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Dragons' Den (UK)
Encyclopedia
Dragons' Den is a British television series, hosted by Evan Davis
. The format of the show is owned by Sony Pictures and is based on the original Japanese series, which has been sold around the world. The programme has been produced by BBC Manchester
since its inception and it was first broadcast on BBC Two
on 4 January 2005.
The show allows several entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their varying business ideas to a panel of five wealthy investors, the "Dragons" of the show's title, and pitch for financial investment offering a stake of the company in return.
in their business, the percentage of which is also stipulated at the beginning of the pitch. If the Dragons see potential in the business idea or product, negotiations then take place around the amount of equity on offer, with the contestant having the opportunity to negotiate further, accept any offers, or simply walk away. Dragons can also offer a percentage of the money requested if they do not wish to commit the full amount, leaving the other Dragons free to do the same. This can lead to the contestant receiving the financial backing of more than one Dragon, with the benefit of a broader range of expertise. However, for this to occur, the contestant usually has to agree to relinquish a larger share in their business than they had first planned.
A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion. (However, on one occasion in series 4, Peter Jones
continued to question an entrepreneur after his own declaration.) This concluding phase may range from a few minutes if the Dragons don't perceive the business plan as credible, to much longer when complex conditions are negotiated. The Dragons often ridicule contestants, on grounds that vary widely, but especially for over-valuation of their respective enterprises.
, Manchester
, an area transformed by the Industrial Revolution
which helped give the city its nickname Cottonopolis
. The sequence features shots of Murrays' Mills
, one of Manchester's most famous cotton mills in production at the time of the Industrial Revolution and keeps in line with the programme's warehouse
theme. The location of the set where the footage of the pitches is filmed is kept a secret however.
award in 2007. The executive producer is Dominic Bird.
and involved young children and teenagers displaying their ideas. Items included a "Look for Loneliness" pack, with stickers, trophies and branded 'friendship' stops (£5,000 was wanted) and also a selection of guinea pig and hamster houses (£1,000 wanted).
Dragons' Den: Where Are They Now came in four episodes, showing how a selection of successful and unsuccessful contestants from the previous series had subsequently fared in their businesses. The first episode covered the first and second seasons. The second episode covered the third and fourth seasons, but focused mainly on Levi Roots
' Reggae Reggae Sauce
. The third episode showed more from the third and fourth seasons, but focused in particular on the iTeddy. Finally, the fourth two-part episode focused on the third season.
In 2010, the BBC aired a follow-up series Dragons Den: What Happened Next, showcasing popular entrepreneurs from the show that both succeeded in gaining investment and failed, with the dragons offering a review of all scenarios. Each respective dragon had an episode detailing the success of their investments, as well as some reviewing and re-negotiations with entrepreneurs who went on to succeed without the dragon's investment.
, a board game
; the Tangle Teezer, a hairbrush designed to smooth knotted hair; Trunki, travel luggage designed for children; and the BarbeSkew, a rotisserie Barbecue
.
. They rejected an offer from Australian multi-millionaire Richard Farleigh of £200,000 for 30% of the business. They also rejected £100,000 for 15% of the business by Peter Jones and left Dragons' Den with no offers because they believed the company was worth more. Since then they have gone on to build a franchise operation with 150 locations offered in the UK.
In Series 2, Danny Bamping accepted an offer of £100,000 for 30% of his company Bedlam Puzzles but rejected it after the show, opting to get a bank loan instead. His strategy was successful, as the show generated enough publicity to boost online sales of his Bedlam Cube
from 23 to 4,500 on the days before and after the show's airing.
went into administration
; the remaining assets were bought by fellow dragons Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis. Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO whom she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role to have her fourth child. Following 5 investments over 2 series, as a result of disputes with various Dragons, and the continuing uncomfortable position of the BBC allowing a perceived "failed" business person to continue investing on the show, she agreed to leave the Dragons' Den panel.
newspaper criticised the show, reporting that most of the deals were unfulfilled after the programs were shot.
The article claimed that the Dragons either pulled out of the deals over minor technicalities, deliberately offered heavily unfavourable terms to the entrepreneurs in an effort to make them withdraw, or simply broke off all contact with them after the recording. The Dragons however defended their record, blaming the failures on the Entrepreners themselves who were dishonest about their products, with Duncan Bannatyne stating: "We don't hand over money to people who don't tell the truth.", while Theo Paphitis added: "I kept up my end of the bargain. The show is not about a cash prize, it is about us pledging to invest. But people must tell the truth. Simple."
A BBC spokesman said: "After the initial agreement is made on camera, both parties enter a period of due diligence
. Sometimes during this period the deals fall through."
had been dropped from the series.
The Daily Mail
suggested he might have been dropped in order to have a new Dragon from an ethnic minority. Farleigh said, "It would be disappointing if that was the reason - rather than anything fundamental - if it was because I was the wrong colour. I don't know why this has happened and I am very disappointed and bemused - I wasn't expecting it because all the feedback I got was very positive. I had even moved back to the UK to focus on commitments for the show. I am gutted that I have not been invited back."
The suggestions in the Daily Mail report were rejected by the BBC who said the new Dragon would be chosen by their "business credentials" and not ethnicity. A BBC spokesman said it was normal that the show sometimes changed its team. Farleigh was later replaced by James Caan
.
reported that James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne were involved in a 'bitter row' over tax. Bannatyne claimed Pakistan-born Caan had an 'unfair' business advantage due to his non-domiciled tax status. He complained that, because Caan does not pay UK tax on his overseas earnings, he has more money to invest in his UK ventures.
Caan told the London Evening Standard
: "I do not apologise for my country of origin, Pakistan." He also said he could not invest with anyone who had a criminal record - a reference to Bannatyne's having served a sentence in military prison when he was a teenager in the Royal Navy.
Bannatyne replied that Caan was 'playing the race card' and 'personalising the whole thing', and accused him of implying he was racist.
Only days before the filming of series 8, Bannatyne went on to Twitter
, pointing out that Caan is chairman of the Big Issue, which employs sellers with criminal pasts, and asking how they could now work with their chief. He brought the name of the Big Issue founder into the row by asking: 'Did John Bird
know about James Caan's view on ex-prisoners when he gave him the chairman's role?'
Further fanning the flames for Caan was a well publicised critique of accusations that he offered to buy a baby from a family in Pakistan.
On 7 January 2011, the BBC announced James Caan had quit the Dragons' Den panel. The BBC announced regret and sorrow over the exit and thanked him for his efforts over his four series in the show. Clive Morgan of The Daily Telegraph
criticised his departure, stating his exit was the show's loss and would not be the same without him.
He was replaced by Hilary Devey
in February 2011.
appeared as himself in a recurring sketch in the ITV1
television show Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder
titled "Duncan's Den", a parody of Dragons' Den, where Duncan is the only Dragon. Al Murray
plays the role of Evan Davis, and in each successive sketch there is only one applicant, the hopelessly nervous and commercially inept, recent divorcee Carole Price, played by Laura Solon
.
