‘One of the best things I’ve ever done’ - Edinburgh entrepreneur enters the Dragons’ Den

John McClarey founded Business Fives ten years ago without seed investment, starting out as a single charity sports event in the capital. The venture has grown into a multi-location operation spanning more than 50 cities across the UK and Ireland, as well as mainland Europe.

Working with high-profile clients such as PwC, EY, eBay, HSBC and Sky, McClarey has helped raise in excess of £1 million for good causes.

He entered Dragons’ Den with the goal to gain the knowledge and expertise that would allow Business Fives to increase the impact its corporate charity football events can create and maximise its current revenue streams from sponsorship and golf.

Viewers will be able to see how he fares as he presents his business to the current Dragons - Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the programme due to air on February 19.

Speaking ahead of the broadcast, McClarey said: “Stepping into the Den was one of the best things I’ve ever done in business.

“It was an amazing experience to present the journey of Business Fives to entrepreneurs who I have held in high regard for many years and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the business comes across on screen.”

Business Fives delivers professionally-organised football, golf, mixed touch rugby and e-sports events, bringing businesses together while raising money for thousands of charitable causes and promoting employee engagement and networking.

Companies and organisations involved can fundraise for a charity of their choice ahead of the event, and the winning teams from the various tournament tiers from each event win a donation for their chosen charity.

Corporate football events firm halfway to £1 million goal