THE UK’s first jewellery rental subscription service has been crowned the Winchester winner of a national pitching tour.

Glitzbox, founded by entrepreneur Tamsin Gordon, was selected by judges at the Virgin Media Business Voom Pitching Tour to take home the £5,000 prize and meet business guru Sir Richard Branson.

Described as “Netflix for jewellery”, Glitzbox allows customers to try a new piece of jewellery each month before deciding to either return or buy it.

Following her win, Ms Gordon said: “Voom is such a great initiative for people like me, who are diving in at the deep end on their own.

“I still work a 35-hour week as a freelancer so this lump sum will allow me to dedicate some time to focus solely on my business.”

Winchester was chosen as the only city south of London for the Voom Tour and Winchester City Council worked with Virgin Media Business and Hampshire County Council to ensure that the sessions on the bus were tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in the city.

Mayor of Winchester councillor David McLean said: “The Voom Tour is one of the many ways that Winchester City Council has shown its commitment to taking an entrepreneurial approach to public service in line with its council strategy.

“It’s so inspiring to hear these young people talking about their new ventures with so much passion. The ambition that they have is so encouraging to see and demonstrates that Winchester and the rest of the UK is very much open for business.”

Another pitcher, James Brewer, 26, from Winchester also took part. His business, Togge, is an online platform that connects the work of aspiring artists to a community of buyers and galleries from around the world.

Mr Brewer said: “I am humbled to have been part of the process and to have made it this far. Winchester is a small place but there is such drive in the city. I hope that my business can continue to grow here and hopefully Voom has opened some doors for me.”