Since its debut in 2005, The Apprentice has captivated audiences by showcasing 18 ambitious entrepreneurs competing for a life-changing opportunity: a job or investment partnership with Lord Alan Sugar. Over the years, the show has transformed from offering a straightforward employment role to awarding a £250,000 business investment, empowering winners to launch or scale their ventures.
While some winners have achieved remarkable success—building profitable brands, securing retail listings, and earning industry accolades—others have faced challenges, from sluggish sales and legal disputes to personal struggles with mental health. Here’s an in-depth look at how some of the show’s most notable winners have fared since their victories.
Harpreet Kaur (Series 16 Winner, 2022)
Harpreet Kaur, the 2022 winner, launched the dessert parlour chain Oh So Yum in Bradford with her sister, backed by Lord Sugar’s investment. Despite on-screen tensions regarding co-ownership, Harpreet clarified that Lord Sugar supported her sister’s involvement. However, just a year after his exit, Harpreet and Lord Sugar parted ways with the business. She later announced her own departure, calling it a “difficult but exciting decision.” Oh So Yum now reports net assets of approximately £2,600.
Harpreet also found love on the show, marrying fellow contestant Akshay Thakrar in a lavish three-day ceremony attended by several former contestants—a first in The Apprentice history.
Stella English (Series 6 Winner, 2010)
Stella English, a former investment banker, secured a £100,000 role at Lord Sugar’s Viglen IT division. However, she soon described the position as that of an “overpaid lackey” and resigned after a year. Stella pursued a constructive dismissal case against Lord Sugar, which she ultimately lost. Struggling to find new employment, she admitted to having just £90 in the bank at one point.
Despite these setbacks, Stella rebounded, working as a management consultant for HP and presenting Crowdbox TV, a crowdfunding channel. She also found personal happiness with snooker star Ali Carter, with whom she started a family.
Joseph Valente (Series 11 Winner, 2015)
Joseph Valente convinced Lord Sugar to invest in his plumbing business, ImpraGas. After buying back Lord Sugar’s shares in 2018, Joseph sold the company in 2020, citing Brexit-related pressures. He later opened up about experiencing “major anxiety” during the business’s struggles.
Today, Joseph is the CEO of Trade Mastermind, where he trains construction businesses. He also authored the Amazon bestseller Expelled from the Classroom to Billionaire Boardroom, sharing his entrepreneurial journey.
Sarah Lynn and James White (Joint Winners, Series 13, 2017)
James White launched Right Time Recruitment, a specialised hiring firm, which faced early challenges but continues to grow, with net assets reported at £92,210. Rumours of tension with Lord Sugar surfaced after James established a side business.
Meanwhile, Sarah Lynn’s Sweets in the City brand has thrived, securing shelf space in major retailers like WHSmith, Holland & Barrett, and Waitrose. Sarah frequently celebrates the brand’s milestones and new retail partnerships on social media.
Rachel Woolford (Series 18 Winner, 2024)
Rachel Woolford, a Leeds-based entrepreneur, won Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment for her fitness studio chain, North Studio. With existing locations in Leeds and Harrogate, Rachel is set to open her first reformer Pilates studio, marking her debut venture with Lord Sugar since her victory.
Marnie Swindells (Series 17 Winner, 2023)
Boxing champion Marnie Swindells secured Lord Sugar’s backing for her community-focused gym, Grit & Glory. Despite Lord Sugar admitting it was a “risk” (his first foray into boxing gyms), Marnie’s venture is thriving, embodying her social media mantra: “Be bold enough to close one chapter to open the next.”
Carina Lepore (Series 15 Winner, 2019)
Carina Lepore expanded her Dough Bakehouse business with Lord Sugar’s investment, opening new locations in Herne Hill and Beckenham. Despite pandemic challenges, Carina credits the show’s prize for keeping her growth plans on track, calling her journey “tough but hugely rewarding.”
Sian Gabbidon (Series 14 Winner, 2018)
Sian Gabbidon’s brand, Sian Marie Fashion, transitioned from swimwear to party attire and loungewear, securing key listings on ASOS. Celebrity endorsements from figures like Michelle Keegan have further elevated her brand. Sian also hosts an Apprentice-themed podcast and is a regular at industry events.
Alana Spencer (Series 12 Winner, 2016)
Alana Spencer’s luxury cake company, Ridiculously Rich by Alana, boasts nearly 50 franchisees and annual sales exceeding £500,000. After buying back Lord Sugar’s shares, Alana became the sole owner, crediting the show for transforming her from a market stall vendor to a national retail success.
Mark Wright (Series 10 Winner, 2014)
Mark Wright founded Climb Online, a digital marketing agency that achieved a £5 million turnover within two years. Named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018, Mark sold the business in 2022 but remains a shareholder and board member. He has also contributed as a columnist for Business Matters.
Dr Leah Totton (Series 9 Winner, 2013)
Dr Leah Totton launched Dr Leah Clinics, a chain of cosmetic treatment and skincare clinics, with Lord Sugar’s investment. In 2022, the duo sold a majority stake to Advanced Aesthetics Partners (AAP) for a multi-million-pound sum, though the exact value remains undisclosed. Leah continues to expand her brand while balancing motherhood.
Ricky Martin (Series 8 Winner, 2012)
Ricky Martin, a former pro-wrestler, used Lord Sugar’s investment to establish a science and technology-focused recruitment agency. He has since become a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on scaling professional services businesses.
Tom Pellereau (Series 7 Winner, 2011)
Tom Pellereau’s Stylfile curved nail file is a staple in major retailers. Under the STYLIDEAS brand, he has expanded into beauty accessories and baby products, maintaining a dynamic partnership with Lord Sugar through AVENTom.
Yasmina Siadatan (Series 5 Winner, 2009)
After working at Lord Sugar’s Amscreen, Yasmina joined Start Up Loans and now contributes to fintech company Dynamic Planner, helping businesses optimise investment strategies.
Lee McQueen (Series 4 Winner, 2008)
Lee McQueen’s infamous no-show on his first day at Amscreen became legendary. 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 Ambrose joined Lord Sugar’s property arm, Amsprop, before venturing into restaurants, galleries, and private member clubs in London. He now chairs the London Contemporary Orchestra, blending his interests in real estate and the arts.
Michelle Dewberry (Series 2 Winner, 2006)
Michelle Dewberry left Lord Sugar’s Xenon Green after 11 months to pursue business consultancy. She has since become a motivational speaker, TV pundit, and host on GB News, balancing her media career with motherhood.
Tim Campbell (Series 1 Winner, 2005)
Tim Campbell joined Lord Sugar’s Amstrad before launching the Bright Ideas Trust, a charity supporting young entrepreneurs. Awarded an MBE in 2012, Tim returned to The Apprentice in 2022 as one of Lord Sugar’s advisors, completing a full-circle journey.
The Apprentice continues to be a launchpad for entrepreneurial talent, showcasing the highs and lows of building a business under the spotlight. From soaring successes to hard-fought comebacks, the winners’ stories reflect the resilience and ambition that define the show’s legacy.
