Duncan Bannatyne reveals Sensory Spa plans

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :05/12/2007 11:11:22

TV Dragon Duncan Bannatyne recently spoke to ExecUK about building his £200 million fortune, spreading his entrepreneurial spirit, and rolling out his Sensory Spa brand.

In an exclusive interview with ExecUK, Mr. Bannatyne, famous for his appearances on BBC Two’s Dragon’s Den, spoke about his ‘anyone can do it’ approach to business.

Late starter

Mr. Bannatyne explained how he had made a success of a number of ventures in a variety of sectors, starting with the £450 purchase of an ice cream van when he was 31, and culminating in an estimated £200 million fortune and an empire of fitness clubs, hotels, properties and spas.

“Since then, it has just been a case of analysing where the profit is going to be. If you invest in a new van, what is the profit going to be?

“If you invest in a new health club, what’s the profit going to be? If the return is two or three times what the bank borrowings are going to cost you, then it’s worth doing,” he said. “Business is really that simple – it’s easy.”

Talking to ExecUK’s James Hurley, he also revealed the truth behind his court martial form the Navy, his feelings about his twenties and his experiences following the flotation of his Quality Care Homes business in 1992.

He said: “There were so many people in London in the money markets that simply move money around. They don’t create anything, they’re not entrepreneurial – it’s incredible.”

Entrepreneurs unite

Mr. Bannatyne, 58 has received an OBE in recognition of his charity work in Romania, where he funded several projects including a hospice for orphans with HIV and AIDS.

His next charitable project, he revealed, was formed with the support of Richard Branson, and involves channeling the resources of entrepreneurs to directly support humanitarian causes around the world.

“As a group of entrepreneurs we go and invest in third world countries, but only in places that will help the community. We don’t actually get a return on our money.

“It goes into a big pot and gets reinvested again. It will be a phenomenal charity if it takes off, which I fully expect it too,” he explained.

Mr. Bannatyne also revealed his plans to extend his Sensory Spa brand, which he recently rolled out to three new sites.

“I think holistic therapies and beauty treatments are going to take off in a big way in the UK.”

December 5 2007

To read the full article and watch the video, click here