A ST IVES business woman is teaming up with ex-Dragon's Den star James Caan.
Mr Caan, who has been in the news this week accused of hypocrisy in in row over jobs for his daughters - after telling parents not to unfairly help their children - has become a partner in St Ives-based Whistlefish Galleries.
The entrepreneur, who was appointed as social mobility tsar by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, hit the headlines after he said in an interview that parents should "let the child stand on his own two feet" and not assist them finding a job until "the child has tried everything".
However it was later reported that his daughter Hanah had three roles across Mr Caan's business and charity empire.
Mr Caan has partnered with managing director of The Whistlefish Galleries Lyn Thompson, adding the business to his growth advisory portfolio.
It is hoped that the relationship will mark an important step in the publishing firm's mission to become the leading designer and retailer of quality, affordable cards and prints in the south west.
The Whistlefish Galleries was launched in 1996 in St Ives on the back of a Prince's Trust loan to founder and designer, Ms Thompson.
Since then the brand has gone from strength to strength emerging as one of the country's leading publishers and retailers of art cards and prints.
The business currently has eleven retail outlets selling art work created by The Whistlefish Galleries design and publishing team.
Ms Thompson said: "The publishing industry is a highly saturated and competitive sector but The Whistlefish Galleries are here to disrupt sector trends."
Mr Caan, who came under fire this week after being appointed tsar for helping less well-off children, added: "The health and vitality of British SMEs are critical to the country's economic growth.
"I am delighted to have partnered with The Whistlefish Galleries; their unique business model is challenging the publishing industry which will see significant value delivered to both the customer and the artists involved, creating opportunity at every level."
Mr Caan admitted yesterday his two daughters got jobs in firms he ran or had a financial interest in - despite telling other parents not to help their children unfairly up the career ladder.
Mr Caan, picked by the Deputy Prime Minister to promote opportunities for less well off youngsters, said successful parents should let their children stand on their own two feet but when a row erupted over these comments he released a statement explaining how his daughters came by jobs at his companies.
He explained that both his daughters still had to complete a recruitment process for their positions and added: "I absolutely believe that parents should encourage their children to explore their own opportunities and define themselves in their own right. The fact is that parents will always have the innate feeling to help their children into jobs. I'm no different."
