Peter Jones CBE

Entrepreneur, Businessman & Longest-Serving Investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den

Peter Jones’s Biography:

Peter Jones CBE is one of the United Kingdom’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, best known as the longest-serving investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and for building a diverse portfolio of successful businesses. As the founder of the Peter Jones Group and a champion of enterprise education, Peter combines commercial insight with practical experience of scaling companies from inception to exit. His authority as a speaker stems from decades of hands-on leadership, investment decision-making and mentorship, offering audiences a candid perspective on risk, resilience and growth in competitive markets.

Peter’s entrepreneurial journey began in his teens, when he established a tennis coaching business before moving into technology and telecommunications. After early setbacks, including the collapse of one of his first ventures, he rebuilt his career through persistence and strategic reinvention. He went on to found Phones International Group, which became one of the UK’s fastest-growing mobile phone distribution businesses. Over time, he expanded into media, leisure and retail, while simultaneously becoming a household name through television and public speaking.

In recognition of his contribution to enterprise and young people, Peter was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He founded the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to equip students with practical business skills and has authored the book ‘Tycoon’, focused on start-up strategy and leadership mindset. His work in promoting enterprise education has influenced policy discussions and inspired thousands of aspiring founders across the UK.

Beyond business, Peter is committed to philanthropy and youth development. Through charitable initiatives and school partnerships, he advocates for accessible entrepreneurial pathways regardless of background, reinforcing his belief that business can be a force for social mobility and long-term economic resilience.

Why Hire Peter Jones?

Peter is hired to deliver grounded, experience-driven insight into entrepreneurship, investment and commercial decision-making. Drawing on years of negotiating high-stakes deals on national television and leading multiple ventures, he equips audiences with frameworks for evaluating opportunity, managing risk and building sustainable growth. His speaking engagements range from major business conferences to educational summits, where he shares practical lessons on funding, scaling and leadership accountability, providing delegates with actionable thinking shaped by real boardroom experience rather than theory alone.

Peter Jones’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Peter Jones’s incredible career:

• 2025 – Celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Peter Jones Foundation
• 2024 – Continued as the longest-serving Dragon on Dragons’ Den, investing in emerging UK businesses.
• 2023 – Expanded the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy’s national reach across further education colleges.
• 2022 – Delivered keynote addresses at major UK enterprise and leadership conferences.
• 2020 – Supported entrepreneurs through business mentoring initiatives during economic disruption.
• 2018 – Marked over a decade of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy supporting young founders.
• 2015 – Strengthened his investment portfolio across technology, leisure and retail sectors.
• 2012 – Appointed CBE for services to business, enterprise and young people.
• 2010 – Established the Peter Jones Foundation to advance enterprise education.
• 2006 – Launched the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to promote practical business learning.
• 2005 – Became the only original Dragon to remain on BBC’s Dragons’ Den long term, cementing his status as a leading UK investor.