Quick Links

Somerset-based Meaden, 52, a panellist on the popular television programme Dragons’ Den, started her first venture at 19, importing glass and ceramics from Italy.

She later built up her parents’ caravan park operation, Weststar Holidays. Today the Exeter-based business, renamed Parkdean Holidays, operates 24 holiday parks in the UK. It was sold for a reported £33m in 2005 to Phoenix Equity Partners. Meaden kept a 23% stake.

In 2007, the company was sold on to Alchemy Partners in an £83m deal, which should have earned her about £19m for her remaining shares. For now, we keep Meaden on £40m.

Earnings & Financial Data

Date

Category

Description

Amount

2012

Salary

Salary from Strictly Come Dancing, which could reach $125,000

$40,000

2006

Asset

Value of the remaining 23 percent of her stake in Weststar Holidays to Parkdean Holidays

$139,000,000

2004

Asset

Value of the Weststar Holidays after selling it to Phoenix Equity Partners while retaining a 23 percent stake

$55,000,000