Dragon’s Den rejects seek support to win Virgin Media Business investment competition

The founder of Sheffield-based Approved Food is urging supporters from across Yorkshire to ‘get voting’ after submitting an entry that could see the business receive a funding boost from Virgin boss Richard Branson as part of a competition called Pitch to Rich.

Approved food, launched in 2008, was established by former market trader Dan Cluderay, and now the business is the UK’s largest online only retailer of discount food and drink after securing in excess of £400k from investors in and around the region earlier this year.

However, in order to expand even further, Mr Cluderay is now hoping to pitch his future business plan to some of the most respected business man in Britain, with an aim of winning a £250k investment.

Mr Cluderay and business partner Andy Needham submitted their entry to the ‘Grow’ category earlier this week, and the Yorkshire businessmen are looking to garner more than 2000 votes by the first round deadline of 5th May 2015, and are calling on support from across the region to help boost their numbers.

To be announced on May 19, the top fifty entrants with the highest votes from each category will progress through to the semi-finals, and the finalists will be revealed on June 2.

Mr Cluderay and Mr Needham both unsuccessfully appeared on Dragon’s Den in May 2014, and now the ambitious duo desire an audience with Mr Branson.

Dan said: “There are so many fantastic entrepreneurs in this country and I have had the pleasure of briefly meeting a few including those in the Dragons’ Den. But the one that stands head and shoulders above in my eyes is Richard Branson.

“It was his story that helped ignite my entrepreneurial fire many years ago, and the possibility of meeting him to pitch my business and get his insight and backing gives me goosebumps.”

He added: “The Pitch to Rich competition is a fantastic concept,” said Dan. “I think my passion to enter was partly driven by the rejection on Dragons Den when we felt we weren’t given the opportunity to get across what we stood for as a business and the great benefits we bring to thousands of people week on week clearly enough. I see this as our chance to remedy that disappointment.”

“We need your votes initially and we would be incredibly grateful for your support if you can spare the time to go online and show us your support.”

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