Jones met at Bents with Eddie Middleton, maker of eco-friendly Chillchaser patio heaters as part of the new programme where investors catch up with previous candidates to see how their businesses have progressed since appearing on the programme.

Middleton was originally offered a deal by dragons Peter Jones and James Caan worth £255,000 for 48% of his company but turned down the offer, unwilling to part with such a large percentage of his company. 

Middleton said: "Appearing on Dragons' Den was a great opportunity and it was fantastic to get an offer for the business.  The support from Peter and James would have been hugely beneficial but I am confident that I made the right decision and have enjoyed meeting up with Peter again today."

Middleton chose Bents as the location for his visit because the garden centre is now selling his product.

Bents managing director Matthew Bent said: "Eddie's new patio heaters are a fantastic concept, not only eco-friendly, but sleek and stylish in design; perfect additions to our outdoor living product range. We are delighted that Eddie chose Bents as the location for his meeting with Peter."

Jones called the heaters the "future of patio heaters". They incorporate carbon fibre heating tubes which reduce running costs and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50% compared to traditional gas heaters. 

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