Theo Paphitis acquired the stationery retailer Ryman in 1995 before appearing on Dragons' Den.
Ryman is a British retailer specialising in stationery, office supplies, printing services and related products. Paphitis's acquisition became a major stage in his business career and helped establish him as a prominent retail entrepreneur.
Paphitis later became widely known through television, including his role as an investor on the British version of Dragons' Den. His retail experience shaped the practical questions he asked entrepreneurs about pricing, distribution, branding and the realities of selling products to customers.
Ryman is sometimes confused with WHSmith or Paperchase because all three names are associated with stationery and high-street retail. They are separate businesses. The relevant date is 1995, when Paphitis acquired Ryman, not the year he joined the television programme.