Rachel Elnaugh: Difference between revisions
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'''Rachel Elnaugh''' (born [[12 December]] [[1964]]) is a [[United Kingdom|British]] entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the [[BBC Two]] TV series ''[[Dragons' Den (UK)|Dragons' Den]]'' in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male Dragons. |
'''Rachel Elnaugh''' (born [[12 December]] [[1964]]) is a [[United Kingdom|British]] entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the [[BBC Two]] TV series ''[[Dragons' Den (UK)|Dragons' Den]]'' in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male Dragons. |
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Her family lived above her fathers electrical shop, and she attended [[Chelmsford County High School for Girls]]. She originally wanted to take art history, but a bad teacher's reference led to her being rejected at five universities, |
Her family lived above her fathers electrical shop, and she attended [[Chelmsford County High School for Girls]]. She originally wanted to take art history, but a bad teacher's reference led to her being rejected at five universities,<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,6903,1664407,00.html|title=Dragon back in her den|publisher=The Observer|date=December 11, 20|accessdate=2008-01-05}}</ref> and she become an [[accountant]] and tax consultant with [[Arthur Andersen]].<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.managementconsultancy.co.uk/accountancyage/news/2140734/elnaugh-ousted-red-letter-dys|title=Elnaugh ousted from Red Letter Days|publisher=Accountancy Age|date=3 August 2005|accessdate=2008-01-05}}</ref> |
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At just 24, she became founder and Chief Executive of the UK company [[Red Letter Days Ltd]], which provides unusual "experience" gifts such as tank driving, record production and aircraft flying. The company went into administration in [[2005]]; the remaining assets and good will were bought by two of Rachel Elnaugh's fellow ''Dragons' Den'' judges ([[Peter Jones (entrepreneur)|Peter Jones]] and [[Theo Paphitis]]). Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO who she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role |
At just 24, she became founder and Chief Executive of the UK company [[Red Letter Days Ltd]], which provides unusual "experience" gifts such as tank driving, record production and aircraft flying. The company went into administration in [[2005]]; the remaining assets and good will were bought by two of Rachel Elnaugh's fellow ''Dragons' Den'' judges ([[Peter Jones (entrepreneur)|Peter Jones]] and [[Theo Paphitis]]). Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure just days after the birth of her fourth child, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO who she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://technology.guardian.co.uk/businesssense/story/0,16568,1580218,00.html|title=Dragon still has fire in her belly|publisher=The Guardian|date=September 29, 2005|accessdate=2008-01-05}}</ref> |
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[[ITV1]]'s ''"[[Tonight (TV series)|Tonight Programme]]"'' had more critical explanation of the demise of Red Letter Days, including unpaid suppliers and disappointed purchasers. The programme suggested the business model failed to [[escrow]] or earmark supplier payment equity, instead using it for working capital. |
[[ITV1]]'s ''"[[Tonight (TV series)|Tonight Programme]]"'' had more critical explanation of the demise of Red Letter Days, including unpaid suppliers and disappointed purchasers. The programme suggested the business model failed to [[escrow]] or earmark supplier payment equity, instead using it for working capital. |
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Revision as of 23:42, 5 January 2008
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Rachel Elnaugh (born 12 December 1964) is a British entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the BBC Two TV series Dragons' Den in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male Dragons.
Her family lived above her fathers electrical shop, and she attended Chelmsford County High School for Girls. She originally wanted to take art history, but a bad teacher's reference led to her being rejected at five universities,[1] and she become an accountant and tax consultant with Arthur Andersen.[2]
At just 24, she became founder and Chief Executive of the UK company Red Letter Days Ltd, which provides unusual "experience" gifts such as tank driving, record production and aircraft flying. The company went into administration in 2005; the remaining assets and good will were bought by two of Rachel Elnaugh's fellow Dragons' Den judges (Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis). Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure just days after the birth of her fourth child, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO who she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role.[3]
ITV1's "Tonight Programme" had more critical explanation of the demise of Red Letter Days, including unpaid suppliers and disappointed purchasers. The programme suggested the business model failed to escrow or earmark supplier payment equity, instead using it for working capital.
As a result of disputes with various Dragons, and the resulting uncomfortable position of the BBC if it allowed a perceived "failed" business person to be on a business panel, she agreed to leave the "Dragons' Den" panel.
Elnaugh is now working as a venture capital adviser and business speaker. She is also writing a book about "the entire business life cycle and the kind of lessons you learn along the way - through bitter experience - not just through my own experiences but through the eyes of the other entrepreneurs" which is due out early next year.
Rachel also has a brother called Joel Elnaugh who is a stand up comedian. He had a show at the Edinburgh Festival 2004 called Alone Again Naturally.
She is expecting her fifth baby in October.
References
- ^ "Dragon back in her den". The Observer. December 11, 20. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Elnaugh ousted from Red Letter Days". Accountancy Age. 3 August 2005. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
- ^ "Dragon still has fire in her belly". The Guardian. September 29, 2005. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
External links
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