Which Dragons' Den investor founded the Bannatyne fitness-club business?

Duncan Bannatyne founded the Bannatyne fitness-club business, which became one of the United Kingdom's largest health-club groups.

Bannatyne began his working life in the Royal Navy and later built businesses in several sectors. He entered the leisure industry by acquiring and developing care-home and hotel interests before expanding into health clubs and spas.

The Bannatyne Group carries his surname and operates fitness clubs, hotels and spas. Its health-club network became the business most closely associated with his public identity.

Bannatyne was an original Dragons' Den investor and became known for direct questioning of entrepreneurs. He is sometimes confused with other Dragons who invested in gyms, but the Bannatyne brand is specifically tied to Duncan Bannatyne.