Hilary Devey CBE’s tenure on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den may have lasted just two series, but her impact on UK entrepreneurship and television is both enduring and profound. Her business acumen, formidable personality, and personal story have made her a British icon, with news of her death in 2022 sparking renewed interest and tributes across the UK media landscape. This article explores Hilary’s journey, the vibrant role she played in Dragons’ Den, and why she remains a celebrated figure in Britain’s business scene.
A Northern Upbringing, a National Success Story
Hilary Devey’s story is a classic example of resilience and entrepreneurial grit. Born in Bolton in 1957, she grew up in Leeds, often helping her parents run local pubs and a corner shop from the age of seven. Hilary’s journey was not handed to her on a plate: she left school at 16 and took her first job as a sales clerk in the logistics industry, slowly working her way up in an overwhelmingly male-dominated field.
Her determination culminated in the founding of Pall-Ex, a pioneering palletised freight distribution network. To launch the company, Hilary took the extraordinary risk of selling her home and car, investing everything she had into the business. Pall-Ex went on to become a multi-million-pound enterprise, revolutionising British logistics and cementing her reputation as “the queen of logistics”.
A Fierce and Compassionate Dragon
In 2011, Hilary Devey joined Dragons’ Den, one of the BBC’s most popular factual entertainment shows, replacing entrepreneur James Caan. She was the first woman in the show’s history to come from a background outside the more familiar spheres of fashion, retail, or hospitality, bringing in-depth experience from the haulage sector. Hilary’s arrival brought a distinctive energy to the Den. Viewers soon recognised her unique blend of no-nonsense business instinct and genuine empathy for the entrepreneurs facing the Dragons.
Hilary made it clear she was not fazed by the show’s established personalities, noting she could “compete with them commercially any day of the week.” While she could be forthright—never mincing her words—she was also praised for her fairness and her ability to see the person behind the pitch. This rare combination set her apart and firmly won over UK audiences and her Dragons’ Den co-stars, as public tributes after her passing so clearly demonstrated.
Investments and Memorable Moments
Hilary Devey’s time as a Dragon might have been brief, but it was certainly impactful. She invested a total of around £117,500, demonstrating her willingness to back ambitious business ideas. Hilary herself often spoke most fondly of a mattress-duvet designed for caravans, boats, and trucks—an investment she saw as a stand-out from her time on the programme. Her approach gave a platform to unusual, often overlooked businesses and she was known to provide practical as well as financial support to her chosen ventures.
Beyond the deals themselves, Hilary’s mentoring often endured long after the Den’s cameras stopped rolling. Entrepreneurs she backed credited her not just for financial input but for sharing marketing, PR and strategic expertise, which enabled many to expand far beyond their expectations. This hands-on approach echoed her own rise in business, marked by hard graft and personal support from mentors she’d encountered.
More Than a Dragon: Advocacy and Honours
Off-screen, Hilary Devey was a passionate advocate for carers and stroke survivors—a mission driven by her own life experiences. In 2009, she suffered a debilitating stroke, losing movement in her arm and part of her vision. This personal battle led her to become a dedicated ambassador for The Stroke Association and other charities, using her public profile to highlight critical issues facing the NHS and Britain’s health care system. Her work was honoured in 2013 when she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her services to business and charity.
Hilary’s charitable commitments extended beyond public gestures. She served as vice-president of the Carers Trust and was a vocal supporter of several organisations aiming to improve opportunities for disadvantaged women and young people.
Legacy and Tributes
Hilary Devey passed away aged 65 in June 2022 after a long illness, at her holiday home in Morocco. The news sparked reflections from across British media and business. Dragons’ Den’s Evan Davis described her as bringing “a wonderful grit to the Den,” while BBC Studios’ Hannah Wyatt lauded her as “remarkable and an inspiration”. Fellow Dragons remembered her as a strong, courageous, and unforgettable presence, with Theo Paphitis and Duncan Bannatyne expressing gratitude for the memories and sharing condolences to her family.
Why Hilary Devey Matters Today
Even years after her passing, Hilary Devey’s influence endures in trending news and business commentary. Google UK search trends reveal that “Hilary Dragons’ Den” continues to spike, especially when new series air or notable entrepreneurial stories make headlines. Her success story offers inspiration to those facing adversity, while her direct style on Dragons’ Den set a new standard for how female executives are viewed in British media.
Hilary’s legacy in the UK is not just about financial success but about transforming the lives of those she backed—both on TV and behind the scenes. In a culture where entrepreneurship is increasingly encouraged, her story still motivates people up and down the country to take their shot.
As long as Dragons’ Den draws viewers and foster new inventions, Hilary Devey’s role in shaping the show’s ethos will be felt. Her journey from Bolton to the boardroom and into millions of homes remains one of UK television’s most enduring business stories—one defined as much by boldness as by compassion, and as relevant in 2025 as it was when she first took her seat in the Den.
Conclusion:
Hilary Devey’s influence on Dragons’ Den and the wider UK business world remains powerful and unmistakable. Her unique blend of determination, compassion, and commercial savvy continues to inspire both budding entrepreneurs and established leaders. Though her time in the Den was brief, her impact endures—reminding us all that resilience, authenticity, and boldness are timeless ingredients for success. Hilary’s legacy lives on in every aspiring entrepreneur who dares to dream big and break new ground.
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