This week sees a fresh batch of candidates compete to win a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar in the 20th series of the long-running BBC show The Apprentice.
First broadcast in the UK in February 2005, following the success of the American version featuring a certain Donald J. Trump, The Apprentice is one of the Beeb’s most successful shows.
Originally aired on BBC 2 it soon made the transition to BBC One, as viewers became hooked on the tasks set by Amstrad founder Lord Sugar.
Season 20 of the show will launch on Thursday, January 29, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
And the first episode will see the boardroom held in Hong Kong - with Baroness Karren Brady and former winner Tim Campbell advising Lord Sugar on the suitability of the candidates.
The last entrepreneur standing will receive a cool quarter-of-a-million pound investment, along with mentorship from Lord Sugar himself.
We’ve already taken a look at their all-important business plans.
Now we’re looking at why each of the 20 candidates reckon they deserve the cash.
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9. Megan Ruiter
"I deserve Lord Sugar’s investment because I am such a hardworking person and have been from such a young age. During university most students were out partying whilst I was at home teaching myself to sew and starting my own clothing business. Whenever I reach a goal in life, I am already working on how to achieve the next goal set. I always give everything my absolute all because when my work life is thriving that is when I feel most content within my personal life too. Plus, I think myself and Lord Sugar would make a great team together." | BBC
10. Marcus Donkoh
"I’ve already built a profitable, award winning brand with clear pathways to national and global expansion. The economics of my model are strong, fit out costs are significantly lower than industry averages and therefore I know I can make this a success. I bring discipline, strategic clarity and a brand that is ready to scale." | BBC
11. Levi Hague
"This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity hasn’t just arisen for me, but for Lord Sugar too. Living Forever Memories is built on compassion and innovation, operating in a niche with huge potential that no one else has tapped into. My business has already proven demand across the UK and internationally, and by partnering with Lord Sugar, we can take it to the next level. Together, we can build something extraordinary - a business that helps families heal, creates a global legacy, and becomes one of The Apprentice’s greatest success stories." | BBC
12. Lawrence Rosenberg
"I don’t need Lord Sugar, Lord Sugar needs me... I’m obviously kidding - I’m not going to be that guy. In all seriousness, my whole life, I’ve always been passionate about finding better ways to do things. I’ve already been recognised in PRWeek's 30 under 30 for my contributions to the industry, and since the introduction of AI, I’ve looked for ways to transform public relations, delivering faster, targeted, and more impactful results for clients that make a real difference to their businesses. PR is one of the only major sectors that hasn’t undergone a meaningful tech-led transformation, and I believe it’s essential that the person leading this revolution focuses on improving people’s jobs, not eliminating them altogether. PR is about people, and I’m passionate about preserving that. My business plan isn’t just about building a successful company; it’s about transforming an industry for the better and bringing it into the 21st century. If Lord Sugar can see my vision, then I’d love to have him on board." | BBC