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

• On the episode that first aired on 28 October 2012, there were only four "Dragons" in the Den, as Hilary Devey was taken ill during filming. This was the first time in the show's history that this has occurred.^[3]

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

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

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

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

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	2.33	19
3	29 November 2005	2.29	18
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	2.48	4
3	17 August 2006	2.88	1
4	24 August 2006	3.03	1
5	31 August 2006	3.03	1
6	7 September 2006	3.35	1
7	14 September 2006	3.38	2
8	21 September 2006	3.90	1
9	28 September 2006	3.18	3
10	5 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	3.16	9
3	21 February 2007	3.69	2
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
8	25 July 2007	2.22	9
9	1 August 2007	2.11	8
10	2 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	2.89	6
3	29 October 2007	3.29	3
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
8	10 December 2007	3.58	1
9	18 December 2007	3.42	4
10	25 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
1	1	"Junior Dragon's Den[18]"	November 16, 2007	CIN1
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.
2	2	"The Survival Guide"	December 25, 2007	XMAS1
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.
3	3	"Around The World"	December 25, 2008	XMAS2
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.
4	4	"Dragon's Give Back[19]"	November 15, 2009	CIN2
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?
5	5	"Celebrity Dragons' Den"	March 16, 2010	SPR1
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?
6	6	"Come Dine With The Dragons[20]"	November 16, 2010	CIN3
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?
7	7	"Dragons Den Meets The Apprentice[21]"	November 17, 2011	CIN4
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?
8	8	"Christmas Dragons' Den"	December 23, 2012	XMAS3
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?
9	9	"Top Gear in Dragons' Den"	January 27, 2013	TG1
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:

• 76 out of the total 143 agreed investments never went through after the den.
• 23 of the 143 business that successfully pitched are no longer trading.
• Of the £13 million pledged by the Dragons, only £5.8 million was ever invested.
• £250,000 is the highest amount ever successfully pitched for in the Den.
• However, on the two occasions £250,000 was offered, neither investment went through after the show.
• £100,000 is the most common investment figure asked for by pitchers (30 of 143 pitches)
• £35,000 is the lowest ever amount offered for a successful pitch, for the youdoodoll, Deborah Meaden did invest but the company has now ceased trading.
• Peter Jones was the most prolific investor, offering investment to 54 of the 143 businesses who successfully pitched on the show.
• The highest amount of equity ever given away in the den was 79% by RKA Records, which has since renamed to Bannatyne Music Ltd.
• The most common amount of equity given away in successful pitches was 40%, with 42 of 143 pitches giving up that share in their company.^[35]

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

External links

• Dragons' Den UK – official site
• Dragons' Den UK at the Internet Movie Database
• Dragons' Den UK at TV.com
• Dragons' Den - Where Are They Now? Full breakdown of successful pitches, investments, accounts and statistics from Series 1 - 11
• Dragons' Den UK fan site – lists all pitches on the UK version
• Dragons Den Facts: The Dragons, Pitchers, Investments & Statistics (Infographic)
• Dragon's Den UK – series 10 on YouTube

Dragons' Den Franchise Canada United Kingdom United States other Spin-offs Redemption Inc. The Big Decision See also American Inventor Tycoon

Dragons' Den (UK TV series) Dragons' Den Presenter Evan Davis Dragons Current Duncan Bannatyne (from series 1) Peter Jones (from series 1) Deborah Meaden (from series 3) Kelly Hoppen (from series 11) Piers Linney (from series 11) Julie Meyer (online) Shaf Rasul (online) Former Simon Woodroffe (series 1) Rachel Elnaugh (series 1–2) Doug Richard (series 1–2) Theo Paphitis (series 2–10) Richard Farleigh (series 3–4) James Caan (series 5–8) Hilary Devey (series 9–10) Notable investments Chocbox Goldgenie Hamfatter Rapstrap Reggae Reggae Sauce