Manchester entrepreneurs decline £65k offer on Dragons’ Den

The entrepreneurial duo behind Manchester-based Just Bee, the honey-infused water brand, caused a stir on Dragons’ Den last night after turning down a five-figure investment from one of the show’s business aficionados.

When they featured on the programme this week (January 29), Just Bee founders Joe Harper and Andy Sugden turned down a £65k offer from investor Peter Jones, who is famous for helping turn Reggae Reggae Sauce into a multi-million pound condiment brand.

Joe and Andy negotiated with the Dragon for an hour and a half. While the sum met their investment goal, the pair decided to decline the offer as Peter insisted on securing a 25% share in the business.

Joe, whose family background is steeped in beekeeping, said: “It was really hard for us to say no to Peter Jones.

“But we really believe more people are looking for a natural alternative to sugary soft drinks. Using honey is a great alternative and gives us a huge opportunity which we didn’t think Peter’s offer reflected.”

He continued: “We’ve received excellent support from national retailers and the public and are excited to see what the future holds.

“We are very disappointed Peter won’t be joining us though, we’d have loved to see him wearing one of our beekeeper’s outfits!”

Just Bee was founded less than two years ago, but already the company has secured listings with a number of retailers, including Selfridges and the Fortnum & Mason department store in London.

The firm also has a supplier agreement with Northern retailer Booths.

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