A Merseyside wicker handbag business with a social mission to improve the quality of education of children in Asia has reached the semi-finals of a business competition with the opportunity to pitch to Sir Richard Branson.

Liverpool-based Wicker Wings is now urging the public to vote for them in the Virgin ‘Pitch to Rich’ competition of which they have reached the final ten in the ‘start up’ category and could win a £150,000 marketing campaign. Wicker Wings is the only North West company to be shortlisted.

The ‘Pitch to Rich’ competition is now in its third year and is bigger and better than ever. Over 2500 companies competed in just three categories with the hope of winning a share of £1 million towards a marketing campaign.

Back in 2013 siblings, Belinda and James Yu from Liverpool, wanted to create a business with meaning. They have designed beautiful wicker handbags that are ethically produced and keep the traditional handicraft of wicker weaving alive. They launched 6 months ago and are stocked in 8 independent boutiques across England.

Wicker Wings is an emerging brand with a social mission that stretches to the other side of the world. For every bag purchased, Wicker Wings donate a drawstring bag that contains reading books and a note for children in Asia who do not have basic resources like stationery and in particular basic reading books.

Belinda Wong said:

“We are trying to make giving back a little more personal and help children thousands of miles away. Our customers have the option to write a short note with the bag. We are thrilled to reach the semi-final of these awards and urge the people of Merseyside to get behind us and please vote for us.”

Over 2500 companies submitted their entries, over 550000 votes casted and Wicker Wings made the top 10.

Wicker Wings now have the once in a lifetime opportunity to pitch to Sir Richard Branson, and a prestigious team of judges, including Virgin Media Business managing director Peter Kelly and their panel of judges: Jon Oringer, Jo Malone, Justine Roberts and David Gandy.

In order to get into the top three finalists, Wicker Wings needs as many votes as possible and voting closes on June 16th.

Belinda added:

“For those who have already voted, we need your votes again, and for those who have yet to vote, let us put Wicker Wings and the North West on the map. Keeping in line with our one for one business, for every vote we get we donate £0.25 to Alder Hey Children’s charity. As an extra incentive, Virgin Media Business are giving away £10k cash prize to anyone who votes.”

To vote, please go to www.pitchtorich.co.uk/wicker-wings