- DiscreteHeat, a Dragons’ Den alumni, secures £250,000 loan to expand into Europe and North America
- Manchester-based DiscreteHeat develops skirting board radiator to save space and improve efficiency
- Founder Martin Wadsworth aims for £80m turnover in 5 years and £300m in 10 years through international growth
- Just Bee Honey, another Dragons’ Den participant, plans to double revenue and create jobs with funding for automation
- Just Bee Honey partners with Made Smarter to create a “smart factory” for efficient production
DiscreteHeat’s International Expansion
Dragons’ Den alumni DiscreteHeat, based in Manchester, is gearing up for significant growth across Europe and North America after securing a £250,000 loan to support its expansion plans. The company, known for its innovative skirting board radiator, ThermaSkirt, has already made a mark in the UK market by offering a space-saving and energy-efficient heating solution. Despite facing rejection on the show, DiscreteHeat continued to thrive, with Founder and MD Martin Wadsworth projecting a turnover of £80 million in the next five years as the housing sector moves towards Net Zero. The company’s success has attracted attention from major housebuilders and developers, prompting its decision to expand globally.
Martin Wadsworth expressed his optimism for the company’s future, stating, “After being rejected by the dragons, we wanted to make sure DiscreteHeat would be hugely successful. Now, we have a patented product that has some of the biggest housebuilders and developers knocking on our door. We want to start taking over the European and American markets.” To facilitate this international growth, DiscreteHeat secured an Export Loan from GC Business Finance, enabling the company to make strategic hires and invest in new products. With export success, Wadsworth anticipates a substantial increase in turnover to £300 million within the next decade.
Andy Nichols, senior loan manager at GC Business Finance, commended DiscreteHeat’s achievements, particularly highlighting the company’s positive environmental impact. He emphasized the importance of supporting Greater Manchester-based businesses on a global scale and expressed excitement about DiscreteHeat’s future successes. The company’s journey from a rejected pitch on Dragons’ Den to a thriving enterprise poised for international expansion showcases the resilience and determination of its team.
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Just Bee Honey’s Growth Strategy
Another Dragons’ Den success story comes from Just Bee Honey, a Trafford Park-based company that specializes in flavored and vitamin-infused honey products. Co-founded by Andy Sugden and Joe Harper in 2014, Just Bee Honey secured funding from manufacturing support body Made Smarter to enhance its operations and create a “smart factory.” The company aims to double its revenue and generate five new jobs by investing in automation for its sealing and labeling processes.
Initially focused on producing honey-based soft drinks, Just Bee Honey transitioned to offering a diverse range of infused and flavored honey products, which have garnered significant success in retail outlets such as Selfridges, Waitrose, and Boots. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, the company adapted its product range and achieved sales of 250,000 units per year. The decision to invest in automation reflects Just Bee Honey’s commitment to efficiency, quality, and scalability in its operations.
Andy Sugden shared his excitement about the company’s evolution, stating, “We have been on quite a journey over the last 10 years from handmade products in a kitchen to a factory. We are now ready for the next stage of our growth.” With the support of Made Smarter, Just Bee Honey developed a digital roadmap and received a grant towards implementing technology for its smart factory vision. The company’s transformation underscores the importance of embracing digitalization and automation to drive productivity and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Donna Edwards, director of Made Smarter’s Adoption Programme in the North West, commended Just Bee Honey’s proactive approach to digital transformation and expressed confidence in the company’s growth prospects. By leveraging technology and upskilling their team, Just Bee Honey is poised to enhance its operational efficiency and competitiveness in the market. The partnership between Just Bee Honey and Made Smarter exemplifies the value of strategic support and collaboration in driving business growth and innovation.
Impacts of Dragons’ Den Success
The success stories of DiscreteHeat and Just Bee Honey underscore the significant impact of appearing on Dragons’ Den and securing funding to fuel growth and innovation. While the show provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, the real value often lies in the opportunities that arise post-show. Both companies faced initial setbacks but persevered, ultimately leveraging their experiences to propel their businesses forward.
DiscreteHeat’s journey from rejection on Dragons’ Den to securing a substantial loan for international expansion highlights the resilience and vision of its leadership team. By staying focused on their goal and continuously innovating, DiscreteHeat has positioned itself as a key player in the heating solutions market. Similarly, Just Bee Honey’s decision to invest in automation and digitalization showcases the company’s commitment to scaling its operations and enhancing efficiency.
The support received from organizations such as GC Business Finance and Made Smarter has been instrumental in facilitating the growth and development of these Dragons’ Den alumni. By providing financial assistance, strategic guidance, and technological solutions, these entities have empowered DiscreteHeat and Just Bee Honey to realize their expansion plans and create new opportunities for job creation and revenue generation.
Looking Towards the Future
As DiscreteHeat and Just Bee Honey embark on their next phase of growth and expansion, the Dragons’ Den alumni demonstrate the importance of resilience, adaptation, and strategic planning in navigating the business landscape. By capitalizing on their strengths, addressing market demands, and embracing innovation, these companies are poised to achieve sustainable growth and success in their respective industries.
The experiences of DiscreteHeat and Just Bee Honey serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, highlighting the transformative power of determination, creativity, and collaboration. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity, these companies are well-positioned to make a lasting impact in their markets and drive positive change through their products and services.
The journeys of DiscreteHeat and Just Bee Honey exemplify the potential for growth and success that can emerge from strategic partnerships, visionary leadership, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. By leveraging their Dragons’ Den experiences as catalysts for growth, these companies are setting the stage for a bright and prosperous future filled with opportunities for expansion, impact, and continued evolution.
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