News: Alexandra Buffet Company impresses local Dragons

Fiona Morgan of the Alexandra Buffet Company has won the first Dragons' Den event hosted by the Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise.

A panel of local Dragons agreed that Fiona gave the best pitch at the event held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre, and she was awarded the prize worth £1,500.

The panel felt Fiona's passion and energy for her business shone through and were impressed that she had reinvested her profits not only in the development of her business but also in the local community.

Fiona said: "I'm honoured to have won the Dragons' Den Event. I have had offers of help and support from the Dragon's and audience members - never in a million years did I think this was possible and I'm very grateful for all the help and support!"

Fiona set up her business Alexandra Buffet Co last year, delivering delicious hand-made buffets to homes and businesses in the region. The idea sprang out of her other company - Alexandra's Café, in Parkgate.

Fionna added: "I got a call from a business asking to order one of my buffets from the menu. I hadn't got a menu and up until that point, I hadn't done buffets - but very quickly got the hang of it and delivered it all on time and to budget!

"I enjoyed it so much I set up my own company and it's been going from strength-to-strength. My cheesecake has become a legend and I'm often asked if I can pay people in food - I've got plumbing jobs and all sorts done in exchange for one of my cheesecakes!"

In a good month for the entrepreneur, The 28-year-old was also named as a runner up at the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010 and received £250 prize money courtesy of Jackie Frost at the Rotherham Enterprise Network.

Rotherham Enterprise board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board