The 2024 series of The Apprentice is just kicking off on BBC One, introducing viewers to a whole new cast of ambitious individuals hoping to impress Lord Sugar.
While we can't wait to learn more about our new group of hopefuls, we can't help but look back at the former contestants who won the reality show. Keep reading for everything you need to know about past winners of The Apprentice and what they're up to now...
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Marnie Swindells - 2023
Marine is the latest star to scoop the £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar and the pair still work together with the fitness businesswoman launching her own gym, Bronx, in south London. The business is certainly trading well with the latest financial records showing that the brand is worth £210,000 in net assets.
Speaking to Mail Sport about her business, Marnie explained: "I thought my biggest dream was just to open this gym, and now I’ve got it, all I find myself doing is looking for what’s next. I'm really hungry to move on and get the next one done. If anything, what I thought was going to really satisfy me when I got to this point, it's just made me more urgent to hit the next milestone. That's ultimately what me and Lord Sugar are doing at the minute."
Harpreet Kaur - 2022
Following a break due to the coronavirus pandemic, Harpreet Kaur became the next businesswoman to win an investment from Lord Sugar, with the star launching her Oh So Yum! desserts brand. The brand is a sweet tooth's dream with everyone in stock from brownies to cookie cups. The business is now owned solely by Harpreet and her sister Gurvinder after Lord Sugar stepped away in August 2023.
Speaking about the moment, Harpreet said: "I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and support that Lord Sugar and his team of advisors have given me. It has been invaluable in getting Oh So Yum! to the place where it is today, and I’m excited for the journey ahead. I could never have imagined what we would have achieved in such a short space of time, but this is just the beginning. Watch this space!"
Carina Lepore - 2019
As a prize for winning the 2019 competition, Carina was awarded £250,000 by Lord Sugar to invest in her artisan bakery Dough Bakehouse. However, when the pandemic hit, Carina's plans to open a series of small shops were put on hold. 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."
Carina owns artisan bakery Dough Bakehouse
The business has been booming and in 2023, Carina and Lord Sugar parted ways amicably, with the champion buying out the business tycoon's shares.
Sian Gabbidon – 2018
Sian stormed ahead to victory in 2018 and scooped the money to set up her new business Sian Marie, which is a swimwear and fashion brand. Her Topical Goddess range has been a huge hit, and has been worn on Instagram by stars including Michelle Keegan. 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."
Sian set up a swimwear and fashion brand
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."
Like other winners, Sian has since parted ways with Lord Sugar. Speaking to Virgin Radio about their parting in 2022, the businesswoman explained: "It was all amicably done. We're on good terms, there was absolutely no drama. I think it was just the right time for us. Especially for me."
James White – 2017
James didn't have the best time after joint winning the show with Sarah Lynn, as his new business reportedly struggled with "unfortunate setbacks" in the first few months. It was also reported that James had a fall out with Alan Sugar after he set up a different business with a friend, with The Sun revealing that Alan had reportedly said he was "stupid, daft and naïve" for the misguided decision. However, the brand Right Time Recruitment is still going strong, and James also takes part in public speaking.
Right Time Recruitment is still going strong
Sarah Lynn – 2017
Despite accidentally pitching a confectionary company that already had the same name as an existing one, Sarah and her sweet business, renamed Sweets in the City, has been a huge success and is available in WHSmiths, Holland & Barrett and Waitrose. The business became such a success that in 2022, Sarah brought back her shares from Lord Sugar.
Sarah owns sweet business Sweets in the City
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!"
Alana Spencer – 2016
Alana might be one of the most successful candidates from The Apprentice, with her cake business Ridiculously Rich by Alana, reaching annual sales of £500,000. The baker, who has since purchased a five-bedroom home, told the Daily Mail that going on the show was the best money 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.
Alana owns a successful cake business
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." Her gorgeous cakes are now sold through ambassadors across the country and she has even bought back all of Lord Sugar’s shares, according to The Sun.
Joseph Valente – 2015
After winning the show and going into business with Lord Sugar with a boiler installation company, ImpraGas, Joseph eventually parted ways with Alan, buying him out to take control of the firm. The company made a £3million turnover and has a staff of 28, and Joseph managed to land a place on Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe List for his efforts.
Joseph is the author of a best-selling book
However, in 2022, Joseph sold the boiler installation business and is now the CEO of his company Trade Mastermind, which gives advice and training to businesses in the construction industry. He has also written a bestselling book, Expelled from the Classroom to Billionaire Boardroom.
Mark Wright – 2014
After Mark won the competition back in 2014, he has done on to do some great things! His digital marketing agency, Clime Online, thrived under his leadership and made a £4million turnover in 2017, although he stepped down from the company in 2022. Mark was the recipient of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018, and has spoken about the business being a dream come true for him on his website. He wrote: "I wake up every day and still can’t believe I am the director of Climb Online."
Mark won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018
He continued: "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."
Leah Totton – 2013
Dr Leah has gone from strength to strength since winning the show back in 2013, and after just a few years of trying to get her cosmetic surgery clinic off the ground, she now has three clinics, with the most recent based in Baker Street.
Leah has expanded her cosmetic surgery clinic
Sharing a video of herself cutting the ribbon for the new store with Lord Sugar, she wrote: "Dr Leah Baker Street clinic is officially open! It is a dream come true for me to have a clinic in the heart of the medical district of London! Feeling so thankful for my amazing team @dr_leah_clinics, our loyal clients and of course my business partner @lord_sugar for putting his faith in me 5.5 years ago- which made this all possible. We have three clinics!"
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