Which Dragon's Den investor was the founder of the health-club company Bannatyne Fitness?

Duncan Bannatyne was the founder of the health-club company Bannatyne Fitness.

Bannatyne developed a major business presence in the health and fitness sector before becoming widely known as a Dragon's Den investor. The business later formed part of the wider Bannatyne Group, whose activities include health clubs, spas and hotels.

The fitness company is a useful example of how a dragon’s own commercial background shapes the questions asked in the Den. An investor with experience in gyms can assess membership models, site costs, equipment, staffing and customer retention more directly than someone from a different industry.

Bannatyne Fitness should not be confused with an investment made by Bannatyne on the programme. It was his own business, while Dragon's Den deals involve companies presented by contestants. The similar wording of “fitness” businesses and individual gym investments can make those two categories easy to conflate.