A Chislehurst businessman and his colleague faced the notorious Dragon’s Den panel with a greetings card and a bouquet of flowers.

Patrick Gavin, 37, and business partner Chris Bibby, 38, appeared on the programme on Sunday (Aug 17) seeking investment for their Bexleyheath-based business Blooming Simple.

The enterprise, set up three years ago, allows customers to send a bunch of flowers and a flat-pack personalised card, which folds out into a usable ‘Card Vase’.

Unfortunately for the Blooming Simple ‘likely lads’ – as described by Dragon Peter Jones – the £100,000 for 10 per cent equity pitch was turned down.

But Mr Gavin said the experience was positive and welcomed the exposure – and mentioned he was far more nervous watching the show than filming back in March.

He told News Shopper: "We made a schoolboy error and overvalued the business.

"I watch Dragon's Den religiously and it was frustrating, but it was brilliant to do.

"We got loads of interest on Twitter and it was a good experience – it’s very different when you’re there.

"It was actually a lot more nerve-wracking watching it on Sunday, because all our friends and family saw it. For the show we were prepared."

The entrepreneur  said while the episode aired comedian Alan Carr tweeted his love for the product and lots of others showed an interest for the Card Vase.

He also said supermarket chain Morrison’s has just agreed to trial the range in ten of its stores.

Mr Gavin went on: "Alan Carr mentioned us on Twitter and we might look at doing a Card Vase for him.

"We recently had a meeting with Morrison’s. They like our product and there are negotiations to see our vases across all stores."

Blooming Simple launched in August 2010 and is run by four old south-east London school friends, Mr Gavin and Mr Bibby, who entered the den, and Trent Scanlan and Russell Pinder, both 38.

The Card Vase was invented by Mr Pinder’s dad, Anthony, who sadly passed away last year.

During 2013 Blooming Simple took on America, and has now partnered with a company that produces a range for the US market.