Dragon's Den investor Deborah Meaden owned Weststar Holidays before she became a television dragon.
Weststar Holidays was a holiday business connected with Meaden’s early commercial career. Her involvement in the company helped build the management and investment experience that later shaped her role on Dragon's Den.
The company should not be confused with large holiday brands such as Thomas Cook, Butlin’s or Hoseasons. Those names belong to different businesses and sectors within the wider travel and leisure industry. Meaden’s business history includes several ventures, so Weststar Holidays is specifically the holiday company associated with this part of her career.
Meaden later became one of the programme’s most recognisable investors. Her background in leisure, retail and consumer businesses has influenced the types of pitches and companies she discusses in the den.