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Name | Kirsty Henshaw |
Pitching | Worthenshaws |
Investment Required | £65,000 |
Equity Offered | 15% |
Brief Description | A frozen dessert which is a dairy-free healthy alternative to ice cream. |
Some entrepreneurs electrify the Den because of their passion, their commitment and their gritty determination to succeed. Meet Exhibit A, single mother Kirsty Henshaw.
After a fluent pitch Kirsty explains to the Dragons that she is not trying to replicate ice cream with her frozen dessert and demonstrates in her answers she has a thorough knowledge of her product's provenance.
Deborah Meaden wants to know about the interest a supermarket chain has shown and Kirsty reveals that they hope to trial it in 400 stores from September 2010.
Theo is gob-smacked
Pressed by Theo Paphitis to name the store she announces it is Tesco. The retailer is blown away.
Asked whether she could produce in the quantities required, Kirsty says she has already spoken to the UK's biggest ice cream manufacturer and they are confident they could meet the order.
James Caan probes her on her first year forecasts and is impressed that her figures appear in no way unrealistic.
James then changes tack and asks about her background.
She tells the Dragons she dropped out of university to pursue this business and has already ploughed £20,000 into it.
Theo is amazed but when he asks how she has been so resourceful, the Preston-based entrepreneur falters and on a wave of emotion explains: "I just do it for my little boy...I want him to have a good life".
Heads tend to rule hearts in the Den however, and it is her entrepreneurial nous that attracts Theo and prompts him to make Kirsty an offer - £100,00 for 40%.
Deborah immediately declares herself out, unwilling to beat Theo's offer.
Sensing an opportunity to replicate his success with Levi Roots, Peter is however prepared to pitch in and offers £65,000 for 25%.
When James declares himself out, Duncan matches Peter's offer.
Kirsty mulls over the three offers and decides to reject Theo's as it demands she surrender more equity than she is prepared to give away.
However the young entrepreneur is torn between Peter and Duncan, revealing that, given their track records, she would like to work with both of them.Peter breaks the deadlock suggesting that he and Duncan make a joint investment for 30%. A happy Kirsty agrees the deal.
Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones: £65,000 for a 30% stake in Worthenshaws
Last updated: 14th July 2010
Other entrepreneurs from this episode:
'She impresses with the attention to detail, sales ability, and novelty of her creation'.
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