John Caudwell founded the consumer electronics retailer Phones 4u.
Caudwell established the business with his brother Brian Caudwell in 1987. The company grew as a major UK mobile-phone retailer and became associated with high-street shops, mobile contracts and consumer electronics. John Caudwell later became a Dragon on the British programme and was known for his direct questioning of entrepreneurs.
Phones 4u and Peter Jones are often linked in memory because Jones is another prominent technology-focused Dragon. Jones, however, did not found Phones 4u. Caudwell's business career predated his television role and supplied the commercial background for his credibility as an investor.
Phones 4u entered administration in 2014 after losing major network supply agreements, illustrating how a large retail brand can depend on relationships with suppliers and partners. Caudwell subsequently became associated with philanthropy as well as business and television.