Andrew Brownlie, joint founder of Canine Dip and Dive Club, appeared on last weeks episode (Aired 23 January) of the hit BBC One show Dragons’ Den, pitching for £10,000 in exchange for 5% of the business.
Alongside Buddy the spaniel, the face of Canine Dip and Dive, Andy showcased his growing business, which provides fun and safe swimming experiences for dogs across the UK. He hoped the Dragons’ backing and contacts would help expand the franchise, making dog-friendly swimming pools more widely available.
Andy and his wife, Jo, started the business to bring safe, enjoyable swimming to all dogs, with pools currently in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Devon. They offer a range of sessions, from puppy paddles for young dogs to dock diving for adventurous canines and solo swims for those needing extra space or support. Their goal was to use the platform to find suitable new sites and spread their passion for canine water activities.
During his pitch, Brownlie made it clear that profit wasn’t his main motivation, telling the Dragons, “I will not become a millionaire doing this, and that’s not the aim.” Some Dragons’ questioned whether investment was necessary, but Sara Davies saw potential and offered the full £10,000 for a 25% stake. Peter Jones also showed interest, offering half the money and suggesting he would partner with Davies for a 20% share.
However, Brownlie ultimately turned the offers down, explaining that he and his wife had agreed not to give away more of the business. “I am going to have to say no,” he told the Dragons’, choosing instead to continue growing the business on their own terms.
Despite walking away without a deal, the exposure from Dragons’ Den has shone a spotlight on Canine Dip and Dive Club, bringing their unique service to a national audience. With demand for dog-friendly experiences on the rise, the future looks bright for this family-run business making a splash in the pet industry.
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Dan Everett