Dragons’ Den panellist Theo Paphitis lauded Norwood and its work, describing it as the epitome of a good charity, as he helped raise an incredible £90,000 at its annual Business Breakfast today.
Theo Paphitis talks to Norwood
The high-profile businessmen and serial entrepreneur was guest of honour at the fundraising event, which was held at the Chancery Court Hotel in Holborn and attracted 200 professionals. All the money raised will help Norwood continue to provide life-changing support to thousands of people with learning disabilities, and children and families in need.
Paphitis was interviewed Neville Kahn, a Norwood Trustee, before the floor was opened up to questions from the audience. He spoke about the necessity of creating jobs to avoid a return to recession, the responsibilities of big businesses towards charities as part of the ‘Big Society’ initiative, and striking the balance between the rights of employees and employers.
Asked about the contestants on Dragons’ Den, he said they represented a genuine cross section of society. “I’m afraid they are the future of British business,” he joked. “They say that 50 per cent of businesses fail in the first couple of years. As you can see from Dragons’ Den, the reason they fail is they often have no idea.” He also revealed that he was once defrauded by one of the businesses he invested in.
Speaking after the event, Paphitis, who has appeared as a guest speaker at previous Norwood events, said: “Norwood epitomises what charities are all about. If we’re talking about the Big Society, it’s exactly what Norwood does. It delivers in the most practical, efficient way and I know that every pound that is raised is actually used.
He also praised the charity’s Supported Employment programme, including its recently launched online gift shop social enterprise project. “Whoever you are, whether you are disabled or not, self-esteem is probably one of the most important factors of humanity,” he said. “To be able to allow somebody to make their own way in life, make money, earn an income from their own endeavours, is probably the best gift you could give anybody.”
The event also featured an auction where two generous bidders walked away with pairs of tickets to Eric Clapton and Take That in concert.
Event Organiser Sara Parish said: “Theo Paphitis is a great friend of Norwood and, on behalf of the Business Breakfast Committee, I’d like to thank him for donating his time and for taking part in such an entertaining and interesting discussion.
“I would also like to thank all our guests for their generous support and for everyone whose hard work has ensured the success of this morning’s event. Every pound raised will benefit the many thousands of people with learning disabilities, and children and families in need, who rely on our life-changing services each year.”
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