DRAGON’S Den investor Deborah Meaden is backing a Brighouse firm at a high-profile exhibition this month.

The well-known businesswoman will take part in a solar roofing demonstration with Ploughcroft at the Homebuilding and Renovation Show on Friday March 30 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Deborah and fellow entrepreneur Theo Paphitis agreed to invest £120,000 in Ploughcroft in exchange for a 25% stake in the company after being impressed by managing director Chris Hopkins when he appeared on Dragon’s Den last year.

The company is a leading installer of photovoltaic panels. It also designed the industry’s first solar roofing course in association with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, which it delivers to installers across the country.

Ploughcroft also has an Eco Roof Visitor Centre at St Pegs Mill, Brighouse, to allow students, specifiers, developers and environmentalists to see live demonstrations of solar roofs and other renewable technologies in action.

Speaking about the forthcoming event, Chris said: “This is a great opportunity for visitors to the Homebuilding Show to meet Deborah Meaden and to find out more about the benefits of investing in solar and the other renewable technologies we offer.”

Deborah said: “I’m really excited about taking part in the solar roof demo with Ploughcroft at the Homebuilding show.

“It will be a great chance for homeowners to learn more about solar technology and why it remains an attractive investment.”

Ploughcroft’s appearance at the show comes just weeks after the company notched up another accolade.

The firm won the category for Energy Solution for a Community Building in the 37th annual National Home Improvement Council Awards in London – an award recognising the success of its Eco Roof Visitor Centre.

Judges praised the development as setting the standard for future installations in this newly-emerging industry.

Ploughcroft was formed in 1997 as a traditional roofing company – but more recently has turned the focus to solar roofing in addition to building and maintenance and training.

It also operates Rooferman Franchising Ltd, allowing customers to request bespoke services from the solar and building and maintenance divisions.