Since its launch in 2005, The Apprentice has launched audiences to 18 pushed entrepreneurs who vied for a coveted job or funding partnership with Lord Sugar.
Over time, the programme has advanced from an easy job supply right into a business-investment prize of £250,000, enabling winners to launch or scale their ventures.
Some victors have soared—constructing worthwhile manufacturers, gaining retail listings, and even successful trade accolades. Others have confronted headwinds, from sluggish gross sales and “constructive dismissal” instances to private struggles with nervousness. Right here’s a more in-depth take a look at how a few of the present’s most notable winners navigated life post-Apprentice.
Harpreet Kaur (sequence 16 winner, 2022)
After triumphing on The Apprentice, Harpreet opened dessert parlour chain Oh So Yum in Bradford together with her sister, supported by Lord Sugar’s funding. Viewers of the present could recall the on-screen stress about co-ownership together with her household, however Harpreet later revealed that Lord Sugar was untroubled by her sister’s involvement.
Harpreet and Lord Sugar parted methods from Oh So Yum only a yr after his exit. Harpreet introduced her personal departure quickly after, calling it a “difficult but exciting decision” and telling followers the corporate would stick with it with out her. Oh So Yum’s internet belongings at the moment are stated to be round £2,600.
Harpreet discovered love on the present with co-star Akshay Thakra. The pair turned The Apprentice’s first-ever couple to marry, celebrating with a three-day ceremony and joined by a number of fellow contestants.
Stella English (sequence 6 winner, 2010)
Former funding banker Stella landed a £100,000 position at Lord Sugar’s Viglen IT division however quickly described her job as that of an “overpaid lackey.” She resigned after a yr and pursued a constructive dismissal case towards Lord Sugar, which she in the end misplaced.
Stella struggled to seek out new employment and admitted to having solely £90 within the financial institution at one level. She later labored with tech agency HP as a administration marketing consultant and offered Crowdbox TV, a crowdfunding channel. Stella discovered private happiness with snooker star Ali Carter, and the 2 began a household.
Joseph Valente (sequence 11 winner, 2015)
Joseph persuaded Lord Sugar to again his plumbing enterprise ImpraGas. After shopping for again Lord Sugar’s shares in 2018, he bought the enterprise in 2020 amid mounting Brexit pressures.
Joseph confessed to “major anxiety” as soon as ImpraGas confronted difficulties: “I took a lot of grief … it hit me extremely hard.”
comeback: Now CEO of Commerce Mastermind, he trains building companies. Joseph additionally penned an Amazon bestselling e-book titled Expelled from the Classroom to Billionaire Boardroom.
Sarah Lynn and James White (joint winners, sequence 13, 2017)
James launched Proper Time Recruitment, specializing in specialised hiring. Although the agency confronted early setbacks and reported internet belongings of about £92,210, James continues to develop the enterprise. There have been rumours of stress with Lord Sugar after James arrange one other enterprise on the aspect.
While Sarah’s Sweets within the Metropolis model has flourished, discovered on the cabinets of WHSmith, Holland & Barrett, and Waitrose. Sarah often shares updates celebrating the corporate’s milestones and new retail listings.
Rachel Woolford (sequence 18 winner, 2024)
Leeds-based entrepreneur Rachel clinched Lord Sugar’s £250,000 backing for her health studio chain North Studio. Already working places in Leeds and Harrogate, she is about to open her first reformer Pilates studio—her debut enterprise with Lord Sugar since successful.
Marnie Swindells (sequence 17 winner, 2023)
The boxing champion secured Lord Sugar’s funding for her health club enterprise Grit & Glory, a community-focused boxing enterprise. Whereas Lord Sugar admitted it was a “risk” (he’d by no means owned a boxing health club), Marnie’s new enterprise is in full swing, reflecting her social media mantra: “Be bold enough to close one chapter to open the next.”
Carina Lepore (sequence 15 winner, 2019)
Carina expanded her Dough Bakehouse enterprise with Lord Sugar’s capital, opening websites in Herne Hill and later Beckenham. Regardless of pandemic challenges, she has credited the present’s prize with enabling her to maintain development plans on monitor, telling followers her journey has been “tough but hugely rewarding.”
Sian Gabbidon (sequence 14 winner, 2018)
Sian’s label Sian Marie Style pivoted from swimwear into get together apparel and loungewear, with key listings on ASOS. Celeb endorsements from high-profile TV personalities and the likes of Michelle Keegan have additional boosted her model. Sian additionally hosted an Apprentice-themed podcast and is a well-known face at trade occasions.
