Fundraisers to face the Dragon

FOUR entreprising businesses who have raised thousands of pounds for the Many Hands Campaign, will see if their efforts have earned them a visit from Dragon Den star Theo Paphitis this week.

The millionaire businessman will be at Manchester Town Hall tomorrow for the closing reception of the £20m Many Hands campaign for the New Children’s Hospital Appeal.

He will lead a Dragons’ Den style business pitch for the four companies who have been shortlisted after entering the Institute of Directors Award for Innovation, which recognises the most inventive fundraising effort for Many Hands.

The four shortlisted businesses are: Lancashire’s Viva PR who put on Rossendale’s Got Talent and raised £3,500; Beanstalk Telecoms and Wood and Woolfstein Dental Surgery who organised a 24 hour tennis tournament raising £17,500; Clarity’s Hair Salon, who offered 1969 prices and also organised a charity evening and Manchester-based food company F Duerr and Sons, which  commissioned an artist to paint an image using Duerr’s Jams to auction on eBay.

The winner will win a personal visit from Theo Paphitis, as well as one day’s free training from leading business coach, Nick Robinson.

Maurice Watkins, chairman of the Appeal, commented: “We look forward to celebrating with all those that took part in the campaign and seeing whether the four companies can stand the heat when they pitch to Theo Paphitis and the judging panel.”

Theo Paphitis added: “Everyone involved has done a fantastic job but now it is time to see if they can really handle the pressure of a live pitch. I am looking forward to seeing them step into the spotlight.”

The Appeal has so far raised £18m, just £2m short of its target.