Podcast: A Wizard who turned down a Dragon: Ben Fry, The Potions Cauldron
Ben is Chief Enchantment Officer of The Potions Cauldron Group which incorporates The Hole In Wand mini golf courses in Blackpool, Chester, Seaham and York, The Potions Cauldron – magical "emporiums and experiences" in Edinburgh and York, and a website selling drinks across the world.
Ben and business partner Phil Ponder turned down an amazing offer (and then an even MORE amazing one) on Dragon's Den. In this episode of our new podcast, FUNDED: Brilliant Entrepreneurs and Founders, he explains why, explores the pros and cons of equity and debt finance, and describes why he and Phil approached the Business Enterprise Fund.
Play or download the episode here. You can also find it in Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and many other podcast apps:
Ben covers:
• why he and Phil are passionate about the communities where they run their businesses
• why manufacturing is harder than expected – but gives a retail business more control
• how the pandemic led to diversification to mini golf courses
• the media, especially the power of local media
• what he'd do if he could wave a magic wand for business (which, er, he can)
• insights on getting investment
• the "secret sauce" to stand out as an immersive, experiential business
What next?
• More about The Potions Cauldron https://www.thepotionscauldron.com
• More about The Hole In Wand https://www.theholeinwand.com
If you are looking to start or grow your business with flexible finance, get in touch at [email protected]