The boardroom is preparing to open its doors again to a new batch of candidates hoping to impress Lord Sugar.
It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, with entrepreneurs lining up to be in of chance of winning a £250,000 investment and Lord Sugar as a business partner.
Over the years there have been 17 winners who were all lucky enough to hear the words: ‘You’re hired!’
The hit BBC show is now in its 17th season, and marks the first in person launch since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic.
It began in 2005 as a groundbreaking show which featured some of the country’s best young business minds hoping to secure a job with the then Sir Alan.
However, the programme has slowly turned into a more reality TV-inspired fare, with big personalities gloating irreverently about their skills in business.
The show’s prize changed in 2011 with the candidates now competing for an investment into their business.
MailOnline looks back on the previous winners and where they are now.
Winners: Over the years there have been 17 winners who were all lucky enough to hear the words: ‘You’re hired!’
SERIES 16 – HARPREET KAUR
Harpreet is the current reigning champion after winning The Apprentice in 2022.
She started her dessert parlour business Oh So Yum in Bradford, with her sister Gurvinder and the help of Lord Sugar.
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Harpreet insisted that Apprentice boss Lord Sugar had ‘no problem’ with her business of five years being jointly run by a member of her family and BBC producers built up the tension as ‘a bit of fun TV editing.’
Current champ: Harpreet is the current reigning champion after winning The Apprentice in 2022. She started her dessert parlour business Oh So Yum in Bradford, with her sister Gurvinder and the help of Lord Sugar.
Harpreet said: ‘My sister is going to remain as a director in the business. They made a big deal of it on the show but it’s not that big of a deal.
‘Lord Sugar is getting two for the price of one and is looking forward to meeting my sister but if it stopped him from investing then she was going to step down.’
She also found love on the show, revealing in August of last year that she was ‘unexpectedly swept off her feet’ by co-star Akshay Thakra.
Loved-up: She also found love on the show, revealing in August of last year that she was ‘unexpectedly swept off her feet’ by co-star Akshay Thakra
SERIES 15 – CARINA LEPORE
Carina won the £250,000 cash injection for her artisan bakery Dough Bakehouse, after winning nine out of the ten tasks.
In September 2020 she opened her second bakery in Beckenham, alongside her bakery in Herne Hill.
Lord Sugar attended the opening and business seems to be booming for the businesswoman despite the pandemic putting some of her shops on hold.
Record holder: Carina won the £250,000 cash injection for her artisan bakery Dough Bakehouse, after winning nine out of the ten tasks.
She told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Of course, when the pandemic hit, everything changed for everyone in hospitality.
‘It’s tough at the moment. We’re ticking over, so that is good. But if it wasn’t for the pandemic, we would probably have three or four shops now.’
Reflecting on her win as the new series launched in 2022, she tweeted: ‘2 years ago, reminiscing on Winning the @apprenticeuk.
‘What a feeling, what a journey! one I’ll never forget!’
Sweet success: Lord Sugar attended the opening and business seems to be booming for the businesswoman despite the pandemic putting some of her shops on hold
Grateful: Reflecting on her win as the new series launched in 2022, she tweeted: ‘2 years ago, reminiscing on Winning the @apprenticeuk. ‘What a feeling, what a journey! one I’ll never forget!’
SERIES 14 – SIAN GABBIDON
Sian won in 2018 with her swimwear line Sian Marie already established before she went on the show.
The brand has since expanded to be sold through popular online fashion hotspot ASOS and sells party clothes and loungewear as well.
Her swimsuits have been worn by a range of famous stars including Michelle Keegan and Maura Higgins.
Victor: Sian won in 2018 with her swimwear line Sian Marie already established before she went on the show.
Speaking about celebrities wearing her brands, she previously said: ‘The Love Island girls, the TOWIE girls. I’m friends with some of them.
‘This year’s Love Island, I’m going to look at who is going in there. I want them to like wearing them and not be paid to wear them.
‘From my past that’s how it’s worked. I’ve never paid anyone to wear them.’
Famous: Her swimsuits have been worn by a range of famous stars including Michelle Keegan and Maura Higgins
Speaking about her life after winning The Apprentice, she continued: ‘Obviously doing the show and then the changes that we did to the business – turning it from very small scale to mass production – we’ve had quite a busy year.
‘It’s been mad – especially with the big launch party at the end of the show.’
Sian also launched her very own Apprentice-based podcast last year, and often attends glitzy events.
Looking good: Sian also launched her very own Apprentice-based podcast last year, and often attends glitzy events
SERIES 13 – SARAH LYNN AND JAMES WHITE
2017 was a stand out year as it marked the first time that two people were given the prize as joint winners.
James used his money on his Right Time Recruitment company, which he originally set up in 2016.
However, it reportedly struggled with ‘unfortunate setbacks’ in the first few months.
It was also reported that James had a fall out with Lord Sugar after he set up a different business with a friend, with Lord Sugar allegedly calling him ‘stupid, daft and naïve’ for the misguided decision.
Joint winners: 2017 was a stand out year as it marked the first time that two people were given the prize as joint winners.
