Speakers

Theo Paphitis is one of the UK’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, with a business career spanning retail, property, finance and consumer brands. Born in Cyprus in 1959, Theo left school at 16 with no qualifications due to dyslexia and began his working life as a filing clerk at Lloyd’s of London. After quickly realising this wasn’t for him, he moved into retail — where he discovered a passion that would define his career.

Theo has since built a reputation for turning around struggling businesses, reviving and growing well-known high-street brands including Ryman, Robert Dyas, La Senza, and Boux Avenue. In 2005, he also acquired Red Letter Days out of administration alongside Peter Jones, later selling the business in 2017. Today, through Theo Paphitis Retail Group, he oversees a portfolio of brands operating more than 300 stores and employing around 4,000 people.

Widely known for his role on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Theo spent eight years investing in and mentoring small businesses, becoming one of the show’s most memorable Dragons. Alongside his business interests, he has held senior roles in sport, including eight years as Chairman of Millwall Football Club, and remains actively involved in sports management and investment.