Entrepreneur and award-winning business woman Hilary Devey is to join the next series of Dragons’ Den when it returns to BBC Two later this year.
An experienced business woman with a proven track record, Hilary brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise needed to scrutinise fledgling entrepreneurs when they enter the Den.
Hilary launched her own business Pall-Ex in 1996, which helped to revolutionise the pallet distribution industry in the UK and whose business model has now become standard across the industry. Unable to secure backing, Hilary sold her car and home to fund her company, which she has built up into a successful multi-million pound European business empire.
James Caan has confirmed that he will not be returning to Dragons’ Den.
The British Pakistani entrepreneur joined the panel in 2007 and has been characterized in the media as both the calmest and most sincere of all the Dragons. However he has now decided that he no longer has the time to devote to the BBC show, because of all his other work commitments.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time in the Dragons’ Den, however my work and philanthropic interests mean I can’t devote the time required to the Den any longer,” he said in a statement. “Dragons’ Den has been an integral and exciting part of my professional life and I thank the show profusely for letting me be a part of it for so long. Unfortunately, I’m out!”
Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne has suggested that show bosses sack millionaire James Caan from the lineup and replace him with Apprentice star Karren Brady.
Bannatyne has insisted that the BBC needs only him and Peter Jones on the show, adding that the rest of the panel including Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis are completely replaceable.
A fast and accurate arts and antiques valuation website service – www.ValueMyStuffNow.com – received a £100k cash investment in return for a 40 per cent share of the business by the Dragons’ Den stars Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden on last night’s BBC TWO programme.
The BBC are reportedly considering sacking James Caan, Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden from Dragons’ Den and planning to hire some younger millionaires to take their place on the show’s panel.
It seems that Dragon’s Den bigwig, Duncan Bannatyne, has plans to feature ten “tramps” in a new reality TV show in which the vagrants will compete for a job with Bannatyne.
The Sun reports that Duncan intends to “put the down-and-outs through their paces” at his own luxury spa hotel in Hastings, East Sussex.
The show, to be called “Homeless Hotel” will see the homeless competitors go through numerous rounds, with one eventually being awarded a job.
It seems the show’s producers are working closely with homeless charity Shelter prior to the show commencing later this year.
A show source told the paper, “Reality shows have tackled everything under the sun but no one has thought of doing something like this… Read more & comment »
Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne has denied claims that he has been hypocritical about his holiday choices.
The 60-year-old businessman recently filmed scenes for the The Great British Holiday Show, in which he encouraged people to holiday in Britain, he has since flew out to spend summer in his villa in France.
During filming Duncan commented: “People should be holidaying here instead of going abroad.”
Dragons’ Den panellist Theo Paphitis has joined the board of Marvel Entertainment.
Having previously revived retail brands including Ryman the Stationer and the Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains, Paphitis will be overseeing the development of Marvel’s interests in Europe from September.
“I’ve always said that business should be fun and joining the advisory board of Marvel is certainly that,” said Paphitis. “Having loved Marvel’s comics, films and merchandise, I now find myself sharing them with my children and grandchildren.
Launching a new musical is a notoriously risky venture; will Kent-based theatre director and former Pebble Mill presenter Josephine Buchan hit the right note in her quest for cash? East London brothers Oliver and Toby Richmond hope there will be no stalling when they ask the Dragons to invest in their car servicing company. A former GCSE project takes centre stage when Welsh student Emily Webb asks for 75,000 pounds to take her invention to market, and Rugby duo Frank Drewett and Lawrence Webb hope a Dragon’s backing will help lift the lid on the potential of their wheelie bin accessory.
