Dragons' Den

Christmas is big business. Across the UK, thousands of entrepreneurs are dreaming up new products and innovative ideas to try and cash in on the annual big spend - over £36bn in 2011. And if there is money to be made, the Dragons are never far away. Now, for the first time, the Den opens its doors purely for commerce at Christmas. Budding businessmen and -women pitch their festive companies in the hope of securing a much-needed cash injection from the five multimillionaires. An entrepreneur from Surrey, also known as Mrs Christmas, turns the Den into a grotto, while two friends from south London encourage the Dragons to try some traditional game play. Plus, a former dinner lady from Huddersfield offers her take on Christmas cake, complete with brussels sprouts. But it would not be the Den if there were not a few business curveballs, so also descending the stairs are a Secret Santa, who demonstrates his hope for the Christmas No 1, two Liverpudlians who host a Dragon party, and a mother and son who offer up festive knitwear for all the family... not forgetting a range for pet dogs, and a 'bah humbug' option for any grumpy knitwear fans out there. This seasonal treat also includes a chance to catch up with some of the entrepreneurs featured in the Den. Will they be this year's festive hit? Or will this most competitive time of trading swallow them up and have them for Christmas dinner?