Dragons’ Den star to get Chariots 2008 off to a fiery start!

International entrepreneur and tough talking panellist on the popular TV series Dragons’ Den, Doug Richard, will be firing the starting gun for this year’s Chariots of Fire charity relay race.

 Californian born Doug shot to fame in the first series of Dragons’ Den in 2005 when he appeared as a “dragon” investor, where entrepreneurs attempt to convince the “dragons” to invest in their businesses. He has now left the show and is concentrating on his own ventures. 

Amongst others, Doug is currently the Vice – Chairman of Investment Company Cambridge Angels and the Founder Executive Chairman of Library House, an Investment Research and Consulting firm. Doug is the first American to have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for his work promoting, developing and helping entrepreneurs. He also holds a significant role in The Big Green Challenge, a prize fund designed to encourage and reward businesses working together to reduce climate change. 

Doug commented, “I am delighted to be starting Chariots of Fire this year. It is an event which involves the entire community, from businesses large and small, to educational establishments, charities and families.” Doug continued, “I am pleased to be representing two fantastic local charities who will receive the funds raised from this year’s race, Romsey Mill and Red Balloon – Cambridge. Both charities do exceptional work in the local community for bullied children and disadvantaged youngsters and families and the sponsorship money raised will be vital for them.” The event is based on the film which followed the journey of the British Olympic team of 1924 and is organised by Hewitsons, Grant Thornton and backed by News. 

“It is great for Chariots to have a high profile figure such as Doug Richard on board, which will help us achieve our goal of raising a lot of money for these two worthy charities.” said Charles Hewitson, Senior Partner at Hewitsons. Mike Hughes, Partner at Grant Thornton added, “We are expecting plenty of spectators to come along and cheer on the teams this year, both on Queens’ Green and along the historic race route through the town centre and Kings, Clare and Trinity Colleges.” 

The race will take place at 9.30am on Sunday 21 September from Queens’ Green in Cambridge. For further information on the event, visit www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk or contact Hazel Kraus on 01223 461155.