Dragon's Den - Anybody know that Solar guy?

[Dan]

Any of you lot know of that Solar guy on Dragon's den that got his investment?

He seemed to know his stuff and was in talks with the government and everything.

 

[TedM]

Chris Hopkins of Ploughcroft Group.

Seemed like he didn't really need the money, certainly not a good idea to give away a big chunk of his company and just wanted the 'free' publicity (as many appearing on Dragons Den do).

Would you want Deborah Meaden telling you how to run your company?

 

[dansk]

I don't know him, but his company is very close to me and we lose work to his company sadly. Wish the best of luck, it won't be his business if they get there hands on it.

 

[northernsun]

i know him...... I'll say no more. But i was quite angry on sunday night.

 

[Worcester]

@northernsun Why angry? What was wrong with his story?

Having been in business for 30 years, and also met some of the dragons, and knowing what they can do with their contacts and resources, having one on board can be very useful.

His business, like all, is hampered by cash flow and resources, these guys can provide both in a heartbeat.

 

[hopkins85]

I just watched it.
Looked like he was bricking it. He done well though.

Also Duncan Bannatyne is a idiot.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

 

[Big n Daft]

Be very interesting when the FIT goes up the swannie.

 

[northernsun]

Nowt wrong with his story Worcester. Lets just say I have some history with him and the company though.
I do have to admit he is a great business man and I was rather confused as to why he was actually on in the first place.
I dont buy the need for cash and I also would'nt have thought he needed that much help in marketing etc..
Still, not a bad advert for the industry despite my personal feelings.

 

[Worcester]

Duncan Bannatyne maybe used it as a way to get out (perhaps he had 2nd thoughts on his joint offer).

Every business at all levels needs some form of external advice / help guidance. - Just look at the number of posts and discussions on this forum.

The bigger the company you run the lonelier it is / the more difficult it is to find peers to talk to and discuss your business issues. Would it be worth you giving up 25% to have a business 10 x bigger? (Some may say no because they love the work! )We all know that this opportunity will consolidate after the FiTs runs out, so the question is how do you make the most of the opportunity? With the marketing and management experience that the Dragons can give him he got a good deal - it's not about the money it's about having 2 Dragons on your board.

 

[SolarCity]

I have nothing really to add to the discussion apart from sharing my observation that it is truly bizarre to hear someone refer to another human being as a 'Dragon'. I've watched every series now and I still can't get used to it. Besides, I'd have thought "B**tards" would be a more accurate description considering their patronising, aggressive and smug attitude. I'd never get tired of punching them.

 

[confounded]

Nowt wrong with his story Worcester. Lets just say I have some history with him and the company though.

5000 installs (if I caught it right on the intro) and he was on Dragons Den to borrow petty cash relative to what he should have in the bank in exchange for 25% of his business.....

 

[flamefix]

5000 installs (if I caught it right on the intro) ... borrow petty cash relative to what he should have in the bank in exchange for 25% of his business.....

My thoughts exactly, his average cost of install is 14-16k he said as well if memory serves... but even at 10k its £50,000,000 less costs he's turned over. I'd be of the opinion 25% for £120k is madness and perhaps the deal will fall through and it will be for publicity which if it is, is a sorry publicity stunt at the expense of genuine investment opportunities of those that need the money.

 

[TedM]

Dragon Peter Jones criticised for solar slating

 

[SRE]

I thought Duncan Bannantyne was right, the guy from Ploughcroft looked really out of his depth and ended up being a tad rude in oviously trying to exclude Duncan Bannantyne and while I agree that having the dragons on board has great potential I doubt if it will go ahead. I couldn't get my head round 5,000 installs - the rent a roof companies aren't getting that many are they??? Assuming that this was filmed earlier in the year then potentially they have installed over 20% of installations in the country - surely not ... If they are getting that number over 12 - 18 months since Fit was introduced then how can the company only be worth 480k - have I got the maths wrong?

I was recently at a leadership event that Duncan Bannantyne was speaking about, nice guy, true entrepreneur - but not very bright .. which both surprised me and inspired me in a funny sort of way. If he can make zillions then there isn't any reason why anyone else with a bit of flair and a lot of nerve can do the same.

 

[Adam W]

I've heard of Ploughcroft before, I suspect from this forum.
Does anyone remember Sharon Wright, who won an investment for her fancy cable rods? She thought she was getting an £80k investment from ex-dragon James Caan but ended up just getting a loan and effectively selling a quarter of her business for just £29. Rather than offering advice tailored to her business Caan used the situation to sell Sharon Wright his own services.

I'm not sure if I'd trust any of the dragons, but the programme is a good way to get free advertising on the telly.