Dragons’ Den TrackerWhat Happened to Universal Manhole Key Kit (renamed Dad Machining) After Dragons’ Den?
Universal Manhole Key Kit (renamed Dad Machining) appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2016, Series 14 Episode 2. The business was a universal manhole cover lifting key kit. They secured investment from Deborah Meaden on the show. The business is still active today.
The Pitch
Andrew Doris walked into the Den in 2016 with a universal manhole cover lifting key kit. They were asking for £40,000 in exchange for 35% 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. Deborah Meaden offered £40,000 for 35%, and Andrew Doris 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
Universal Manhole Key Kit (renamed Dad Machining) is one of those Den stories that actually lasted. Having appeared on the show in 2016, the business has now been trading for over two decades — an outcome that puts it ahead of the vast majority of startup ventures, let alone television pitches.
Is Universal Manhole Key Kit (renamed Dad Machining) Still Available?
Yes. D.a.d. Machining Ltd appears to still be trading. Companies House records confirm the business is currently active.
Related Companies
If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Light Lead, Pro Gains, Splash Maps. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
Watch the Pitch
Companies House Data
- Status
- active
- Company Number
- 05750363
- Registered Name
- D.A.D. MACHINING LTD
- Incorporated
- 2006-03-21
- Company Type
- ltd
- SIC Codes
- 28490
- Registered Address
- 13d Atley Way, North Nelson Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1WA, United Kingdom
- Accounts
- micro-entity (period ending 2025-03-31)
- Latest Financials
- Employees
- 2
- Period
- 2024-04-01 to 2025-03-31
- Officers
-
DORIS, Andrew Paul
— director
13d, Atley Way, North Nelson Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1WA, United Kingdom
-
DORIS, David Anthony
— director
13d, Atley Way, North Nelson Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1WA, United Kingdom
-
DORIS, Andrew
— secretary (resigned 2015-05-08)
2 Mountford Road, New Hartley, NE25 0TB
-
DORIS, Helen Marie
— secretary (resigned 2019-09-15)
13d, Atley Way, North Nelson Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1WA, United Kingdom
-
DORIS, John
— secretary (resigned 2010-02-01)
2 Mountford Road, New Hartley, Tyne & Wear, NE25 0TB
-
DUPORT SECRETARY LIMITED
— corporate-nominee-secretary (resigned 2006-03-22)
The Bristol Office, 2 Southfield Road, Westbury On Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BH
-
DORIS, David Anthony
— director (resigned 2010-02-01)
2 Mountford Road, New Hartley, Tyne & Wear, NE25 0TB
-
DORIS, Helen Marie
— director (resigned 2019-09-05)
13d, Atley Way, North Nelson Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1WA, United Kingdom
-
DUPORT DIRECTOR LIMITED
— corporate-nominee-director (resigned 2006-03-22)
2 Southfield Road, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BH
-
DORIS, Andrew Paul
— director