Dragons' Den judges back Lizard ice cream Coconuts Naturally

Cecily Mills took along her dairy-free ice cream brand Coconuts Naturally, which she first developed in 2015 while living just outside Gunwalloe and she found herself frustrated by the lack of natural and tasty ice creams on the market.

Having turned vegan to increase her energy levels, Cecily found that she missed ice cream so decided to make her own - one that had all the health credentials she desired, including organic and all-natural ingredients, but with no compromise on taste and texture.

Cecily makes her pitch to the Dragons. Photo: Dragons' Den/BBC iPlayer

Three years later former M&S store manager Cecily found herself in front of the panel of Dragons and was offered not one but two offers of investment, from Jenny Campbell and Tej Lalvani.

Cecily said: "Featuring on the show was an amazing experience. Of course it was tough, but I’m extremely grateful for all I learnt. And it was a major confidence boost to see the Dragons’ belief in me and my product.”

Tej offered Cecily her requested £75,000 but for a 40 per cent stage in the business, rather than the 20 per cent she had hoped.

Jenny then undercut him by also offering the full amount but for 30 per cent of the business. 

Cecily chose to accept Jenny Campbell’s offer, although all the Dragons were full of praise for the ice cream, with Peter Jones saying: "It's the best ice cream I've tasted that's Free From." 

Shortly after filming, however, some key developments in Cecily’s business, including other opportunities and investment offers that arose, meant that ultimately she wasn’t able to take up Jenny’s offer.

"Turning down the mentorship and exposure to a phenomenal business woman like Jenny Campbell was a very difficult decision. But again, I followed my instinct and it was the right thing to do for the company," said Cecily.

Cecily accepts Jenny's offer of investment. Photo: Dragons' Den/BBC iPlayer

The business is now based in Redruth, where she lives, although the ice cream continues to be manufactured through a partnership with Roskilly's near St Keverne.

Now available in six flavours - Coconut Caramel, Rum & Raisin, Raw Chocolate, Mint Choc Chip, Creamy Coconut and Sumptuous Strawberry - five of them have won Great Taste Awards. It can be bought online from Ocado, in Morrisons stores in the south west from around 200 independent shops across the country.

Despite having to decline input from a Dragon, Cecily still believes it is important for start-up businesses to have a mentor.

“I’m fortunate to have other people I can turn to for advice. Times can be tough, especially in the beginning.

"In April 2015 I received my first big order with no premises, a need to develop a fourth ice cream flavour - and a four-month-old baby. Then the recipes all went wrong when I put them through the new pasteurising machine," she recalled.

Things have moved on somewhat from that point and the business is about to ship its first order to Hong Kong and already exports to Dubai.

Cecily has also struck a deal with a major UK retailer and is developing two new flavours.

"I’m constantly facing new challenges, but I love being kept on my toes. It’s what drives the business forward. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else,” she said.

Episode six of this series of Dragons' Den is now available to view on BBC iPlayer.