Peter Orton was the founder and chairman of HIT Entertainment, one of the world's best known and most successful children's entertainment companies encompassing television production, DVD/video licensing, merchandising and publishing. After its establishment in 1989, HIT grew into one of the major global owners of quality pre-school brands including Bob the Builder TM, Thomas the Tank Engine TM, Barney, Angelina Ballerina TM, Pingu and Kipper . HIT produced over 1,000 episodes of quality children's programmes.

HIT is considered one of the City's great media growth stories. HIT was floated on the AIM Market at a total market capitalisation of £18 million and a share price of £1.60. Over the next five years the company grew dramatically with the share price reaching £25.00 and HIT moving to a main stock exchange listing and becoming a FTSE 250 company. HIT was sold to Apax Partners in May 2005 for £489 million and Peter has since been pursuing interests in charity and a broad range of country pursuits. Peter still gets involved in major media activities associated with children.