The economy may have contracted but the same can't be said for the Dragons' business portfolios as they pledge more money than ever before to cash-strapped entrepreneurs. But it's still their own hard-earned fortunes they are risking and anyone expecting an easy time is in for a rude awakening at the top of those famous stairs this week.

It's not easy when Deborah Meaden declares you've given possibly the worst pitch in the Den, but that's just what Manchester inventor Samantha Gore heard last series as her pitch fell apart. That hasn't deterred her though, and she's back again with another addition to her crime prevention business and continued dreams of investment. Fellow Mancunian and classical pianist David Schofield is hoping his youthful take on the classics will get a Dragon to finance his future recordings. Also aiming to succeed is Ronan McCarthy from Surrey with his 21st-century take on the shoe polish booth. Personal biographer Michael Oke hopes he can start a new chapter in his life and get one of the five dragons to back his publishing venture, whilst West Midlands duo Peter Neath and Ian Worton hope they'll stand up to the investors' grilling and secure some much needed cash in their sausage cooking accessory. Devon mother of two Nikki Povey brings along a couple of interesting friends in a bid to appeal to the Dragons' fun side, and London businessman Jason Roberts pitches his range of protective coverings for mobile phones and computer equipment.