Before his career in broadcasting took off he worked as an economist for the Institute for Fiscal Studies and London Business School’s Centre for Business Strategy. His expertise has demonstrated his strong abilities to make difficult issues available and accessible to the public. Vice Chancellor of Coventry University, Professor Madeleine Atkins comments “His contribution to financial journalism and the way he continues to make the most complicated issues accessible has not only made him a household name but also a respected authority on his subject.”

Dragon’s Den have shown much success of with viewing ratings going up each year and seeing many budding entrepreneurs see success even if they were not successful with the Dragons themselves. Levi Roots arrived for a book signing in Waterstone’s at the Eden Centre, High Wycombe this week, for the launch of his new book ‘Caribbean Food Made Easy’. Roots rose to fame after successfully enticing dragon Peter Jones into investing in his ‘Reggae Reggae Sauce’ brand. The book signing attracted many fans and proved to be a hit with the shoppers.

Fellow dragon Theo Paphitis has also been busy providing some words of wisdom to a judge on a business pitch panel for children. Kerry Michael, owner of Grand Pier, was the judge for North Somerset Youngsters’ at in Weston, and gained some useful tips from the dragon. The judges also included managers from AGM Holdings, HSBC and North Somerset Council. The competition was held for diploma students who were asked to come with a design for a space within the new Grand Pier. This is set to open next year, with the winner’s idea to be put in place.

Dragon’s Den Online is currently showing in UK with first episode running on BBC Two.

The two Karens face the Dragons on August 5th, BBC2 9pm

The striking design aims to replicate the ice skating experience on dry land, with its unique blade.

The two Karen’s approached Applied Product Design to assist them with protecting the idea, as well as developing it to a level where it could be manufactured. Paul Ponting of APD took on the brief and whilst he went about perfecting the design, Karen Coombes applied to the BBC’s Dragons Den TV show with a view to obtaining further funding.

After a multitude of forms and interviews, Karen and Karen were eventually accepted onto the show, giving them the opportunity to expand and develop at a much faster rate. While funding from the Dragon’s would no doubt be a huge boost if they get it, Applied Product Design have already helped secure a deal with a China based manufacturer, which has the capacity for large scale production.

Karen Coombes and Karen O’Neil face the fearsome Dragons on the 5^th of August on BBC 2 at 9pm. If you want to see if one of the tycoons snap up KCO Ice Skating Ltd.’s audacious dry ice blade, don’t forget to tune in!

In the first program of the new series the entrepreneurs ask the Dragons for investment in an eco friendly patio heater, a hat that makes wrinkles disappear, a horror based scare attraction and personalised romance novels.

The line up of Dragons remains the same as the previous series, with Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne having been in the show since series 1, Theo Paphitis since series 2, Deborah Meaden since series 3, and James Caan since series 5.

Unlike the online Dragons’ Den show launched earlier in the year, where entrepreneurs can only ask for investments of up to £50,000, in the TV show they can ask for between £50,000 and £250,000.

With the filming of series 7 now complete, and the shows now about to be broadcast, it is an ideal time to contact Applied Product Design to get you product in shape for any of the future shows. Whether your idea has been designed, and is now ready for production, or it is still in your head or on a scrap of paper needing drawings and a prototype, then please contact us. Remember before entering the Den, whether the online version or the TV show you need to make certain that if applicable, your Intellectual Property through Patents, Trademarks, Copyright or Design Registration are in place. If you require help in any of these areas, then please contact Applied Product Design.

Each week another entrepreneur gets to pitch to the new dragons for up to a maximum of £50,000. In order for anyone to take part they have to first apply to www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden where the BBC choose the most innovative and entertaining ideas to be pitched to the online Dragons. The BBC makes their choice after viewing the entrepreneur’s video clip of their idea which they have to submit.

The new online show is presented by Dominic Byrne, whose work has included working on Radio 1 on the Chris Moyle’s show.

The online Dragons are –

Shaf Rasul who is an investor in internet companies and property, as well as running an optical storage distributor E-Net Computers.

Julie Meyer has also supported many internet and technology companies through New Media Investors, including backing companies like Lastminute.com

If your product is not quite ready for either the Online Dragons’ Den, or the Dragons’ Den TV show, either because you need drawings, prototypes, or production, or because you need to protect your Intellectual Property through Patents, Trademarks, Copyright or Design Registration, then please contact Applied Product Design.