The Dragons Den

[Jojo]

Does anyone watch this on BBC2 on a Thursday??

General info (from bbc website):

If you've ever had an idea to make money, Dragons' Den is THE show to watch. All manner of money-spinning minds will step into the intimidating world of business financing, determined to make their dreams come true. All they need is the cash. To get this, they must face the Dragons, all of whom are formidable business thinkers with the money to make things happen.

But this is no lottery - the contestants will need all their powers of reasoning, presentation and persuasion to convince our five business experts that theirs is a product worth investing in. The Dragons know what makes a successful idea, how much it's worth and how much cash is needed to get it off the ground.

The Rules

Each business (pitcher) can pitch for a specified amount of funding for their idea or product.
If the pitcher can convince one or more of the Dragons to meet that specified amount (usually in exchange for shares of their company), the pitcher walks away with the cash.
If the pitchers find themselves short of the specified amount of funding, they lose it all.
Each pitcher is free to bargain with the Dragons in order to get the specified level of funding.


I think its a great programme. I've only just started watching but the way some of the people put their ideas forward and some of their actual ideas, are hilarious! One guy the other week was trying to teach 5 self made multi millionaires, the ways of business and how to make money!! :rotfl:

[Trinity]

I never miss this - I even watched it in hospital (can you believe it - they charge you £3.50 per day to watch TV in the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh!)

Peter Jones is really quite hot.... That'snot why I watch it though. My hubby loves this too and it is one of the very few programmes that we watch together.

[Jojo]

lol - I agree about Peter Jones - very nice on the eye.

Some of the ideas that are put forward are slightly out of there though, but some of the others are really good. Is it me though, or does it seem like whenever Peter gets interested in a business and makes an offer, Richard counter acts that same one aswell. Its happened a couple of times this series, it seems.

[di marco]

I never miss this - I even watched it in hospital (can you believe it - they charge you £3.50 per day to watch TV in the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh!)

when i was in hospital it was £5 a day for tv, such a rip off! :eek:

ive seen the adverts for this but never actually watched it, it looks quite good though, i might try and watch it, itll be interesting to see what ideas people come up with

[Jojo]

You should give it a go Di M - I do wonder how some of them get to the figures of £200k etc for the amount of money they want investing.

[di marco]

You should give it a go Di M - I do wonder how some of them get to the figures of £200k etc for the amount of money they want investing.

yeh i think i will, do you know what time its on?

[Jojo]

8pm Di M (how late was I in replying :rotfl: )

Who watched last night? That woman that kept losing her nerve, and then like the Dragons said, turned it into a crusade for woman - I couldn't believe it.

And then the poker guy who ended up with 4 of the Dragons wanting to invest. Mind you, Duncan could have given him a chance to ask questions of them rather then jumping down his throat when he mentioned about brewery's etc. Blimey :rolleyes:

Good show again last night though.

[di marco]

8pm Di M (how late was I in replying :rotfl:

lol! thanks and dont worry about it! :) if its still on when i get to uni in a weeks time ill give it a go if im in, i think my parents watch something at that time so probably wouldnt be able to see it at home

[Abi]

The new series of this is just about to start on BBC2. Its a fab show. If you like the Apprentice, then you'll like this. Check it out :cool:

[.:SpIcYsPy:.]

Is it still going on? I think I might start watching it since it's like the Apprentice, which I love and never miss! x

[Pinkbanana]

Is it still going on? I think I might start watching it since it's like the Apprentice, which I love and never miss! x

Yep, I think its still on, sure I saw it last week, couldnt tell you the day or the time though....lol

I do cringe for the peeps trying to flog companies/ideas which arent any good, and they over value their companies by several million!!!:lol:

[.:SpIcYsPy:.]

Thanks! I think I will definatly be watching this after EastEnders then! x

[Abbie]

I really liked it the other week, when the guy got the money he wanted for his company and inventions concentrate.
Anyone see it?

[Abigail]

The new series started on Monday. The talking tree thing was good.

[Perdita]

Dragons' Den' star Duncan Bannatyne's life is being turned into a musical.

The business entrepreneur, who is a mentor on the reality show, is set to see his life depicted on the stage in an unauthorised adaptation of his autobiography 'Anyone Can Do It' - which follows his journey from ice cream man to multimillionaire businessman.

