Theo Paphitis is one of the UK’s most high profile businessmen. Through his appearances on BBC TWO’s Dragon’s Den, he has advised many young entrepreneurs and invested in several innovative businesses and brands.

Born in Cyprus, Theo emigrated to Britain with his family in the 1960s. He started his career as an assistant to the tea boy with a Lloyds of London broker, before moving into retail, property and corporate finance and setting up his own company aged just 23.

He’s revived the fortunes of notable retail brands such as La Senza, Contessa Lingerie, Ryman, Partners the Stationers and Stationery Box. And in 2008, he combined the stationery businesses to form a new chain, Ryman the Stationer where he is now Chairman.

Other high profile ventures include Red Letter Days, which he salvaged out of administration and owns with fellow Dragon Peter Jones and he was also the Chairman of Millwall FC for eight years, taking the club out of administration. theo is a big supporter of skills is a patron for Skillsmart Retail.

Theo says: "Skills are vital to ensuring the UK’s future as one of the world’s biggest economies.  Skills not only provide the talent organisations need to thrive, evolve and grow but also give people a firm grounding on which to start their own enterprises. By encouraging and nurturing those who take vocational routes, and raising awareness of the great opportunities out there for skilled workers, we can ensure the UK has the skills we need for the future."