Hilary Devey named as new Dragons' Den panellist

Posted by Dan Martin in Business trends on Fri, 04/02/2011 - 12:59
Hilary Devey, The Business Inspector

Entrepreneur Hilary Devey is to replace James Caan as a panellist on BBC TV's Dragons' Den. 

Devey, who has previously appeared in Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire and Five's The Business Inspector, is the founder of Pall-Ex, a company which transport small consignments of palletised freight.

The entrepreneur started her business in 1996. Despite struggling to secure start-up finance and being forced to sell her house and car, Devey now generates sales of more than £100m. 

The Bolton-born boss, known for her straight talking approach to business, will join Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones in the new series of the popular show. She replaces James Caan, who quit last month. 

Commenting on her new role, Devey said: "At a time when the banks are failing to invest in British small businesses, I am proud to be able to do my part to support the next generation of UK entrepreneurs.
 
"In order to set-up Pall-Ex in the mid-nineties, I had to sell my house and car to get the start-up capital necessary to fulfil my business ambitions, as none of the banks appreciated my potential.
 
"I would have loved the opportunity to have stood before the Dragons, and I will remember my own experiences and the realities of running a business today, when choosing to support - or reject - the budding entrepreneurs joining me in the Den."
 
Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Two, added: "Hilary is a welcome and impressive addition to the Dragons' lair.
 
"With her extensive business experience, she will bring a new dynamic to the Den, turning up the heat on prospective entrepreneurs as they seek that all important investment."


Video of Hilary Devey offering business advice:

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