Deborah Meaden: ‘Sitting in that chair feels like home’
Dragons’Den, which first aired in 2005, sees budding entrepreneurs get three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multi-millionaires willing to invest their own cash, time and expertise to kick-start the business. Deborah Meaden, who used to run a successful family holiday business, joined the line-up in 2006, and quickly became the show’s most prolific investor. Here, the 62-year-old, who lives in a 10-bedroom farmhouse in Somerset with her husband of 28 years, Paul, and a menagerie of animals, admits that growing up wasn’t plain sailing as – following her parent’s split – money was tight. She credits them both with teaching her the value of money and why, aged 19, she was ready to leave college and launch her own business.
You joined the Den in 2006 on the third series – were you apprehensive about going on TV?
I was, yes. I said no at least three times! I felt that I had created this lovely life for myself – why should I have to go on television?! In the end, I relented and went for a screen test with Duncan Bannatyne and had a ball. I’m glad they persisted because now, sitting in that chair, it feels like home to me.
Along with Sara Davies we now have two female dragons – does that lead to a more competitive Den?
In business I don’t think of myself as a woman. We are dragons, looking to invest our money. I don’t think gender plays a part in the Den. Of course, I’m competitive and I will fight like the rest of them to get my way!
Dragons’ Den has become such a success story it’s now moved over to BBC1 – what’s its secret?
It’s just a lovely programme that is totally inter-generational. Your great-grandchildren could watch it. I meet people who have known me on TV since they were five years old and I just think, ‘Oh no, I can’t be that old, surely?’
You launched your first business aged 19, did your parents inspire you?
Yes, I think they always expected me to make a good life for myself. There was this expectation of us. When I was a child, we didn’t have any money, and that very quickly teaches you the value of money. We had some tough times but that taught me that life wasn’t easy and you have to fight to get what you want. I feel extremely fortunate that success came to me later in life. I was fully formed by the time I was wealthy. So, suddenly being on television felt right. I had already earned my seat in the Den.
Was your childhood a happy one?
I had a very safe childhood – and I think that’s what we all need. I would go down to the seafront in Minehead and drag the ponies along the beach for rides. As long as I had animals around me, I was a happy girl.
Has lockdown pushed people to be more innovative in business?
A lot of businesses have had to adapt quickly and, of course, many people have lost their jobs. But yes, what we have seen in the Den this series, is that some people have decided now is the time for them to start their own business. I thought I had seen it all, including false fingernails for cats – but I’ve been blown away this series – and I’m so glad we get a wider audience now on BBC1.
What do you look for when you decide to invest in something?
Firstly, I’ve got to understand the product or service. More than anything, I have to feel I trust the people I work with. If I’m going to help someone in business, I have to know the whole picture. I’m a straight-talker and I don’t put up with any bull****!
Has lockdown changed how you live, and work?
Absolutely. There was a panic moment when I felt I needed to have a steady hand, but now we are just looking forward to the future. I have a new energy. Personally, at home, I’ve had my dogs to look after. Dogs don’t care about lockdown, they just want feeding and walking. So, that’s been a comfort to me.
You did Strictly Come Dancing back in 2013 – how was it?
It was amazing. It was one crazy experience that I never dreamt would happen to me. I had so much fun but was terrified for just about every minute I was involved. It was challenging, different, and a rare, precious moment in life.
Being a dragon is a serious business, but is there a fun side to you we don’t often see on-camera?!
Funnily enough, in the new series we have loosened up a bit! So you will see more of us behind the scenes, which I think is the fun side of business. We do all get on together so it’s good for viewers to see that side of us. I hope you all enjoy watching.