ALMOST two thirds of companies that appeared on BBC's Dragons' Den said a boost in their profile following their TV exposure didn't help them source further funding, according to new research.
A study by pensionledfunding.com found that while the majority (94 per cent) said taking part in the show raised their company's profile, many went on to rely on self-financing. Guy Unwin, of Cheltenham, is managing director of Planit Products, a manufacturer of innovative cookware. Guy came up with the idea of Toastabags.
He appeared on Dragons' Den in 2008 with the product, which allows you to toast bread and fillings, pizza slices and other food items including chicken nuggets, in a bag, using a toaster. He was accompanied by Caroline Kavanagh, who heads up the sales and marketing department at Planit Products. The duo received offers from two of the Dragons, but decided not to take this route.
They later received funding from Pensionledfunding.com. Tony Curtis, founder of Alago Heated Gloves and Howard Carter of Incognito, featured in the research.
Planit Products has grown into a £4 million turnover business.
