin and Head of Marketing at Genr8 Developments Tiffany Chevis.
Entrants needed to demonstrate how their business impacts the local community and how they would benefit from winning.
In a second round of judging five on a final shortlist pitched to explain why their business deserved the prize.
Charlene said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of The Pitch competition, it truly means a lot.
“Starting a new business is tough and renting a space at this stage would be completely out of reach financially as I continue to reinvest.
“Having the space at Smithfield Works will benefit my business and clients greatly, by offering me the flexibility that is needed to book in whenever I need to for one-to-one consultations for those who don’t want a home visit.
“I will also be able to offer a wider range of services including workshops and group sessions.”
The judges commented: “Charlene impressed us with her passion and drive, having identified a need in the area that wasn’t currently catered for.
“Her ambition to get the Staffordshire Sling Library launched is already proving successful, and we can see the impact this will have on the local community in bringing people together and sharing knowledge.”
