Dog treat firm wins Dragons' Den investment
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Billy + Margot, the iced treat for dogs, emerged successfully from the Dragons' Den in an episode televised last weekend...
The Hampshire-based company secured a £60,000 investment from Dragon Deborah Meaden.
But the experience didn't start off too well for Marie Sawle, the woman behind the innovative new canine brand, as three male Dragons announced "I'm out!"
But Deborah and Hilary Devey were both impressed enough to make offers before Marie finally made her decision to go with the former.
"The impression you get watching Dragons' Den on TV contrasts dramatically with the frightening reality of walking down the stairs into a brightly-lit studio watched by umpteen camera crew and support staff and suddenly seeing five Dragons staring at you. I paused, glanced at Margot, my labrador, and thought: this is our big chance...here goes,” said Marie.
"It’s great to have someone like Deborah who has such massive business experience and who is able to channel this into succinct and constructive advice.
"Now, whenever we meet, she always makes you feel that your business is the most important."
Having had her offer of £60k for a 40% stake in the business accepted Deborah said: "Marie received two offers…I am pleased to say she accepted mine. I think she sensed that we shared a view and a vision of the opportunity.
"True to form, since I invested Marie has already developed a new product range of Venison treats with many more products underway."
Launched in March this year at Crufts, the iced treats are already proving a big hit. They were named 'Dog Product of the Year' at PATS Sandown, where the company signed up over 200 stockists. In the first four months of trading over 30,000 tubs were sold despite the worst weather in years.
Billy + Margot comes in three flavours, including Strawberry and Apple, which are all specially formulated to be nutritious and safe for dogs.
“Our much-loved labrador Billy gave me the inspiration to start the business,” said Marie. “He loved ice cream but as a nutritionist I realised the ingredients were potentially bad for his canine digestive system and decided to produce an iced treat for dogs with a special emphasis on health and nutrition.”
For more information visit www.billyandmargot.com 
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