Dragons' Den (UK TV series)

Dragons' Den
Genre Business
Presented by Evan Davis
Starring Peter Jones
Deborah Meaden (2006—)
Sarah Willingham (2015—)
Nick Jenkins (2015—)
Touker Suleyman (2015—)
Rachel Elnaugh (2005)
Doug Richard (2005)
Simon Woodroffe (2005)
Theo Paphitis (2005–12)
Duncan Bannatyne (2005–15)
Richard Farleigh (2006–07)
James Caan (2007–10)
Hilary Devey (2011–12)
Kelly Hoppen (2013–15)
Piers Linney (2013–15)
Composer(s) John Watt
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 12
No. of episodes 109 (as of 1 February 2015)
Production
Producer(s) Sam Lewens, Zoe Thorman
BBC Manchester
Sony Pictures
Location(s) MediaCityUK (2012–)
Pinewood Studios (2011)
The Depository (2005)
Running time 60 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel BBC Two
BBC HD (simulcast with BBC Two, 2009—)
Picture format 576i
1080p (2009—)
Original run 4 January 2005 – present
External links
Website

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.

Programme

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 equity 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.

Set and theme

The opening sequence was shot in Ancoats, Manchester, an area transformed by the Industrial Revolution which helped give the city its nickname Cottonopolis.[1] The sequence features shots of Brunswick Mill, Murrays' Mills and McConnel & Kennedy mills - all three are 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.[1] The location at which the pitches are filmed has varied over the years. It was originally filmed inside a furniture depository in Stoke Newington. The production were forced to move after the first series owing to building work next door. For the second series shooting took place in a disused warehouse in the City. It was then that the first set was created by production designer Laurence Williams, requiring the construction of a section of the window wall and the staircase down to the lower floor. The owner of this warehouse converted it into flats necessitating a further move to Tanner Street for the next few series. Here another more extensive set was created including cutting a hole in the floor and again creating the stairs down to the lower floor. Building work required yet again a move to Pinewood Studios only two weeks before a series was due to be shot and the production designer had to create a complete set on the film stage including a staircase which descended down into the underfloor tank. After several more series were shot at Pinewood, the production was moved to the BBC's new home in Salford Quays at MediaCityUK. A brand new set was created for the move and was screened in the latter part of 2012 for Series 10.[2]

Awards

Year Award Category Result
2005 Banff Rockie Award "Best Unscripted Entertainment Programme" Won
2006 BAFTA "Best Features" Nominated
2007 Royal Television Society Nominated
BAFTA "Best Features" Nominated

The "Dragons"

Dragons Seasons
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Current Dragons
Peter Jones Main
Deborah Meaden Main
Nick Jenkins Main
Touker Suleyman Main
Sarah Willingham Main
Former Dragons
Duncan Bannatyne Main
Rachel Elnaugh Main
Doug Richard Main
Simon Woodroffe Main
Theo Paphitis Main
Richard Farleigh Main
James Caan Main
Hilary Devey Main
Kelly Hoppen Main
Piers Linney Main

Statistics

Highest investments per series

Series Single investment Combined investment
Series 1 £175,000 (Peter Jones) £150,000 (Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones)
Series 2 £75,000 (Peter Jones) £225,000 (Theo Paphitis & Duncan Bannatyne)
Series 3 £100,000 (Richard Farleigh) £200,000 (Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis)
Series 4 £85,000 (Duncan Bannatyne) £160,000 (Duncan Bannatyne & Richard Farleigh)
Series 5 £200,000 (Theo Paphitis) £150,000 (Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan)
Series 6 £200,000 (James Caan) £250,000 (Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis)
Series 7 £120,000 (James Caan) £150,000 (Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis)
Series 8 £200,000 (Duncan Bannatyne) £150,000 (Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones)
Series 9 £100,000 (Duncan Bannatyne) £120,000 (Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis)
Series 10 £250,000 (Theo Paphitis) £100,000 (Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis)
Series 11 £100,000 (Piers Linney) £100,000 (Deborah Meaden & Peter Jones)
Series 12 £100,000 (Piers Linney) £200,000 (Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones)

Deals per Dragon per series

Series 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
No. of episodes 6 6 8 6 10 8 8 10 10 12 12 12
Duncan Bannatyne 2 1 2 3 4 4 2 6 3 4 2 3
Peter Jones 3 3 2 4 5 6 6 6 4 10 3 2
Deborah Meaden 4 4 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4
Kelly Hoppen 3 2
Piers Linney 2 2
Hilary Devey 4 4
James Caan 6 5 4 3
Richard Farleigh 2 5
Theo Paphitis 4 4 5 6 5 5 5 5 6
Rachel Elnaugh 4 1
Doug Richard 2 0
Simon Woodroffe 1

Successful pitches

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 Umbrolly 150,000 Multimedia vending unit selling umbrellas and adverts Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones
Episode 2 11 January 2005 Tracey Grailey Grails Ltd 120,000 Tailor-made suits for businesswomen Doug Richard & Rachel Elnaugh
Episode 3 18 January 2005 Tracey Herrtage Le Beanock 54,000 A beanbag hammock Rachel Elnaugh
Episode 3 18 January 2005 John and Phillip Petty IV Cam 50,000 A 3D measuring system using camera technology Peter Jones & Doug Richard
Episode 4 25 January 2005 Paul Thomas Mycorrhizal Systems 75,000 Land for a truffle farm Simon Woodroffe
Episode 5 1 February 2005 Elizabeth Galton Elizabeth Galton Ltd 110,000 Custom-made jewellery Duncan Bannatyne & Rachel Elnaugh
Episode 6 8 February 2005 Nik Rawcliff Snowbone 75,000 Handle attachment for snowboards Rachel Elnaugh
Episode 6 8 February 2005 Huw Gwyther Wonderland (magazine) 175,000 High-end fashion and culture magazine Peter Jones

Series 2

Episode First aired Entrepreneur(s) Company or product name Money requested (£) Percentage of equity given up Description of product Investing Dragon(s) Website
Episode 1 15 November 2005 Dominic Killinger Square Mile 150,000 40%[note 1] Wireless broadband supplier to UK marinas Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones (closed)
Note - Sold to BT in January 2008 for £150,000[4][5]
Episode 2 22 November 2005 Danny Bamping Bedlam Puzzles 100,000 3-D puzzles Rachel Elnaugh & Theo Paphitis
Episode 3 29 November 2005 Julie White Truly Madly Baby 75,000 Unique baby products Peter Jones
Episode 5 13 December 2005 Paul Cockle The Generating Company 160,000 40% Contemporary circus shows Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis
Episode 6 20 December 2005 David Lees Mode Al 225,000 50% Custom furniture to house technology Theo Paphitis & Duncan Bannatyne
  1. Percentage of equity drops to 38% if targets are hit.

