A Dragons’ Den victor has revealed what really goes on behind the scenes of the hit

A Dragons’ Den victor has revealed what really goes on behind the scenes of the hit show – including a seven hour wait to be seen and absolutely no re-dos.

Former financier Edward Hancock, 39, who sank £720,000 of his own cash into his cheese subscription business, secured a £150,000 investment from the newest investor Steven Bartlett after appearing on the programme earlier this month.

Edward, founder of cheesegeek, an online cheesemonger specialising in supplying British artisan cheeses directly to customers’ doors, was the first business owner to set foot in the den on the new series of the BBC One show.

Appearing alongside his business partner Richard Simpson, Edward, from south-west , delivered an impressive pitch that won over Peter, Steven and Touker.

The business partners agreed an offer from the newest and youngest ever Dragon, Steven – a 29-year-old social media marketing CEO – who bid £150,000 for a 5 per cent stake in the London-based artisan cheese retailer.

Here, Edward reveals what happened when he appeared on the show – from the very detailed applying process, to the ‘one, natural take’ and the lack of advisers…   

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DETAILED APPLYING PROCESS

Edward said: ‘When we first applied to appear on Dragons’ Den, I don’t think we really believed we would get through to the next stage, let alone appear on the show. 

‘It’s a thorough process – video auditions, comprehensive due diligence, form after form – not just around your business, but also you as an individual.

‘Then an email arrived with confirmation – we had a slot on the very first day of filming the new series.

Excitement was our first reaction. Then after the initial news settles down, you realise that you will actually have to pitch. On camera. To Dragons.’ 

SEVEN HOURS WAIT TO SEE THE DRAGONS 

The businessman explained: ‘On the day our pitch was being filmed, we arrived at the studio in Manchester and were shown to a waiting room.

We had to wait for seven hours before being taken up to the Dragons. 

‘After our pitch, our question and answer session with the Dragons lasted for one hour and 45 minutes.’

THE CAMERA DOESN’T STOP ROLLING  

Edward revealed: ‘There are no cuts in the filming, no re-dos. There’s no staging from the producers or being directed to say certain things.

‘It’s just you, pitching your business to the Dragons, then being questioned – all in one natural, real take.

‘The first time you see the Dragons is walking out of the lift – it’s just like how viewers see it when watching from home.’

NO ADVISERS TO HELP WITH YOUR PITCH 

‘There are no advisers on hand to answer any questions or to give you advice in terms of your pitch.

What makes the show so great is that it’s completely real,’ he added. 

‘The first thing I noticed when I walked into the room was how big the smiles were on the judges’ faces. We felt really welcome, and the Dragons genuinely want you to do well.’ 

THERE ARE NO NICETIES

Edward’s business partner Richard said: ‘Walking out of the lift, I intentionally tried to make eye contact with each of the Dragons. 

‘From memory, Sara and Deborah were smiling and settled me down (Peter Jones was a little more stern). 

‘There are no niceties though, we were straight into our pitch.

Three minutes, one opportunity – thankfully we made it through. In fact, it went better than most of our practices – nothing like a bit of pressure and adrenaline to get you through.’ 

He added: ‘The Dragons were less intimidating and more supportive than I imagined.’

HOW COVID AFFECTED OUR PITCH: 

Richard continued: ‘Viewers will have noticed Edward and I were separated by a partition in the lift.

We stood apart for the pitch, and the conversation flowed. 

‘After some (many) cheese puns we received three offers (Peter, then Steven and Touker). Edward and I headed to the wall to discuss – but due to the fact we had to be socially distanced, I’m the first to admit that I didn’t hear a huge amount of what Edward was saying. 

‘But I knew the gist and after a short negotiation, we agreed a deal with Steven. Result.

Then we had some awkward, socially distanced first bumps before making our way back to the lift.’

YOU WILL BE NERVOUS

‘Edward and I travelled to Manchester the night before to avoid any last-minute travel hiccups, but I proceeded to get absolutely no sleep and felt anything but refreshed,’ admitted Richard.

‘I tried to eat but it took me 30 minutes for a bowl of Cornflakes.

Not a good start. We arrived at the studio at 7am as we had a morning judi slot deposit pulsa tanpa potongan… and the waiting began. I tried and failed to eat again.’

Edward added: ‘Containing nerves is pretty tough but remember the Dragons want you to be good.

They will smile when you go in, and they will be rooting for you. And again, none of them knows your business better than you.’

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