BOLTON entrepreneur Hilary Devey is the star of a new TV show that sees business bosses step down and let their staff take over the reins.

In Running the Shop, the 58-year-old former Dragons' Den investor has persuaded bosses from companies around Britain to leave their business for three weeks and let their staff run the shop.

Each episode features a different struggling business which she hopes to help turn around.

The boss leaves their employees a chunk of cash to invest in new ideas, so the staff are given the opportunity to show them what they're made of, make the changes they've always wanted to, and with a bit of luck, advance their own career.

Ms Devey, who suffered a stroke six years ago, believes that the most successful companies in the world don't rely on good management, but take suitable ideas from everyone.

The businesswoman said: "I think it's a question of a bit of luck, right time, right place and know your market.

"Know your market, know your business, have a business plan and focus on it.

"I've got an exceptionally good team behind me, although I don't tell them every day.

"Some days I'll say they're bloody useless. Other days they're the best thing since sliced bread."

As a child, Ms Devey witnessed the results of the bankruptcy of her father, who had owned a central heating company, when bailiffs removed furniture and household goods from the family home.

She eventually launched Pall-Ex, a palletised freight network, in 1996, and it went on to make her a fortune.

She has since appeared in a number of TV shows including Dragons' Den, the Secret Millionaire and The Intern.

The opening episode focuses on family-owned DIY store Taskers in Aintree, which is facing tough competition from market giants like John Lewis and B&Q.

Running the Shop begins on Tuesday, June 9 on Channel 4 at 9pm.