Enter The Dragons - Duncan Bannatyne

There are a growing number of high profile businessmen who not only recognise the marketing potential and public profile aspect but also the financial potential in personalised number plates. Duncan Bannatyne is certainly one such businessman.

Duncan first started buying number plates at auction when he sold his public company just as he was forming new companies. Part of the motivation was the recognition that it was easy to hide the true age of a vehicle by personalising it with a cherished registration plate. In fact he jokes that it was cheaper to do this than buying a new car. Of course he has come a long way since then.

Bannatyne was born into a financially struggling family in Clydebank, just outside Glasgow in 1949. But the young Duncan demonstrated early signs of his talents and determination for a better life by seeking opportunities at a young age. He took a paper round as one of his first jobs to afford his bicycle and probably never thought that one day he'd be able to afford any car he likes and to stamp it with a prestige number plate.

Today, the Scottish entrepreneur has amassed a whole collection of private number plates along with many cars. Reflecting the gym business, F1 TSO, for example, is assigned to his "gym repair van". He's the owner of one of a handful of elite registrations, 23 D, a present from his first wife. Duncan reciprocated with G 74 which is now used by one of his daughters. He also bought 111 JO for his present wife, Joanne.

Today, Duncan actually has quite an extensive collection and combined with ones he's sold, naturally for a profit, there is quite a list; at the time of going to press, he currently owns 50 PAM, 6 AVS, 1 LGO, 52 DB, 5 EBS and 2 BHM. But Duncan recognises that trading personalised plates is all part of the business domain and has made money selling 8 DWB, 99 DB, KPS 3, V8 BMW, 33 PAM, 4 GGY, RAC 5, NAC 1 and 44 DB.

According to Duncan, all his plates are on the market. For the right price he would let them go and similarly, for the right price he would buy more. Perhaps this is not surprising when you consider the trait of Duncan's portfolio; what probably distinguishes him from the other Dragons is diversity. From health clubs to hotels, trading in number plates is just one if a handful of his business dealings.

Bannatyne is also known for his financial prudency, yet at the same time he has a philanthropic component. This is a reflection of his humble beginnings. Duncan takes nothing for granted; there is no relaxed ignorance of the cost of things. His expenditure is justified claiming he's not a believer in spending money on flash offices. A down-to-earth man, who sees no necessity in escalating overheads, his involvement with charity is wide, being awarded an OBE for his contributions.

It's very humbling to know there are people like Duncan Bannatyne. A man who is willing to share the fruits of his efforts must be commended. Even more so for his taste in number plates!