In Dragon's Den, which former dragon founded the Bannatyne health-club business?

Duncan Bannatyne founded the Bannatyne health-club business.

Duncan Bannatyne is a Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist who became one of the best-known original dragons on the British series. His business interests expanded from early ventures into a group that included health clubs, hotels and spas. The Bannatyne name is particularly associated with fitness and wellness facilities.

On Dragon's Den, Bannatyne was known for a forthright style and for asking entrepreneurs to justify their valuations and business plans. He appeared as a dragon from the programme’s early years before leaving the regular panel.

The answer is not Peter Jones, who is another long-serving dragon, nor Theo Paphitis, whose most famous retail association is Ryman. Bannatyne’s surname provides the direct link to the health-club chain and makes this a useful way to distinguish his business background from those of other investors.