DRAGONS’ Den stars have claimed a combined £1.5million in furlough handouts for their Covid-hit businesses.
Companies belonging to four multi-millionaire investors from the hit BBC show have taken advantage of the Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme.
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Firms owned by Dragons Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies have all applied for the furlough cash.
The trio star in the new series, which started this month. And former favourite Duncan Bannatyne has also made several claims.
The four have a combined wealth of £1.2billion, but have seen their businesses rocked by the national lockdown.
Bannatyne, 72, lodged three claims for staff at his health club and hotel business, worth up to £1.25million.
Jones, 55, furloughed 400 workers at camera store Jessops, despite a £490million personal fortune. The firm claimed up to £100,000.
Entrepreneur Suleyman, 67, made seven furlough applications for his businesses, worth up to £125,000.
He has a net worth of £200million.
Davies, 36, who is worth £35million, claimed up to £25,000 for staff at her business Crafter’s Companion.
Spokesmen said Bannatyne had “invested £10million into the group”, Jones’ investment group had “not claimed any support” and Davies wanted to “protect staff”.