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
Episode 2 10 August 2006 Gary Taylor Alpine Cleaning 200,000 Franchised HGV cleaning service Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis
Episode 3 17 August 2006 Matthew Hazell First Light Solutions 100,000 A sonar-based man-overboard detection system Richard Farleigh (Closed)
Episode 4 24 August 2006 Ian Chamings MixAlbum 150,000 Dance download site with digital mixing software Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis
Episode 5 31 August 2006 Richard Lee & Daren Duraidi Dr Cap 150,000 Chain of shops selling baseball caps Duncan Bannatyne
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
Episode 7 14 September 2006 Peter Sesay Autosafe 100,000 A seat-belt height adjuster Peter Jones & Duncan Bannatyne (Closed)
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

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 Reggae Reggae Sauce 50,000 Spicy BBQ sauce Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones
Episode 1 7 February 2007 Anthony Coates-Smith & Alistair Turner Igloo 160,000 Specialist chilled and frozen transport services Duncan Bannatyne & Richard Farleigh
Episode 2 14 February 2007 Imran Hakim iTeddy 140,000 Classic teddy bear with integrated media technology Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis
Episode 3 21 February 2007 Roger Hind Rotamate 85,000 A clothes airer that protects washing from the rain Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh
Episode 3 21 February 2007 Denise Hutton Razzamataz 50,000 A chain of dance, drama and singing schools for children Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 4 28 February 2007 Christian Lane Foldio 80,000 Stationery folder that halves size of paper without creasing Theo Paphitis
Episode 4 28 February 2007 KC Jones Foot Deodoriser 100,000 Sanitiser that kills bacteria within shoes Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh (Closed)
Episode 5 7 March 2007 Chris Haines Safe-T-First 95,000 Emergency light Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis
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 (Closed)
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% (Closed)

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
Episode 1 15 October 2007 Laban Roomes Goldgenie (formerly Midas Touch) 60,000 Mobile gold plating service James Caan
Episode 2 22 October 2007 Sarah Lu youdoodoll 35,000 Personalizable doll Deborah Meaden
Episode 2 22 October 2007 Emmie Matthews & Ed Stevens Gaming Alerts 200,000 Gaming referral website Theo Paphitis
Episode 3 29 October 2007 Mark Champkins Concentrate Design 100,000 Products that help children at school Peter Jones
Episode 4 5 November 2007 Max McMurdo Reestore 50,000 Functional pieces of furniture from waste objects Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis
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 & Peter Jones
Episode 5 19 November 2007 James Halliburton Water Buoy 200,000 A device to rescue items that have been lost overboard. Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis
Note - Halliburton eventually decided against the investment and has branched into different areas.[6]
Episode 5 19 November 2007 Shane Lake and Tony Charles hungryhouse.co.uk 100,000 An online takeaway ordering service James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 6 26 November 2007 Ian Helmore Steri Spray 145,000 UV Sterilising system for shower heads Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis
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 N/A
Episode 7 3 December 2007 Sammy French Fit Fur Life 100,000 A dog treadmill James Caan
Episode 7 3 December 2007 Jerry Mantalvanos & Paul Merker JPM Eco Logistics 100,000 Environmentally friendly haulage company Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis (Closed)[7]
Episode 8 11 December 2007 Peter Moule ElectroExpo, Chocbox 150,000 Plastic housing that protects cable connections Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan
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 (Closed)

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[8] Hamfatter 75,000 A music band Peter Jones
Episode 1 21 July 2008 Julia Charles & Amy Goldthorpe D4M Ltd 75,000 Events management company Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan (Closed)
Episode 2 28 July 2008 Victoria McGrane Neurotica 56,000
(but received 75,000)
Fashion designer Peter Jones (Closed)
Episode 3 4 August 2008 Ming Yun Light Emotions 40,000 Glow in the dark products Peter Jones
Episode 3 4 August 2008 Michael Cotton DDN Ltd 250,000 Misfuelling prevention device Theo Paphitis & Deborah Meaden
Note - Deal later turned down.[9]
Episode 4 11 August 2008 Charlotte Evans & Caroyln Jarvis Buggy Boot 80,000 Storage solution for pushchairs Deborah Meaden
Episode 4 11 August 2008 Andrew Harsley Rapstrap 150,000 Waste-free cable-tie Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan
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
Episode 5 18 August 2008 Guy Unwin & Caroline Kavanagh Planit Products 200,000 Toastabags James Caan
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
Episode 6 25 August 2008 Raymond Smith Magic Pizza 50,000 Device designed to eliminate a 'soggy middle' Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones
Episode 7 1 September 2008 Dominic Lawrence, Simeone Salik & Janice Dalton Blindsinabox Ltd 40,000 Temporary, easy-to-install blinds Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan
Episode 7 1 September 2008 Christian Richardson & Rachel Watkyn Tiny Box 53,000 Unique recycled packaging company Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones
Episode 8 8 September 2008 Paul Tinton ProWaste Management Services 200,000 Construction waste recycling service Duncan Bannatyne & Deborah Meaden

