Deborah Meaden

I think the thing about business is that it's not completely separate to life. You're selling to people so it's all about life skills - and common sense. ”

I am a very loyal person and believe that people should be treated fairly in life. ”

I've got a lot of laughter lines. You don't get laughter lines on your face without having a lot of fun in your life. ”

I feel like the luckiest person alive. I spend my life doing the stuff I love. I'm surrounded by inventive people who are full of energy and life. ”

I would have liked children, but I am not all disappointed. I've had a lot of stuff thrown at me in life so I don't dwell on it. ”

People can be very serious with me, and expect me to be very businesslike all the time. So I have to help them get over that by showing them that I enjoy life. ”

I'm not going to be told that I shouldn't be doing anything, or behaving in any particular way at any age of my life. ”

My first paid job was leading pony rides along Minehead seafront when I was eight. I probably got paid sixpence - not much but I loved horses and it gave me a great chance to be near them. ”

I use my clothes to make my day better - for example, if it's a dull day, I'll wear something bright to cheer myself up. ”

I'm not great at taking compliments because I always find the thing I could do better. ”