Kayvan Novak
created a parody of the show called "Lizard's Lair" for his character Terry Tibbs on an episode of his show Facejacker
where unsuspecting entrepreneurs were led to believe they could receive an investment from Terry in a very similar style to Dragons' Den.
Peter Jones
, Deborah Meaden
, and Duncan Bannatyne
appear as themselves in a satirical dream sequence in a series 6 episode titled "Conned Out of Luck" of the BBC show, Hustle
.
The sketch show Harry & Paul has featured a series of parodies by Harry Enfield
and Paul Whitehouse
, where through careful editing the pair portray all the characters, including Davis (Whitehouse), the contestants unsuccessfully pitching various bizarre ideas (e.g. a 'kitten
stomper' device) and a parodied cast of the Dragons. The emphasis is particularly on the entrepreneurs' names (e.g. 'Duncan Guillotine
') and personalities (Meadon is simply 'The Grumpy Woman' – Enfield in drag). In one sketch parodying the banking crisis, Enfield's old character Tim Nice-But-Dim made an appearance and was revealed to be "obviously" the brother of 'Peter Jones'.
Dead Ringers parodied the show with strange investments such as a tramp wanting investment in tea and a sketch where a man wants £100,000 and his pitch is a gun. They also parodied Dragon responses with Deborah Meaden seeing a product which turns base metal to gold and saying "How do you make any money out of this?".
The talkSPORT
weekday afternoon show presented by Paul Hawksbee
and Andy Jacobs
has recently begun a weekly spoof slot wherein "Hilary Devey" (Jacobs) makes obvious comments to (absent) sporting personalities who have recently been in the news for making poor decisions. These comments usually deride said personality, ending with the Dragons' common final phrase, "I'm Out!"
Evan Davis (journalist)
Evan Harold Davis is a British economist, journalist and presenter for the BBC. In October 2001, Davis took over from Peter Jay as the BBC's economics editor. He left this post in April 2008 to become a presenter on BBC Radio 4's Today programme...
. The format of the show is owned by Sony Pictures and is based on the original Japanese series, which has been sold around the world. The programme has been produced by BBC Manchester
BBC Manchester
BBC Manchester is the British Broadcasting Corporation regional headquarters for the North West, the largest BBC region in the UK. BBC Manchester also forms a key part of BBC North....
since its inception and it was first broadcast on BBC Two
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
on 4 January 2005.
The show allows several entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their varying business ideas to a panel of five wealthy investors, the "Dragons" of the show's title, and pitch for financial investment offering a stake of the company in return.
Format
Contestants have what they perceive to be a viable and potentially profitable business idea but lack funding, or are already trading in their business but need additional funds for promotion or expansion. They are required as part of their opening pitch to specify the amount of money they require from the Dragons. The rules stipulate that if they do not raise at least this amount from one or more Dragons, they must leave with nothing. In exchange for the investment, the contestants offer equityStock
The capital stock of a business entity represents the original capital paid into or invested in the business by its founders. It serves as a security for the creditors of a business since it cannot be withdrawn to the detriment of the creditors...
in their business, the percentage of which is also stipulated at the beginning of the pitch. If the Dragons see potential in the business idea or product, negotiations then take place around the amount of equity on offer, with the contestant having the opportunity to negotiate further, accept any offers, or simply walk away. Dragons can also offer a percentage of the money requested if they do not wish to commit the full amount, leaving the other Dragons free to do the same. This can lead to the contestant receiving the financial backing of more than one Dragon, with the benefit of a broader range of expertise. However, for this to occur, the contestant usually has to agree to relinquish a larger share in their business than they had first planned.
A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion. (However, on one occasion in series 4, Peter Jones
Peter Jones (entrepreneur)
Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor...
continued to question an entrepreneur after his own declaration.) This concluding phase may range from a few minutes if the Dragons don't perceive the business plan as credible, to much longer when complex conditions are negotiated. The Dragons often ridicule contestants, on grounds that vary widely, but especially for over-valuation of their respective enterprises.
Set and theme
The opening sequence of the programme is set in AncoatsAncoats
Ancoats is an inner city area of Manchester, in North West England, next to the Northern Quarter and the northern part of Manchester's commercial centre....
, Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, an area transformed by the Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times...
which helped give the city its nickname Cottonopolis
Cottonopolis
Cottonopolis denotes a metropolis of cotton and cotton mills. It was inspired by Manchester, in England, and its status as the international centre of the cotton and textile processing industries during the 19th century...
. The sequence features shots of Murrays' Mills
Murrays' Mills
Murrays' Mills is a complex of former cotton mills on land between Jersey Street and the Rochdale Canal in the district of Ancoats, Manchester, England . The mills were built for brothers Adam and George Murray. A & G Murray was consistently one of the largest cotton-spinning firms in Manchester...
, one of Manchester's most famous cotton mills in production at the time of the Industrial Revolution and keeps in line with the programme's warehouse
Warehouse
A warehouse is a commercial building for storage of goods. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, etc. They are usually large plain buildings in industrial areas of cities and towns. They usually have loading docks to load and unload...
theme. The location of the set where the footage of the pitches is filmed is kept a secret however.
Awards
The programme was nominated for two BAFTA awards and a Royal Television SocietyRoyal Television Society
The Royal Television Society is a British-based educational charity for the discussion, and analysis of television in all its forms, past, present and future. It is the oldest television society in the world...
award in 2007. The executive producer is Dominic Bird.
The Dragons
| Seat Order (Right to Left) | Series 1 | Series 2 | Series 3 | Series 4 | Series 5 | Series 6 | Series 7 | Series 8 | Series 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
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| |
Doug Richard Doug Richard is a United Kingdom based Californian entrepreneur and specialist in technology transfer, commercialisation, and business incubation. He came to prominence as a result of the BBC programme Dragons' Den, where he appeared as a 'dragon', or investor in the first two series... |
Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
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| |
Simon Woodroffe Simon Woodroffe OBE is a British motivational speaker and entrepreneur. He started the sushi chain YO! Sushi in 1997, and has appeared as a 'Dragon' on the first UK series of Dragons' Den.... |
Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
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| |
Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
Hilary Devey Hilary Lorraine Devey is a British businesswoman, television personality, entrepreneur and commentator. She is probably best known for her appearances on the BBC Two programme Dragons' Den.-Early life:... |
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| |
Rachel Elnaugh Rachel Elnaugh is a British entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the first two seasons of BBC Two's TV show Dragons' Den, in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male entrepreneurs known as the Dragons.-Early life:Her family lived above her father's... |
Richard Farleigh Richard Farleigh is an Australian private investor. He is currently a member of the Business Review Weekly Rich 200 list, a list of the 200 wealthiest Australian individuals.- Early life :... |
James Caan (entrepreneur) James Caan is a British-Pakistani entrepreneur and television personality. Caan has been building and selling businesses since 1985, including Alexander Mann Group, Humana International, and the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.Caan initially achieved success in the recruitment industry,... |
Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
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Other Dragons' Den programmes
A Junior Dragons' Den was broadcast on 16 November 2007 as a short special during Children in NeedChildren in Need
Children in Need is an annual British charity appeal organised by the BBC. Since 1980 it has raised over £500 million. The highlight of the Children in Need appeal is an annual telethon, held in November. A teddy bear named "Pudsey Bear" fronts the campaign, while Terry Wogan is a long...
and involved young children and teenagers displaying their ideas. Items included a "Look for Loneliness" pack, with stickers, trophies and branded 'friendship' stops (£5,000 was wanted) and also a selection of guinea pig and hamster houses (£1,000 wanted).
