Duncan Bannatyne was the founder of the Bannatyne Group before appearing on the British television show Dragon's Den.
The Bannatyne Group grew into a major leisure business with health clubs, hotels and spas across the United Kingdom. Bannatyne's ownership and development of the group formed an important part of his reputation before and during his time as a television investor.
He joined Dragon's Den as one of the original Dragons in 2005. On the programme, he evaluated entrepreneurs seeking capital and business expertise, often focusing on whether an idea could become a sustainable company. His direct style made him one of the show's most recognisable investors.
The Bannatyne Group should not be confused with another Dragon's personal investment portfolio. The group is specifically connected with Duncan Bannatyne, while other panel members built businesses in sectors such as telecommunications, retail, fashion and financial services.