Since its launch in 2005, The Apprentice has introduced audiences to 18 driven entrepreneurs who vied for a coveted job or investment partnership with Lord Sugar.
Over time, the programme has evolved from a straightforward job offer into a business-investment prize of £250,000, enabling winners to launch or scale their ventures.
Some victors have soared—building profitable brands, gaining retail listings, and even winning industry accolades. Others have faced headwinds, from sluggish sales and “constructive dismissal” cases to personal struggles with anxiety. Here’s a closer look at how some of the show’s most notable winners navigated life post-Apprentice.
Harpreet Kaur (series 16 winner, 2022)
After triumphing on The Apprentice, Harpreet opened dessert parlour chain Oh So Yum in Bradford with her sister, supported by Lord Sugar’s investment. Viewers of the show may recall the on-screen tension about co-ownership with her family, but Harpreet later revealed that Lord Sugar was untroubled by her sister’s involvement.
Harpreet and Lord Sugar parted ways from Oh So Yum just a year after his exit. Harpreet announced her own departure soon after, calling it a “difficult but exciting decision” and telling fans the company would carry on without her. Oh So Yum’s net assets are now said to be around £2,600.
Harpreet found love on the show with co-star Akshay Thakra. The pair became The Apprentice’s first-ever couple to marry, celebrating with a three-day ceremony and joined by several fellow contestants.
Stella English (series 6 winner, 2010)
In Happy Times: The day that Stella English found out she was to become Lord Sugar’s Apprentice
Former investment banker Stella landed a £100,000 role at Lord Sugar’s Viglen IT division but soon described her job as that of an “overpaid lackey.” She resigned after a year and pursued a constructive dismissal case against Lord Sugar, which she ultimately lost.
Stella struggled to find new employment and admitted to having only £90 in the bank at one point. She later worked with tech firm HP as a management consultant and presented Crowdbox TV, a crowdfunding channel. Stella found personal happiness with snooker star Ali Carter, and the two started a family.
Joseph Valente (series 11 winner, 2015)
Joseph persuaded Lord Sugar to back his plumbing venture ImpraGas. After buying back Lord Sugar’s shares in 2018, he sold the business in 2020 amid mounting Brexit pressures.
Joseph confessed to “major anxiety” once ImpraGas faced difficulties: “I took a lot of grief … it hit me extremely hard.”
comeback: Now CEO of Trade Mastermind, he trains construction businesses. Joseph also penned an Amazon bestselling book titled Expelled from the Classroom to Billionaire Boardroom.
Sarah Lynn and James White (joint winners, series 13, 2017)
James launched Right Time Recruitment, focusing on specialised hiring. Though the firm faced early setbacks and reported net assets of about £92,210, James continues to grow the venture. There were rumours of tension with Lord Sugar after James set up another business on the side.
Whilst Sarah’s Sweets in the City brand has flourished, found on the shelves of WHSmith, Holland & Barrett, and Waitrose. Sarah frequently shares updates celebrating the company’s milestones and new retail listings.
Rachel Woolford (series 18 winner, 2024)
Leeds-based entrepreneur Rachel clinched Lord Sugar’s £250,000 backing for her fitness studio chain North Studio. Already operating locations in Leeds and Harrogate, she is about to open her first reformer Pilates studio—her debut venture with Lord Sugar since winning.
Marnie Swindells (series 17 winner, 2023)
The boxing champion secured Lord Sugar’s investment for her gym business Grit & Glory, a community-focused boxing enterprise. While Lord Sugar admitted it was a “risk” (he’d never owned a boxing gym), Marnie’s new venture is in full swing, reflecting her social media mantra: “Be bold enough to close one chapter to open the next.”
Carina Lepore (series 15 winner, 2019)
Carina expanded her Dough Bakehouse business with Lord Sugar’s capital, opening sites in Herne Hill and later Beckenham. Despite pandemic challenges, she has credited the show’s prize with enabling her to keep growth plans on track, telling fans her journey has been “tough but hugely rewarding.”