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
Episode 1 15 July 2009 Steve Smith TrueCall Ltd 100,000 A device to stop nuisance phone calls Peter Jones
Episode 2 22 July 2009 Richard Enion & Michael Davis BassToneSlap 50,000 High energy drumming performance for corporate team building Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis
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
Episode 3 29 July 2009 Lawrence Webb & Frank Drewett Lid Lifters 50,000 A labour-saving device for lifting wheelie bin lids Peter Jones
Episode 3 29 July 2009 Oliver Richmond & Toby Richmond Servicing Stop 100,000 A bespoke nationwide car servicing company Deborah Meaden
Episode 4 5 August 2009 Tony Earnshaw & Stephen Pearsons UK Commercial Cleaning 100,000 Commercial cleaning company Duncan Bannatyne
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
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
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
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
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
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
Episode 8 2 September 2009 Michael Lea Earle's 100,000 Food truck franchise that sells hot and cold foods Peter Jones
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

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
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
Episode 2 21 July 2010 Angela Newman Vintage Patisserie 100,000 A vintage hosting company that runs parties Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis
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
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
Episode 4 2 August 2010 Layla Bennett Hawksdrift Falconry 50,000 Birds of prey business which does pest control, falconry displays and a gift delivery service Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 4 2 August 2010 Tim Williams and Tom Hogan Lumacoustics 50,000 An electronic graffiti wall Peter Jones & Deborah Meaden
Episode 5 9 August 2010 Sarah & Mike Longthorn & Laura Booth WedgeWelly 65,000 Wellington boots with a wedge Theo Paphitis
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
Episode 6 16 August 2010 Ralf Klinnert Funky Moves 120,000 An electronic interactive sports cone game Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis
Episode 7 24 August 2010 Letitia Valentine & Alexander Lewis Surviva Jak 75,000 Jacket that has foil lining to prevent hypothermia Deborah Meaden
Episode 7 24 August 2010 Richard Blakesley & Chris Barnardo The Wand Company 200,000 "Kymera" - a buttonless gesture-based universal remote control Duncan Bannatyne
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
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
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
Episode 9 6 September 2010 Adam Weaver Proppa 50,000 A website that sells vehicle accessories Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 10 13 September 2010 Ian Taylor Media Displays 80,000 A mobile digital advertising service James Caan

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
Episode 1 31 July 2011 Chris Hopkins Ploughcroft Solar 120,000 A company that installs solar panels in homes Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis
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
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
Episode 3 14 August 2011 Peter and Michelle Hart Fun Fancy Dress 100,000 Fancy-dress shop business and franchise Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 4 21 August 2011 Bob Davis Unique Ideas UK 50,000 Corporate events and entertainment including the Cyclone GameCube Hilary Devey
Episode 4 21 August 2011 Robert Lewis Rollersigns 100,000 Advertising on belt banners Peter Jones
Episode 5 28 August 2011 Kate Castle BoginaBag 50,000 Lightweight, portable toilet Theo Paphitis
Episode 5 28 August 2011 Henry Buckley and JJ Harding JogPost Limited 50,000 Direct marketing company specialising in leaflet distribution Deborah Meaden
Episode 6 4 September 2011 Andy Bates AB Performance 50,000 Bike-engined car manufacturing, servicing, repairs and tuning company Peter Jones
Episode 6 12 September 2011 Nick Cross, Richard Hadden and Sebastian Stoddart barMate 50,000 Hands-free pint-pulling product Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis
Episode 6 12 September 2011 Simon Booth Kiddimoto 75,000 Children's balance bikes Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 7 19 September 2011 Ryan Ashmore and Liam Webb RKA Records 50,000 Record label Duncan Bannatyne [10]
Episode 8 19 September 2011 Aidan Quinn and Gemma Roe EcoHab Homes and O-Pod Buildings 75,000 Energy-efficient dome-shaped buildings and garden structures Theo Paphitis
Episode 9 26 September 2011 Andrea McDowall and Rebecca Baldwin Shoot It Yourself 60,000 Professional video hiring and editing business Hilary Devey
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

Series 10

Episode First aired Entrepreneur(s) Company or product name Money requested (£) Percentage of equity given up Description of product Investing Dragon(s) Website
Episode 1 9 September 2012 Bee London Weave Got Style 85,000 40% Hair extensions Hilary Devey
Episode 1 9 September 2012 Lewis Blitz, James Gold and Richard Gold Skinny Dip 120,000 30%[note 1] Fashion technology accessories Peter Jones
Episode 2 16 September 2012 Geoff and Colette Bell Shampooheads 75,000 20% Children's haircare brand Theo Paphitis and Hilary Devey
Episode 3 23 September 2012 Helen and Lisa Tse Sweet Mandarin 50,000 40% Oriental dipping sauces Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 3 23 September 2012 Kellie Forbes and Gill Hayward YUUbag 60,000 30% Children's backpack and accessories range Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden
Episode 4 30 September 2012 Harrison Woods Primal Parking 60,000 40% Car parking space lettings agency Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis
Episode 5 7 October 2012 Kiryl Chykeyuk and Artsiom Stavenka Old Bond 90,000 40% Spinning, animated advertisement on bicycle wheels Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis
Episode 5 7 October 2012 Dupsy Abiola Intern Avenue 100,000 40%[note 2] Online internship directory Peter Jones
Episode 6 14 October 2012 Marie Sawle Billy + Margot 60,000 40% Ice cream for dogs Deborah Meaden
Episode 6 14 October 2012 Henry and Philip Blake WoodBlocX 75,000 25%[note 3] Outdoor wooden DIY landscaping product Peter Jones
Episode 7 21 October 2012 Umer Ashraf iCafe 80,000 49% Coffee shop business and franchise Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 7 21 October 2012 Ben Hardyment Zapper 250,000 30% Website which buys books, CDs, DVDs and games for cash Theo Paphitis
Episode 8 28 October 2012 Paul Turner A Turner & Sons Sausage Ltd 80,000 33⅓%[note 4] Sausage manufacturing company Peter Jones
Episode 9 11 November 2012 Ashley Sayed Karuma Innovations 150,000 25%[note 5] Child-friendly tablet retail company Peter Jones
Episode 9 11 November 2012 Anne and Keith Proctor Pro-Tec Covers 75,000 26% Caravan and motor home fabric covers Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 10 18 November 2012 Mark Richardson Bionic Glove Technology Europe Ltd. 100,000 40% Ergonomic, durable, patented gloves for golfing, gardening and gym use Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis
Episode 11 25 November 2012 Mark Ferguson and Emma Jones myBunjee 70,000 35% Mobile phone case attachment to prevent phone from falling on the floor Peter Jones
Episode 11 25 November 2012 Luke Booth and Christopher Eves P4CK 50,000 30% Product design business, including two products related to carrying of takeaway food and drink, and beer cups Theo Paphitis
Episode 12 2 December 2012 Naomi Kibble and Helen McAvoy Rocktails 80,000 40%[note 6] Frozen cocktails Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 12 2 December 2012 John Spence Megaflatables 37,500[note 7] 25% Large inflatables used for advertising brands and products Peter Jones
Christmas Special 27 December 2012 Allison Whitmarsh ProperMaid 50,000 25% Homemade cakes with a twist Deborah Meaden
  1. Percentage of equity drops to 25% as soon as investment is repaid.
  2. Percentage of equity drops to 30% if targets are hit.
  3. Percentage of equity drops to 15% as soon as investment is repaid.
  4. Includes same percentage of family butcher's business, which is handed back as soon as investment is repaid.
  5. Subject to review in 12 months' time, involving acquisition of company if successful and 25% ownership of that division.
  6. Percentage of equity drops to 30% when annual profits of £500,000 are generated.
  7. £40,000 was given instead.

