Wheelbarrow Booster designers turn down Dragons’ investment

The designers of a product that aims to make the lives of horse owners and gardeners easier, faced the “dragons” last weekend (Sunday, 30 September) when they appeared on BBC2’s Dragon’s Den.

Father and son Mike and Joe Smith appeared on the programme to pitch their Wheelbarrow Booster.

The product is fitted in seconds and quadruples the capacity of the wheelbarrow, meaning fewer trips to the muck heap.

“We had two offers – from Duncan Bannatyne and Hilary Devey – but we asked for £50,000 investment for 10% of the company,” said Joe. “They both wanted 50% and my dad wasn’t having that!

“My dad came up with the idea 15 years ago, but we only started selling it this year and wanted some more exposure. He was sick of making so many trips to the compost pile. It’s been tested by our local Riding for the Disabled Association group and they love it.”

Joe enjoyed the Dragon’s Den experience. “We couldn’t have afforded a 10-minute advert so it was great,” he said.

“I was nervous to a point but, although they looked scary as hell, they were really nice. My dad wouldn’t watch it on TV, though.”

The Wheelbarrow Booster is for sale in the H&H shop for £14.99, with a discount of £2 on normal price.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (4 October 2012)

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