Sarah used her cash prize to launch her confectionary company called Sweets in the City.
It appears to have been a huge success and is available in WHSmiths, Holland & Barrett and Waitrose.
Speaking about a range of her sweets launching in Waitrose on Instagram, Sarah said: ‘The initial feedback has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone who has supported me and the business on this adventure so far enough – now so many new customers get to taste and see the product for themselves, so please head to your nearest Waitrose and buy a bag…or two…or three!’
Business: James used his money on his Right Time Recruitment company, which he originally set up in 2016
Oh dear: It was also reported that James had a fall out with Lord Sugar after he set up a different business with a friend, with Lord Sugar allegedly calling him ‘stupid, daft and naïve’ for the misguided decision
Delicious: While Sarah used her cash prize to launch her confectionary company called Sweets in the City
Amazing: It appears to have been a huge success and is available in WHSmiths, Holland & Barrett and Waitrose
SERIES 12 – ALANA SPENCER
Welsh businesswoman Alana won in 2016 with her luxury cake company Ridiculously Rich by Alana.
Her business boomed reaching annual sales of £500,000, suports almost 50 franchisees and she even has a YouTube baking channel.
She even reportedly bought back her shares from Lord Sugar in 2019, becoming the sole owner.
Champion: Welsh businesswoman Alana won in 2016 with her luxury cake company Ridiculously Rich by Alana
According to The Sun, a TV insider said: ‘Alana has now bought back all of Lord Sugar’s shares in Ridiculously Rich and she is now the sole owner and director of the firm.’
Alana told the Daily Mail that going on the show was the best decision she had ever made, explaining: ‘It wasn’t just my best financial decision, it was the best one I have ever made in my life.
‘It has made a huge difference in every aspect of my life. Financially, I have been able to take profits from my business and put down a hefty deposit to buy a house.
‘I also have a different work schedule. Instead of baking and selling at markets, I’m office-based and work in the development kitchen.’
Success story: Her business boomed reaching annual sales of £500,000, suports almost 50 franchisees and she even has a YouTube baking channel
SERIES 11 – JOSEPH VALENTE
Joseph managed to persuade Lord Sugar into investing in his plumbing business ImpraGas.
Lord Sugar left the company in 2018, after Joseph bought back all his shares.
Although it was reported that the company went bust in 2020, Joseph denies this saying it was wounded by Brexit and he ‘pulled a deal out of nowhere a few days before we were about to go under’.
Investment: Joseph managed to persuade Lord Sugar into investing in his plumbing business ImpraGas
After selling the business he said his reputation took a ‘hit’ and suffered ‘major anxiety’ afterwards.
He told Metro: ‘The damage is done. I got abused, hardcore, online by all of the haters that were waiting for me to fail. I took a lot of grief from it.
‘It hit me extremely hard. You know, it was the worst depression, I’ve probably ever experienced. I started to question my ability.
Dark times: After selling the business he said his reputation took a ‘hit’ and suffered ‘major anxiety’ afterwards
‘I’ve taken a lot of stick, it wasn’t the nicest thing that happened. You really do want to give up.’
However, Joseph bounced back and is now CEO of his company Trade Mastermind, which gives advice and training to businesses in the construction industry.
He also penned his own book which was a bestseller on Amazon called Expelled from the Classroom to Billionaire Boardroom.
Turned things around: However, Joseph bounced back and is now CEO of his company Trade Mastermind, which gives advice and training to businesses in the construction industry
SERIES 10 – MARK WRIGHT
Mark beat off the rest of the competition in 2014 and created his digital marketing company Climb Online.
The Sun previously reported that the business was set to turn over an impressive £5m at the end of its second year.
Mark recently announced he has become an official UK citizen after moving from Australia in 2012.
Mark was the recipient of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018 and wrote about his business on his website.
Victorious: Mark beat off the rest of the competition in 2014 and created his digital marketing company Climb Online
He wrote: ‘I wake up every day and still can’t believe I am the director of Climb Online.
‘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 how I would start running my own business…I just knew I wanted it badly.
‘Lord Sugar and The Apprentice, combined with nine years’ experience in the industry, has created a recipe for a truly great business! I love helping companies smash their goals every day.’
Mark sold Climb Online in November 2022, but said he would be staying on as a shareholder and board member.
Congrats! Mark recently announced he has become an official UK citizen after moving from Australia in 2012
Sold! Mark sold Climb Online in November 2022, but said he would be staying on as a shareholder and board member
SERIES 9 – LEAH TOTTON
Dr Leah from Northern Ireland won in 2013 with her cosmetic skin clinic Dr Leah Cosmetics.
The clinic offers skin peels, facials, skin tightening and fat reduction services.
The business reportedly turns over £1.6 million a year, and Lord Sugar has visited the clinic several times.
Cosmetic surgery: Dr Leah from Northern Ireland won in 2013 with her cosmetic skin clinic Dr Leah Cosmetics
Good work! The clinic offers skin peels, facials, skin tightening and fat reduction services. Leah has successfully set up sites in central London, Moorgate and Loughton, Essex
Exes: She briefly dated fellow winner Mark Wright…
