Businesswoman secures £60k investment from Tej Lalvani following five Dragons' Den offers

Sussex-based The Great British Porridge Co has secured £60k investment for a 22 per cent business share on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den.

Founder Jacqueline Barleycorn - along with her business partner, Matt Hunt, who is also founder of The Protein Ball Co - spent over an hour in the den pitching to the Dragons.

The pitch managed to secure five offers from the Dragons for Jacqueline, who chose to work with Tej Lalvani who offered Jacqueline and Matt £60k for a 22 per cent share.

Jacqueline said: “The whole experience was terrifying. They tore our figures and business plan to pieces and we felt sure we’d walk away with nothing, so we couldn’t believe it when every Dragon made us an offer!”

Jacqueline and Matt pitching on the popular BBC’s Dragons’ Den.

She added: “We had done our homework and we knew that Tej was a food and nutrition specialist who has great global connections. We feel he is very current and understands today’s trends and emerging markets.

“He has a great energy and vibrancy and takes a personal interest in his investments. We also know that Tej is a massive porridge fan and certainly loved the taste of ours.”

Founded by Jacqueline - a retired entrepreneur - in 2018, The Great British Porridge Co. produces 100 per cent natural, no added sugar, gluten and dairy-free instant porridges.

Jacqueline is now working with Matt and Hayley Hunt, co-founders of The Protein Ball Co. The products are sold in Sainsbury’s, Wholefoods Market, Selfridges and Harrods, with export deals across five countries.

Jacqueline and Matt will be using the investment to develop new products and increase sales overseas: “We are incredibly excited to be working with Tej and look forward to seeing how we can move the business forward with this investment and his expertise.”