An entrepreneur who started a gold plating business in his Leyton home and then received Dragon’s Den investment was shortlisted for a prestigious business award this week.

Laban Roomes, 43, was backed by Dragon James Caan in 2007 and is one of only a handful of entrepreneurs to have successfully bought back shares from his investor.

That business, which offers gold plated goods and customisation services, has earned Mr Roomes a nomination for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards' Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year.

Mr Roomes said he took satisfaction from expanding the business independently.

He said: “I am genuinely honoured to be shortlisted for an award at such a prestigious national event that celebrates the hard work of entrepreneurs from various sectors and walks of life.  It hasn’t been an easy journey, and so to receive recognition at this level makes it all truly worth it.”

The company know turns over in excess of £1million and Mr Roomes is launching the franchise globally.

But his beginnings were more humble.

Raised by a single mother and homeless in his twenties, he eventually borrowed money from a friend and designed a portable gold plating machine in his home in Jersey Road, Leyton.

Now living in Enfield Town, he used to carry the machine on his back to approach businesses and carried out the work in a tent in his garden.

He said entrepreneurial success was down to understanding goals and playing to strengths.

Offering advice to would-be business moguls, he said: “Have a clear vision of what it is you want to achieve in life. Take time out to know your strengths and weaknesses, then focus on your strengths.

“Determination and burning passion is essential for any type of success, make sure these form an integral part of your personality.”

The winner will be announced on November 19.