Dragons' Den: Season 8

Episode 1 2010-07-14 | 60 min The Dragons are back and hungry to secure themselves the best deal. These are challenging times economically, but that hasn't deterred the nation's entrepreneurs from pitting their wits against the multimillionaire investors. In this series, a record number of entrepreneurs walk up the famous stairs to ask for an all-important cash injection that could transform their businesses and change their lives. The rival multimillionaires may be used to the odd glass of something sparkling, but Devon-based vineyard owner Geoff Bowen hopes his unusual business proposition will tempt them into investing. Inventor Derek Cozens thinks that road signs are so last century and wants to drag them into 2010 with his new product range. Do Dragons have a sweet tooth? One 24-year-old mum from Preston, Kirsty Henshaw, hopes they do and that it's the best way to get the cash she needs for her frozen pudding business. It wouldn't be Dragons' Den without a product getting tested to destruction, and calling a product 'safe' is like a red rag to a bull for one particular Dragon.

Episode 2 2010-07-21 | 60 min t's a vintage Den this time as London-based Angela Newman invites the multimillionaires to invest in her business which celebrates the glamour of a bygone era. The Dragons like their fair share of glamour, but do they like it enough to invest? Another hopeful is John Jackson, a 72-year-old inventor from Essex who thinks the humble washing line needs a modern day revamp and is hoping the Dragons agree. And have engineers Robert Leeds and Guy Seymour come up with the perfect investment for the multimillionaire who has everything? It's an ideal fit for their luxury yachts, the biggest product ever seen in the Den and one of the largest investments ever requested. But will the entrepreneurial duo sink or swim?

Episode 3 2010-07-26 | 60 min A Manchester-based entrepreneur thinks he has invented the cut-price alternative to a romantic weekend away - a rental kit that transforms an ordinary bed into a four-poster. The bottled water industry is worth millions and Guy Jeremiah from London wants to tempt the Dragons with his green alternative - a collapsible, reusable bottle. The multimillionaires are usually all for inventions that save money, but is this a step too far? Sam Petter brightens up the Den with her mission to get kids more active; and Lancaster duo Peter Harrison and Wesley Downham are hoping that their security company is a safe bet for the Dragons. Between them, they have plenty of experience in facing down tough characters, but will that help them hold their own with the Dragons?

Episode 4 2010-08-02 | 60 min The Dragons have shown willingness to invest in the best business deals offered them, but they won't risk their cash on those without money-making potential. More entrepreneurs ascend the stairs to see what the multimillionaires will make of their idea. There is an unusual visitor in this episode, as Monty the falcon accompanies Layla Bennett from Powys into the Den. The bird plays an important part in Layla's pest control business - but will he help her hunt down an investment? Lisa Marshall and Shelene Mitchell have an invention which takes the old-fashioned hanging basket to new heights. Now they need the Dragons to help their business grow. And can graffiti be turned into a money-spinning business? Tim Williams and Tom Hogan think they have the technical wizardry to make it happen - but the writing will be on the wall for the innovative pair if they can't convince the Dragons.

Episode 5 2010-08-09 | 60 min Paul Morris from Harrogate believes he's cracked the genetic code of an acorn to make genetically engineered pig feed. Is it a ground-breaking discovery or will the Dragons think it's all hogwash? Mike and Sarah Longthorn, and Laura Booth from Hull think they have the perfect welly for festival fashionistas braving the mud. Inventor Ehsan Yazdani from London shows off his portable mini gym for fitness fanatics on the go, but can he convince the Dragons that his business is in good shape? And if that wasn't enough, Reverend John Berriman from Cornwall has invented a new flavour of fizzy drink with a very unusual ingredient. It's time for a Dragon taste test - will the Reverend pass or fail?

Episode 6 2010-08-16 | 60 min Another set of hopeful entrepreneurs pitch to the multi-millionaire investors. Northern Irish mum Jacqueline McKay thinks she has the stress-busting accessory for travelling parents everywhere - a suitcase that turns into a cot. Businessman Stephen Maher has a shattering pitch that he hopes will grab the Dragons' attention and an investment in his emergency escape invention. Plus, Ralf Klinnert thinks his musical cones have money making potential, and the world's smallest car is in the Den. The Dragons might be tempted to a race - but will it be a race to invest? And, more importantly, will Peter Jones fit into it?

Episode 7 2010-08-23 | 60 min Technical wizards Chris Barnardo and Richard Blakesley from Hertfordshire have opted for the traditional method of Dragon-slaying-magic. Will their remote control in the shape of a magic wand have the power to turn a good idea into gold? Intrepid business partners Letitia Valentine and Alex Lewis invented a new version of the foil survival blanket after a cycling trip to the Brecon Beacons. They've handled tough conditions before - now they have to survive the den. Edinburgh duo Sandy Maxwell-Forbes and Sarah McClean have a helping paw from their dogs, Molly and Womble, as they seek investment in their outdoor dog creche. And Alastair Heelas hopes to impress the multi-millionaires with his inflatable snow globe. Will it attract a flurry of offers or will he face a frosty reception?

Episode 8 2010-08-30 | 60 min

Episode 9 2010-09-06 | 60 min Young entrepreneur John Buni from London brings futuristic laser beams into the Den. His modern take on tailoring uses a laser body scanner to collect measurements for bespoke suits. The Dragons know all about fine tailoring, but will this idea measure up? A father and son duo have invented a plastic vest to help gym-goers lose weight as they work up a sweat. Now they want the Dragons to see the potential in their idea and help them gain the extra pounds they need in investment. Plus, a website venture supplying vehicle accessories is ready for the extra push a Dragon investor can bring, and serial inventor Solvej Biddle brings her latest innovative idea into the Den. It's a backpack that converts into a travel play-kit for children - a tough market to crack, but she thinks she has what it takes to convince a Dragon to help fast-track it to success.

Episode 10 2010-09-13 | 60 min Hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Kirsty Henshaw, Angela Newman, Chris Barnado and Richard Blakesley, Ian Taylor rides into the Den with his mobile video advertising hoarding on a bike. He wants to expand his Wakefield-based business into the rest of the country, but will the Dragons see nationwide potential in his idea? One of the Den's youngest entrepreneurs, 20-year-old Jessica Ratcliffe, thinks she's found a way into the lucrative computer gaming market with her online marketplace for selling and swapping used games. Now she wants to persuade a Dragon that they need a piece of the action. Plus another young but very experienced entrepreneur has an accessory that solves a problem all parents of newborns will relate to - how and where to change your baby's nappy in a public environment. But will the multimillionaires recognise the issue and. more importantly, will they spot a money-making opportunity? Also, there's a round-up of the highlights from the series.

Dragons' Den: Season 8

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