Sian Gabbidon (series 14 winner, 2018)
Sian’s label Sian Marie Fashion pivoted from swimwear into party attire and loungewear, with key listings on ASOS. Celebrity endorsements from high-profile TV personalities and the likes of Michelle Keegan have further boosted her brand. Sian also hosted an Apprentice-themed podcast and is a familiar face at industry events.
Alana Spencer (series 12 winner, 2016)
Alana’s luxury cake company, Ridiculously Rich by Alana, reached nearly 50 franchisees and sees annual sales topping £500,000. She later bought back Lord Sugar’s shares and became the firm’s sole owner. Alana credits The Apprentice for catapulting her from market stalls to national retail success.
Mark Wright (series 10 winner, 2014)
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 was the recipient of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018 and joined us here at Business Matters as a columnist.
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.
Dr Leah Totton (series 9 winner, 2013)
A qualified doctor from Northern Ireland, Leah launched Dr Leah Clinics, specialising in cosmetic treatments and skincare. She has expanded to multiple sites and introduced her own skincare product line in 2022.
Dr Leah and Sugar, secured a multi-million pound payout after selling a majority stake in the Botox and cosmetic clinic chain to Advanced Aesthetics Partners (AAP).
While the value of the sale remains undisclosed, the business is reportedly valued at over £7 million. Both Totton and Sugar, who each held a 50% stake in the company prior to the sale, will remain shareholders.
Leah also juggles motherhood, having welcomed her first child last year.
Ricky Martin (series 8 winner, 2012)
A former pro-wrestler, Ricky channelled Lord Sugar’s investment into a science and technology-focused recruitment agency. He’s since become a sought-after speaker at schools and conferences, sharing lessons on scaling a professional services business.
Tom Pellereau (series 7 winner, 2011)
Tom’s Stylfile curved nail file is a staple in major retailers. Under the banner STYLIDEAS, he’s rolled out a range of beauty accessories and remains Lord Sugar’s partner through AVENTom, with expansions into baby products and healthcare devices. He jokes that he’s used to being “shouted at” by Lord Sugar—proof, perhaps, of their dynamic collaboration style.
Yasmina Siadatan (series 5 winner, 2009)
Having worked at Lord Sugar’s digital signage firm Amscreen, Yasmina took maternity leave and later joined Start Up Loans. She now contributes to a Reading-based fintech company Dynamic Planner, helping businesses optimise investment strategies.
Lee Mcqueen (series 4 winner, 2008)
Lee’s infamous no-show on his first day at Amscreen is as legendary as his eventual exit in 2010. He later founded Raw Talent Agency, a recruitment firm in Oxfordshire, focusing on sales training and workforce solutions.
Simon Ambrose (series 3 winner, 2007)
Simon joined Lord Sugar’s property arm Amsprop, staying until 2010 before venturing into restaurants, galleries, and private member clubs in London. He serves as chairman of the London Contemporary Orchestra, reflecting his continued interest in creative ventures beyond real estate.
Michelle Dewberry (series 2 winner, 2006)
Michelle left Lord Sugar’s Xenon Green after 11 months to pursue a business consultancy. Later, she became a motivational speaker, TV pundit, columnist here at Business Matters, and host on GB News. She also ran as an independent pro-Brexit candidate in 2017 but was not elected. Today, she balances media commitments, hosting a show on GB News with motherhood, having welcomed a baby boy recently.
Tim Campbell (series 1 winner, 2005)
Tim joined Lord Sugar’s firm Amstrad, staying two years before launching the Bright Ideas Trust, a charity supporting young entrepreneurs. He received an MBE for Services to Enterprise Culture in 2012. In a full-circle twist, Tim returned to The Apprentice in 2022 as one of Lord Sugar’s on-screen advisors.
Read more:
Where are The Apprentice winners now? From surprise resignations to big new ventures