Ross Mendham

Ross Mendham is an entrepreneur and former personal trainer and body builder who achieved success in Series 11 of the BBC show, Dragons’ Den.
When Ross Mendham, Managing Director of Barenaked Foods, stepped into the Den with his range of low-carb noodles, he had no idea if he would impress the BBC’s expert panel including Peter Jones. At the end of an emotional pitch, Ross managed to secure an investment from Peter of £60,000 for 50% of the business which was the catalyst needed to launch the brand and secure retail distribution.

Ross had always struggled with his weight and, after being bullied at school, decided to make some lifestyle changes. He worked out hard in the gym, became a personal trainer but battled depression and turned to comfort eating. Ross spent years trying to maintain a restrictive, carb-free diet as he trained, while craving a filling, healthy alternative. Like many business success stories, the moment of inspiration for Ross came when he realised there was nothing suitable on the market, but he knew there would be thousands of other health conscious men and women looking for low carb, yet filling, pasta and noodle alternative to cook at home. Ross developed Barenaked Foods after his research identified the Asian-grown Konjac plant; a miracle plant low in carbohydrates, sugar and calories that can be used to produce spaghetti noodles with less than 18 calories per 100g.
As a revolutionary low carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta and noodles, Barenaked Noodles are ideal for weight management and specialist diets.   The business has achieved huge success since Ross’ Dragons’ Den win and Barenaked Noodles are now available online and in Holland and Barrett stores across the UK. They will also soon be available in Boots’ stores nationally and further products to extend the popular range will be launched this year.

As a business speaker, Ross Mendham is both engaging and inspirational. He presents captivating talks about his journey in business and how, with perseverance and determination, success can be achieved.
Ross speaks to a wide range of audiences, including schools and colleges, the health and fitness industry and business conferences. Ross has also spoken openly about the devastating impact of miscarriage, the emotional trigger-point subject of his Dragons’ Den pitch. He is a crusader for raising awareness of cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition that affects one in 10,000 pregnant women and almost claimed the life of his wife, Kelly, whilst giving birth to their son, Oliver-Jude.

 “Our Sixth Form Futures programme introduces our students to real-life work situations, so we were delighted that Ross was able to come and talk about the creation of Bare Naked Foods.

“He was extremely engaging and the students were greatly impressed by his entrepreneurship, perseverance and determination, as well as being intrigued to see his clip from Dragons’ Den which was a true feat of endurance.”

Ken Glover, director of Sixth Form at Wymondham College