Dragons' Den James Caan named chairman of Big Issue magazine

James Caan, entrepreneur and star of the BBC show Dragons' Den, is to become chairman of the Big Issue magazine.

Cann, CEO of the private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, made the announcement at this afternoon's PPA Independent Publisher Awards.

"The Big Issue embodies my firm belief that we all need a helping hand sometimes," said Caan.

"I identify with building something from nothing and the organisation's principle of giving a hand up, rather than a hand out, resonates with me on many levels. What’s most remarkable about The Big Issue is its ability to work with homeless people without their dignity being sacrificed."

Caan told delegates at the PPA event that he welcomed digital changes ahead and would be seeking online publishing expertise from those gathered.

The magazine is to launch a number of initiatives to help bring it into the digital age and improve revenue, he said. 

Currently the magazine circulation is more than 147,000 copies a week. In 2009, Big Issue vendors received £8 million from the charity.

"James is one of UK business' leading lights so I have no doubt that he’ll be a fantastic addition to our board," said John Bird, The Big Issue's founder and editor-in-chief, speaking in a Big Issue release.

"Eighteen years since I launched The Big Issue it remains a groundbreaking initiative and unique business proposition so we hope James will find working with us challenging, exciting and enlightening."

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