Tv dragon deborah meaden talks sexism, dancing and what makes her tick

“If people recognised me they were reticent about it because I am so forthright.” It’s only since competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 that people have seen a softer side to Deborah.

“People only ever see me sitting in a chair when someone’s asking me for quarter of a million pounds,” she says. “So I think what Strictly did was to take me out of that and put me in a

different environment. It’s one of the most scary things I’ve done in my life. I laid bare the fact that I’d never danced before. “I didn’t go into the rehearsal rooms wearing my make-up or

pretend I was someone I wasn’t. I just went in there and danced. “I think people could see the joy I got from dancing. It’s the most joyful thing to do. And now people just come bouncing up

to me, it’s lovely. "People approach me and pitch their business ideas all the time now too. And I don’t mind as long as it’s sensible. “I feel like I would expect an entrepreneur to

take an opportunity if they saw it.” While she has no immediate plans to dance in front of millions again, this year Deborah will be as busy as ever encouraging the next generation of

entrepreneurs by teaming up with The Prince’s Trust for their Ideas Mean Business initiative.  “I do feel the next generation has got quite a challenge ahead, so anything we can do to create

opportunities for them is really important. Important for the country as well. "We need a bit of vision, we need to stop staring at our feet and look forward. I have a lot of hope for

2018.” And whatever the year ahead brings, we can expect Deborah to greet it head on. She laughs, “I’ve never been one to sit quietly in the corner.” _As part of their mission to shine a

spotlight on those currently under-represented in business innovation, Innovate UK is turning its focus to the next generation of innovators. _ _Deborah is working with them UK to launch

their #IdeasMeanBusiness campaign, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust. _ _The nationwide initiative aims not only to find the next generation of UK innovators, but also to provide them

with much-needed support, advice and funding. _ _If you’re between 18 and 30 years old and simply want to take your idea to the next level, the #IdeasMeanBusiness initiative could enable you

to quickly receive advice, guidance and the chance to get access to funding to help to turn your ideas into reality. _