Dragons' Den: Where Are They Now came in four episodes, showing how a selection of successful and unsuccessful contestants from the previous series had subsequently fared in their businesses. The first episode covered the first and second seasons. The second episode covered the third and fourth seasons, but focused mainly on Levi Roots
Levi Roots
Keith Valentine Graham , better known as Levi Roots, is a British-Jamaican reggae musician, television personality, celebrity chef, businessman and multi-millionaire currently residing in Brixton, South London.-Music:...
' Reggae Reggae Sauce
Reggae Reggae Sauce
Reggae Reggae Sauce is a Jamaican jerk spice, popularised by creator Levi Roots' appearance on BBC2's Dragons' Den.Dragon's Den investor Peter Jones has since classified the product as one of his most successful investments from the show...
. The third episode showed more from the third and fourth seasons, but focused in particular on the iTeddy. Finally, the fourth two-part episode focused on the third season.
In 2010, the BBC aired a follow-up series Dragons Den: What Happened Next, showcasing popular entrepreneurs from the show that both succeeded in gaining investment and failed, with the dragons offering a review of all scenarios. Each respective dragon had an episode detailing the success of their investments, as well as some reviewing and re-negotiations with entrepreneurs who went on to succeed without the dragon's investment.
Statistics
| Dragon | No. of Investments |
|---|---|
| Series 1 (6 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
3 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
2 |
| Simon Woodroffe Simon Woodroffe Simon Woodroffe OBE is a British motivational speaker and entrepreneur. He started the sushi chain YO! Sushi in 1997, and has appeared as a 'Dragon' on the first UK series of Dragons' Den.... |
1 |
| Rachel Elnaugh Rachel Elnaugh Rachel Elnaugh is a British entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the first two seasons of BBC Two's TV show Dragons' Den, in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male entrepreneurs known as the Dragons.-Early life:Her family lived above her father's... |
4 |
| Doug Richard Doug Richard Doug Richard is a United Kingdom based Californian entrepreneur and specialist in technology transfer, commercialisation, and business incubation. He came to prominence as a result of the BBC programme Dragons' Den, where he appeared as a 'dragon', or investor in the first two series... |
2 |
| Series 2 (6 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
3 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
1 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
4 |
| Rachel Elnaugh Rachel Elnaugh Rachel Elnaugh is a British entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the first two seasons of BBC Two's TV show Dragons' Den, in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male entrepreneurs known as the Dragons.-Early life:Her family lived above her father's... |
1 |
| Doug Richard Doug Richard Doug Richard is a United Kingdom based Californian entrepreneur and specialist in technology transfer, commercialisation, and business incubation. He came to prominence as a result of the BBC programme Dragons' Den, where he appeared as a 'dragon', or investor in the first two series... |
0 |
| Series 3 (8 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
2 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
2 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
4 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
4 |
| Richard Farleigh Richard Farleigh Richard Farleigh is an Australian private investor. He is currently a member of the Business Review Weekly Rich 200 list, a list of the 200 wealthiest Australian individuals.- Early life :... |
2 |
| Series 4 (6 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
4 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
3 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
5 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
4 |
| Richard Farleigh Richard Farleigh Richard Farleigh is an Australian private investor. He is currently a member of the Business Review Weekly Rich 200 list, a list of the 200 wealthiest Australian individuals.- Early life :... |
5 |
| Series 5 (9 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
5 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
4 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
6 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
6 |
| James Caan James Caan (entrepreneur) James Caan is a British-Pakistani entrepreneur and television personality. Caan has been building and selling businesses since 1985, including Alexander Mann Group, Humana International, and the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.Caan initially achieved success in the recruitment industry,... |
6 |
| Series 6 (8 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
6 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
4 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
5 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
4 |
| James Caan James Caan (entrepreneur) James Caan is a British-Pakistani entrepreneur and television personality. Caan has been building and selling businesses since 1985, including Alexander Mann Group, Humana International, and the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.Caan initially achieved success in the recruitment industry,... |
5 |
| Series 7 (8 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
6 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
2 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
5 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
3 |
| James Caan James Caan (entrepreneur) James Caan is a British-Pakistani entrepreneur and television personality. Caan has been building and selling businesses since 1985, including Alexander Mann Group, Humana International, and the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.Caan initially achieved success in the recruitment industry,... |
4 |
| Series 8 (10 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
6 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
6 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
5 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
5 |
| James Caan James Caan (entrepreneur) James Caan is a British-Pakistani entrepreneur and television personality. Caan has been building and selling businesses since 1985, including Alexander Mann Group, Humana International, and the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.Caan initially achieved success in the recruitment industry,... |
3 |
| Series 9 (10 episodes) | |
| Peter Jones Peter Jones (entrepreneur) Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor... |
4 |
| Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Bannatyne Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den... |
3 |
| Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis Theodorus "Theo" Paphitis is a retail magnate and British entrepreneur of Greek Cypriot origin. He made the majority of his fortune in the retail sector, and is best known to the general public for his appearances on the BBC business programme Dragons' Den and as former chairman of Millwall... |
5 |
| Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout... |
4 |
| Hilary Devey Hilary Devey Hilary Lorraine Devey is a British businesswoman, television personality, entrepreneur and commentator. She is probably best known for her appearances on the BBC Two programme Dragons' Den.-Early life:... |
4 |
Series 1
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 4 January 2005 | Charles Ejogo Charles Ejogo Charles Ejogo born in London, England, 1976, is a British entrepreneur. He is the inventor of the Umbrolly umbrella vending machine. Ejogo appeared on the first episode of the UK television programme Dragons' Den where he 'won' £150,000 funding for his 'Umbrolly' umbrella vending machines.-Early... |
Umbrolly | 150,000 | Multimedia vending unit selling umbrellas and adverts | Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones | http://www.umbrollys.com/ |
| Episode 2 | 11 January 2005 | Tracey Grailey | Grails Ltd | 120,000 | Tailor-made suits for businesswomen | Doug Richard & Rachel Elnaugh | http://grails.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 18 January 2005 | Tracey Herrtage | Le Beanock | 54,000 | A beanbag hammock | Rachel Elnaugh | http://www.lebeanock.com/ |
