Dragon’s Den Star given warm welcome at Suffolk Coast Business Showcase

The Dragon’s Den star, and entrepreneur behind Reggae Reggae Sauce, Levi Roots delighted the resilient Suffolk business people who overcame wintry conditions to get to High Lodge Leisure in Darsham on Tuesday for the Suffolk Coast Business Showcase.

Rousing his audience with a burst of song before recounting his journey, aged 11, from the sunny Caribbean to the streets of London, Levi told stories of learning the fiery ‘blow your head off’ sauce recipe from his Grandmother and trying it out on unsuspecting Londoners at his pop-up ‘Rastarant’ during the Notting Hill Carnival.

Being told by his kids he was too old and uncool to go on Dragon’s Den was just the incentive he needed to ‘give it a go’ and he’s not looked back since. Imparting words of wisdom on branding, decision making and finding the right people, Levi continued to inspire his captivated audience with advice about self-belief, good mentors and ‘being the best of you’ at all times.

Every single one of the 30 exhibitors in the Showcase was then treated to some kind and meaningful feedback from Levi as he toured the exhibition. Visitors and exhibitors then made the most of the Meet the Buyer section with buyers from Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Notcutts, ABP Ports and EDF Energy. Many returned with some very promising further meetings arranged.

SCB Chair, Jenny Stockman said, “Levi was genuinely interested in every story and every business at the event. He was astoundingly generous with his time, thoughtful with his comments and an absolute pleasure to have as a guest for the morning. I don’t think we could have wished for a more fitting person to inspire our amazing Suffolk Coastal business community. SCB are extremely grateful to the buyers for braving the elements, to Levi and to the Suffolk Coastal District Council Economic development team for their sponsorship and pro-active hands-on support with this event”.

Suffolk Coast Business continues with its programme of monthly breakfasts while looking ahead to its annual conference at Ufford Park on 27^th June “Strategies for Success”.