A pitch delivered by three students from the Isle of Man International Business School (IBS) has taken the top prize in a regional marketing competition. Named ‘The Pitch’ and run by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the competition was to produce a promotional strategy for the Liverpool One project - the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. Despite stiff competition from two other finalists in the Northern regions, judges from Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann Manchester and CIM’s own Director of Education, Keith Fletcher, were unanimous in awarding the Manx team - ‘CHSquared’ - first place. CIM students Victoria Chamberlain, Marketing Communications Analyst at Friends Provident International, Charles Horton, Marketing Executive at Mainstream Financial Media and PR, and Julie Hobbs, a second year undergraduate student, were set a real life brief and given a two-week deadline to interpret it and prepare a pitch at McCann’s Cheshire headquarters for the finals on Wednesday, 23 February 2011. Commenting on the day, Julie Hobbs said: ‘it reminded us of The Apprentice, at the end of a very long table, four judges sat expressionless - even when we smiled at them.’ ‘Our pitch was quite quirky, lots of acting and plenty of personality. Pretty soon, they started enjoying our pitch and were laughing along - which genuinely surprised us.’ said Victoria, who is studying for the CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing. Charles, who is also taking the CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing at the IBS said: ‘Afterwards, in an Oscaresque style ceremony, the judges opened a gold envelope and announced that we were the unanimous winners. Then the celebrations began with a magnum of champagne and confetti.’ CIM course tutor at the IBS, Kay McMullen said: ‘The day was a real roller-coaster. Despite the team’s original nerves, in their feedback, the judges described the IBS pitch as “an excellent interpretation of the brief with a supporting case”. The team totally lived this project. Everything they were asked, they were able to answer. They did exceptionally well, especially in the context of their day-to-day workload as students and in their respective full time jobs.’ Jonathan Hall, General Manager and Director, Friends Provident International (FPI) said: ‘Studying for professional qualifications is something we actively encourage and support at FPI. It’s great when our employees choose to go above and beyond their studies to take part in initiatives like this. We are delighted that Victoria and the rest of the “CHSquared team” won their Pitch. It’s an achievement they should be very proud of and a great credit to the International Business School.’ Suzanne Kennaugh, Studying Members Ambassador for CIM Isle of Man said: ‘This year is the CIM’s centenary and we have been active on the island as a branch since 2008. Each year, the IOM branch of CIM has sponsored a team to visit the UK for this competition. This year, we are especially delighted as it is the first time we have won the trophy. We intend to celebrate the CHSquared team’s victory as a part of our centenary celebrations in May.’ ENDS.