Dragon's Den investor Theo Paphitis bought the stationery retailer Ryman in 1995.
Ryman is a British retailer specialising in stationery, office supplies, printing and related services. Paphitis acquired the business during his career as an entrepreneur and later became closely associated with its expansion and public profile.
The company’s name is sometimes confused with other British stationery chains, particularly WHSmith and Paperchase. They are separate businesses, although all have operated in overlapping retail markets. Paphitis’s ownership of Ryman is one reason his Dragon's Den appearances were closely linked with retail expertise.
Paphitis later became one of the programme’s best-known dragons. His business interests also included other retail brands, and he was recognised publicly for combining investment activity with hands-on commercial experience.