Series 11

Episode First aired Entrepreneur(s) Company or product name Money requested (£) Percentage of equity given up Description of product Investing Dragon(s) Website
Episode 1 11 August 2013 Kate Cotton and Louise Ferguson Skinny Tan 60,000 10% Naturally derived tanning lotion and cellulite-reducing cream Piers Linney and Kelly Hoppen
Episode 1 11 August 2013 Ross Mendham Bare Naked Foods 60,000 50% Low-carb, low calorie, gluten-free noodles and pasta Peter Jones
Episode 2 18 August 2013 Donna Kerr-Foley The Running Mat 50,000 40% Portable wearable exercise mat and boot-camp business Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen
Episode 2 18 August 2013 Joe Walters Original Jerky[note 1] 37,500[note 2] 24% Flavoured beef jerky snack Peter Jones
Episode 3 25 August 2013 Richard Ernest RemPods 100,000 45%[note 3] Small pop-up rooms set up from past decades used to calm people who have dementia Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones
Episode 4 1 September 2013 Cheryl and Michael MacDonald YogaBellies 50,000 35%[note 4] Franchise business for yoga classes for pregnant women and mothers and their babies Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 6 15 September 2013 Chris Rea and Tom Carson Young Ones 75,000 40% Clothing and accessories company aimed at university and college students Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 7 26 January 2014 Rob Tominey and Aden Levin Mainstage Travel 100,000 15% Package holiday tour operator Piers Linney
Episode 7 26 January 2014 Oliver Murphy Reviveaphone 50,000 25% Repair kit for water-damaged mobile phones Kelly Hoppen
Episode 8 2 February 2014 Amer Hasan minicabit 75,000 35% Website and mobile phone app for booking and comparing mini-cabs Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden
Episode 9 9 February 2014 Carrie Bate The Little Coffee Bag Co. 100,000 33⅓% Coffee bag company Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden
Episode 9 9 February 2014 Vini and Bal Vini & Bal's Rustic Indian 50,000 30% Chilled, fresh Indian cook-in sauces Piers Linney
Episode 11 23 February 2014 Brian O'Reilly EnergyEGG 50,000 30%[note 5] Energy-saving automatic sensors to switch off appliances when not needed Piers Linney
Episode 11 23 February 2014 Jo Kerley JK Worldwide (PlayAway Case) 60,000 35% Children's suitcases and games system combined Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 12 2 March 2014 James Roupell Bobo Buddies 50,000 40%[note 6][11] Backpack, pillow and blanket in one. Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden
  1. Name later changed to Texas Joe's.
  2. Received £50,000.
  3. Drops to 40% if targets are met.
  4. Drops to 20% after initial investment returned.
  5. Deal dependent on increase in equity being taken off existing investors.
  6. Drops to 30% after money invested is repaid. Deal was, however, later turned down soon after the programme was filmed.

