The latest series of BBC’s The Apprentice returns later this month, with 12 episodes of gruelling business challenges and 20 candidates vying for a £250,000 investment to transform their business dreams into reality.
Several of the new candidates are from London and reckon they can impress the boss and land the top prize.
Georgina Newton
Georgina Newton, an actress and events manager from east London, says she has a “sunshine that brightens up a room and turns any negative situation into something positive.”
She aims to launch a touring panto production company using a converted lorry as a mobile theatre and says she’s comfortable with rejection, being told ‘no’, thousands of time in her career.
Dan Miller
Richmond-based Dan Miller started his student recruitment firm from his Derby bedroom at 17 and now counts PwC and Goldman Sachs as clients.
Nearly a decade into running it alone, Mr Miller says Lord Sugar is the missing link to scale the firm.
Mr Miller said his “whole brand and business has been built around community, giving back and opportunity”.
Carrington Saunders
South-east London’s Carrington Saunders runs an online loungewear business she started while studying for a first-class business degree.
She says her social media focus makes her stand out.
Ms Saunders said: “Lord Sugar hasn’t had a business partner who is enveloped so heavily in social media.”
Harry Clough
Harry Clough, a financial sales manager from Battersea, describes himself as bold, creative, and unafraid to take risks.
His start-up offers free subscription boxes, with food and drink firms paying to feature their products as the “ultimate marketing tool”.
Marcus Donkoh
South London’s Marcus Donkoh wants to turn his barbershop into a global grooming and lifestyle brand, with sites in New York, Dubai and Tokyo.
He started cutting hair at his mum’s home and says he mixes big ambitions with a sense of humour.
Mr Donkoh said: “All work and no play will ruin Marcus’s day.”
Kieran McCartney
East London’s Kieran McCartney has spent a decade as an estate agent.
He wants Lord Sugar’s investment to launch his own agency.
Mr McCartney calls himself hungry, motivated and “super positive”.
Vanessa Tetteh-Squire
Enfield’s Vanessa Tetteh-Squire is a tech project manager who runs a swimwear brand for women with fuller busts.
She says she shares Lord Sugar’s focus on clear communication and bold thinking.
Priyesh Bathia
Harrow’s Priyesh Bathia wants to take his cocktail business nationwide, selling his mobile bar and retail products through UK supermarkets.
He calls himself the “perfect mix of charm and hustle.”
Rothna Akhtar
East London’s Rothna Akhtar, a student wellbeing adviser, wants to grow her baking side business.
She wants to shake up the cake-and-wellness market with interactive baking workshops and bespoke celebration cakes.
Ms Akhtar said: “Kindness should never be taken for weakness, as I won’t let anything get in my way that limits my potential.”
Tanmay Hingorani
Tanmay Hingorani, an AI product consultant from Islington, wants to develop an AI-powered loyalty platform for food and drink businesses.
He says his tech background and Lord Sugar’s would make them a strong team.
Nikki Jetha
Hornchurch mortgage broker Nikki Jetha wants to build a business that streamlines the mortgage industry.
She names Kim Kardashian as an inspiration, calling her a “powerhouse”.
Ms Jetha said Kardashian “redefined what is to be a modern-day businesswoman, proving that you can be glamorous, family orientated and the complete boss all at once.
“You can have it all.”
The 20th series of The Apprentice launches later this month.
