ONE of the stars of the hit BBC TV show Dragon's Den will visit the Island in January.

Hilary Devay, the newest 'Dragon' to join the panel on the television show, will be the guest speaker at an Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club event.

She is an award winning entrepreneur and the founder of the pallet distribution business The Pall Ex-Group which she set up by selling her house and car.

Now she is recognised for creating a business network that commands revenues of around £100 million each year and revolutionising the UK's pallet distribution industry.

John Wannenburgh of the Sporting and Dining Club said: "To be able to welcome Hilary to our first event of 2012 is absolutely fantastic.

"She is a fascinating person who has overcome huge hurdles in both her personal and business life to get to where she is today.

"She is a massively sought after motivational speaker and I'm sure people in the Island will be keen to come and listen to her when she comes over in January."

The event is being sponsored by HSBC who will hold an auction during the event with all proceeds being donated to a local charity of the company's choice.

Senior manager Kevin Cartledge added: "Last year's series of events organised by the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club were as strong as we've ever seen so it's pleasing that we're able to kick start 2012 with such as exciting speaker.

"Hilary Devey is one of the UK’s most recognisable business women and I'm sure will prove to be a truly inspirational speaker."

The Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club event will take place at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club on Thursday, January 26. Tickets, including dinner, cost £69 for members and £85 for non-members. They are available by calling 07624 495749 or by e-mailing john@sportingandiningclub.com.