Dragons’ Den co-stars lead tributes to late business mogul

Theo Paphitis is between the voices to have paid out tribute to Dragons’ Den star Hilary Devey, who has died at the age of 65.

The demise of the entrepreneur was verified by her agent on Sunday (12 June), who claimed Devey died in Morocco immediately after battling a prolonged health issues.

Devey joined Dragons’ Den back again in 2011 adhering to the departure of James Caan.

Speaking on BBC News today (13 June), Paphitis mentioned: “When she joined Dragons’ Den, we’d previously been filming for very a few collection. So she came into the Den as a beginner, but absolutely commanded her posture and her presence.

“She experienced so much charisma, so significantly capacity. On leading of all that, she was a quite straight-speaking northern female. But she experienced so considerably charisma, so significantly capacity that went with it. So you couldn’t assistance but actually like her.”

He added: “She was a massively effective woman in small business in a massively male-dominated world in transportation. What she attained need to not be underestimated.”

Deborah Meaden, one more fellow “Dragon”, claimed she was “very sad” to listen to of Devey’s dying. “She was one of a kind in every way and brought grit and warmth with her into the den. My feelings are with her family members and liked ones. RIP Hilary. actually a single of a kind,” the businesswoman explained.

Former Dragons’ Den co-star Duncan Bannatyne tweeted: “Sad to listen to that Hilary Devey has passed. So young. Way too youthful. Rest in Peace Hilary.”

Yet another tribute arrived from BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James, who mentioned: “I’m so unhappy to listen to the information about Hilary. An absolute inspiration for women of all ages in distinct who wanted to make their mark in male-dominated industries, like she did in haulage. She was also so much enjoyment.”