Director Gordon McDougall said: "I don't know what Duncan will think of it as he's quite unpredictable. I hope he thinks it's a good idea. He's been quite open about his life so I don't see a need to hide anything. He's a significant figure in the area, hopefully he'll come to see it."

The all-singing, all-dancing show will launch in November in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and will include Duncan's personal trials and tribulations - including an affair he had in 1987 - as well as his business dilemmas.

The 61-year-old Scotsman became important to the area, after his company Bannatyne Group bought a struggling hotel and saved 62 jobs locally.

Duncan is also believed to be about to launch his own reality TV show, 'Homeless Hotel', where 10 homeless people will compete for a job in one of his spa hotels in Hastings, East Sussex.

[tammyy2j]

James Caan has announced that he has quit Dragons' Den.

The Pakistan-born millionaire, who joined the BBC show during its fifth series, confirmed today that he is leaving to focus on 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!"

Dominic Bird, the show's executive editor added: "James has been a fearsome dragon over the last two years and, although we'll be sorry to see him leave the den, we appreciate he is very busy with his new endeavours. We wish him luck and hope to work with him again soon on new projects."

Caan has had a long-running public feud with fellow Dragon Duncan Bannatyne, who last year said that he hoped the 50-year-old would not return for the new series.

[Perdita]

Hilary Devey has been confirmed as the latest addition to BBC Two series Dragons Den.

The entrepreneur will join the programme later this year for the ninth run of the business series, replacing James Caan on the panel.

Devey launched her own business Pall-Ex in 1996 and helped revolutionise the pallet distribution industry in the UK. She now runs a multi-million pound European business empire.

"At a time when the banks are failing to invest in British small businesses, I am proud to be able to do my part to support the next generation of UK entrepreneurs," said Devey.

"In order to set-up Pall-Ex in the mid-90s, I had to sell my house and car to get the start-up capital necessary to fulfil my business ambitions, as none of the banks appreciated my potential. I would have loved the opportunity to have stood before the Dragons, and I will remember my own experiences and the realities of running a business today, when choosing to support - or reject - the budding entrepreneurs joining me in the Den."

BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow added: "Hilary is a welcome and impressive addition to the Dragons' lair. With her extensive business experience, she will bring a new dynamic to the Den, turning up the heat on prospective entrepreneurs as they seek that all important investment."

Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis, Duncan Bannatyne and Deborah Meaden will all return for the new series.


DS

[Perdita]

Dragons' Den

Day and time to be confirmed BBC TWO and BBC HD


Duncan Bannatyne, Hilary Devey, Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones enter the Dragons' Den

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.

[Perdita]

Duncan Bannatyne briefly offered £50,000 to anyone who would break the arms of a man who threatened to hurt his daughter.

The Dragons' Den star swiftly deleted the message on Twitter and replaced it with a £30,000 reward for information leading to the man's address.

Bannatyne had initially received a tweet saying: "I'm looking for a £35,000 investment to stop us hurting your Hollie Bannatyne. We will bring hurt and pain into your life. We are watching her. She is very attractive. Want photos? :eek:

"Duncan Bannatyne - Hollie is going to get hurt. We will bring pain and fear. You should have expected us. We are the men of Belarus.

"We do not give up. We will stand tall. You should have paid. £35,000 to stop it. Contact us to pay. We are watching. Expect us. We are the men of Belarus."

Bannatyne then wrote to his followers: "I offer £25,000 reward for the capture of the coward... Double if his arms are broken first."

After deleting that message, he added: "Ok, £30,000 reward for info leading to his arrest."

Another message which was later deleted read: "Go home to your mum and cry we are closing in on you little boy."

In a statement, Bannatyne said: "My family is well protected but I take any threat to them very seriously and will do all I can to ensure the person or people involved are caught."

Durham Police later confirmed that Bannatyne had reported the threats to them.

Last year, trainee accountant Paul Chambers, 26, was found guilty of writing a message of a "menacing nature" on Twitter after joking about blowing Robin Hood Airport "sky high" if it remained closed when he planned to take a flight. His initial appeal against the conviction was rejected in November.

[Abbie]

I love the new series, I think Hilary is interesting and amusing addition

[Perdita]

Hilary Devey has left Dragons' Den, it has been announced.

