Hilary Devey, a former Dragons’ Den star, died at the age of 65, confirmed to her representatives.
After a protracted illness, the businesswoman and entrepreneur died in Morocco on Saturday. In 2013, she received an OBE for contributions to the transport sector and charity.
One of the condolences came from Theo Paphitis, a former Dragon who said he was “so sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Hilary Devey”.
He added: “She left us all with some fantastic memories, may she rest in peace. My thoughts are with her family. x”
She also hosted the Channel 4 series The Intern, in addition to participating on Dragons’ Den.
Her charitable activity includes serving as vice president of the Carers Trust and as a patron of the Stroke Association, after suffering a stroke herself in 2009. She was also featured on Channel 5 in The Business Inspector.
She gained her money by founding Pall-Ex, a freight firm that grew to a revenue of more than £100 million after she sold her home and car to start it
In 2011, she said that she was happy to “do my part” in assisting the country’s aspiring businesses. Read also about American Rock Star Ronnie Hawkins.
She said: “I would have loved the opportunity to have stood before the Dragons, and I will remember my own experiences and the realities of running a business today, when choosing to support – or reject – the budding entrepreneurs joining me in the Den.”
