About Deborah:

Deborah launched her own glass and ceramics export company straight out of business college and has since made her name in the holiday park business.

Most likely to say in the Den:

"Have you any idea how much money this business would need to become viable?"

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Deborah's career to date

From a very early age Deborah Meaden knew she wanted her own business. Having left school after O-Levels Deborah studied at business college and following graduation worked as a sales room model in a fashion house before moving to Italy.

At the age of 19, with very little capital she launched her own glass and ceramics import company supplying upmarket stores like Harvey Nichols. Dissatisfied with the franchise model, Deborah sold her share to her business partner. With several successful businesses in the leisure and retail sector under her belt, she joined her family's business.

Starting out on the shop floor, Deborah eventually became Managing Director of Weststar Holidays. In 1999 she went on to acquire the major shareholding in a management buyout, later selling the company in a deal worth £33m whilst retaining a 23% stake.

Deborah still retained an active role at Weststar, but began to devote more time to finding good investment opportunities, including those she found on Dragons' Den, which she joined from Series Three.

In August 2007, she sold her remaining stake in Weststar Holidays for £83m, before making her first investment in a market research company, reflecting her interest and experience in marketing, brands and communications.

Deborah supports a number of charities and this year she has been mentoring entrepreneur Sarah Lu on her new range of youdoodogs, with £1 from each doll sold going to the Dogs Trust.

Deborah lives in Somerset with husband Paul and a variety of pets.

We caught up with Deborah for a quickfire Q&A

Name: Deborah Meaden

Age: 49

Family: Husband Paul, 3 sisters Gail, Emma, Cass.

Pets: 1 cat, 2 dogs,4 Horses,10 chickens, 3 Indian runner ducks.

Describe yourself: competitive, loyal, frank, driven, independant, private.

Best job I’ve had: All have had their moments

Worst job I’ve had: All have had their moments!

The one thing I look for in employees: Caring about what they do.

Last CD I bought (or downloaded): Amy Winehouse

Last gig / concert I went to: Oasis at the Roundhouse.

Last film I saw: The premiere of Quantum of Solace.

Last Play I saw: War Horse at the National.

Favourite holiday destination: Central/South America

Favourite sport and team: Rugby: Bath I guess but I like a good game.

Favourite pitch: Layline duvet covers... although that was Peter and Theo spooning not the actual entrepreneurs!

Best investment to date: I can’t answer that...it is like asking who is my favourite child!

The one that got away: I hate to admit it but iTeddy.

Things that interest me: Anything that satisfies a clearly unfulfilled need.

I’d never invest in: An entrepreneur I did not trust.