Ben opened up about the challenges he’s overcome (Picture: BBC)
A Dragons’ Den contestant wowed the investors with his impressive pitch and product, after he opened up about his autism and the challenges he’s overcome in his life.
Ben Pearson brought forward his company, Big Clothing 4 You, to Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett, Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies.
‘Having autism, it takes a lot of guts to be here, but I’d like to inspire others and show them where there is a will, there is a way, and we should not be held back from these slightly different ways of thinking,’ Ben began, ahead of his pitch.
Walking into the Den, with his sights set on Touker for an investment, Ben explained the struggles he’d faced during his life.
‘From a young age, I was diagnosed with autism and several other disabilities,’ Ben began. ‘I spent the majority of my life in social care, young offenders institutions and homeless.
‘I became nearly 30 stone from having mental health issues but I took a lot of counselling and overcame these barriers.’
‘Never give up, don’t let anybody stand in your way’ (Picture: BBC)
However, despite overcoming those barriers, Ben explained that the one thing he couldn’t get over was finding clothing that fit him, which is how he began his business, and along the way, he even met Katie Price’s son Harvey and involved him in the brand as an ambassador.
‘I’m really inspired by your journey,’ Steven commented, as the other Dragons echoed their praise, with Deborah calling Ben ‘brilliant’.
‘You’re one of the best pitches I’ve seen in the Den,’ Steven added.
Ben’s pitch was praised by the other Dragons before Touker made an offer (Picture: BBC)
However, after applauding Ben and his business, Peter, Sara and Deborah all said the two words no candidate wants to hear: ‘I’m out’.
Steven quickly followed suit, saying this aspect of the industry wasn’t something he was ‘passionate’ about.
‘If you don’t make an offer for this one Touker I don’t know what you’re going to make an offer for,’ Steven added, telling his co-star: ‘It’s got your name written all over it.’
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And he was quite right, with Touker deciding to make an offer, and Ben happily accepting.
He went on to say: ‘If anybody else out there has autism, what I would say, especially if they are young, is never give up, don’t let anybody stand in your way.’
Dragons’ Den continues on Thursday at 8pm on BBC One.
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Ben wanted to inspire others to not be held back either.
