Derbyshire Dales: Drinks makers toast Dragon’s Den victory

An entrepreneur stirred the interest of one of the biggest names in business after presenting his drinks company idea on national television.

Ralph Broadbent, founder of Pikehall’s Y Not Festival, appeared on BBC programme Dragon’s Den with his business partner Alex Dixon to promote their new venture Victor’s Drinks.

The firm provides easy-to-use home brew kits, allowing customers to be able to make their own cider and ale.

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On the TV show the pair initially rejected an offer from Duncan Bannatyne, however returned with a counter–offer and a deal with agreed a deal with the Dragon for £40,000 in return for a 25 per cent share in the business.

Ralph, 27, of Biggin, said: “Going into the den was a fantastic experience for us.

“Once we got into the den it was quite nerve wracking but we soon settled down and were able to get our pitch over without any hiccups.

“Once the questions started the pressure obviously ramped up but we were pleased in how we were able to deal with the questions.

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“We went in knowing that the offer we gave them was an extremely attractive one, and because of that didn’t want to lose too much equity.

“We both thrive off stretching targets and so we are really pleased that we were able to build in a performance related reduction in equity, and we are looking forward to taking the business forward!”

The pair originally came up with the idea for the business while they were at university when they used to make their own cider for parties.

The cider is made by mixing 18 pints of warm water with a sachet of yeast and leaving it for ten days. It can then be pour straight from the box into a glass.

For more information on Victor’s Drinks, visit www.victorsdrinks.com

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