The 55-year-old entrepreneur, who joined the BBC business series in February 2011 following the departure of James Caan, has chosen to instead sign an exclusive two-year deal with Channel 4.

According to the BBC's Ariel blog, Devey will be fronting a new factual entertainment series called The Intern for the channel, where hopefuls will compete to win an internship with a prestigious British business.

However, she will be appearing in the forthcoming series of Dragons' Den, which is currently being filmed in Salford to air in the autumn.

A spokesperson for the BBC said of Devey's departure: "Hilary has been a formidable Dragon in the Den and we're sorry to see her go.

"She will be breathing fire throughout the new series of Dragons' Den in the autumn on BBC Two but this upcoming series will be her last."

Devey made her approximately £50 million fortune by launching Pall-Ex, a palletised freight network, in 1996.

It was also reported earlier this month that she was raped at the age of 12, after Devey revealed the secret in her new autobiography Bold As Brass.

[Perdita]

Theo Paphitis has confirmed that he is leaving Dragons' Den.

The entrepreneur, investor and former chairman of Millwall Football Club is leaving to spend more time working on his retail chains, including recent acquisition Robert Dyas.

"After nine intense and fun packed series working with the BBC and the Dragons' Den team, sadly it's time for me to say for the final time, 'I am out'," said Paphitis in a statement issued on Thursday morning (February 7).

"This has not been an easy decision or one that I have taken lightly, but with the workload involved in growing my exciting, successful new lingerie brand Boux Avenue both in the UK and internationally, along with my recent purchase of the Robert Dyas retail chain and the running of the 240 Ryman stationery shops, the time felt right to give up my seat, stop breathing fire and allow someone else to enjoy the wonderful experience of being a Dragon on the BBC hit TV show, Dragons' Den.

"So, it just leaves it for me to say thank you to all past and present Dragons, the brilliant production teams that made the show what it is and of course the BBC for allowing me to participate in the first place.

"Thank you Auntie. I am out. P.S: A big 'good luck' to the new Dragons!"

Paphitis has been with the BBC Manchester-produced show since its second series launched in November 2005.

His departure leaves Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne as the longest-standing Dragons, and the only two to have served on all ten series of the show.

Hilary Devey also left the show recently after two series. Her replacement has not yet been announced.

[moonstorm]

I'm expecting to be asked any time now lol!

[alan45]

I'm expecting to be asked any time now lol!


looks like you didnt make the cut

[alan45]

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/corporate/images/width/live/p0/15/80/p015807h.jpg/608

The BBC today announces that Kelly Hoppen MBE will be one of the new members of Dragons’ Den for series 11 of the BBC Two show.

With 37 years’ experience at the forefront of the design industry, publishers and businesses continually seek Kelly’s expertise, allowing her to indulge her entrepreneurial instincts. Kelly is the author of seven design books to date and is currently working on her eighth.

Devoted to making her design ethos accessible to the masses, Kelly shares her extensive knowledge in her popular Kelly Hoppen Design School. She also fronted Channel 5’s Superior Interiors in 2011.

As an independent 16-and-a-half year-old with a relentless passion for design, Kelly was given the opportunity to design a family friend’s kitchen. This modest commission not only created a teenage entrepreneur, it kick-started one of the most celebrated and extraordinary careers in the design industry.

Kelly has been the recipient of copious design awards and in 2009 was made an MBE for her services to interior design.

A dedicated supporter of good causes and the championing and nurturing of younger and older British entrepreneurs, Kelly is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise.

Kelly says: “I have always been passionate about championing entrepreneurs, so being able to take it to the next level by investing my money in innovative new businesses is very exciting.

"Having started my design business as a teenager, building a global brand through two recessions, I understand the reality of running a creative business. I’m looking forward to bringing a different perspective into the Den and to hopefully finding an undiscovered gem or two!"

Ceri Aston, Executive Producer of Dragons’ Den, says: “Kelly is an exciting addition to the Dragons' Den line-up. With her creative energy, business acumen and acute sense of style, she embodies everything that's great about British design. I'm thrilled to have her on board.”

[lizann]

I'm expecting to be asked any time now lol!

i was too we are too good for the show :p

[lizann]

I'm expecting to be asked any time now lol!

i was too we are too good for the show :p

[moonstorm]

I have too many things in the pipeline and had to turn them downn lol