Lancashire entrepreneur Gemma Connolly has achieved an impressive milestone, securing £50,000 from investors on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den. The founder of Scoff Paper, a unique business offering edible dog birthday cards, Gemma captivated the Dragons with her creative idea and her passion for dogs.
Appearing on the show on Thursday, February 15, Gemma invited the Dragons to invest in her innovative venture. Sara Davies was quick to spot the potential and agreed to invest £50,000 in exchange for a 25% share of the company.
The Inspiration Behind Scoff Paper
The idea for Scoff Paper was born during the 2020 lockdown, when Gemma, from Buckshaw, was looking for a way to make edible paper for her dog, Loki. After some kitchen experimentation with ingredients like potato peelings, she successfully created a safe, printable, and dog-friendly edible paper.
Her initial prototypes evolved into a commercially viable product, which she began selling on Etsy. From these humble beginnings, Gemma expanded Scoff Paper into physical retail, securing deals with major stores such as Pets at Home, John Lewis, Clintons Cards, Aldi, and B&M.
Boosting Business Growth
Gemma’s entrepreneurial journey has been supported by Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, and the Lancashire Innovation Challenge. After winning £15,000 through the Lancashire County Council’s Innovate Lancashire initiative, she received further financial support, alongside mentoring in key areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce, and staff training.
This guidance was critical in helping Gemma navigate the challenges of scaling up her business, enabling her to turn an idea born out of a love for dogs into a thriving enterprise.
Dragons’ Den Success
During her pitch on Dragons’ Den, Gemma impressed the panel with her clear vision for Scoff Paper’s future. She aims to grow the brand in two directions: expanding retail presence and creating a dog-friendly version of a popular online card website.
With the backing of Sara Davies and the massive exposure from the show, Gemma now has her sights set on global expansion. Scoff Paper is already stocked in major UK supermarkets and pet stores, and with Sara’s investment and strategic guidance, the company is well on its way to achieving its global ambitions.
Speaking about her experience in the Den, Gemma said:
“I’m not good at blowing my own trumpet, but I gave it everything I had when I went into The Den and was proud of my presentation and my responses to the Dragons’ subsequent grilling. It probably helped that I had Leo by my side.
“When Sara said she believed in me and my vision, it meant so much. I’m over the moon that she chose to invest in my little company that’s got its eye on global domination. After all, is there a dog on this planet that doesn’t love a tasty treat?”
With Sara Davies’ support and the increased manufacturing capabilities, Gemma is ready to take Scoff Paper to new heights, making it a household name for dog lovers everywhere.
Looking to the Future
The future looks incredibly bright for Scoff Paper as Gemma continues to drive the business forward with a commitment to innovation and quality. Her story is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, and the power of community support, from Boost to Dragons’ Den.
Follow Gemma’s journey and find out more about Scoff Paper by visiting Scoff Paper.
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