The death of former Dragons' Den star Hilary Devey has triggered a wave of tributes, honouring the 'inspiration' and 'fashion icon'.
Hilary's publicist confirmed that the entrepreneur passed away on 11 June in Morocco after a long illness.
She had been a 'firm favourite' with viewers of the hit BBC2 show during her time on the panel between 2011 and 2012, The Manc reports.
She founded Pall-Ex, a multimillion-pound freight distribution business, after selling her own car and home to fund it.
Hilary was made a CBE in 2013 for her career in business as well as her charitable work.
Hilary Devey was a star of Dragons' Den. Credit: BBC
Her former co-stars and other famous faces have been posting tributes to her since the news broke yesterday afternoon.
The official Dragons' Den account posted: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of Dragons’ Den legend Hilary Devey, who will always hold a unique place in the hearts of our production team. Her straight-talking approach made her a firm favourite with viewers, and our thoughts are with her family and friends."
Deborah Meaden, who starred on the show with Hilary, wrote: "Very sad to learn that Hilary Devey has passed away at only 65. She was unique in every way and brought grit and warmth with her into the Den. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. RIP Hilary.truly one of a kind."
BBC presented Greg James added: "I’m so sad to hear the news about Hilary. An absolute inspiration for woman in particular who wanted to make their mark in male dominated industries, like she did in haulage. She was also SO MUCH FUN. And an absolute fashion icon"
As well as a hugely successful businesswoman, Hilary has also been an ambassador for the charity the Stroke Association for more than a decade.
The charity said: "We are sad to hear that Hilary Devey has died. Hilary was a long-time ambassador of the Stroke Association after her stroke in 2009 and we are very grateful for all the support she gave us over the years. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends."
Steven Bartlett, formerly of Manchester-based Social Chain fame and now the newest 'Dragon' on Dragons' Den, wrote: "Saddened to hear about the passing of the wonderful, unique, inspiring former Dragon, Hilary Devey. She was truly one of a kind and her legacy lives on in all the people she helped, the businesses she supported and the Den that she graced."
Peter Jones posted: "So sad to hear the news that Hilary Devey has passed away. She was an inspiring woman and it was great to spend time with her on Dragons’ Den. Sending my deepest condolences to her family."
Featured image: BBC
UK News
Here’s the full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’ you’ll soon be able to get cheaper in the UK
Crisps, biscuits, avocado, and chewing gum are just a few of the items that are soon set to be available for cheaper in the UK.
First announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week, the Government has now published a list of more than 100 of key items that are set to see targeted cuts to tariffs, alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years and reducing VAT.
It covers a wide range of ‘everyday essentials’ – from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
“The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to,” Chancellor Reeves commented.
“My priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses. That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
Crisps and fresh fruit are two of the items set to see targeted tariff cuts / Credit: Esperanza Doronila | Jonas Kakaroto (via Unsplash)
Full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’
Garlic
Gherkins
Aubergines
Sweet peppers
Other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
Olives (fresh/chilled)
Olives (for oil production)
Olives (frozen)
Plantains (fresh and dried)
Bananas (fresh and dried)
Limes
Citrus fruits (various)
Avocados
Fresh figs
Dried figs
Other fresh fruits
Frozen fruits
Dried apricots
Dried apples
Dried peaches/nectarines
Dried pears
Dried papaya
Mixed dried fruit
Mixed nuts
Mixed fruit and nuts
Green tea
Buckwheat
Fonio
Quinoa
Olive oil (extra virgin)
Olive oil (virgin)
Olive oil (other)
Margarine
Mixed fats and oils
Vegetable oils
Chewing gum
Liquorice products
White chocolate
Marzipan and pastes
Throat pastilles
Sugar confectionery
Boiled sweets
Toffees and caramels
Sugar tablets
Cocoa paste
Cocoa powder
Chocolate (bulk and retail)
Chocolate bars
Chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal
Chocolate spreads
Chocolate drink preparations
Couscous
Crispbread
Gingerbread
Biscuits
Waffles and wafers
Rusks
Toasted bread products
Bread
Pizzas and quiches
Pickled peppers
Prepared vegetables
Crisps
Processed potatoes
Baked beans
Preserved beans
Preserved vegetables
Preserved tropical fruit
Candied fruit
Jams and marmalades
Preserved citrus fruits
Mixed preserved fruit and nuts
Tomato ketchup
Tomato sauces
Soups and broths
Non-alcoholic beverages
Plant-based drinks
The Government says these cuts support the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
The list of everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs comes after the Great British Summer Savings initiative was announced last week.
This means that, from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Met Office reports on how long the heatwave will last as yesterday was hottest May day on record
Emily Sergeant
The Met Office has given us an idea of how long this current heatwave may last.
It comes after a new UK temperature record was broken yesterday, as it reached 34.8°C at the weather station in Kew Gardens – with the figure being both the highest daily maximum temperature recorded in meteorological spring (March, April, and May), as well as the highest temperature in May all together.
The previous record of 32.8°C was reached in 1922 and 1944.
If confirmed and validated, and May sees a new official daily temperature record, it would mean that more than half of the monthly record highs – seven out of 12 – have been set since 2003.
But what exactly is considered to be a heatwave? Well, heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, and providing the public with an indication of how long these temperatures could last, Met Office weather forecasters say the start of the week will see the heatwave continue for much of England and Wales with temperatures ‘well above average’, and today (Tuesday 26) expected to be another ‘very hot day’ with a rapid rise in temperatures through the morning.
The heat will then continue through the week, with highs of 31°C forecast for Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, 27°C on Friday, and 28°C on Saturday.
“We’ve now provisionally broken the spring and May temperature record,” commented Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, Dan Suri.
“Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday.
“High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30°Cs for some mid-week and high 20°Cs late this week.”
Daisy Jackson -
13th June 2022 
