What Is British Dragons’ Den? We Explain Here
Dragons’ Den gives several business owners the chance to pitch their various business ideas to a group of five wealthy investors known as the “Dragons” and ask for money in exchange for a share of the company.
The premiere episode aired on BBC Two on January 4, 2005. The show started airing on BBC One in 2021 after 16 seasons on the network. The format’s proprietors, Sony Pictures Television International, who own the international distribution rights, co-produced the show alongside BBC Studios Factual Entertainment Productions.
The contestants either need capital for their ideas, which they consider to be viable and possibly profitable businesses, or they are already running successful businesses but require more money for marketing or growth. They must mention the amount of money they need from the Dragons during their introductory pitch.
The contestant has the option to continue talks, accept any offers, or reject them. If a dragon does not want to commit the full amount requested, they can offer a portion of it, allowing the other dragons free to do the same.
This may result in the candidate receiving financial support from multiple Dragons, giving them access to a wider spectrum of skills. But in order for this to happen, the candidate frequently has to consent to give up more of their business than they had originally anticipated.
Quitting The Conversation
When a dragon hears the pitch but decides against investing, they must say they’re “out,” which means they’re quitting the conversation. The Dragons frequently make fun of competitors for a variety of reasons, but mainly for overvaluing their own businesses.
The section includes images of Manchester’s three most well-known cotton mills from the Industrial Revolution—Brunswick Mill, Murrays’ Mills, and McConnel & Kennedy—and their utilisation upholds the program’s warehouse motif.
After the first series, the production had to relocate due to construction next door. In a vacant warehouse called Wool House, filming for the second season took place. With the need to build a portion of the window wall and the stairway leading to the lower floor, it was production designer Laurence Williams’ first set.
During the following few episodes, a further shift to Tanner Street was necessary due to the owner of this warehouse turning it into apartments. The production designer had to create a complete set on the film stage, including a staircase that plummeted down into the underground tank.
Except for an episode of Series 10 that debuted on October 28, 2012, when there were only four dragons because Hilary Devey wasn’t feeling well, there have always been five. This happened for the first time ever in the history of the show.