Meet Richard Ernest, as an entrepreneur he opens up with me about his amazing ups and downs in business over the last 11 years. Richard managed to win a £100,000 deal on the TV show Dragons' Den 11 years ago with the concept of 'RemPods' which are pop up reminiscence rooms, which work by turning any clinical care space into a therapeutic and calming environment, stimulating memories in people with dementia. The pods range from a 1950s room to a vintage store, a dance hall and a cinema.
Reminiscence rooms are becoming increasingly popular in care homes as they have found that dementia patients often feel more safe and secure when they are remembering their past and it can trigger memories of happier times improving behaviour and wellbeing and reducing the need for anti-psychotic drugs within the healthcare domain.
Richard secured the deal on the TV and gave away 45 per cent of his company to the two Dragons, Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones. He admits that going on Dragons' Den was “one of the scariest things I have ever done” yet brought to life his concept and business plans.
I hope you enjoy this episode with one of the most honest entrepreneurs I have had the pleasure to meet.
Richard's products can be found here:
