Julia Charles Dragons’ Den Pitch
Julia Charles Dragons’ Den D4m Pitch
A nail-biting Dragons’ Den Pitch story brought to you by D4M, currently Julia Charles Event Management!
Julia Charles, now Director of Julia Charles Event Management and event coordinator Amy Goldthorpe took D4M Ltd, brought their Event Management and Entertainment Agency at the time, onto Dragons’ Den in 2008.
Name: | Julia Charles |
Pitching: | D4M Ltd |
Investment Required: | £75,000 for 20% |
Investment Secured: | £75,000 for 40% with James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne |
Appeared in the Den: | July 2008 |
Brief Description: | Event Management & Entertainment Company |
WHAT HAPPENED DURING JULIA CHARLES’ DRAGONS’ DEN PITCH?
Julia Charles and event coordinator Amy Goldthorpe made a very visual presentation to the Dragons, using their bespoke Human Tree and Human Table.
Labelling Julia’s appearance on the series “Nail-Biting Negotiations Over Human Trees”, it was clear that they made an impression on the Dragons.
The Dragons were impressed with the pitch and what D4M Ltd brought to the table. As a result, they secured an investment of £75,000 from both James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne.
THE DRAGONS MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR JULIA TO CHOOSE
Deborah Meaden was unimpressed by the returns promised on her investment.
However, James Caan, Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones were impressed by the Event Professionals’ passion and turnover figures. So much so, they all made an offer.
James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne were both prepared to give the full £75,000 for a 40% stake while Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones matched the bid.
“It was overwhelming to receive such a positive response from the Dragons’ and it was a difficult decision to make”. In the end, Julia decided to go with the offer made by James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne.
JAMES AND JULIA AFTER THE DRAGONS’ DEN DEAL WAS OFF
Julia worked with James for a long and profitable time, creating incredible Events but, at some point, it was time to move on.
Recession severely hitting D4M and Julia wanting to fly solo once again, she decided to pay back the money that James had invested so far. She once more became the sole shareholder in D4M.
During their last meeting with James, the Dragon was circumspect. “As an entrepreneur, you have to go with your instincts”, he advised. Then added: “unless you make a fair return for the efforts you put in, then don’t do it. Focus on the margins. Focus on the money”.
Looking back on her Dragons’ Den experience Julia doesn’t regret it. However, she adds, “what I was dreaming for I got – but then I realised that it wasn’t what I wanted”.
She is happy to have full control of her Event Management company again – “I’ve got my passion back”. James agrees. “Parting company was definitely the right decision. She’s happy, motivated and I’m sure she’ll do well”.
JOINING FORCES WITH MICHAEL TO RE-ESTABLISH THE VISION
It’s safe to say James’ prediction was right…
Since following her instincts and parting with the Dragons, Julia has managed to create a company that falls in line with her vision and personality: Julia Charles Event Management.
This feat could not have been achieved without making the decision to join forces with her brother Michael, whose passion and insight helped drive the business in the direction that it needed to go.
Now the siblings business duo boasts an events brand with a strong and unique identity and a lot of unique Themed Events under their belt! They have also built a committed team in which everybody supports the exact vision: creating incredible events that will leave unforgettable memories behind!
Everyone who works here is excited to be part of what we all strongly believe is the future of Event Management and Production!
YOU MAY REMEMBER THE HUMAN TREE AND TABLE
Since the very beginning, during the D4M times, these have been two of our most booked acts.
And that has not changed ever since! Our Human Tree Acts are available to book for all kinds of events, from Corporate Parties to Private Family Fun Days. Are you looking for realistic trees that suddenly moves and surprises your guests? Then this act is for you!
Or maybe you need a fun way to offer drinks and canapes to your delegates. Then our Roaming Human Tables offer a world of aesthetics and possibilities for you: from Luxury Grecian Tables to Winter Wonderland Themed Tables, we have it all!
Whatever the kind of Event Service or Entertainment Type that you need, all you have to do is getting in touch with us and we will make it happen!
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