Alana Spencer (sequence 12 winner, 2016)
Alana’s luxurious cake firm, Ridiculously Wealthy by Alana, reached almost 50 franchisees and sees annual gross sales topping £500,000. She later purchased again Lord Sugar’s shares and have become the agency’s sole proprietor. Alana credit The Apprentice for catapulting her from market stalls to nationwide retail success.
Mark Wright (sequence 10 winner, 2014)
Mark beat off the remainder of the competitors in 2014 and created his digital advertising and marketing firm Climb On-line. The Solar beforehand reported that the enterprise was set to show over a powerful £5m on the finish of its second yr.
Mark was the recipient of the Younger Entrepreneur of the 12 months award in 2018 and joined us right here at Enterprise Issues as a columnist.
He wrote: ‘I wake up every day and still can’t imagine I’m the director of Climb On-line. ‘This business is a dream that became a reality for me. When I came to the UK in 2012, with nothing but a passion for business and a love of digital marketing, I didn’t know the way I’d begin operating my very own enterprise…I simply knew I wished it badly.
‘Lord Sugar and The Apprentice, combined with nine years’ expertise within the trade, has created a recipe for a really nice enterprise! I really like serving to corporations smash their objectives every single day.’
Mark bought Climb On-line in November 2022, however stated he could be staying on as a shareholder and board member.
Dr Leah Totton (sequence 9 winner, 2013)
A professional physician from Northern Eire, Leah launched Dr Leah Clinics, specialising in beauty therapies and skincare. She has expanded to a number of websites and launched her personal skincare product line in 2022.
Dr Leah and Sugar, secured a multi-million pound payout after promoting a majority stake within the Botox and beauty clinic chain to Superior Aesthetics Companions (AAP).
Whereas the worth of the sale stays undisclosed, the enterprise is reportedly valued at over £7 million. Each Totton and Sugar, who every held a 50% stake within the firm previous to the sale, will stay shareholders.
Leah additionally juggles motherhood, having welcomed her first baby final yr.
Ricky Martin (sequence 8 winner, 2012)
A former pro-wrestler, Ricky channelled Lord Sugar’s funding right into a science and technology-focused recruitment company. He’s since turn into a sought-after speaker at faculties and conferences, sharing classes on scaling an expert providers enterprise.
Tom Pellereau (sequence 7 winner, 2011)
Tom’s Stylfile curved nail file is a staple in main retailers. Underneath the banner STYLIDEAS, he’s rolled out a spread of magnificence equipment and stays Lord Sugar’s accomplice by means of AVENTom, with expansions into child merchandise and healthcare gadgets. He jokes that he’s used to being “shouted at” by Lord Sugar—proof, maybe, of their dynamic collaboration fashion.
Yasmina Siadatan (sequence 5 winner, 2009)
Having labored at Lord Sugar’s digital signage agency Amscreen, Yasmina took maternity go away and later joined Begin Up Loans. She now contributes to a Studying-based fintech firm Dynamic Planner, serving to companies optimise funding methods.
Lee Mcqueen (sequence 4 winner, 2008)
Lee’s notorious no-show on his first day at Amscreen is as legendary as his eventual exit in 2010. He later based Uncooked Expertise Company, a recruitment agency in Oxfordshire, specializing in gross sales coaching and workforce options.
Simon Ambrose (sequence 3 winner, 2007)
Simon joined Lord Sugar’s property arm Amsprop, staying till 2010 earlier than venturing into eating places, galleries, and personal member golf equipment in London. He serves as chairman of the London Modern Orchestra, reflecting his continued curiosity in artistic ventures past actual property.
Michelle Dewberry (sequence 2 winner, 2006)
Michelle left Lord Sugar’s Xenon Inexperienced after 11 months to pursue a enterprise consultancy. Later, she turned a motivational speaker, TV pundit, columnist right here at Enterprise Issues, and host on GB Information. She additionally ran as an impartial pro-Brexit candidate in 2017 however was not elected. Right this moment, she balances media commitments, internet hosting a present on GB Information with motherhood, having welcomed a child boy just lately.
Tim Campbell (sequence 1 winner, 2005)
Tim joined Lord Sugar’s agency Amstrad, staying two years earlier than launching the Shiny Concepts Belief, a charity supporting younger entrepreneurs. He obtained an MBE for Providers to Enterprise Tradition in 2012. In a full-circle twist, Tim returned to The Apprentice in 2022 as considered one of Lord Sugar’s on-screen advisors.
Jamie Younger
Jamie is Senior Reporter at Enterprise Issues, bringing over a decade of expertise in UK SME enterprise reporting.
Jamie holds a level in Enterprise Administration and commonly participates in trade conferences and workshops.
When not reporting on the most recent enterprise developments, Jamie is keen about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to encourage the subsequent era of enterprise leaders.
