A mum is set to present her game-changing sports innovation on the popular TV business programme, Dragons’ Den.
The BBC reality show is back with several new faces on the panel. Here’s what we know about this season’s participant Emma Burke.
Emma Burke, a devoted mum and business owner originally from Dorset, Hampshire, is set to feature in the first episode of the new series of Dragons’ Den.
Emma will be pitching her clever invention – a silicone band designed to stop football boot laces from coming undone during matches, aimed at youth and grassroots sports.
She started her business, Laceeze, in 2017 after deciding to tackle the frustrating issue of keeping her two football-mad sons’ shoelaces tied during games.
What began as a small project has since grown into a thriving business, selling over 400,000 pairs of these handy bands.
She says her mission is to make sports easier for children while boosting their confidence on the field.
In a post on Laceeze’s Instagram, they shared: “Family is the heart of Laceeze.
“Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines or having her boys lend a helping hand, our founder Emma knows the importance of team spirit—on and off the pitch.
“Every product we create is inspired by moments like these, supporting families who live and love the game.”
According to her LinkedIn page, Emma has held a number of senior positions over the years.
She’s been the director of a property development and investment company in Dorset and also ran an online store specialising in discounted baby products.
Before that, she was the director of a cleaning company.
You can catch the episode on BBC One this Thursday, January 9, 2025.
On the show, Emma will present her product to the panel of investors – the Dragons – hoping to exchange a stake in her business for the funding needed to take Laceeze to the next level.
In the episode, viewers will see Emma’s passion for supporting young athletes and her determination to offer practical solutions for families.
While the outcome of her pitch remains a mystery for now, her appearance shows how personal challenges can become something much greater.
It’s one of the reasons I LOVE Dragons Den so much, I get to learn from fellow dragons and entrepreneurs.
Deborah Meaden
Ahead of the show, she wrote on her LinkedIn page: “If I had a pound for every time someone said Laceeze should go on Dragons’ Den… I wouldn’t need to go on Dragons’ Den!”
Speaking about the experience, Emma said: “Stepping into the Den was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating opportunity to share my story and vision with such high-profile and influential investors.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
The health and fitness guru Joe Wicks will be joining the Dragons as a guest investor.
Fitness coach and author Joe Wicks will be joining Peter Jones, Sara Davies, Steven Bartlett, Deborah Meaden, and Touker Suleyman as a guest in the first episode of the new series.
Deborah reposted a photo of the group on Instagram, writing: “Just 4 days to go and we are back and we have an interloper!!
“Actually a very welcome one @thebodycoach brings a really refreshing approach and expertise into Dragons Den.
“It’s one of the reasons I LOVE Dragons Den so much, I get to learn from fellow dragons and entrepreneurs.”
Joe Wicks, better known as The Body Coach, made his name as a nutrition enthusiast and is hugely popular for his best-selling cookbooks, like Lean in 15.
During the Coronavirus lockdown, he became even more of a household name with his daily PE with Joe live streams, helping families stay active.
In fact, he even set a world record in March 2020 for the most people tuning in to a live-streamed workout.
Wicks said: “I can’t wait to step into the Den as a Guest Dragon and meet all the brilliant and passionate entrepreneurs.
“My own journey has shown me that with the right mindset and a lot of hard work, anything is possible.”
Joining Joe in the new series is British fashion and beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall.
Many will remember Trinny from her days as co-host of the BBC show What Not to Wear, where she and Susannah Constantine dished out fashion advice and makeovers.
Since then, Trinny has made a name for herself in the beauty industry, founding her successful makeup and skincare brand, Trinny London, which focuses on personalised beauty products.
She’s also known for her fashion columns, style and beauty books, and her lively presence on social media, where she shares tips and tricks with her followers.
Woodall says: “Building and growing my beauty brand has been one of the great experiences of my life.
“I’m delighted to join the next series of Dragons’ Den as a Guest Dragon and look forward to discovering the fantastic ideas and passion that the entrepreneurs will bring to the table.”
This isn’t the first time Dragons’ Den has welcomed a guest Dragon – last year, former footballer Gary Neville appeared on the panel for several episodes.
