The new series of Dragons’ Den continues with eight more intrepid entrepreneurs pitching to the multi-millionaire investors.

Londoners Krissy Sims and Kerry O’Brien, AKA DJ Trickles and Lady MC, enter the Den with a state-of-the-art turntable extravaganza in the back of their 4×4. The Dragons are often happy to demo a product but it’s the business and how it makes money that remains their ultimate concern.

Husband-and-wife team Liz and Alan Colleran from Dewsbury may be pitching their comfy caravan product, but will their Den experience be quite so luxurious and comfortable?

Elsewhere an Englishman, a Norwegian and a Scot walk into the Den; shades for canines are on offer; there’s a never-before-seen inflatable car-based device; and a Kentish entrepreneur thinks honesty is the best policy when pitching without a formal business plan, but with an offer to help everyone get the perfect looking body for just £20.

Sunday 7 August
9.00-10.00pm BBC TWO and BBC HD

View the original post Dragons’ Den: Liz and Alan Colleran pitch caravan product to Hilary Devey, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones on Unreality TV

It may be a time of austerity in the UK but not so in the Dragons’ Den … business is booming as the self-made multimillionaires return, ready to invest in the best of Britain’s entrepreneurs.

While the rules of the Den remain the same, there is one change in the form of new Dragon Hilary Devey, who joins returning Dragons Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones.

Having scrimped, saved and self-sacrificed to make her fortune in the haulage industry, Hilary has her own views on the products and businesses brought before her, and she’s more than happy to take on her rivals in order to get the best deal.

Georgette Hewitt from Kent finds out exactly how nerve-wracking it can be to pitch to the Dragons. It’s a real battle to compose her nerves but one she must win in order to tempt the multimillionaires to invest in her answer to a common birthday party headache familiar to all parents.

Entrepreneurs often take advantage of the latest Government schemes and incentives when building their business, which is exactly what Chris Hopkins from Yorkshire has done by capitalising on the solar power feed-in tariff. But, when a Dragon knows your industry inside-out, it’s not always what you want…

The first episode also sees the most unusual use you could ever think of for a plastic egg; a circus act that’s sure to go with a bang; and a mind-changing massage service. As ever, Evan Davis is on hand to dissect the events, with further action and reaction available through the BBC Red Button.

Sunday 31 July
9.00-10.00pm BBC TWO and BBC HD

View the original post Dragons’ Den returns: Georgette Hewitt faces Hilary Devey, Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden on Unreality TV

Theo Paphitis has fuelled a row between himself and Duncan Bannatyne, by claiming that he has had more plastic surgery than American TV star Joan Rivers.

The pair work together on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den and speaking to The Sun, he said:

“There is no aftermarket equipment with me, but there is with some of the others. Dugan, (Duncan) has had more work done than Joan Rivers.

“It’s frightening – you should see the stitches sometimes.

He also turned his attention to fellow panellist Peter Jones adding:

“Peter has his own mirror backstage and is the last to finish getting ready. Before we start filming, he looks at the mirror and says, ‘It doesn’t get better than this’.”

Straight talking Duncan has previously admitted to having his eyes and teeth done and has undergone a hair transplant so he doesn’t “look like John Prescott”.

View the original post Dragons’ Den 2011: Theo Paphitis says Duncan Bannatyne has had more plastic surgery than Joan Rivers on Unreality TV

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 founder, London-based former Sotheby’s director Patrick van der Vorst says his service guarantees an expert valuation from as little as £3.89 within 48 hours, thanks to his team of 40 arts and antiques experts. The website is fast, reliable and good value for money, making art expertise available to all.

The simple to use site requests that you post photographs of your artefact and give a brief description. What’s handy is that you can upload as many photos as you like and any file size is accepted.

Theo Paphitis said, “The service is ideal for use by the antiques trade, serious collectors and keen punters alike. We know from programmes like the Antiques Road Show that many people haven’t a clue about the value of their treasured possessions and ValueMyStuffNow goes a long way to protect them for selling at too low a price.”

Deborah Meaden added, “Patrick’s credentials are superb and he has instant access to specialists who between them have over 975 years of combined experience. Most of them have worked for Sotheby’s or Christie’s and each has specialist knowledge, from art to sports memorabilia to wine.”

Speaking from his office in Victoria, Patrick van der Vorst said, “With the help of my Dragon investors I can put my service on the map both here and in the USA where there is very keen interest in memorabilia, art and antiques. My vision of offering inexpensive valuations to all is about to be realised.”

The website does not buy or advise on where to sell items, so its valuations are completely unbiased and without conflict of interest.

The company was established in September 2009 and in its first year has given 21,000 valuations worldwide to over 12,000 customers.

View the original post Dragons’ Den: Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden invest in valuemystuff.com on Unreality TV

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.

The News of the World reports that Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne will remain on the show but they will be joined by two or three new faces in a bid to revamp the format.

A source said: “The producers are planning a big overhaul of the show. They’re approaching a lot of new businessmen and women – they’d like some younger millionaires and more women on the panel too.”

Bosses have reportedly already approached 28 year old Surrey based entrepreneur, James Simpson.

The source added: “He’s exactly the sort of dragon they want. He’s young, self-made and would bring glamour to the panel.”

A spokesman for the BBC said: “It is far too early to talk about the next series and any comment on who the dragons may be is nothing more than pure speculation.”

View the original post Dragons’ Den 2011: James Caan, Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden sacked? on Unreality TV

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.

“Although Marvel is 70 years old, it is in its infancy in most markets outside the US and UK. I’m looking forward to helping Marvel develop positive results in new territories.”

View the original post Theo Paphitis Joins Marvel on Unreality TV

Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Theo Paphitis is reported to be considering bidding for failing high street chain, Woolworths.

Administrator Deloitte, has confirmed that it has had ten serious offers for the chain.

A Deloitte spokesman said: “Face-to-face talks took place yesterday with interested parties. Talks will continue on Monday with those parties.”

Mr Paphitis met with Deloitte on Friday but his interest in Woolworths was said to be “tentative”, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

View the original post Dragons’ Den: Theo Paphitis To Buy Woolworths? on Unreality TV

Anthony Coates-Smith & Alistair Turner chances looked slim at first as Peter Jones accused them of having frozen brains for valuing their company at £2 million. however it became apparent that the mens proposal could be a profitable one as a bidding war ensued amongst the Dragons.

Duncan Bannatyne made the first offer of £80,000 for 20%, swiftly matched by Richard Farleigh, who brought the equity down to 15%.

Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis tried to undercut them with a bid for 12.5%, followed by Peter Jones, who had clearly warmed to the business.

He offered all the money for 30%, but in the end it was Richard who clinched the deal by suggesting that he and Duncan offered half each for a total of 22.5%.

After a quick chat at the back of the den, Anthony and Alistair chose to go with Richard and Duncan’s offer and secured the £160,000 they needed to expand their business to two further UK locations.

View the original post Dragons’ Den: Duncan Bannatyne Buys Into Igloo on Unreality TV