Which Dragons' Den investor founded the Bannatyne fitness and spa chain?

Duncan Bannatyne founded the Bannatyne fitness and spa chain.

Duncan Bannatyne is a Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist who became one of the best-known original Dragons on the British programme. His business interests expanded from earlier ventures into the health, fitness and leisure sector, eventually producing the Bannatyne Group of health clubs and spas.

The group operates under the Bannatyne name rather than being a business created by the television programme. Bannatyne brought experience in building companies and negotiating investments to the Den, where he became known for a direct style and strong interest in businesses with clear commercial potential.

The name can create a simple identification trap: Bannatyne is both the investor's surname and the brand used by his fitness business. Peter Jones, John Caudwell and Doug Richard were also associated with the programme, but none of those names identifies the Bannatyne Group.