Ollypop to appear on the Dragons' Den!
30/01/2007
Can Dragons' do the Ollypop? Will they invest in a small company from Cornwall? Olly travels to the big smoke to find out...
Ok, it's time to let you into a secret. Last November, not only were we busy sorting Christmas orders but there was also the small matter of having to pitch to the Dragons.
I received the call from the associate producer of the Dragons' Den early in November. He had read about Ollypop in the press, loved the idea and asked me if I'd like to apply to go on the show. He sent the application through and after much deliberation I thought what the hell, filled it out and sent it back.
Three weeks later and having successfully got through the tough interview process, I suddenly found myself waiting anxiously in a cold East London warehouse to pitch to the Dragons. Fortunately I wasn't alone, my trusty mate Wailin had agreed to step in as the 'Ollypop demonstrator' since I was unable to 'pop' thanks to a snapped cruciate ligament.
We waited and waited, practiced the pitch 5 times and Wailin, lead guitarist for local band Chigwah, strummed a few tunes. Then it was lunch time. Although nervous, starvation had set in and the arrival of the BBC catering team with a massive spread of food was like an oasis in the desert! We grabbed our plates and gleefully headed to the food.
But it wasn't to be. There was a tap on my shoulder, and researcher Judith in her wee Scottish accent uttered the words "You're on!" Sh*t!
We were ushered to a room just below the Dragons, wired up with mikes and given a few final words of encouragement. Wailin was still completely relaxed which calmed my nerves a lot, it probably helped that he'd never seen the show before!
Five minutes later I was taking those terrifying steps towards my fate. As I got to the top of the stairs, I stupidly glanced over and saw the Dragons staring at me, seemingly unimpressed already! I walked over, set up and tried to focus as I heard Wailin get to the top of the stairs and greet the Dragons cheerily with a "HELLO!"
I began my pitch and...well, you'll just have to wait and see!
TUNE IN TO BBC 2 AT 8PM
ON WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY
WE'RE NOT ON FOR LONG,
BUT LONG ENOUGH!
Dragons' Den
Broadcast date/time: 07/02/2007 20:00
Duration: 60 mins
New series. Would-be entrepreneurs present their sales pitches. Innovations include a beach towel with a surfboard printed on it so learners can practise getting to their feet quickly, a Woollie Warmer for newborn lambs, walk-in stress relief shops, and a lemon-slicing device for pubs. Presented by Evan Davies
