Dragons' Den investor Hilary Devey founded Pall-Ex in 1996. Pall-Ex is a palletised freight distribution network, linking transport companies so that palletised goods can be moved efficiently across regions.
Devey developed the business after identifying an opportunity in freight logistics. Instead of relying only on individual point-to-point movements, a network model allowed member hauliers to exchange and distribute pallets through coordinated operations. This approach helped establish Pall-Ex as a notable British logistics company.
Devey later became a television personality and joined the Dragons' Den panel, where her logistics and business experience shaped her questioning of entrepreneurs. Her company should not be confused with parcel carriers or national logistics groups that operate under different corporate histories.
The founding year, 1996, refers to the establishment of Pall-Ex. It is not the year Devey joined Dragons' Den, which happened considerably later.