Key Highlights
- 20 candidates compete for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment in 12 episodes of the 20th series of The Apprentice.
- The series starts with a unique buying challenge and includes tasks across London, Hong Kong, and Egypt.
- Candidates include Andrea Cooper, Carrington Saunders, Conor Galvin, Dan Miller, Georgina Newton, Harry Clough, among others.
- Each candidate presents their business plan to secure Lord Sugar’s investment and mentorship.
The Apprentice: The 20th Season Kick-Off
It’s that time again. The BBC is gearing up for the grand return of The Apprentice. In its landmark 20th series, Lord Sugar once more will be handing out a life-changing £250,000 investment and invaluable mentorship to one lucky candidate.
But this year promises something different.
This season sees the boardroom move to Hong Kong for the first time, setting the stage for a global business challenge. The stakes are high from the offset with a fan-favorite buying task that will test the candidates’ instincts for branding, selling, and negotiation. From London to Hong Kong, and beyond, these hopefuls face an array of tasks designed to reveal their true mettle.
The Cast
Meet Andrea Cooper, owner of a property lettings agency in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. With a track record that includes managing two businesses while juggling five children and one grandchild, Andrea is no stranger to the pressures of running a business. She aims to develop a software system for short-term accommodation management and believes her experience will make her an ideal candidate for Lord Sugar’s investment.
Carrington Saunders, with her online loungewear fashion brand Cas Collection, is looking to expand into new markets.
A self-proclaimed “go getter,” Carrington is determined to bring storytelling into weddings, birthdays, and corporate events through her innovative photobooth business, Press Print Paper. Her background in social media makes her a unique candidate in Lord Sugar’s boardroom.
Conor Galvin, owner of a photobooth business in Cork, Ireland, dreams of taking his fun and original concept to the big leagues. With a history that includes university dropout and law graduate, Conor brings a fresh perspective to the competition.
His goal is to establish Press Print Paper hubs across major European cities.
Meanwhile, Dan Miller runs Young Professionals, a student recruitment company in Richmond, London. A self-starter with 10 years of experience, Dan hopes Lord Sugar’s investment will help him scale his business and reach new markets. His passion for helping students secure opportunities is unmatched, making him a compelling candidate.
Georgina Newton, an actress and events manager from East London, wants to bring the magic of pantomime tours to everyone.
Her touring theatrical production company aims to convert a truck into a mobile theatre, bringing classic fairy tales to life in hospitals, care homes, private events, and festivals. Georgina’s positive personality is a key strength that could sway Lord Sugar.
Harry Clough, a financial sales manager from Battersea, London, owns Makemyday, a free food and drinks subscription box service. He believes his unique business model can be the ultimate marketing tool for both brands and consumers, making him an intriguing candidate in this competitive season of The Apprentice.
The Journey
Each episode will see the candidates complete challenging tasks designed to test their skills in branding, selling, negotiation, and more. From a buying challenge in London to a corporate away day in El Gouna, Egypt, these tasks will push them to their limits. The final five will face Lord Sugar’s closest associates in interviews week, where they must present their business plans with honesty and integrity.
It’s not just about the money; it’s also about gaining mentorship from one of the most successful businessmen of our time.
For many candidates, this is a chance to turn short-term wins into long-term success stories. The journey will be intense, but for those ready to take on the challenge, there could be life-changing results.
You might think this is new, but… The Apprentice has been a staple of British television for two decades. This season promises not only a test of business acumen but also an exploration of personal resilience and ambition. Stay tuned as these hopefuls vie for Lord Sugar’s investment in the most exciting series yet.
