Quotes from Theo Paphitis

Online is not contributing in the same way as the high street in terms of business rates and to the local community.

I was absolutely astonished and could not believe my eyes at the outrageous interest rates that people in need have to pay to get loans.

I'd rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable.

If you look at all the investments made during 'Dragons' Den,' the ratio of those that make it to those that don't is actually extremely high.

For me, the high street is a key part of how we live, what sort of community we are, how we get our news, and how we get our gossip.

In my early teens, I was working in a Wimpy Bar and delivering cab company cards to make cash. I also ran a tuck shop at school. I struggled academically because of being dyslexic. When I saw other families and what they had, it inspired me. I thought, 'I can get that, too, if I work hard.'

I've always maintained the basic business principles of keeping it simple, doing your homework, hard work, and common sense.

Recession always encourages entrepreneurialism and innovation. It does that every time because when people have no options they look at other things.

The government must recognise that taxing retailers differently is reckless.

I am the most conservative person you will ever come across, and that's because I'm good at reducing risks while leaving the potential rewards high.

In the 1960s, my first-generation immigrant parents were gifted the olive branch of a blue British passport when working for the British Army in Cyprus. It completely transformed the Paphitis story.

On Saturday, I don't want to be woken up until at least nine: I like a bit of a lie-in, a cup of tea, toast and marmalade, and the newspaper.

No major technological change has ever been instituted by mankind without an array of negative consequences. The motor car has meant liberation for millions, but it has also caused congestion, environmental damage, and a disturbing death toll on the roads.

I am a great believer that the risk should reflect the reward.

I like the odd day relaxing by the pool, but I couldn't stand to sunbathe for an entire week.

I'd like to think people know what I stand for, which is straight-talking honesty and telling you not just what you want to hear but where it is at.

I didn't have a great childhood, and neither did Debbie, my wife, so we both try to give the kids not only the material things we never had but also the hugs and the love.

Becoming a campaign representative for the somewhereto_ re:store campaign was a simple choice.

Immigration has been good for this country; I know the value of it - hopefully I've given something back.

I was lucky enough to find my passion early - in retail - and I have done well but, most importantly, loved doing it.

My family come from Cyprus. Both my father and my grandfather worked on the British bases there, and as the British government granted independence to Cyprus, they granted British passports to those who worked with them.

Small does not mean insignificant.

Great customer service does not come by chance. It is the result of training and ensuring there are enough assistants to serve the customers.

When making an investment, the people are more important than the product.