Duncan Bannatyne is one of the "dragons" from the usually hilarious Dragons' Den, the BBC TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to get investment from the dragons (all extremely wealth investors). As soon as I heard he had an autobiography coming out, I had to get it (and, as luck would have it, I just got a gift voucher for the right amount from Amazon in commissions). It turned up today, and while I only expected to read a few pages.. I've read the entire thing in one go.

It's a really gripping book that makes you just want to keep reading. Bannatyne briefly covers his tough, poor upbringing in Scotland, but then works through in detail how he started his first business at age 30 (an ice cream van which rapidly became an empire) before moving into developing care homes, fitness clubs, and property developments. He's worth over £100 million now, so there's a lot of value to be taken from his advice and processes, especially since most of his success has come through leverage, scale, and common-sense rather than intelligence, knowledge, or contacts. The latter part of the book talks more about his charity work and The Dragons' Den before culminating in a few tips for those thinking of going on the show (or anything like it).

If business, entrepreneurship, or just being nosey about other people's business and financial affairs is what you're interested in, this book is for you. Inspirational stuff.