TV News Hilary Devey: 'It’s been more than I hoped for!'

Star of Dragon’s Den, successful businesswoman Hilary Devey talks to TV Times magazine about her rise to fame and fortune...

You’re known as much for your fashion sense as being a businesswoman!
“I’ve always tried to be a bit different. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Even when I had no money – and there’s been many times in my life when I haven’t – I would rather have saved up for two years and bought one outfit that I would have got value from that was elegant, classy and show-stopping than bought dribs and drabs along the way.”

And you have been through some tough times in your life...
‘I have had some hard times, but then I think you have to enjoy the good ones.”

Viewers have taken a real shine to you on Dragon’s Den...
“I’m delighted. It’s been more than I could have hoped for. I didn’t know how I would go down. I’d been in discussions a long time before I actually agreed to do it, and the first day I thought , 'Oh my God, what am I doing here?' I was very much the new girl. It felt like my first day at school. But within three days, I got into my stride.”

What do you think sets you apart from the other Dragons?
“I do feel real empathy with some of these entrepreneurs. I’m always the one to say, 'Take a deep breath, have some water and start again.'”

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
"Lots! And slowly I’m going to realise them.”