| Episode 3 | 18 January 2005 | John and Phillip Petty | IV Cam | 50,000 | A 3D measuring system using camera technology | Peter Jones and Doug Richard | http://www.ics-uk.net/pages/main.html |
| Episode 4 | 25 January 2005 | Paul Thomas | Mycorrhizal Systems | 75,000 | Land for a truffle farm | Simon Woodroffe | http://www.plantationsystems.com/ |
| Episode 5 | 1 February 2005 | Elizabeth Galton | Elizabeth Galton Ltd | 110,000 | Custom-made jewellery | Duncan Bannatyne & Rachel Elnaugh | http://www.elizabethgalton.com/ |
| Episode 6 | 8 February 2005 | Nik Rawcliff | Snowbone | 75,000 | Handle attachment for snowboards | Rachel Elnaugh | http://www.snowbone.com/ |
| Episode 6 | 8 February 2005 | Hugh Gwyther | Wonderland (magazine) | 175,000 | High-end fashion and culture magazine | Peter Jones | http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/ |
Series 2
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 November 2005 | Dominic Killinger | Square Mile | 150,000 | Wireless broadband supplier to UK marinas | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | http://www.squaremileinternational.com/marinas.html |
| Episode 2 | 22 November 2005 | Danny Bamping | Bedlam Puzzles Bedlam cube The Bedlam cube is a solid dissection puzzle invented by British puzzle expert Bruce Bedlam.- Design :The puzzle consists of thirteen polycubic pieces: twelve pentacubes and one tetracube. The objective is to assemble these pieces into a 4 x 4 x 4 cube... |
100,000 | 3-D puzzles | Rachel Elnaugh & Theo Paphitis | http://www.bedlampuzzles.com/ |
| Episode 3 | 29 November 2005 | Julie White | Truly Madly Baby | 75,000 | Unique baby products | Peter Jones | http://www.trulymadlybaby.co.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 13 December 2005 | Paul Cockle | The Generating Company The Generating Company The Generating Company is an international touring circus company producing large scale commercially successful shows and events around the world. Most recent shows include 'Voyage de la Vie' at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and 'Aqua' the worlds largest water show in Shenzhen southern China... |
160,000 | Contemporary circus shows | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | http://www.generatingcompany.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 20 December 2005 | David Lees | Mode Al | 225,000 | Custom furniture to house technology | Theo Paphitis & Duncan Bannatyne | http://mode-al.co.uk/ |
Series 3
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 3 August 2006 | James Seddon | Eggxactly | 75,000 | Water free egg cooker | Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones | http://www.eggxactly.com/index.html |
| Episode 2 | 10 August 2006 | Gary Taylor | Alpine Cleaning | 200,000 | Franchised HGV cleaning service | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.lpwgroup.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 17 August 2006 | Matthew Hazell | First Light Solutions | 100,000 | A sonar based man-overboard detection system | Richard Farleigh | http://www.firstlightsolutions.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 24 August 2006 | Ian Chamings | MixAlbum | 150,000 | Dance download site with digital mixing software | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.mixalbum.com/ |
| Episode 5 | 31 August 2006 | Richard Lee Richard Lee (footballer) Richard Anthony Lee is an English footballer. He is a goalkeeper and currently plays for Brentford.-Playing career:... & Daren Duraidi |
Dr Cap | 150,000 | Chain of shops selling baseball caps | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.drcap.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 7 September 2006 | Stephen Bellis | Nuts Poker League | 50,000 (but received 65,000) |
Pub based tournament poker league | Theo Paphitis & Deborah Meaden | http://www.thenutspokerleague.com/ |
| Episode 7 | 14 September 2006 | Peter Sesay | Autosafe | 100,000 | A seat-belt height adjuster | Peter Jones & Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.autosafeproducts.co.uk/ |
| Episode 8 | 21 September 2006 | Ian Daintith & Richard Adams | Coin Metrics | 200,000 | Technology to monitor cash operations for slot machines | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.coinmetrics.com/index.php |
Series 4
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 7 February 2007 | Levi Roots Levi Roots Keith Valentine Graham , better known as Levi Roots, is a British-Jamaican reggae musician, television personality, celebrity chef, businessman and multi-millionaire currently residing in Brixton, South London.-Music:... |
Reggae Reggae Sauce Reggae Reggae Sauce Reggae Reggae Sauce is a Jamaican jerk spice, popularised by creator Levi Roots' appearance on BBC2's Dragons' Den.Dragon's Den investor Peter Jones has since classified the product as one of his most successful investments from the show... |
50,000 | Spicy BBQ sauce | Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones | http://www.reggae-reggae.co.uk |
| Episode 1 | 7 February 2007 | Anthony Coates-Smith & Alistair Turner | Igloo | 160,000 | Specialist chilled and frozen transport services | Duncan Bannatyne & Richard Farleigh | http://www.igloo-thermo.com/ |
| Episode 2 | 14 February 2007 | Imran Hakim | iTeddy | 140,000 | Classic teddy bear with integrated media technology | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | http://www.iteddy.com/ |
| Episode 3 | 21 February 2007 | Roger Hind | Rotamate | 85,000 | A clothes airer that protects washing from the rain | Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh | http://www.rotamate.net/ |
| Episode 3 | 21 February 2007 | Denise Hutton | Razzamataz | 85,000 | A chain of dance, drama and singing schools for children | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 28 February 2007 | Christian Lane | Foldio | 80,000 | Stationery folder that halves size of paper without creasing | Theo Paphitis | http://www.foldio.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 28 February 2007 | KC Jones | Foot Deodoriser | 100,000 | Sanitiser that kills bacteria within shoes | Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh | http://www.klenzuk.com/ |
| Episode 5 | 7 March 2007 | Chris Haines | Safe-T-First | 95,000 | Emergency light | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.safetylight.org.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 7 March 2007 | David Pybus | Scents of Time | 80,000 | Perfumes from historical times which are re-created for today | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | http://www.scentsoftime.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 7 March 2007 | Peter Ensinger and David Baker | Standby Saver | 100,000 | Device that cuts off electrical current to home appliances on stand-by | All 5 for 50% | http://www.standby-saver.co.uk/ |
Series 5
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 October 2007 | Celia Norowzian & Ian Forshew | Beach Break Live | 50,000 | Events company | Peter Jones | http://www.beachbreaklive.com |
| Episode 1 | 15 October 2007 | Laban Roomes | Goldgenie Goldgenie Goldgenie.com is a website that specialises in providing customization of household items. The service is primarily used to customize mobile phones, games consoles, and household items with gold, copper, nickel, chrome and platinum plating, solid gold, Swarovski crystals and diamonds. Roses,... (formerly Midas Touch) |
60,000 | Mobile gold plating service | James Caan | http://www.goldgenie.com/index.php |
| Episode 2 | 22 October 2007 | Sarah Lu | youdoodoll | 35,000 | Personalizable doll | Deborah Meaden | http://www.youdoodoll.co.uk/home/ |
| Episode 2 | 22 October 2007 | Emmie Matthews & Ed Stevens | Gaming Alerts | 200,000 | Gaming referral website | Theo Paphitis | http://www.gamingalerts.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 29 October 2007 | Mark Champkins Mark Champkins Mark Champkins , is a UK designer and inventor, who gained public recognition after successfully participating in the BBC television show, the Dragons' Den... |
Concentrate Design Concentrate Design Concentrate Design creates products developed to help pupils concentrate at school. Founded in 2004, the company came to public note when its products were pitched on BBC's Dragons' Den, and won investment from entrepreneur Peter Jones... |
100,000 | Products that help children at school | Peter Jones | http://www.concentrate.org.uk/index.php |
