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 BBC’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 Alan (now Lord) Sugar.
Now it’s nearly time for season 19 of the show, with the first episode set to drop on BBC One at 9pm on Thursday, January 30, becoming available on the BBC iPlayer shortly afterwards.
It will see the candidates hit the slopes, kicking off the series in the Austrian Alps tasked with selling tour packages - the first of many challenges set as part of ‘the ultimate job interview’.
The winner will receive a £250,000 investment in their business idea, along with mentorship from Lord Sugar himself.
But what are the asking Lord Sugar to stump up the money for? Here are all 18 candidates - and their all-important business plans.
5. Chisola Chitambala
Imagine a world where entrepreneurs no longer need to navigate the labyrinth of traditional networking events or plead their case to disinterested investors. Our platform revolutionises the way entrepreneurs connect with vetted investors, eliminating the need for tedious bank loans or endless presentations. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston
6. Dean Franklin
My business plan is to grow and expand my current business, it’s an air conditioning company that supplies and installs air conditioning units in homes or commercial properties. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston
7. Emma Rothwell
To evolve my already successful business to the next level. To create an online platform where anyone can upload their designs onto gifts and earn passive income. Creating a community of creators and consumers. To empower people who struggle with or can’t work a 9-5 to earn an income on their own terms. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston
8. Emma Street
My business plan sets out to redefine coffee culture for the next generation, blending functional health with takeaway coffee. As a coffee and fitness obsessed GenZ, the most apparent gap in the market to me is the accessibility to takeaway coffee that adds to your health, rather than detracts from it. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston