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Bold As Brass: My Story
The extraordinary and gripping autobiography of our favourite businesswoman.
Hilary Devey is one of our most remarkable entrepreneurs and was an instant sensation when she appeared on Dragon's Den. Now, in this powerful memoir, she reveals the full story of her turbulent life. She describes how her father's bankruptcy sparked a fierce determination in her not to end up the same way. When her father started working in the pub trade, Hilary did too - at the age of seven - and has been grafting hard ever since.
She built her own company, Pall-Ex, which today has an annual turnover of £100 million, never giving up even when she was so broke she couldn't afford to give her son a Christmas dinner. Admitting to terrible taste in men, Hilary opens up about her marriages and the destructive relationship she thought would break her. She tells how she faced a mother's worst nightmare, her son's heroin addiction, and fought back from a stroke that almost killed her. Bold as Brass is candid, brave and laced with the warmth and humour that have made Hilary so popular. Ultimately, it's as inspirational as the woman herself.
Hilary Devey is one of our most remarkable entrepreneurs and was an instant sensation when she appeared on Dragon's Den. Now, in this powerful memoir, she reveals the full story of her turbulent life. She describes how her father's bankruptcy sparked a fierce determination in her not to end up the same way. When her father started working in the pub trade, Hilary did too - at the age of seven - and has been grafting hard ever since.
She built her own company, Pall-Ex, which today has an annual turnover of £100 million, never giving up even when she was so broke she couldn't afford to give her son a Christmas dinner. Admitting to terrible taste in men, Hilary opens up about her marriages and the destructive relationship she thought would break her. She tells how she faced a mother's worst nightmare, her son's heroin addiction, and fought back from a stroke that almost killed her. Bold as Brass is candid, brave and laced with the warmth and humour that have made Hilary so popular. Ultimately, it's as inspirational as the woman herself.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 8, 2020
Fantastic book
Once I started reading I just couldn’t stop, wow what a lady who is so professionally amazing but unfortunately not a good personal life.
This I find really sad, how men can treat someone in that way is horrible.
Let’s hope Hilary continues to get better each day
Lovely lovely book, so thank you for sharing your life up to now story.
Once I started reading I just couldn’t stop, wow what a lady who is so professionally amazing but unfortunately not a good personal life.
This I find really sad, how men can treat someone in that way is horrible.
Let’s hope Hilary continues to get better each day
Lovely lovely book, so thank you for sharing your life up to now story.
September 7, 2012
Avoided reading this for ages... don't know why, probably because I've grown to really dislike Dragon's Den. Glad I finally read it though. Hilary's life perfectly illustrates the reality of trying to create a successful business and juggle family responsibilities. No perfect solutions, but in Hilary's case an honest, hard-fought battle powered by love for her son. Hilary's mantra, 'Failure is not an option', will stay with me, and I'm sure thinking of her incredible drive will help me to keep going on late nights and weekends when my focus is flagging. A compelling life story from an inspirational woman.
September 20, 2020
Inspiring and humble, I really enjoyed this autobiography.
December 22, 2020
Christ, I obviously didn't have unrealistic expectations but this was a lot harder to get through than I was expecting. Idiotic observations, terribly wasteful life decisions and a complete lack of awareness of how big a role luck has played vs business acumen. Worst of all are the tedious lowbrow tabloid opinions that "Hils" for some reason believes are somewhat original or controversial (always suffixed with a "as far as I'm concerned").
Many people probably feel like they have a good impression of the kind of person Hilary Devey is but apart from re-enforcing her onscreen persona, her behaviour and justifications in human relations often beggar belief and while the ghostwriter obviously did their best to smooth things over and present things in a favourable light, this was not particularly successful. Scariest of all there's a complete lack of self awareness throughout. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out why her son went through so many difficulties.
It was sad to learn that, rather than a warm feelgood Bolton lass behind it all, she's actually quite a nasty and harmful simpleton.
Many people probably feel like they have a good impression of the kind of person Hilary Devey is but apart from re-enforcing her onscreen persona, her behaviour and justifications in human relations often beggar belief and while the ghostwriter obviously did their best to smooth things over and present things in a favourable light, this was not particularly successful. Scariest of all there's a complete lack of self awareness throughout. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out why her son went through so many difficulties.
It was sad to learn that, rather than a warm feelgood Bolton lass behind it all, she's actually quite a nasty and harmful simpleton.
July 20, 2025
So glad I read this book. I didn’t know much about Hilary Devey but remembered her from Dragon’s Den. In more recent years I read that she had very sadly passed away.
What a formidable lady she was and how she became a multi millionaire is amazing with all the troubles she had in her life.
I hope her son Mevlit, who she loved so much will stay on the straight and narrow (after his drug addiction) and make something of his life in his Mum’s honour.
A really good read.
What a formidable lady she was and how she became a multi millionaire is amazing with all the troubles she had in her life.
I hope her son Mevlit, who she loved so much will stay on the straight and narrow (after his drug addiction) and make something of his life in his Mum’s honour.
A really good read.
January 8, 2026
Amazing book. I wish it never ended. Her life was tough but so interesting. You've got to love Hilary Devey
March 26, 2018
The story of a successful business woman. It may also open up your eyes to some of the realities of modern life in Britain.
June 3, 2024
Wow - she had such a hard complicated life - there seemed to be non stop problems from start to finish - it's a wonder she found time to start up her own very successful business.
October 11, 2016
interesting book, her struggles with her junky son are heart breaking.
February 12, 2013
I had never heard of Hilary Devey before watching Dragon's Den but after seeing her on that I thought she was fantastic. I had no idea though of the sort of life she's led. I have read too many books about bad things happening to people to be shocked by anything written in this one but I think a few people may be shocked when they read about the life Hilary has had.
Where most people would have just given up Hilary used to knock downs and the set backs to spur her on to do something about it to prevent it happening again in the future. She really is a very inspirational woman and the chapters about her son's drug abuse were quite hard to read. She has also been extremely unlucky with men as well and there was one part of the book which wasn't very nice to read and was actually something which she has never ever spoken about before. So this book is a very honest, no holds barred read.
Overall this is one of the best autobiographies I've read. Hilary is full of honesty and integrity and that shines through throughout the whole book. I enjoyed reading about her many travels around the UK and the sheer amount of jobs her and her family had! A 12 year old barmaid running a pub by herself? Amazing. Fans of Hilary will love this book but I think people who haven't heard of her could read it and become fans themselves. A fantastic read.
Where most people would have just given up Hilary used to knock downs and the set backs to spur her on to do something about it to prevent it happening again in the future. She really is a very inspirational woman and the chapters about her son's drug abuse were quite hard to read. She has also been extremely unlucky with men as well and there was one part of the book which wasn't very nice to read and was actually something which she has never ever spoken about before. So this book is a very honest, no holds barred read.
Overall this is one of the best autobiographies I've read. Hilary is full of honesty and integrity and that shines through throughout the whole book. I enjoyed reading about her many travels around the UK and the sheer amount of jobs her and her family had! A 12 year old barmaid running a pub by herself? Amazing. Fans of Hilary will love this book but I think people who haven't heard of her could read it and become fans themselves. A fantastic read.
March 23, 2013
read this book recently Its a very honest and open book very emotional very shocking and at times upsetting but also the difference is that unlike other entrepreneurs that write a book telling you that you too can become rich and be like them in a short time ,isn't what this book is about Hilary is an honest no nonsense women and her great honesty is admirable- at times a difficult read but by the end of the book you can appreciate that she too has gone through her fair share of struggles in life, before she built up her business .
having seen Hilary in Dragons Den and a few other programmes I was interested in reading her autobiography.
Hilary seems really lovely. even during this book she conveys warmth and humour despite recalling difficult situations and circumstance .
I appreciated that she documented her relationships and discussed them openly - not something every body writing their personal story would necessarily choose to talk about - but again Hilary is very honest and open with the reader
having seen Hilary in Dragons Den and a few other programmes I was interested in reading her autobiography.
Hilary seems really lovely. even during this book she conveys warmth and humour despite recalling difficult situations and circumstance .
I appreciated that she documented her relationships and discussed them openly - not something every body writing their personal story would necessarily choose to talk about - but again Hilary is very honest and open with the reader
February 19, 2016
It's always interesting to see that lives that appear enviable from the outside, contain exactly as much hassle as anyone's! It struck me that Devey is an incredibly loyal and loving person. She was so loyal to her parents, who I thought were horrible & she never gave up on her son.
This tough, practical woman had a moment when her dead father came and put his arm around her and told her she'd get through a bad patch. I know it sounds crazy, she said, but that's what happened. These incidents fascinate me. When they happen, they feel real, but if they are real, then why can't dad come back more often and give advice beforehand so you don't get into trouble in the first place? And if they are not real, what happens?
