Kirsty Henshaw

Inspirational Dragons' Den Winner


Kirsty Henshaw created a stir when she became the youngest entrepreneur to appear on Dragons' Den in 2010.

She captivated audiences with her heartfelt pitch for dairy-free ice cream, which she developed for her son who had multiple allergies. 

Securing a substantial £65,000 investment from Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne, she launched her business. 

In the 15 years since, Kirsty has expanded her company into new categories like ready meals, pizzas, and desserts, culminating in the opening of her first factory in 2020. Through strategic maneuvers, she bought out her initial investors, solidifying her position as a pioneer in the free-from industry.

Today, Kirsty's brand is one of the leading names in the UK's free-from market, boasting a turnover of £10 million. She plans to introduce three new brands into her portfolio, aiming for a 28% increase in business next year, showcasing her steadfast commitment to innovation and progress. 

Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, Kirsty maintains a balance between her professional life and the joys of motherhood, raising two children while steering her company toward its goals.


Chris Knight KnightContact Chris Knight Knight about this page:

(ALL fields required)

(If you are a Rotarian, please name your club.)

Related pages...

Steve Cartwright

more RGB&I KidsOut Co-ordinator

Eve Conway-Ghazi

more Rotary International Director 2023 - 2025

Rev. John Dawson

more Mercy Ships Ambassador

Abigail Ewen

more PhD student and Past President - Peterborough Rotaract Club

Jasmine Harrison

more Two time world record holder & Rotary Young Citizen 2023

Lloyd Hollett

more Comedy Wordsmith Extraordinaire

Val Howe

more Project leader for Coats4Kids & D1070 e-Club Founder Member

Nitesh Joshi

more Rotary Great Britain & Ireland Chair 2023/25

Geoff Mackey

Geoff Mackey

more A well known and respected Rotary Speaker

Jean Martyn

more Organist, Concert Pianist & Composer

Grace O'Malley

more From Rotary Young Citizen to Rotaractor raising thousands of pound for charities

Paul Whittaker OBE

Paul Whittaker OBE

more Paul is an inspirational speaker, musician, performer and workshop leader who is profoundly deaf.

Lynn Wilson

Lynn Wilson

more Dr. Lynn Wilson is Executive Director/CEO and founder of SeaTrust Institute.

Alan Wordie

more Grandson of Sir James Wordie, Shackleton's Chief Scientific Officer on Endurance

The Daisy Chains

more Saturday Evening Entertainers

back to page above this...

Centenary Conference Speakers & Entertainment

back A stunning line up of people to inform, entertain and make you laugh!