The newest millionaire to star on TV show Dragons’ Den has made an off-screen angel investment into a Warwickshire firm which creates eye-catching artwork for big events.

Hilary Devey has used her private wealth to back Warwick-based Table Art, a specialist in illuminated table centrepieces for events staged by firms such as Cadbury and Microsoft as well as Premier League football clubs.

The successful businesswoman, who built up her fortune in the pallet distribution business, replaces James Caan in the new series.

She has also starred in shows like Secret Millionaire and the Business Inspector, which is how she came across Table Art after the company was featured on the programme last year.

Ms Devey was so impressed with the firm’s potential and its founder Gary Martin that she took a 50 per cent stake in the firm.

She said: “His enthusiasm and total commitment and the uniqueness and innovation behind the product really enthused me.

“I could see it growing not just in the UK but pan-European and worldwide.

“The fact it was in the Midlands also endeared me to it as it’s a region that needs investment.

“To me it was a logical investment for my business portfolio.

“I had the logistics infrastructure to get the product to the event, it’s innovative, it’s environmentally friendly because it’s solar-powered and there’s nothing like it in the marketplace.”

Ms Devey, who is busy filming the new series of Dragons’ Den, said supporting small firms like Table Art was key to the UK’s economic success.

“It needs people like me to start giving more to SMEs, because the banks most certainly are not doing so,” she said.

“I’m incredibly inspired, there are some very innovative products out there and some very good next-generation entrepreneurs.”

Table Art, which has a turnover of just under £500,000, aims to hit the £1 million sales mark this year, a goal Ms Devey believes it can reach “easily”.