Which company group did Duncan Bannatyne found before becoming a Dragons' Den investor?

Duncan Bannatyne founded the Bannatyne Group before becoming a Dragons' Den investor.

The Bannatyne Group developed into a major leisure business, particularly associated with health clubs, hotels and spas. Bannatyne's entrepreneurial career began in other sectors, including care homes, before he expanded into leisure and built the group that bears his name.

His business background helped define his role on Dragons' Den. Unlike an investor known only for one product category, Bannatyne could discuss service businesses, premises, membership models and operational growth. He joined the programme's original panel and remained a dragon for twelve series.

The name is sometimes shortened in casual references, but the company's established name is the Bannatyne Group. It is not the same as a television production company or a separate investment brand created for the programme.