Emma Langman from Van Girls, featured in The Mover in August 2014, recently appeared on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den.

Emma was looking to trade 10% of her company for a £75,000 cash injection from one or more of the high-powered entrepreneurs.  She didn’t get the cash, but she was very much a winner.

She made a very good argument that the cash injection would allow her to buy a new vehicle, partly to service a new deal that was in the offing from Pickfords, and to expand the business.  Emma was also keen to have the help of an experienced entrepreneur on her side to provide guidance as her business expanded. 

It was obvious that some of the Dragons were tempted.  Touker Suleyman, the owner of major fashion brands including Ghost and Hawes & Curtis, tried to play the old trick of relating the investment to the current value of the company.  He looked incredulous saying that the request valued the company at £750,000 and asked what would happen if the expected growth didn’t happen.  Many before have crumbled in ‘The Den’ under this type of pressure, but Emma simply smiled and said “You have to take a risk”.  Good on ya’ girl!

Sadly none of the Dragons decided to invest but entrepreneur Deborah Meaden said after “I might regret that one”.   On leaving the Den, Emma was in defiant mood.  “I’m going to prove to them that something new and niche can take over the world,” she said.  “So hopefully you’ll see us in a town near you very soon.”

Van Girls is providing a valuable service to people who prefer the idea of having an all-female crew.  The company will also provide crews to trade customers if required. 

Photo: Emma Lanman on Dragon's Den.