2011: Our Dragons’ Den Adventure
In 2011, Liz and Alan Colleran took Duvalay onto the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, securing an £80,000 investment from Hilary Devey CBE. While many contestants saw the show as a ‘make or break’ moment, Duvalay was already a growing success story. However, Liz and Alan knew the opportunity could elevate their brand to the next level.
After months of preparation in strict secrecy, the big day arrived. A sleepless night, hours of waiting, and a tough panel of Dragons made for an intense experience. The initial response was lukewarm—until Liz’s passion for Duvalay shone through. In a pivotal moment, Hilary Devey saw their work ethic, commitment, and belief in their product, stepping in to offer her backing.
Securing investment was just the beginning. Unlike many deals that don’t make it past due diligence, Duvalay successfully completed the process and received the full investment. Hilary and her team opened doors to new markets, introduced Liz and Alan to blue-chip companies, and even arranged a meeting with Richard Branson.
By 2015, the Hilary Devey Collection had launched, marking another milestone in Duvalay’s growth. Though Hilary sadly passed away in 2022, her influence remains a lasting part of the Duvalay story.
Reflecting on the experience, Liz says:
Dragons’ Den changed our lives and fast-tracked our business. But I truly believe we were already primed for success—it just took us beyond our comfort zone and into the next stage of our journey.
