The owner of a Skelmersdale glamping business was brought to tears while appearing on BBC show Dragons’ Den.
He became emotional, as did one of the ‘dragons’, after impressing all of the panel and securing a £100,000 investment for a five per cent equity stake in business.
The money will be used to open similar sites across the UK
Derry tugged on the investors’ heartstrings after talking about the origins of his business, which was a project he started in lockdown with his children.
He said: “It all started in lockdown, 2020. Stuck at home with my children I had to come up with new ways each day to keep them entertained.
“As days turned into months I just kept building – by the end of the first lockdown I created what I know to be a glamping site.
“I quickly realised there was a gap in the market for what I have produced. We now have nine bespoke units, with planning permission for a further four, and there has been a 100 per cent occupancy since opening.
“With your investment I would like to open further sites and make Secret Garden Glamping the go-to brand for luxury camping.”
Derry also impressed the investors for charging a flat rate per night across the year, which in 2024 is £245, not increasing prices during peak times.
He said: “I don’t do that, the reason being I set this up for me and my children and it has always grated on me that people capitalise when children are off school.
“So my rate is flat across the year, whether it be summer holidays or winter.
“It is a conscious decision to have my prices where they are.”
Four investors made an offer to Derry, offering him the £100,000 for a five per cent business stake that they asked for.
Stephen Bartlett declined, adding that he still liked Derry and the business, but that he did not have the right industry experience to guide him.
Peter Jones said: “This is outstanding I love this. I’ve actually gone quite clammy. I almost don’t want to ask you anymore questions and go straight to an offer.
“I was going to make you an offer from the minute you walked in after you descried the business. Having met you and listened to you I think you’d be a great person to work with.
“You have a gift not many people have.”
Stephen said: “I feel so proud of you for some reason. You’re such a decent bloke and for you to have created something so wonderful, with such an authentic story. For you to be successful because of that is amazing.
“I think I have taken my dragon hat off because Deborah is perfect for this and I don’t think I would be the right dragon for you and have the right passion.
“For that I am going to say I am out”
Derry accepted the offer for Deborah Meaden, who has experience in the hospitality industry, as he believed she shared the same vision for the business as he did.
He left the Dragons’ Den ‘lair’ in tears and also made Sara Davies emotional saying “I am just so happy for him, he’s lovely.”
You can watch the episode of Dragons’ Den on BBC iPlayer.
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