Theo Paphitis became associated with the British stationery retailer Ryman after acquiring the company in 1995.
Paphitis bought Ryman, a chain founded in 1893, and expanded its retail presence. The business sells stationery, office supplies, and related products through shops and online channels. Ryman’s long history means the company predates Paphitis by more than a century, so he is best described as its owner and later major business developer rather than its original founder.
Paphitis joined Dragon’s Den in 2005, appearing in the programme’s early investor line-up. His wider business interests have included retail brands such as Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, as well as investments in companies presented on the show.
Ryman is sometimes mixed up with Paphitis’s other retail holdings. Robert Dyas is a separate British retailer specialising in household and hardware products, while Ryman is chiefly identified with stationery and office supplies. The acquisition date, 1995, is the useful distinction.