Series 12

Episode First aired Entrepreneur(s) Company or product name Money requested (£) Percentage of equity given up Description of product Investing Dragon(s) Website
Episode 1 20 July 2014 Scott Cupit Swing Patrol London 65,000 20% Swing dancing classes in London Deborah Meaden
Episode 1 20 July 2014 Jennifer Duthie Skribbies 60,000 25% Kids' shoes which can be drawn on Piers Linney and Kelly Hoppen
Episode 2 27 July 2014 Johnny Shimmin and Annie Morris Spoon 50,000 30% Breakfast cereal Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones
Episode 2 27 July 2014 Asi Sharabi and David Cadji-Newby Lost my Name 100,000 5% Personalised children's books Piers Linney
Episode 3 3 August 2014 Philip Perera & Omar Farag Phom Teas[note 1] 50,000 25%[note 2] Loose leaf tea Kelly Hoppen
Episode 3 3 August 2014 Ralph Broadbent and Alex Dixon Victor's Drinks 40,000 25% Make your own cider Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 4 10 August 2014 Tracy Baker Umbrands 60,000 35% Nanotech suction technology (UK distribution rights) Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 5 17 August 2014 Jordan Daykin Grip It Fixings 80,000 25% Plasterboard fixings Deborah Meaden
Episode 6 24 August 2014 Richard McLuckie and Stuart McKenzie-Walker Pants On Fire Games Limited 50,000 40%[note 3] Board games and party games Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 6 24 August 2014 Effie Moss Just For Tiny People 50,000 25% Handcrafted tents and accessories Deborah Meaden
Episode 7 25 January 2015 Ally Stevenson Clean Heels Ltd 50,000 25% High heel attachments to prevent sinking in grass and damage to floors Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen
Episode 7 25 January 2015 Nicky Fletcher Equisafety Ltd 100,000 30% High-visibility clothing and gear Piers Linney and Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 7 25 January 2015 Hyrum and Joshua Cook Zeven Media 50,000 25%[note 4] Photo-booth rental and sales Deborah Meaden
Episode 8 1 February 2015 Rajan Jerath iGlove 75,000 40%[note 5] Touch screen gloves Duncan Bannatyne
Episode 8 1 February 2015 Angela McLean and Jessica McCarthy Baggers Originals 100,000 30% Children's rainwear Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden
Episode 9 8 February 2015 Levi Young and Dana Zingher Enclothed 70,000 15% Men's online clothing and delivery service Piers Linney and Kelly Hoppen
Episode 10 15 February 2015 Yee Kwan Chan Yee Kwan 50,000 30% East Asian ice cream and sorbet company Deborah Meaden
Episode 11 22 February 2015 Ryan O'Rorke Flavourly 75,000 20% Food and snack box delivery service Peter Jones and Piers Linney
Episode 11 22 February 2015 John and Sam Ford Seabung 50,000 20% Boat valve maintenance plug Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen
Episode 12 15 March 2015 Ross Gourlay Nae Danger & Glencrest 200,000 30% Sports & energy drink and cash & carry business Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne
  1. Was initially named The Teabox Company.
  2. Drops to 20% once some of the money invested is repaid and business is doing well.
  3. Drops to 30% once money invested is repaid.
  4. Drops to 20% once money invested is repaid.
  5. Drops to 30% if targets are met.

Ratings

Episode ratings from BARB.[12]

Series 1

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 4 January 2005 N/A N/A
2 11 January 2005 N/A N/A
3 18 January 2005 N/A N/A
4 25 January 2005 2.16 30
5 1 February 2005 2.41 21
6 8 February 2005 2.62 16

Series 2

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 15 November 2005 2.22 23
2 22 November 2005 2.3319
3 29 November 2005 2.2918
4 6 December 2005 2.46 16
5 13 December 2005 2.41 17
6 20 December 2005 2.79 10

Series 3

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 3 August 2006 2.52 1
2 10 August 2006 2.484
3 17 August 2006 2.881
4 24 August 2006 3.03 1
531 August 2006 3.03 1
6 7 September 2006 3.35 1
7 14 September 2006 3.38 2
821 September 2006 3.90 1
9 28 September 2006 3.18 3
105 October 2006 2.85 9

Series 4

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 7 February 2007 3.38 3
2 14 February 2007 3.169
3 21 February 2007 3.692
4 28 February 2007 3.42 4
5 7 March 2007 3.53 4
6 21 March 2007 3.56 1
7 18 July 2007 2.33 6
825 July 2007 2.22 9
91 August 2007 2.11 8
102 August 2007 1.99 9

Series 5

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 15 October 2007 3.22 1
2 22 October 2007 2.896
3 29 October 2007 3.293
4 5 November 2007 3.56 5
5 19 November 2007 3.31 3
6 26 November 2007 2.66 9
7 3 December 2007 3.14 4
810 December 2007 3.58 1
918 December 2007 3.42 4
1025 December 2007 2.14 24

Series 6

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 21 July 2008 3.85 2
2 28 July 2008 3.29 1
3 4 August 2008 3.74 1
4 11 August 2008 3.73 1
5 18 August 2008 3.84 2
6 25 August 2008 3.62 1
7 1 September 2008 3.95 1
8 8 September 2008 3.89 1

Series 7

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 15 July 2009 3.18 3
2 22 July 2009 3.34 4
3 29 July 2009 3.36 3
4 5 August 2009 3.37 3
5 12 August 2009 2.93 5
6 19 August 2009 3.49 2
7 26 August 2009 4.24 1
8 2 September 2009 4.04 1

Series 8

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 14 July 2010 3.25 3
2 21 July 2010 3.27 3
3 26 July 2010 3.02 4
4 2 August 2010 3.17 3
5 9 August 2010 3.17 1
6 16 August 2010 3.11 2
7 24 August 2010 3.17 1
8 31 August 2010 2.98 3
9 6 September 2010 3.13 1
10 13 September 2010 2.82 2

Series 9

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 31 July 2011 4.39 2
2 7 August 2011 4.19 1
3 14 August 2011 3.27 1
4 21 August 2011 3.72 1
5 28 August 2011 3.20 4
6 4 September 2011 3.08 3
7 12 September 2011 2.26 6
8 19 September 2011 2.17 6
9 26 September 2011 2.46 7
10 3 October 2011 2.45 5

Series 10

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 9 September 2012 2.17 5
2 16 September 2012 1.91 9
3 23 September 2012 2.05 9
4 30 September 2012 1.66 14
5 7 October 2012 1.96 10
6 14 October 2012 1.91 12
7 21 October 2012 2.19 8
8 28 October 2012 2.00 12
9 11 November 2012 1.63 30
10 18 November 2012 N/A N/A
11 25 November 2012 1.65 27
12 2 December 2012 1.91 16
Christmas Special 27 December 2012 N/A N/A

Series 11

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 11 August 2013 3.37 1
2 18 August 2013 3.36 1
3 25 August 2013 2.65 2
4 1 September 2013 2.18 6
5 8 September 2013 2.47 4
6 15 September 2013 2.58 6
7 26 January 2014 2.79 3
8 2 February 2014 3.13 2
9 9 February 2014 3.12 2
10 16 February 2014 3.00 5
11 23 February 2014 3.15 5
12 2 March 2014 3.26 3

Series 12

Episode No. Airdate Viewers
(millions)
BBC Two weekly ranking
1 20 July 2014 2.63 3
2 27 July 2014 2.47 4
3 3 August 2014 2.59 5
4 10 August 2014 2.52 3
5 17 August 2014 2.91 2
6 24 August 2014 2.36 3
7 25 January 2015 2.88 4
8 1 February 2015 2.80 4
9 8 February 2015 2.83 5
10 15 February 2015 2.87 5
11 22 February 2015 3.10 3
12 15 March 2015 2.45 6

Special episodes

Where Are They Now?

