About Theo Paphitis
The Early Years
Theo was born in Cyprus. His family emigrated to Britain in the 1960s and he first showed his business skills at the tender age of 15 when he successfully ran his North London school’s tuck shop.
Theo’s first job was as an assistant with Lloyds of London broker, before moving into retail when he was 18.
He then moved into property and corporate finance, setting up his own company at just 23 before returning to his passion; retail.
The Businessman
Theo was Chairman of Millwall FC for eight years, taking the club out of administration, into the Championship (to the FA Cup Final opposite Manchester United) and into Europe.
He has revived the fortunes of such notable retail brands as La Senza, Contessa Lingerie, Ryman, Partners the Stationers and Stationery Box, and he sold his interest in the La Senza UK and Contessa in 2006.
In 2008, he combined the stationery businesses to form a new chain, Ryman the Stationer where he is still owner and Chairman today.
Theo launched the highly award-winning lingerie and nightwear brand, Boux Avenue, in spring 2011. Boux Avenue is an online business, with 30 UK stores across the UK.
In July 2012, the homewares specialist chain, Robert Dyas joined Theo's retail portfolio.
In October 2016 Theo acquired The London Graphic Centre. This means that across Ryman, Boux Avenue, Robert Dyas and the London Graphic Centre, the Theo Paphitis Retail Group comprises around 300 stores and over 4,000 employees who serve millions of customers a year.
Theo is also a director of MB Partners, a sports marketing boutique, alongside F1 legend Mark Blundell http://www.markblundellpartners.com/
Charity Work
Thanks to Theo’s profile in the media and his success in business he counts himself lucky that he is in unique position to help the projects and causes that he is passionate about.
Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust
Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust distributes Theo’s fees from TV appearances, speeches and his book to causes close to his heart, especially children’s charities. Funds received are then distributed by a panel of trustees to a variety of registered charities.
Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust typically assists smaller UK charities that have difficulty in gaining funds from other organisations. Recipients range from charities helping children to hospices providing children’s palliative care.
If you would like to contact the Trust please email charitabletrust@tprg.com
Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary
In November 2023, Theo Paphitis and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity launched the Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary to provide funding for schools to offer free training to teachers and teaching assistants around the UK.
The Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary aims to particularly support state schools where there are young people from low-income families, by giving them access to the expertise and guidance of Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity regarding the best ways to support young people with dyslexia.
Dyslexia empowerment patron
In October 2023, Theo Paphitis joined forces with the British Dyslexia Association, a leading voice for dyslexic people whose mission is to change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential. The ‘Dyslexia Empowerment Patron’ role is a first for the British Dyslexia Association, focusing on the opportunities that can be created around dyslexia.
The British Dyslexia Association’s vision is to create a world where people with dyslexia can flourish. The charity campaigns for an inclusive society that acknowledges, accepts and empowers individuals with dyslexia.
Comic Relief
Theo was a Director of Comic Relief between 2012-2018, and along with Ryman and Robert Dyas, has proudly been a key contributor to the Comic Relief and Sport Relief cause.
Theo has personally visited projects funded by Comic Relief in both Africa in the UK and continues to be driven by the fantastic work that they carry out. In 2013 Robert Dyas joined the cause and over the years Ryman and Robert Dyas have arranged some great, and often wacky, events and fundraisers. From the store colleagues right up to the Board of Directors everyone has joined in to raise well over £4.7 million to date!
Enterprise, Small business and education
In 2010 small business champion Theo launched #SBS Small Business Sunday, from his kitchen table on Twitter to help small businesses. This now has over 4,000 #SBS winners in the network, a free annual event and an expansive business network. He is passionate about creating and supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging start-ups across the UK. Visit www.theopaphitissbs.com for more information.
Theo was also a long-standing ambassador of the Ryman National Enterprise Challenge, encouraging young people to get work ready and understand the world of business before starting work. He was a Skills Show patron from 2012-2015, the nation’s largest skills and careers event, that helps to shape the futures and careers of a new generation.
In August 2018, Theo took up a new role as Chancellor of Solent University.
TV Appearances
Through his appearances on BBC’s Dragons’ Den from 2005 to 2012, Theo has advised many entrepreneurs and invested in several innovative businesses and brands. He also returned to Dragons’ Den as an emeritus dragon in 2019 and 2021.
He has also fronted Theo’s Adventure Capitalists, where he followed the fortunes of brave and bold British companies trying to expand in three of the world's most dynamic emerging markets – India, Brazil and Vietnam.
In recent years, Theo held a regular business slot on The One Show and contributed to current affairs and news programmes such as Question Time, Sky News’ The Great Debate and on other current affairs TV and radio shows.
Home Life
Theo lives in Surrey with his wife Debbie. They have five children and several grandchildren.
Theo's Website
To find out more about Theo please visit the website here.