Historic Angels - The Clare Foundation

Peter Jones

Peter Jones CBE is one of the UK’s best-known entrepreneurs. As well as being the longest standing investor in the BBC TV series Dragons’ Den, he is owner, chairman and chief executive officer of a large portfolio of businesses, ranging from telecoms and leisure to publishing, media, recruitment and property. Peter’s business interests mirror his non-stop enthusiasm for innovation and fresh approaches to established industries. His investment group currently has over 30 different businesses in the portfolio and he is also long term investor in the equity markets and continues to back businesses that offer differentiation. He is extremely passionate about SMEs, investing his time and money in seeing them succeed, and in 2025 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishing his Foundation, which has provided millions of pounds in start-up funding to young entrepreneurs in its mission to help young people and disadvantaged groups develop the skills they need for successful employment or self-employment.

Why do I want to be an Angel?

‘To be fair, I’m more of a Dragon than an Angel but I’ve known Mike as a friend and entrepreneur for many years and admire his contribution to philanthropy and charitable work, especially across Buckinghamshire so when he asked me to join him as an Angel for the day I couldn’t refuse. Both Mike and The Clare Foundation have been very supportive over the past three years of our Young Entrepreneurs Programme and I am really looking forward to a great event, hearing some inspiring entrepreneurial ideas and meeting new people.’

Gary Grant

Gary Grant is the Founder and Chairman of The Entertainer, the fastest growing family-owned High Street toy retailer in the UK.

Believing that business can be a force for good, Gary models and encourages generosity through Payroll Giving in the workplace and the pioneering of Pennies, the digital charity box for customers to round up purchases to the nearest pound at the till. Mindful of giving back to the communities in which he trades, 10% of profits each year are distributed by way of The Grant Foundation, supporting hundreds of smaller charitable initiatives locally in Amersham, nationally, and internationally. Gary is also Patron of several charities. Since 1981, The Entertainer has grown to over 170 stores in the UK and has several international partners, including the POLY, a chain of toy shops in Spain.

Why do I want to be an Angel?

‘I’m delighted to be asked to take part in Angels’ Den. I am a strong advocate of supporting local charities, and it will be a real opportunity to widen my knowledge of Buckinghamshire charities I know very little about.’

Simon Biltcliffe

Simon Biltcliffe is an award-winning CEO, international public speaker and business expert.

Simon is the founder and CEO of sustainable integrated marketing agency Webmart, and the world’s first digitally driven print platform, Trade Print Management. From starting Webmart with just £10,000 of his own savings, Simon has turned the business into a £20 million turnover organisation with just 40 employees whilst implementing his unconventional business model and maximising everyone’s I.E.F (Intellectual, Emotional and Financial) return.

Simon’s career in the print industry has led him to be in the Printweek Power 100 for the last 10 years and the success of Webmart has resulted in the business receiving awards from the National Business Awards, including European Business Award for Innovation, 2019 and the 2022 Inspirational Leader award from Connect Yorkshire.

Why do I want to be an Angel?

‘Other than my angelic persona, I always try to support people in any way I can and this looks like a great way to use my network to support people striving to make a difference to themselves and the world.’