This tough, practical woman had a moment when her dead father came and put his arm around her and told her she'd get through a bad patch. I know it sounds crazy, she said, but that's what happened. These incidents fascinate me. When they happen, they feel real, but if they are real, then why can't dad come back more often and give advice beforehand so you don't get into trouble in the first place? And if they are not real, what happens?
October 12, 2013
I was gripped, astonished and at times horrified by this book. Hilary Devey's life as described so graphically and honestly has been one of constant turmoil, tragedy and horrendously hard work. The story is one of rags to riches, but the riches have not led to an easy life. In the latter part of the book she describes in great detail the challenges that she and her son faced. There is much quoted foul language in this section which would normally cause me to abandon the book. On this occasion the raw nature of the events probably could not have been described any other way.
This is a moving and brave book.
This is a moving and brave book.
January 9, 2015
I'm not usually that keen on biographies or autobiographies. I've either found them self indulgent, repetitive, poorly written etc. I really enjoyed this and devoured in a couple of days (would have been in one sitting if I hadn't starting reading it at the beginning of a work week).
What a brilliant attitude this lady has! A good heart, doesn't feel entitled to anything unless it's been won fair and square through hard work.
A jolly good read, would recommend.
What a brilliant attitude this lady has! A good heart, doesn't feel entitled to anything unless it's been won fair and square through hard work.
A jolly good read, would recommend.
June 4, 2012
This book was a delightful surprise. I wanted to read it because Hilary was born the same yer as me and we must have been at Whitecroft Road school at the same time and I do remember the name Hilary Brewster. However, once I started to read I couldn't put it down. Hils you are a legend and I wish you good earth and happiness for the future.
February 7, 2013
What a fantastic book and what an inspiring woman. The things this lady has had to go through to get where she is in life is amazing and she deserves every bit of success. I loved the book an could imagine it being read out loud with a strong Bolton accent... Loved it and strongly recommend it... Easy and fascinating read!
December 25, 2012
Best autobiography I've ever read! I couldn't put the book down I wanted to learn more of such as an amazing women who survived hardship,physical/emotional abuse, heartbreaks...family breakdowns and health problem yet managed to reinvent the UK logistic world, help people and her son as well as being an business women with a heart. She is an inspiration!
August 27, 2016
Very entertaining read. Kept me distracted on my long commute to work.
Love Hilary's 'No holds barred' approach to people and that definitely came across in this book. Just what I was expecting and loved it.
I originally picked it up and I love reading about strong, successful women, and I'm in a bit of a crisis career wise, so wanted something to inspire me. This book did not let me down!
Love Hilary's 'No holds barred' approach to people and that definitely came across in this book. Just what I was expecting and loved it.
I originally picked it up and I love reading about strong, successful women, and I'm in a bit of a crisis career wise, so wanted something to inspire me. This book did not let me down!
August 23, 2012
A really absorbing book which made me laugh and cry in equal measure. A very honest narrative which allowed the reader to really engage and empathise with Hilary. Inspirational and definitely made me think.
November 15, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Hilary is an incredible lady who has gone through some major trauma in her life. Only her determination and refusal to give up has got her to where she is now. Fantastic read!
February 13, 2015
I loved this book. She is so real, went trough so much and at times you just feel like giving her a hug.
Then you think of all she accomplished in such an unlikely industry for a woman and I felt like making her a reverence.
Job well done Hils!
Then you think of all she accomplished in such an unlikely industry for a woman and I felt like making her a reverence.
Job well done Hils!
June 25, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. A tough and inspiring lady!
April 19, 2013
I LOVE Hilary! I can't get enough of her, the book was good, she's definitely led an interesting life and I'll be reading her second autobiography that she's due to release soonish!
November 8, 2012
I thought this was fab but not everybodies cup of tea!
November 14, 2012
Incredible. The most inspirational book I have ever read.. What a life Hilary Devey has had.... And still she battles on.. I dont really want to give too much away.. so get this book and read it....
December 2, 2012
i really throught i would enjoy this book however i did not i found it a real chore so i just gave up
January 14, 2013
Loved it. Found it inspirational and motivational. What a life she's had.
March 29, 2013
I'm not into business or making money etc. But I loved loved loved this book. Hilary comes across as a really likeable person. I would highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews