Which business group was founded by Dragon Duncan Bannatyne?

Duncan Bannatyne founded the Bannatyne Group business group.

The group became associated with health clubs, spas and hotels, building on Bannatyne’s expansion into leisure and hospitality. Its health-club operations made the Bannatyne name especially visible across Britain, while the wider group reflected his interest in operating businesses in several related sectors.

The Bannatyne Group is sometimes confused with Virgin Group or other large British business groups because all have recognisable founder names and broad commercial interests. They are separate organisations. Bannatyne’s group grew from his earlier entrepreneurial activities, including businesses connected with care and leisure.

Bannatyne became a prominent Dragon on the BBC programme, where he was known for a direct negotiating style and a focus on commercial returns. His business group remained distinct from his television role: the programme showcased his investment decisions, while the Bannatyne Group was his own operating business.