Where Are They Now? is a companion series to the main programme, often broadcast after each respective series, taking a look back at some of the show's success stories - and biggest failures - and finding out what the participants are up to six months on.[13] The series began with a one-off two part special, broadcast on December 21 and 28, 2005, in which presenter Evan Davis reviewed the programme's success stories from series one and two, and looked at the entrepreneurs who received funds to market their ideas. Cameras followed Charles Ejogo, who planned to put umbrella vending machines in London Underground stations, jewellery designer Elizabeth Galton, magazine publisher Huw Gwyther and Rachel Lowe, whose London-based board game caught their eye. Following this, another one-off two part special was broadcast on September 28 and October 8, 2006. Later, two full series of the show were commissioned, with Series one, of four episodes, being broadcast between July 18 and August 2, 2007. Series two, of five episodes, each following a respective dragon and their investments, was broadcast between September 17 and October 24, 2010.[14] Peter Jones' episode followed him meeting with Kirsty Henshaw, who made an emotional pitch in the Den when she came in with her frozen dessert business, and was determined to get her product on the supermarket shelves as soon as possible, and also meeting up with condiment king Levi Roots. Duncan Bannatyne's episode followed him as he travelled to the south of France to oversee his daughter's wedding, and then went back to work to follow up on some of his investments. Theo Paphitis' episode followed him as he took 90 employees to Greece for a week of team-building exercises, and also visited two companies he invested in to see how they were getting on. Series five, episode nine also featured at a look back at deals from the series, in a similar vein to Where Are They Now?.[15]

Outside the Den

Outside the Den takes a step back from the world of Dragons' Den, to take a personal look at the Dragons themselves, including personal and intimate interviews, a look behind their business credentials, and taking the cameras into their personal lives. Six episodes of the series have been produced - with the first set of five episodes airing between October 27 and November 23, 2008, and following Theo Paphitis, James Caan, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne in their own respective programmes. A further episode, focusing on new dragon Hilary Devey, was broadcast over three years later on December 29, 2011.

The Best of Dragons' Den

The Best of Dragons' Den focuses on presenter Evan Davis taking a look back at the best and worst pitches from the past series of the show, as well as revealing some unseen pitches that were so bad, they didn't make it to broadcast, and talking candidly with the Dragons involved. Two series of the show were produced, the first accompanying series two, with three episodes being broadcast between January 19 and February 2, 2006, and the second accompanying series six, with three episodes being broadcast between February 23 and March 9, 2009.

Dragons' Den: On Tour

Dragons' Den: On Tour follows the Dragons as they travel to various destinations around the world to find out what some of the budding entrepreneurs who have appeared on the show have been up to since, including success stories, awful failures, and some very obvious missed opportunities. One series of the show was broadcast, with five episodes airing between September 6 and October 7, 2009, each following a respective Dragon - following James Caan, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis and Duncan Bannatyne, respectively.

Dragons' Den: Online

Dragons' Den: Online was a special, online version of the show, which follows the same format as the main show, but is presented by Dominic Byrne, and features Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer as the Dragons.[16] Instead of being set inside a Den, entrepreneurs pitch to the two Dragons via online video pitches, and subsequent interaction through webcam chat. The highest amount of money on offer is £50,000, which the Dragons can only individually invest in any one business. Episodes were posted weekly, for six weeks from September 16, 2009, to October 7, 2009, and viewers could participate by rating business plans before the two dragons offered their verdict.[17]

Other programmes

A number of one-off specials accompanying the broadcast of the main show have also been produced, often as Christmas specials or charity specials. The following eight programmes have been aired thus far:

# Title Original airdate Prod. code
11"Junior Dragon's Den[18]"November 16, 2007CIN1
A special Junior edition of the show in which youngsters pitch ideas for money exclusively for Children in Need. Investments on offer include a "Look for Loneliness" pack, with stickers, trophies and branded 'friendship' stops, where £5,000 is required, and a selection of guinea pig and hamster houses, where £1,000 is required.
22"The Survival Guide"December 25, 2007XMAS1
Evan Davis looks to find ten different ways that entrepreneurs can impress the Dragons. He also talks to a number of celebrity fans of the show, and also talks to some of the entrepreneurs who have pitched their ideas in the den.
33"Around The World"December 25, 2008XMAS2
Evan Davis takes a look at the different versions of the show broadcast around the world, including the original Japanese version, the American spin-off American Inventor, starring our very own Peter Jones, and an Australian version.
44"Dragon's Give Back[19]"November 15, 2009CIN2
The Dragons' pledge to turn a run-down community centre in a South London estate into a high-tech children's centre of the future for Children in Need. Picking up tools for the first time and getting their hands dirty, can they make a miracle happen with their latest investment?
55"Celebrity Dragons' Den"March 16, 2010SPR1
A special celebrity edition of the show, exclusively for raising money for sport Sport Relief. Some of the country's best known celebrities pitch their ideas to the Dragons for charity donations - but will any succeed in gaining investment?
66"Come Dine With The Dragons[20]"November 16, 2010CIN3
The Dragons take part in their own special edition of Come Dine with Me, the winner of which donates £20,000 to each of the charities selected by the dragons. But who will cook the best meal? And who will suffer a culinary distaster?
77"Dragons Den Meets The Apprentice[21]"November 17, 2011CIN4
Apprentice star Alan Sugar turns up in the Den looking for investment in his latest project. But will any of the Dragons be generous enough to part with their cash? Or does he have a few foul-mouthed words up his sleeve for his potential investors?
88"Christmas Dragons' Den"December 23, 2012XMAS3
For the first time ever, a number of entrepreneurs arrive in the den to pitch seasonal ideas, including Christmas decorations, gifts, film experiences and much more. But are the Dragons feeling festive enough to part with their cash for a seasonal business?
99"Top Gear in Dragons' Den"January 27, 2013TG1
A special skit, featured during the first episode of the nineteenth series of Top Gear, in which presenter Jeremy Clarkson pitches up in the den looking for investment for his P45, a "car suit" that is designed to be the smallest roadworthy car in the history of motoring. Also, the last appearance of Theo Paphitis.

Successful failures

Some contestants have gone on to reach the market with their products despite being turned down by the Dragons and have met with a range of success. Examples include hungryhouse.co.uk, a website for online ordering of home delivered takeaway food, Destination London, a board game;[22] the Tangle Teezer, a hairbrush designed to smooth knotted hair;[23] Trunki, travel luggage designed for children;[24][25] and the BarbeSkew, a rotisserie barbecue.[26]

Rejected offers

In Series 2, Danny Bamping accepted an offer of £100,000 for 30% of his company Bedlam Puzzles, offered in a joint deal with both Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis investing, but rejected it after the show, opting to get a bank loan instead, claiming that he had a stronger vision for the company than either of his investors. His strategy was successful, as the show generated enough publicity to boost online sales of his Bedlam cube, increasing from his then current sales tally of 23 to 4,500 sales on the days after the show's airing.

In Series 3, Fenella Lindsell and Lara Goodbody rejected an offer of £200,000 for 30% from Richard Farleigh, to invest in their Yogabugs workout company. They also rejected an offer £100,000 for 15% of the business made by Peter Jones, in a joint deal with Farleigh, and left the den without investment, stating their reason to be that they believed the company was worth more than what the dragons valued it at. Since then, the pair have gone on to build a franchise operation, with over 150 stores in the UK selling the product.

In Series 10, father and son team Michael and Joe Smith rejected an offer of £50,000 for 50% of their Wheelbarrow Accessory company, offered by Duncan Bannatyne, and again rejected an offer for the same amount of money and equity, but split down the middle, with Duncan and Hilary Devey each bringing £25,000 and asking for 25%. The pair valued their company at £500,000, and Michael failed to deny claims that he was more interested in the money than help from an investor, when challenged by Deborah Meaden. Also in series 10, Dustin Toland rejected an offer of £100,000 from both Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis for 45% of his company Gigwam, a new tent system for outdoor events. He revealed the maximum amount of equity he would be prepared to give away was 25%, and subsequently declined.[27] In episode 8, A to E Training & Solutions Ltd turned down an offer for the full £50,000 from Duncan Bannatyne for 32% of their resuscitation and life support business. The trio felt that the equity asked for was too great and left the Den with nothing.

In Series 11, Duncan Bannatyne offered £50,000 to Linkee Ltd for 40% of its board game business, but the trio behind the company felt it was too great a percentage and were unable to negotiate with Bannatyne, and so turned him down. Also in series 11, Deborah Meaden offered Tim Morgan £100,000 for 15% of his Mountain Trike Company. However, the maximum he and his shareholders had already agreed to give away was 5%, and so he had to turn her down. Also in Series 11, husband and wife team Roger and Leslie rejected a combined offer from Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne of 50% of their wool bedding company Baavet, for £130,000. In the final episode of Series 11, after accepting Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden's offer of £50,000 for 40% (later dropping to 30%) of his company Bobo Buddies, James Roupell turned the deal down after filming. Instead, he found the financial help he required elsewhere, without giving up any equity of his company.[28]

In series 12, Daniel and Mat of Pure Pet Food turned down both Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen's offers of £40,000 for 30% and 20% respectively, as they thought the equity levels being asked for were too high.[29] Also in series 12, owner of gourmet marshmallow company Mallow & Marsh, Harriet Pleydell-Bouverie, turned down both Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden who wanted 40% and 33⅓% of the company respectively in exchange for £65,000 (although Peter offered her £80,000), as she felt that would be undervaluing the company.[30] In Episode 10, Callum Stuart rejected Peter Jones' offer of £75,000 for 20% of his company Mallzee, a mobile shopping app, even after Peter offered to drop to 15% once investment was repaid.

Criticism

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 Mirror newspaper criticised the show, reporting that most of the deals were unfulfilled after the programs were shot.[31]

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 entrepreneurs 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."[32]

Sunday Telegraph Research

In February 2015 the Sunday Telegraph newspaper published a report that revealed that half of Dragons' Den investments fall through after the show once the cameras stop rolling.[33]

The study, carried out by Tiger Mobiles, who unsuccessfully applied to appear on the show in 2008, looked in depth at all 143 businesses that successfully won cash on the show between series 1 and 11, revealing just £5.8m of the £13m pledged was ever invested. [34]

When quizzed about the numbers, Deborah Meaden defended her position informing the Telegraph "I've had entrepreneurs with extremely unfortunate health issues, patent issues, and two or three silences where I never hear from them again." Meaden also added that "The world explodes for businesses after Dragons’ Den, they get offered better deals in some cases, or think they don’t need the Dragons. But what they find when the publicity dies down is that they still need help running the business."

