Dragons' Den business owner says 'we failed'

Investor Steven Bartlett offers words of encouragement to fashion entrepreneurs

- BY JAMIE GREER

MERSEYSIDE business owner who appeared on Dragons Den has said he must learn "huge lessons" following the closure of a fashion brand.

Luxe Collective, established by Formby brothers Ben and Joe Gallagher in 2018, gained success by selling second hand, "pre-loved" luxury goods.

Ben's videos on Luxe Collective's social media channels charting the history of the fashion industry became viral sensations and were designed as a way to get people interested in buying and selling products from the firm.

In January 2024, the business received a record £100,000 investment on BBC show Dragons' Den from Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett. Ben and Joe, along with chief operating officer Oliver Millar, made the successful pitch.

However, TikToks from former Luxe Collective employees were posted at the end of the month which said all staff members had been made redundant. We contacted the business and Steven Bartlett for comment following these posts.

Ben then confirmed the business's closure earlier this month (May 8).