Bannatyne voted best Dragon mentor

DUNCAN BANNATYNE, the Scottish entrepreneur behind the Bannatyne's Health Club chain, has been voted the top Dragons' Den mentor by British business people.

A poll conducted by the business banking arm of Abbey revealed that bosses at the country's small and medium-sized firms would choose the Scot as their mentor for their business idea if they got a lucrative offer inside the Dragons' Den.

Mr Bannatyne, owner of the UK's largest independent health club operator, Bannatyne Fitness, was chosen by 24 per cent of respondents, followed by telecoms magnate Peter Jones with 17 per cent.

Small company owners and managers said both Dragons were highly rated.

But Mr Bannatyne, who went on to build his business empire after leaving the Royal Navy, was deemed to have shown great entrepreneurial determination to get to where he is today.

Mr Bannatyne said: "I am very proud to top this poll. Mentoring is very important for entrepreneurs taking their first steps in business as there is a wealth of advice and support that can make a vital difference."

Ian Wilson, managing director of Abbey Business, said: "The Dragon's Den is a great way of supporting entrepreneurs."