Dragon's Den star aids expansion

Rachel Elnaugh said she hopes to contribute to local business

A star of the BBC's Dragon's Den business programme has joined the Enterprise North East Trust.

Businesswoman Rachel Elnaugh is the board's first ever appointment outside the Grampian area.

It offers support services for new and existing businesses on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Grampian.

Rachel said: "I am delighted that enterprise has asked me to help them develop services to business not just in Scotland but throughout the UK."

Entrepreneurs on BBC Two's Dragon's Den try to encourage leading business people to invest in their inventions.

'Highs and lows'

Rachel said: "I have devoted much of my time to encouraging and supporting enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout the UK.

"I hope that my profile will help encourage more people to consider setting up their own business and raise awareness of the services which enterprise can offer to aspiring entrepreneurs."

An Enterprise North East Trust spokesman said: "As one of Britain's highest profile entrepreneurs, Rachel Elnaugh is an extremely enthusiastic and dynamic person who demonstrates true entrepreneurial spirit and drive.

"Rachel's real life experience of the highs and the lows of business and her broad knowledge of the UK marketplace will assist enterprise in its growth across Scotland and beyond."