Since joining the BBC show in 2005 he has proved his entrepreneurial skills by investing in start-up businesses and helping to transform them into profitable companies.

In 2005 he backed in performing arts group the Generating Company who performed their show Cacophony at the Spa Centre on Wednesday.

Here, in a question and answer session, Peter Jones tells the Courier what has inspired him and what he looks for in a successful pitch.

What do you like about the Dragons' Den?

The variety, just when you think you have seen every possible idea something new and exciting comes along.

What is the most successful business you have invested in on the show?

The Generating Company has been a major success but without doubt Levi Roots and his Reggae Reggae sauce is the most successful. The brand is now available in all major grocery outlets and is being extended to a wide range of other products.

In the last series there were a couple of investments that look really hopeful – a guy called Jason Roberts came on with a range of impact resistant cases and bags for electrical devices which is looking very promising.

What do you look for in a successful Dragons' Den pitch?

There are a range of things. A well presented proposal with realistic numbers is a good start but the passion and enthusiasm of the individual is important as well. My team and I are going to have to work with the person looking for investment so it's important to feel some empathy.

How quickly do things change for contestants once they are backed by the Dragons?

Very quickly. My team and I get right behind the investment as soon as the show is recorded so we have a few weeks to prepare for the night of the broadcast. Typically the interest is massive as soon as the show has aired.

What made you choose to support dance show Cacophony?

I invested in the Generating Company, the company behind Cacophony, during the second series of Dragons' Den in October 2005. I was impressed with the imagination and creativity of their pitch on the show and since then they have consistently delivered fantastic events from product launches for major corporations through to the most dramatic stage shows imaginable.

Their latest show Cacophony is a mixture of street dance and percussion.

Who is the Dragon you most enjoy working with?

Probably Theo Paphitis as we have a lot of combined investments and we work well together.

You are all very successful people. Is there much rivalry off set?

Of course. We are five highly driven and competitive people but most of the time it is pretty good natured stuff.

What is your best achievement so far?

My telecommunications company, Phones International, is market leader in a highly competitive sector and that business has been built from scratch so I guess that has to be my best achievement.

There are a lot of small businesses in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth suffering the effects of the recession.