John Caudwell founded the telecommunications retailer Phones 4u, later appearing as a Dragon on the BBC series Dragon's Den.
Caudwell and his brother Brian built the business after entering the mobile-phone market in the 1980s. Phones 4u became one of Britain's largest independent mobile-phone retailers, selling contracts and handsets through high-street stores and other channels.
Caudwell joined Dragon's Den as a guest Dragon in the programme's early years. His business background gave him particular experience in fast-moving consumer markets, supplier relationships and large-scale retail operations.
Phones 4u is not the same company as Caudwell Group, the broader business structure associated with his commercial activities and philanthropy. The retailer later entered administration in 2014 after major network suppliers withdrew their agreements. That later collapse does not change Caudwell's role in founding and building the chain.