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Corporate reshuffle

Friday, June 15, 2007 by

Well, I’d made the assumption Peter Jones was “out” when it came to the next series of Dragons’ Den but, as per today’s press release from the Beeb, the self-styled tycoon is still on board. 

That new series line-up in full, then (to save you clicking the hyperlink): Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Theo Paphitis, Duncan Bannatyne and new boy James Cann – founder and CEO of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, should that mean anything to you – who’s replacing outgoing Australian “super” investor Richard Farleigh.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve brushed up against a few folk from DD‘s BAFTA-nabbing rival, The Apprentice. On each occasion – for some wilful reason – I’ve asked them what they think of the show. 

“I’m not a fan of Dragon’s Den. I can’t see where the business element is, because you can go to the bank and get £100 grand without giving away part of your equity. I think it’s a very good PR exercise for people, though.” 2006 Runner-up Ruth “The” Badger, there. 

And, ho! Who’s this? Why, it’s business bad boy and fellow ejectee Syed Ahmed: “I hate Dragons’ Den. The whole thing is flawed. You get people on there with fantastic ideas, and even if the product’s good, the Dragons take the Mickey out of it. They don’t treat people with respect. All the Dragons are just wannabe TV stars. Duncan Bannatyne – his teeth! They can’t be real!”

Thankfully, the boss has a different point-of-view. “I love Dragons’ Den,” says Sir Alan Sugar. “I think it’s wonderful. Wonderful! Great programme, Dragons’ Den, really do enjoy it. I’ve watched every single one of them. It’s another reality programme, if you like, but there’s a real meaning to it. You do see some real-life business experiences. I think it’s fantastic. Really brilliant.”

Drop dead shrewd, that man.

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