Chichester-based company set for 29-hour '˜pitchathon' to Branson

A company providing mindfulness classes for children and helping youngsters beat exam stress has been shortlisted for Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016.
Children at the Club Morgan Holiday Club at the National Trust Slindon Estate.Children at the Club Morgan Holiday Club at the National Trust Slindon Estate.
Children at the Club Morgan Holiday Club at the National Trust Slindon Estate.

A company providing mindfulness classes for children and helping youngsters beat exam stress has been shortlisted for Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016.

Since Club Morgan was launched in Chichester five years ago, founders Sue Wood and Laura Willis have since opened franchises up and down the country.

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The programme provides a mixture of meditation, yoga and tai-chi for three to 11 year olds.

Now, the company has been selected to take part in a 29-hour ‘pitchathon’ today (Thursday, June 2) not only for a place in the business award semi final pitching to Richard Branson, but also in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Business Pitch Marathon.

Laura says: “We’ve done all the groundwork and worked out a business model that is really accessible.

“The programme is easy to roll out and we’re hoping VOOM 2016 will provide the opportunity for us to grow.”

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Club Morgan uses the seasons to relate foods to healthy eating and incorporates games and drama for emotional development, delivered through schools and nurseries, at afterschool clubs and bespoke workshops.

Laura says: “Club Morgan for children is unique compared to other classes taught as it focuses on the complete wellbeing of the whole child.

“It’s their mental health, physical health, what they eat, what they feel, what they’re thinking about – it’s very holistic.

“The programme has also seen positive success with children with ADHD, behavioural issues and concentration problems.”

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The programme is now being developed for teenagers and the elderly and soon health professionals and teachers, giving adults the chance to learn some of the skill sets to deliver to those first hand in their industry.

Ten-year-old Ellie, who has been going to the classes for the past few months, said: “When I woke up on the day of my SATS I was really worried, so I did the Yo-chi exercises I’d learned at Club Morgan.

“When I saw the exam paper I was so nervous, but then I remembered the breathing techniques we’d been taught and I felt better.”

To watch Club Morgan’s pitch as part of the ‘pitchathon’ world record attempt log on to vmbvoom.com at 9am on Thursday, June 2.

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