| Episode 4 | 5 November 2007 | Max McMurdo | Reestore | 50,000 | Functional pieces of furniture from waste objects | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.reestore.com/ |
| Episode 4 | 5 November 2007 | Jamie Jenkinson | Cush'n'Shade | 100,000 | A fold-away screen that acts as a cushion and sun shade | Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones | http://www.cushnshade.com/ |
| Episode 5 | 19 November 2007 | Shane Lake and Tony Charles | hungryhouse.co.uk Hungryhouse.co.uk Hungryhouse.co.uk is the UK based portal for the online ordering of takeaway food that found public prominence when founders Shane Lake and Tony Charles shook hands on an offer of investment on BBC TV show Dragons' Den , in 2007... |
100,000 | An online takeaway ordering service | James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne | http://hungryhouse.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 26 November 2007 | Ian Helmore | Steri Spray Steri Spray Steri-Spray featured on Series Five, Episode 6 of the BBC Two programme Dragons' Den.Ian Helmore of Steri-Spray presented a range of showers designed to combat a range of bacterial diseases including Legionnaires disease and MRSA... |
145,000 | UV Sterilising system for shower heads | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.steri-spray.com/ |
| Episode 6 | 26 November 2007 | Mark and Eleanor Davis | Caribbean Ready Meals | 100,000 | Caribbean ready meals made using genuine Jamaican and Trinidadian recipes | James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.caribbeanreadymeals.com/ |
| Episode 7 | 3 December 2007 | Sammy French | Fit Fur Life | 100,000 | A dog treadmill | James Caan | http://www.fitfurlife.com/ |
| Episode 7 | 3 December 2007 | Jerry Mantalvanos & Paul Merker | JPM Eco Logistics | 100,000 | Environmentally friendly haulage company | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | http://www.jpmecologistics.co.uk/ |
| Episode 8 | 11 December 2007 | Peter Moule | ElectroExpo, Chocbox Chocbox Chocbox is a patented plastic box for safely enclosing electrical connections made with screw connector strips. They were invented by entrepreneur Peter Moule, who appeared on the BBC television programme Dragons' Den in 2007. He secured a deal with 2 dragons, Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan, for... |
150,000 | Plastic housing that protects cable connections | Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan | http://www.chocbox.info/index.html |
| Episode 9 | 18 December 2007 | Amanda Jones & James Brown | Red Button Design | 50,000 | A water transport, sanitation and storage device for the developing world | All five Dragons | http://www.thisisredbutton.co.uk/ |
Series 6
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 21 July 2008 | Jamie Turner | Hamfatter Hamfatter Hamfatter are a pop rock band from Cambridge, UK, formed in 2002. The band are known primarily for their appearance on BBC's Dragon's Den. The core of the band is a three-piece, comprising Eoin O'Mahony , James Ingham and Mark Ellis .Eoin O'Mahony is the younger brother of the author Daniel... |
75,000 | A music band | Peter Jones | http://www.hamfatter.net/ |
| Episode 1 | 21 July 2008 | Julia Charles & Amy Goldthorpe | D4M Ltd | 75,000 | Events management company | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | http://www.d4mltd.co.uk/index.asp |
| Episode 2 | 28 July 2008 | Victoria McGrane | Neurotica | 56,000 (but received 75,000) |
Fashion designer | Peter Jones | http://www.thisisneurotica.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 4 August 2008 | Ming Yun | Light Emotions | 40,000 | Glow in the dark products | Peter Jones | http://www.lightemotions.com/ |
| Episode 3 | 4 August 2008 | Michael Cotton | DDN Ltd | 250,000 | Misfuelling prevention device | Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden | http://www.misfuellingprevention.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 11 August 2008 | Charlotte Evans & Caroyln Jarvis | Buggy Boot | 80,000 | Storage solution for pushchairs | Deborah Meaden | http://www.buggyboot.com/ |
| Episode 4 | 11 August 2008 | Andrew Harsley | Rapstrap Rapstrap Rapstrap is a system of securing and bundling together cables, ropes, plants, etc. It is a reusable plastic strap that is wrapped around the cables, plants, or supports and then cut to size, similarly to cable ties... |
150,000 | Waste-free cable-tie | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | http://www.rapstrap.com |
| Episode 5 | 18 August 2008 | Neil and Laura Westwood | Magic Whiteboard | 100,000 | Portable whiteboard in the form of a roll | Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden | http://www.magicwhiteboard.co.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 18 August 2008 | Guy Unwin & Caroline Kavanagh | Planit Products | 200,000 | Toastabags | James Caan | http://shop.toastabags.com/epages/es109145.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es109145_shop |
| Episode 6 | 25 August 2008 | Guy Portelli | Guy Portelli Sculpture Studio | 70,000 (but received 80,000) |
Collection of 18 sculptures | James Caan, Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | http://www.portelli-sculptor.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 25 August 2008 | Raymond Smith | Magic Pizza | 50,000 | Device designed to eliminate a 'soggy middle' | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | http://www.magicpizza.co.uk/ |
| Episode 7 | 1 September 2008 | Dominic Lawrence, Simeone Salik & Janice Dalton | Blindsinabox Ltd | 40,000 | Temporary, easy to install blinds | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | http://www.blindsinabox.co.uk/ |
| Episode 7 | 1 September 2008 | Christian Richardson Robin Banks Robin Banks is a TV presenter and radio DJ originally from Kilkenny, Ireland. He is not to be confused with the former Radio North Sea International DJ and engineer Robin Banks, real name Robin Adcroft.-Career:He is the narrator in the British/European version of the popular Discovery Channel... & Rachel Watkyn |
Tiny Box | 53,000 | Unique recycled packaging company | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | http://www.tinyboxco.com/ |
| Episode 8 | 8 September 2008 | Paul Tinton | ProWaste Management Services | 200,000 | Construction waste recycling service | Duncan Bannatyne & Deborah Meaden | http://www.prowaste.co.uk/ |
Series 7
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 July 2009 | Rupert Sweet-Escott | Sweet-Escott Aviation Ltd | 80,000 | An aviation renewable energy supply company | James Caan | http://www.airbikeuk.co.uk/index.htm |
| Episode 1 | 15 July 2009 | Steve Smith | TrueCall Ltd | 100,000 | A device to stop nuisance phone calls | Peter Jones | http://www.truecall.co.uk/ |
| Episode 2 | 22 July 2009 | Richard Enion & Michael Davis | Basstoneslap | 50,000 | High energy drumming performance for corporate team building | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | http://www.basstoneslap.tv/ |
| Episode 2 | 22 July 2009 | Sharon Wright | Magnamole Ltd | 50,000 (but received 80,000) |
A device to thread cables through cavity walls | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | http://www.magnamole.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 29 July 2009 | Lawrence Webb & Frank Drewett | Lid Lifters | 50,000 | A labour-saving device for lifting wheelie bin lids | Peter Jones | http://www.lidlifter.co.uk/index.html |
| Episode 3 | 29 July 2009 | Oliver Richmond & Toby Richmond | Servicing Stop | 100,000 | A bespoke nationwide car servicing company | Deborah Meaden | http://www.servicingstop.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 5 August 2009 | Tony Earnshaw & Stephen Pearsons | UK Commercial Cleaning | 100,000 | Commercial cleaning company | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.ukcommercialcleaning.com/ |
| Episode 4 | 5 August 2009 | Karen O'Neill & Karen Coombes | KCO Inline Ice Skating Ltd | 100,000 | New inline skate that allows dancers to perform ice-dancing moves on all surfaces | Theo Paphitis | http://www.iceblading.co.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 12 August 2009 | Carol Savage | MyDish.co.uk | 100,000 | Online community for people who love food and cooking and want to share recipes with their friends and family | Deborah Meaden | http://www.mydish.co.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 12 August 2009 | Jane Rafter | Slinks | 75,000 | Sandals for every occasion: one base with a selection of interchangeable uppers | Theo Paphitis & James Caan | http://www.slinks.com/ |
