Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis given honorary award at Huddersfield University

Nov 18 2009 by Katie Grant, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis given honorary award at Huddersfield University

DRAGONS Den star Theo Paphitis hasn’t got a degree because he went to the ‘university of life’.

But yesterday the business guru said he was ‘humbled’ to receive an honorary business award from the University of Huddersfield.

All smiles, the TV star told the Examiner: “I’m so humbled and my mum is going to be so proud.

“She’s going to get all the pictures of me in my cap and gown developed and invite all her friends round to see them.”

Theo received an honorary doctor of business administration award for his support at the university.

This year he helped to launch the new BA Honours degree in Enterprise Development which allows students to set up and grow a real business while studying for a qualification.

Theo is a self-made millionaire well-known for his success with businesses Movie Media Sports, Ryman the Stationer, Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains along with Partners the Stationer.

Born in Cyprus, he started working as a filing clerk for Lloyds of London when he was 16.

He moved into retail when he was 18 and had started his first business by 23.

The father-of-five said: “When the university approached me with the idea I thought – why didn’t I think of this?

“This is a fantastic world-class university and the course is giving people the opportunity to get a degree and a job at the end of it.

“I went to the university of life and I learned from my mistakes.

“I haven’t got a degree – I’ve got my 100 metre swimming badge.