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What Happened to Skinny Tan After Dragons’ Den?

Skinny Tan appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2013, Series 11 Episode 1. The business was a naturally derived tanning lotion and cellulite-reducing cream. They secured investment from Piers Linney and Kelly Hoppen on the show. The company was sold in 2015.

The Pitch

Kate Cotton and Louise Ferguson walked into the Den in 2013 with a naturally derived tanning lotion and cellulite-reducing cream. They were asking for £60,000 in exchange for 10% of the business.

The pitch landed well enough in the Den that at least one Dragon decided to back it.

The Deal

A deal was struck on the show. Piers Linney and Kelly Hoppen offered £60,000 for 10%, and Kate Cotton and Louise Ferguson accepted.

It’s worth noting that Dragons’ Den deals agreed on camera often go through further negotiation off-screen. Some complete as shown; others are renegotiated or never finalise at all. The company’s subsequent trading history is the clearest indicator of what actually happened.

What Happened After the Show

Skinny Tan did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2015, only 2 years after the Den appearance.

This is not an unusual outcome. The majority of businesses that appear on Dragons’ Den, deal or no deal, don’t make it in the long run. The show can provide a platform and capital, but it can’t substitute for a sustainable business model.

Is Skinny Tan Still in Business?

No. Skinny Tan is no longer in business. Companies House records show the company has been dissolved.

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Bare Naked Foods, Gourmet Trotter, Bizzy Bitz, World Gourmet Restaurants Ltd (renamed Wrap It Up). Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Companies House Data

Status
dissolved
Company Number
08391340
Registered Name
SKINNY TAN LIMITED
Incorporated
2013-02-06 (ceased 2014-03-25)
Company Type
ltd
Registered Address
4 East Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1HG, United Kingdom
Accounts
null
Officers
  • COTTON, Catherine — director
    Skinny Tan, 22 Ridgehaven Place, Baulkham Hills, Nsw, 2153, Australia
  • FERGUSON, Louise — director
    Skinny Tan, 22 Ridgehaven Place, Baulkham Hills, Nsw, 2153, Australia
  • GREGAN, Leonard — director
    Skinny Tan, 22 Ridgehaven Place, Baulkham Hills, Nsw, 2153, Australia
  • MORTON, Darren — director
    Skinny Tan, 22 Ridgehaven Place, Baulkham Hills, Nsw, 2153, Australia
← Series 11 ← Episode 1