| Episode 6 | 19 August 2009 | Jason Roberts | Tech21 | 150,000 | Protective cases for laptops, mobile phones etc. using a material called D30 | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | http://www.tech21.uk.com/ |
| Episode 7 | 26 August 2009 | Michael Pritchard | The Anyway Spray | 125,000 | Invention that allows every last drop of liquid to be used in multi-directional household product sprays | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | http://anywayspray.ning.com/ |
| Episode 7 | 26 August 2009 | Kay Russell | Physicool Ltd | 100,000 | Invention that reduces the temperature after a bandage has been applied to an injured area | Deborah Meaden | http://www.physicool.co.uk/ |
| Episode 8 | 2 September 2009 | Michael Lea | Earle's | 100,000 | Food truck franchise that sells hot and cold foods | Peter Jones | http://www.earles-direct.co.uk/ |
| Episode 8 | 2 September 2009 | David & Patti Bailey | Motor Mouse | 100,000 (but received 120,000) |
Wireless mice shaped like famous sports cars | James Caan | http://www.motor-mouse.net/ |
Series 8
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 14 July 2010 | Geoff Bowen | Pebblebed Vineyard | 60,000 | The chance for wine lovers to rent their own vines in a vineyard | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.pebblebed.co.uk/ |
| Episode 1 | 14 July 2010 | Kirsty Henshaw | Worthenshaw's | 65,000 | A frozen dessert which is a dairy-free healthy alternative to ice cream | Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones | http://www.worthenshaws.co.uk/ |
| Episode 2 | 21 July 2010 | Angela Newman | Vintage Patisserie | 100,000 | A vintage hosting company that runs parties which capture elements of a bygone era. | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | http://www.vintagepatisserie.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 26 July 2010 | Dennis Fuller | Golfers' Mate | 100,000 | A 3-in-1 golf accessory that includes a pitch-mark repairer, ball marker, t-peg and sharpener | James Caan | http://golfersmate.co.uk/ |
| Episode 3 | 26 July 2010 | Peter Harrison and Wesley Downham | FGH Security | 75,000 (but received 100,000) |
A security company that provides manned security, electronic security (alarms) and CCTV | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | http://www.fghsecurity.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 2 August 2010 | Layla Bennett | Hawksdrift Falconry | 50,000 | Birds of prey business which does pest control, falconry displays and provides a gift delivery service using birds. | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.hawksdrift.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 2 August 2010 | Tim Williams and Tom Hogan | Lumacoustics | 50,000 | An electronic graffiti wall | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | http://www.lumacoustics.co.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 9 August 2010 | Sarah & Mike Longthorn & Laura Booth | WedgeWelly | 65,000 | Wellington boots with a wedge | Theo Paphitis | http://www.wedgewelly.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 16 August 2010 | Faizal Khan & Gary Hilman | Peel Engineering | 80,000 | The world's smallest production car, also powered by an electric motor. | James Caan | http://www.peelengineering.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 16 August 2010 | Ralf Klinnert | Funky Moves | 120,000 | An electronic interactive sports cone game | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | http://www.funky-moves.co.uk/ |
| Episode 7 | 24 August 2010 | Letitia Valentine & Alexander Lewis | Surviva Jak | 75,000 | Jacket that has foil lining to prevent hypothermia | Deborah Meaden | http://www.survivawear.com/ |
| Episode 7 | 24 August 2010 | Richard Blakesley & Chris Barnardo | The Wand Company | 200,000 | "Kymera" - a buttonless gesture-based universal remote control | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.thewandcompany.com/ |
| Episode 8 | 31 August 2010 | Patrick van der Vorst | Value My Stuff Now | 100,000 | An online antique valuation service | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | http://www.valuemystuffnow.com/ |
| Episode 8 | 31 August 2010 | Chris Elsworthy | Power8 Workshop | 150,000 | Power8 workshop, a power tool set that is the world's first cordless bench top system | Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones | http://www.power8workshop.com/index.php |
| Episode 9 | 6 September 2010 | Solvej Biddle | Content and Calm (Traykit) | 80,000 | A backpack-tray for use on cars, planes, etc. that prevents children's toys rolling onto the floor | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | http://www.contentandcalm.com/ |
| Episode 9 | 6 September 2010 | Adam Weaver | Proppa | 50,000 | A website that sells vehicle accessories | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.proppa.com/ |
Series 9
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 31 July 2011 | Georgette Hewitt | The Present Club | 60,000 | A website for buying gifts for children | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | http://www.thepresentclub.co.uk/ |
| Episode 1 | 31 July 2011 | Chris Hopkins | Ploughcroft Solar | 120,000 | A company that installs solar panels in homes | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | http://www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk/ |
| Episode 2 | 7 August 2011 | Christian Hartmann, Martin McLaughlin, Tom Callard | Love Da Pop | 70,000 | A business turning the old popcorn treat into a modern mainstream snack | Peter Jones | http://www.lovedawebsite.com/ |
| Episode 2 | 7 August 2011 | Liz and Alan Colleran | Raskelf Memory Foam (Duvalay) | 80,000 | A zip-up memory foam mattress and duvet combo | Hilary Devey | http://www.raskelf.com/home.php |
| Episode 3 | 14 August 2011 | Peter and Michelle Hart | Fun Fancy Dress | 100,000 | Fancy-dress shop business and franchise | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.funfancydress.com/ |
| Episode 4 | 21 August 2011 | Bob Davis | Unique Ideas UK | 50,000 | Corporate events and entertainment including the Cyclone GameCube | Hilary Devey | http://www.uniqueideas.co.uk/ |
| Episode 4 | 21 August 2011 | Robert Lewis | Rollersigns | 100,000 | Advertising on belt banners | Peter Jones | http://www.rollersigns.com/ |
| Episode 5 | 28 August 2011 | Kate Castle | BoginaBag | 50,000 | Lightweight, portable toilet | Theo Paphitis | http://www.boginabag.co.uk/ |
| Episode 5 | 28 August 2011 | Henry Buckley and JJ Harding | JogPost Limited | 50,000 | Direct marketing company specialising in leaflet distribution | Deborah Meaden | http://www.leafletdistribution.co.uk/ |
| Episode 6 | 4 September 2011 | Andy Bates | AB Performance | 50,000 | Bike-engined car manufacturing, servicing, repairs and tuning company | Peter Jones | http://www.abperformance.co.uk/ |
| Episode 7 | 12 September 2011 | Nick Cross, Richard Hadden and Sebastian Stoddart | barMate | 50,000 | Hands-free pint-pulling product | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | http://www.barmate.info/ |
| Episode 7 | 12 September 2011 | Simon Booth | Kiddimoto | 75,000 | Children's balance bikes | Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.kiddimoto.co.uk/ |
| Episode 8 | 19 September 2011 | Ryan Ashmore and Liam Webb | RKA Records | 50,000 | Record label | Duncan Bannatyne | http://www.rkarecords.com/ |
| Episode 8 | 19 September 2011 | Aidan Quinn and Gemma Rowe | EcoHab Homes and O-Pod Buildings | 75,000 | Energy-efficient dome-shaped buildings and garden structures | Theo Paphitis | http://officeingarden.co.uk/ |
| Episode 9 | 26 September 2011 | Andrea McDowall and Rebecca Baldwin | Shoot It Yourself | 60,000 | Professional video hiring and editing business | Hilary Devey | http://www.shoot-it-yourself.co.uk/ |
| Episode 10 | 3 October 2011 | Helen Waterston | Innovative Gadgets Ltd. (Roastcosy) | 70,000 | Stainless steel chain mail covering for roasting meats | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | http://www.roastcosy.co.uk/ |
Successful failures
Some contestants have gone on to success with their products despite being turned down by the Dragons. Examples include Destination LondonDestination (game)
Destination is a board game first published in 2004 by R.T.L Ltd. Players compete as taxi drivers to acquire play money by moving from destination to destination using dice....
