Duncan Bannatyne one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs, grew up in Clydebank, in his early teens Duncan joined the Navy. At the age of 19 after having a disagreement with his commanding officer Duncan left the Navy. After, Duncan came to live in New Jersey. Duncan soon developed a reputation as quite a party animal. One morning while sitting on the beach he told his then girlfriend that they were moving to Stockton-on-tees and becoming millionaires. Little did he know that his personal wealth would soon grow to over $130 million.
While living in Stockton-on-tees Duncan purchased an ice cream van. At the age of 31 he owned his own business known as Duncan’s Super Ices. The business soon expanded to four vans resulting in a turnover of $300,000. Soon Duncan sold his business and moved up to Quality Care Nursing Homes as well as set up Just Learning Children’s Day Care Centers. Duncan ended up suffering a serious leg injury which took him into a gym for the first time. Duncan soon set up Bannatyne’s Fitness Ltd which included over 30 health clubs. The fitness center had an annual turnover of $30 million.
Still maintaining his business interests Duncan also became an actor. One of Duncan’s first projects in the entertainment world was Dragons Den. He became Dragon Duncan of BBC’s 2 Dragons Den. Duncan is also known for his appearance on BBC 1’s Mind Your Own Business. His tremendous entrepreneurial instincts, commercial no how and his business success helped him land these roles. Duncan played a small part in Guy Ritchre’s gangster flick, The Layer Cake.
Duncan pursues hobbies and sports such as running, climbing, water skiing, and scuba diving. He also enjoys spending his time working with charitable organizations. Such charitable organizations include UNICEF and Scottish International Relief. Duncan also established the Bannatyne Hospice for Children with HIV and AIDS in Romania.
Duncan Bannatyne is now the director of Bannatyne Enterprises overseeing health clubs, an exclusive hotel, bar and casino and most recently new housing developments. Duncan talks candidly of his life and motivates and inspires his audiences. From young party animal to wealthy business man, Duncan Bannatyne has come a long way. Who knew how true he was when he told his then girlfriend they would become millionaires? There’s no telling what the future holds for him but either way Duncan Bannatyne will always be a role model for many.