The Real Deal: My Story from Brick Lane to Dragons' Den

James Caan

Dec 2010 · Random House

About this ebook

After dropping out of school at just sixteen, James Caan started his business life in a broom cupboard with no qualifications and two pieces of fatherly wisdom: 'observe the masses and do the opposite' and 'always look for opportunities where both parties benefit'. Armed with this advice, natural charm and the Yellow Pages, he built a market-leading business with a turnover of £130 million and swiftly became one of Britain's most successful entrepreneurs.

From Caan's childhood as a Pakistani immigrant to the phenomenal success of his first company and beyond, The Real Deal traces both his financial and personal achievements. It offers a frank account of what success at thirty really signifies and brings us right up to the present, including his impact on Dragons' Den and what his charity work, from saving a hospital in London to building a school in Lahore, means to him. Ultimately, it is a story of learning what money is really worth, told by one the country's most insightful businessmen.

Ratings and reviews

Really enjoyed this book. James has always impressed me on Dragon's Den so I wanted to find out more about his background and career. The book also contains some great advice about business and life choices.

I am a business owner that started from scratch and I find it hard finding books I can relate to in the world of business. I have been glued to this book from the first page, great life story, great entrepreneur and great advice. I cannot recommend this book enough and all the proceeds go to charity, 100% a must read!

A very inspiring read, probably the best bio I've read. Very relatable and well written, makes you want to start up a recruitment business.

About the author

James is CEO of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw and has been building and selling businesses since 1985. He was awarded the 'BT Enterprise of the Year' award in 2001 for outstanding success in business and was named PricewaterhouseCoopers' 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in 2003. He is married with two daughters. He is currently appearing on BBC's hit show Dragons' Den.