, a board game
Board game
A board game is a game which involves counters or pieces being moved on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules. Games may be based on pure strategy, chance or a mixture of the two, and usually have a goal which a player aims to achieve...
; the Tangle Teezer, a hairbrush designed to smooth knotted hair; Trunki, travel luggage designed for children; and the BarbeSkew, a rotisserie Barbecue
Barbecue
Barbecue or barbeque , used chiefly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia is a method and apparatus for cooking meat, poultry and occasionally fish with the heat and hot smoke of a fire, smoking wood, or hot coals of...
.
Rejected Dragon offers
Founder Fenella Lindsell and executive Lara Goodbody appeared on the show in 2006 with their company YogabugsYogabugs
YogaBugs is a UK provider of children's yoga classes and is run on a franchise model.-About:Founded in 2004 by Fenella Lindsell, YogaBugs is the UK's leading provider of yoga for children of walking age up to 12 years. YogaBugs runs classes in primary schools, nurseries, children's centres as well...
. They rejected an offer from Australian multi-millionaire Richard Farleigh of £200,000 for 30% of the business. They also rejected £100,000 for 15% of the business by Peter Jones and left Dragons' Den with no offers because they believed the company was worth more. Since then they have gone on to build a franchise operation with 150 locations offered in the UK.
In Series 2, Danny Bamping accepted an offer of £100,000 for 30% of his company Bedlam Puzzles but rejected it after the show, opting to get a bank loan instead. His strategy was successful, as the show generated enough publicity to boost online sales of his Bedlam Cube
Bedlam cube
The Bedlam cube is a solid dissection puzzle invented by British puzzle expert Bruce Bedlam.- Design :The puzzle consists of thirteen polycubic pieces: twelve pentacubes and one tetracube. The objective is to assemble these pieces into a 4 x 4 x 4 cube...
from 23 to 4,500 on the days before and after the show's airing.
Rachel Elnaugh's departure
Shortly before the launch of the second series in 2005, Rachel Elnaugh's company Red Letter DaysRed Letter Days
Red Letter Days is a UK company which pioneered the concept of giving experience day vouchers as gifts and corporate rewards. Also see Experience gifts....
went into administration
Administration (insolvency)
As a legal concept, administration is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions. It functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent entities and allows them to carry on running their business. The process – an alternative to liquidation – is often known as going...
; the remaining assets were bought by fellow dragons Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis. Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO whom she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role to have her fourth child. Following 5 investments over 2 series, as a result of disputes with various Dragons, and the continuing uncomfortable position of the BBC allowing a perceived "failed" business person to continue investing on the show, she agreed to leave the Dragons' Den panel.
Sunday Mirror investigation
Although the BBC has never made any secret of deals that succeeded or fell through, usually offering a follow up in the final episode of the series, in September 2006 an investigation by the Sunday MirrorSunday Mirror
The Sunday Mirror is the Sunday sister paper of the Daily Mirror. It began life in 1915 as the Sunday Pictorial and was renamed the Sunday Mirror in 1963. Trinity Mirror also owns The People...
newspaper criticised the show, reporting that most of the deals were unfulfilled after the programs were shot.
The article claimed that the Dragons either pulled out of the deals over minor technicalities, deliberately offered heavily unfavourable terms to the entrepreneurs in an effort to make them withdraw, or simply broke off all contact with them after the recording. The Dragons however defended their record, blaming the failures on the Entrepreners themselves who were dishonest about their products, with Duncan Bannatyne stating: "We don't hand over money to people who don't tell the truth.", while Theo Paphitis added: "I kept up my end of the bargain. The show is not about a cash prize, it is about us pledging to invest. But people must tell the truth. Simple."
A BBC spokesman said: "After the initial agreement is made on camera, both parties enter a period of due diligence
Due diligence
"Due diligence" is a term used for a number of concepts involving either an investigation of a business or person prior to signing a contract, or an act with a certain standard of care. It can be a legal obligation, but the term will more commonly apply to voluntary investigations...
. Sometimes during this period the deals fall through."
Richard Farleigh's departure
It was announced on 18 May 2007 that Richard FarleighRichard Farleigh
Richard Farleigh is an Australian private investor. He is currently a member of the Business Review Weekly Rich 200 list, a list of the 200 wealthiest Australian individuals.- Early life :...
had been dropped from the series.
The Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
suggested he might have been dropped in order to have a new Dragon from an ethnic minority. Farleigh said, "It would be disappointing if that was the reason - rather than anything fundamental - if it was because I was the wrong colour. I don't know why this has happened and I am very disappointed and bemused - I wasn't expecting it because all the feedback I got was very positive. I had even moved back to the UK to focus on commitments for the show. I am gutted that I have not been invited back."
The suggestions in the Daily Mail report were rejected by the BBC who said the new Dragon would be chosen by their "business credentials" and not ethnicity. A BBC spokesman said it was normal that the show sometimes changed its team. Farleigh was later replaced by James Caan
James Caan (entrepreneur)
James Caan is a British-Pakistani entrepreneur and television personality. Caan has been building and selling businesses since 1985, including Alexander Mann Group, Humana International, and the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.Caan initially achieved success in the recruitment industry,...
.