From Series 1 to 11 the research uncovered:

Dan Forster, who compiled the research for Tiger Mobiles, claimed that the issue was less about the structure of deals and more about the kind of companies that the BBC invites to take part in the show. “The problem lies with the BBC, who, in a bid to keep the viewer count high, have turned the show into a contrived affair that’s more about viewer entertainment than genuine business success. They tend to pick pitchers who are TV-friendly rather than those who are investible with a healthy balance sheet.” [36]

A BBC spokesman commented on Forster's claims, saying: “We are proud of our record of achieving investment offers in the den and we look into every detail of a business before they are offered a slot on the show. The BBC plays no role in the deal after recording, and we accept that it is typical for some angel investments to fall down at the due diligence stage.” [37]

Departures

Simon Woodroffe

After only one series of the programme, Simon Woodroffe left the panel. Woodroffe stated that the reason behind his departure was "The show became a battle of egos — not a forum for business innovation. The thing to remember was that when you walk up the stairs to pitch, it’s not five people necessarily thinking 'How am I going to be able to make an investment here?', they’re also thinking: 'Am I going to be the star of this next little piece?'. That's not how I was told the show would go down."[38]

Rachel Elnaugh

Shortly before the launch of the second series in 2005, Rachel Elnaugh's company Red Letter Days went into administration and its 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 blamed 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 making only five investments over the course of two 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.[39]

Doug Richard

Shortly after the conclusion of the second series in 2005, Doug Richard announced his departure from the show. Richard stated in an interview that his departure was due to "six hours of TV taking six weeks to film", and not being able to split his time between filming and running all of his businesses.[40]

Richard Farleigh

It was announced on 18 May 2007 that Richard Farleigh had been dropped from the series.[41] The Daily Mail suggested that this might have been in order to have a new Dragon from an ethnic minority.[42] 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."[42] 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's replacement was the British-Pakistani businessman James Caan.[43]

James Caan

In April 2010, the Daily Mail 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.[44] Caan told the London Evening Standard: "I do not apologise for my country of origin, Pakistan."[45] 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.[45] Bannatyne replied that Caan was 'playing the race card' and 'personalising the whole thing', and accused him of implying he was racist.[45] 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.[46] 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?'[46] 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.[47] 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.[48] 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.[49] He was replaced by Hilary Devey in February 2011.[50]

Hilary Devey

In June 2012, it was announced that after only two series in the show, Hilary Devey would be departing the show to front her own business series for Channel 4. She appeared in the tenth series which aired in Autumn 2012. Devey was replaced by Kelly Hoppen for the eleventh series in 2013.[51]

Theo Paphitis

On 7 February 2013, Theo Paphitis said that he would be leaving Dragons' Den due to other commitments.[52][53] Paphitis was replaced by Piers Linney from Series 11 onwards.

Duncan Bannatyne

It was announced in July 2014 that due to "other business commitments" Bannatyne would be departing from the show.[54] His final appearance was in the last episode of season 12 in which he made an investment jointly with Peter Jones in a cash an carry business seeking finance for a new sports drink. This leaves Peter Jones as the only remaining original Dragon.

Spoofs

Duncan Bannatyne appeared as himself in a recurring sketch in the ITV 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 (Meaden 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 Rachel Elnaugh 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!"

The British sitcom The IT Crowd features a brief parody of the show in episode 5 of series 2.

Ricky Gervais referenced the show and impersonated Evan Davis and Duncan Bannatyne in his live stand-up show Fame.

Disney Channel's I Didn't Do It based their 5th episode on the concept featuring a show called Boardroom Barracudas where the characters demo their vegetable flavor enhancer.

DVD release

The first two series of the show are available to buy on DVD.[55] It is unknown whether the remaining series of the show will also be released.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Bourne, Dianne (24 June 2010). "New lair for Dragon's Den?". Manchester Evening News Media. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  2. Lewens, Sam (5 January 2012). "Dragons, we've moved your chairs ...". BBC. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  3. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LCrJ6ijJk2E
  4. http://www.totaltele.com/view.aspx?ID=435927 BT buys Square Mile Marina
  5. BT sails off with Dragons' Den Wi-Fi venture
  6. http://www.water-buoy.com/news.php?id=113 Why I Really Turned Down TV's Dragons
  7. Deborah Meaden speaks out after Dragons' Den business failure
  8. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cambridgeshire/content/articles/2008/07/16/dragons_den_hamfatter_feature.shtml | BBC - Cambridgeshire - Entertainment - Hamfatter wow the dragons!
  9. "About Us". RKA Records. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  10. Dragon slayer rejects the entire Den, Rebecca Burn-Callander, The Daily Telegraph, 2 March 2014.
  11. "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Barb.co.uk. 2012-11-11. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  12. Dragons' Den | Where Are They Now?
  13. "BBC Two - Dragons' Den, What Happened Next, Peter Jones". Bbc.co.uk. 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  14. http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/h2nj/dragons-den--series-5---episode-9
  15. "Dragons' Den - The Dragons". BBC. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  16. Andrews, Robert. "Ariadne’s Julie Meyer Becomes Dragon for New Online-Only Den". Retrieved 18 March 2009.
  17. Dragons' Den | Children in Need
  18. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-msPqxJwc
  19. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L-GO3I9InQ
  20. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvdv4pKU8Qw
  21. Dragons' Den: The rejects that got rich
  22. Dragons' Den reject has the last laugh after hair Tangle Teezer is stocked by Boots
  23. Dragons' Den reject ends up on top
  24. Rob Law profile
  25. BarbeSkew Inventor Ed Wray's comments on his Dragons' Den appearance
  26. Inventor turns down Dragons and braves it alone, 16 October 2012.
  27. Dragon slayer rejects the entire Den, The Daily Telegraph, 2 Mar 2014
  28. http://thetalentzone.co.uk/blog/daniel-eha-and-matthew-cockcroft-from-pure-pet-foods-rejects-investment-for-their-dog-food-business-on-dragons-den/, 27 July 2014.
  29. Marshmallow maker proves she's no soft touch telling Dragons Den: I’m out, 13 August 2014, London Evening Standard
  30. Owens, Nick (17 September 2006). "Dragons' Con". Sunday Mirror.
  31. Sunday Mirror (2006) Sunday Mirror Retrieved 17 September 2006
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  35. Cett, Hans. "Tiger Mobiles exposes Den of inequality". Retrieved 23 February 2015.
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