James Caan's departure
In April 2010, the Daily MailDaily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
reported that James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne were involved in a 'bitter row' over tax. Bannatyne claimed Pakistan-born Caan had an 'unfair' business advantage due to his non-domiciled tax status. He complained that, because Caan does not pay UK tax on his overseas earnings, he has more money to invest in his UK ventures.
Caan told the London Evening Standard
Evening Standard
The Evening Standard, now styled the London Evening Standard, is a free local daily newspaper, published Monday–Friday in tabloid format in London. It is the dominant regional evening paper for London and the surrounding area, with coverage of national and international news and City of London...
: "I do not apologise for my country of origin, Pakistan." He also said he could not invest with anyone who had a criminal record - a reference to Bannatyne's having served a sentence in military prison when he was a teenager in the Royal Navy.
Bannatyne replied that Caan was 'playing the race card' and 'personalising the whole thing', and accused him of implying he was racist.
Only days before the filming of series 8, Bannatyne went on to Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
, pointing out that Caan is chairman of the Big Issue, which employs sellers with criminal pasts, and asking how they could now work with their chief. He brought the name of the Big Issue founder into the row by asking: 'Did John Bird
John Bird
John Bird may refer to:* John Bird , British actor and comedian* John Bird , founder of The Big Issue* John Bird , British astronomer and instrument designer...
know about James Caan's view on ex-prisoners when he gave him the chairman's role?'
Further fanning the flames for Caan was a well publicised critique of accusations that he offered to buy a baby from a family in Pakistan.
On 7 January 2011, the BBC announced James Caan had quit the Dragons' Den panel. The BBC announced regret and sorrow over the exit and thanked him for his efforts over his four series in the show. Clive Morgan of The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
criticised his departure, stating his exit was the show's loss and would not be the same without him.
He was replaced by Hilary Devey
Hilary Devey
Hilary Lorraine Devey is a British businesswoman, television personality, entrepreneur and commentator. She is probably best known for her appearances on the BBC Two programme Dragons' Den.-Early life:...
in February 2011.
Spoofs
Duncan BannatyneDuncan Bannatyne
Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den...
appeared as himself in a recurring sketch in the ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
television show Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder
Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder
Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder is a British sketch show starring comedian Al Murray. The multi character aspect of the show was a departure from Murray's previous television comedy work, as the sole character The Pub Landlord. The first series ran from 27 February to 12 April 2009,...
titled "Duncan's Den", a parody of Dragons' Den, where Duncan is the only Dragon. Al Murray
Al Murray
Alastair James Hay "Al" Murray , is a British comedian best known for his stand-up persona, The Pub Landlord, a stereotypical xenophobic public house licensee. In 2003, he was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy...
plays the role of Evan Davis, and in each successive sketch there is only one applicant, the hopelessly nervous and commercially inept, recent divorcee Carole Price, played by Laura Solon
Laura Solon
Laura Solon is an English comedian, actor, writer, and winner of the 2005 Perrier Comedy Award, only the second woman to win as a solo performer .-Background:...
.
Kayvan Novak
Kayvan Novak
Kayvan Novak is an award-winning British Iranian television actor and voice artist.- Voice actor :Novak has provided voice work for three video games: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Perfect Dark Zero and Kameo...
created a parody of the show called "Lizard's Lair" for his character Terry Tibbs on an episode of his show Facejacker
Facejacker
Facejacker is a Channel 4 comedy series which started on 16 April 2010. It follows the similar show Fonejacker. Kayvan Novak adopts various disguises , including several characters heard in Fonejacker...
where unsuspecting entrepreneurs were led to believe they could receive an investment from Terry in a very similar style to Dragons' Den.
Peter Jones
Peter Jones (entrepreneur)
Peter Jones, CBE is a British entrepreneur and businessman with interests in mobile phones, television, media, leisure, and property. He became a television celebrity through his appearances on the BBC Two show Dragons' Den and on his American television show American Inventor...
, Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout...
, and Duncan Bannatyne
Duncan Bannatyne
Duncan Walker Bannatyne, OBE is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. His business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, stage schools, property and transport. He is most famous for his appearance as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons' Den...
appear as themselves in a satirical dream sequence in a series 6 episode titled "Conned Out of Luck" of the BBC show, Hustle
Hustle (TV series)
Hustle is a British television drama series made by Kudos Film and Television for BBC One in the United Kingdom. Created by Tony Jordan and first broadcast in 2004, the series follows a group of con artists who specialise in "long cons" – extended deceptions which require greater commitment, but...
.
The sketch show Harry & Paul has featured a series of parodies by Harry Enfield
Harry Enfield
Henry Richard "Harry" Enfield is a BAFTA-winning English comedian, actor, writer and director.-Early life:...
and Paul Whitehouse
Paul Whitehouse
Paul Whitehouse is a Welsh actor, writer and comedian. He became known for his work with Harry Enfield and as one of the stars of the popular BBC sketch show, The Fast Show. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was in the top 50 comedy acts voted for by comedians and comedy insiders...
, where through careful editing the pair portray all the characters, including Davis (Whitehouse), the contestants unsuccessfully pitching various bizarre ideas (e.g. a 'kitten
Kitten
A kitten is a juvenile domesticated cat.The young of big cats are called cubs rather than kittens. Either term may be used for the young of smaller wild felids such as ocelots, caracals, and lynx, but "kitten" is usually more common for these species....
stomper' device) and a parodied cast of the Dragons. The emphasis is particularly on the entrepreneurs' names (e.g. 'Duncan Guillotine
Guillotine
The guillotine is a device used for carrying out :executions by decapitation. It consists of a tall upright frame from which an angled blade is suspended. This blade is raised with a rope and then allowed to drop, severing the head from the body...
') and personalities (Meadon is simply 'The Grumpy Woman' – Enfield in drag). In one sketch parodying the banking crisis, Enfield's old character Tim Nice-But-Dim made an appearance and was revealed to be "obviously" the brother of 'Peter Jones'.
Dead Ringers parodied the show with strange investments such as a tramp wanting investment in tea and a sketch where a man wants £100,000 and his pitch is a gun. They also parodied Dragon responses with Deborah Meaden seeing a product which turns base metal to gold and saying "How do you make any money out of this?".
The talkSPORT
TalkSPORT
Talksport , owned by UTV radio, is one of the United Kingdom's three terrestrial analogue Independent National Radio broadcasters, offering a sports and talk radio service broadcast from London to the United Kingdom....
weekday afternoon show presented by Paul Hawksbee
Paul Hawksbee
Paul Hawksbee presents the Hawksbee and Jacobs show alongside Andy Jacobs on talkSPORT and has also presented You're on Sky Sports on the Sky Sports subscription TV channel....
and Andy Jacobs
Andy Jacobs
Andrew Eustace Jacobs is a British sports radio personality who presents the Hawksbee and Jacobs show alongside Paul Hawksbee on talkSPORT in the UK, every weekday from 1-4pm....
has recently begun a weekly spoof slot wherein "Hilary Devey" (Jacobs) makes obvious comments to (absent) sporting personalities who have recently been in the news for making poor decisions. These comments usually deride said personality, ending with the Dragons' common final phrase, "I'm Out!"